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EPISTLES

FROM THE

YEARLY MEETING
^ or
FRIENDS,

HELD IN LONDON,

QUARTERLY AND MONTHLY MEETINGS

IN

GREAT BRITAim IRELAND, and ELSEWHERE,
From I68I to 1817, inclusive:
WITH AN INTRODUCTION,
Comprising an Accountjof several preceding Epistles, and of the
Early Records of the Yearly Meeting;
ALSO, AN IDJDEX TO SOjiE OF THE FRINCIPAL MATTERS.

JLontion:
PRINTED AND SOLD BY W. & S. GRAVES, 66, CHEAPSIDE;
AND MAY ALSO BE HAD OF
WILLIAM ALEXANDEK, BOOKSELLER, YORK.
1818.

INTRODUCTION.

ft IHE Epistles of which the following is a collection, will, it is
-*- conceived, readily be admitted to merit, in a particular man
ner, the attention of members of the Society of Friends. In the
character of these communications is recognized that peculiar
kind of importance which attaches to the authorized documents of
a large and regularly constituted body ; and the general tenour
of their contents is such, as to combine -with instruction and
counsel relative to the well-known tenets and practices of the
Society, abundant exhortation on the more generally acknowledged
duties of Christianity. From this latter circumstance it may
also well be supposed, that even apart from the gratification of
rational curiosity, they will not be devoid of interest to those of
other religious denominations. Such may meet with passages that
arouse from snpineness, that animate to diligence in the one im
portant concern of life, and that inculcate, in the genuine spirit
of the gospel, piety to God and charity to men.
Notwithstanding the extensive distribution of the Epistles at the
time of their being respectively issued, it is apprehended but f^w
entire series have been preserved in the families of Friends, even
of those subsequent to the year 1769, up to which period a collec
tion was published in a small folio volume, by Samuel Clark.*
The original Epistles of an early date are generally very scarce ;
the volume itself is out of print; and of those who possess, that
collection, not many, if the apprehension that has been mentioned
is correct, also possess the means of rendering it complete to the pre
sent time. These considerations have led to a persuasion on the part
of the Publishers, that in determining on a new Edition, they were
engaging in an undertaking that would meet with acceptance. In
the execution, a very considerable degree of attention has been

* The Title is  " Epistles from the Yearly Meeting of the People called
<3iiakers held in London, to the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings in Gfeat
Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere, from the year 1675 to 1759, iaclasive j with
an Index to the principal subjects of advice, london : Printed and sold by
gainuel Clark, in Bread Street, near Chcapside, 1760."

IV- INTRODUCTION.
paid to correctness, and, in this particular, they have to acknow
ledge the advantage derived from the use of a perfect collection of
the original printed copies, bequeathed by Morris Birkbeck, of
Guildford, lately deceased, to the Library of Friends in London.
The first Epistle printed at the time of. its date, appears to have
been that of 1682. The series in the present collection commen
ces with the Epistle of the year immediately preceding, which was
circulated in manuscript. But prior to this, several communica
tions of the same description, also sent forth without the aid of
the press, are to be found in the early records of the Yearly
Meeting; some notice of which, and of these records, with ex
tracts more or less copious according to circumstances, will, it is
presumed, not be considered unsuitable on the present occasion by
way of Introduction.
The Yearly Meeting of Friends held in London, is at present,
as for a long time past, constituted of Representatives from Great
Britain and Ireland, and it maintains a correspondence and con
nexion with the Yearly Meetings of the same Denomination, now
seven in number, in North America. Its records reach back to
the year 1672; in which year a General Meeting was held for the
affairs of the Society. A similar meeting in 1668, was probably
the first of this description convened in the metropolis. Several,
k is well known, were previously held in other parts of England,
and one* at least occurred in London, in the interval between
1668 and 1672; but of these meetings antecedent to that of the
latter year, no minutes or other documents appear amongst the
records, with the single exception of an Epistle issued in 1668.
This is short, and being almost wholly on the subject of a
collection, it is unnecessary to mention more respecting it, than
that the date is the 16th of the then 11th month, and that it is
signed by George Fox, Thomas Briggs, Alexander Parker, George
Whitehead, John Story, John Whitehead, Leonard Fell, Stephen
Crisp, John Stubbs, Morgan Watkins, and Charles Harris.
In 1672, we find a representative constitution adopted. The
regulations on this subject begin thus : " At a General Meeting
of Friends, for the Nation, held at Devonshire-House, London, the
29th of the 3rd month, 1672: It is concluded, agreed, and as-
sented unto by Friends then present, that, for the better ordering
» See George Fox's Journal, Edit. 1694, p. 349.

INTRODUCTION. V.
managing, and regulating of the public affairs of Friends relating
to the Truth, and the service thereof, there be a General Meeting
of Friends, held at London once a year, in the week called Whit-
sun Week, to consist of six Friends for the city of London, three
for the city of Bristol, two for the town of Colchester, and one or
two from each and every of the counties of England and Wales
respectively."  Without transcribing the whole of these regu
lations, It may be sufficient to observe, that they are followed by
some directions about the printing and distributing of Books, and,
by circular letters, recommending some pecuniary contributions; of
one of which the object was the relief of a friend, who had suffered
the loss of all his property by fire.
In the next year, 1673, at a " General Meeting at London, the
20th and 21st day of the 3rd month," the following conclusions
were recorded : " Agreed, that the General Meeting, consisting
of two Friends from each Quarterly Meeting, about public busi
ness, appointed the 29th day of the 3rd month, 1672, till further
order, -be discontinued, till Friends in God's wisdom shall see a
further occasion :"
" That the General Meeting of Friends who labour in the
work of the Ministry, do continue as formerly appointed."
In 1674, a Meeting was held; but in this, as in the preceding
year, no Epistle or circular Letter appears to have been Issued.
Prefixed to the minutes, which are but few, and chiefly on the
subject of Books, stands this head : " At a Meeting, the 16th day
of the 4th month, 1674."
In 1675, much occurs. First, an Epistle beginning as uuder :
" London, the 27th day of the 3rd mo. 1675.
*' Af a solemn General Meeting of mani/ faithful Friends and
Brethren, concerned in the public labour of the Gospel and
service of the Church of Christ, from the most part of the
nation. " Beloved Friends and Brethren,
" Upon weighty consideration had of the affairs relating to the
Church of Christ In our day, In the counsel, wisdom, and order-
ings of God's Holy Spirit, whose glorious, bright, and refreshing
presence was plentifully manifested among us; we do with one

VI,

INTRODUCTION.

consent agree to, and conclude upon, these following particulars,
seriously recommending them to the care and diligence of all friends
and brethren in the Truth, in their respective places and services,
and whether in these or other parts of the world, where this iriaj
come ; hoping that, upon reading hereof, they will have some
sense of that heavenly power, presence, and wisdom of God that
filled our hearts, and gave us heavenly unity, both In receiving
and giving forth this our advice and counsel : and that through a
sensible fellowship in the same power and wisdom of God in
themselves, they may be stirred up to put the same in practice in
their several places, to the exalting of that blessed name in which
we have found salvation ; and to the debasing and bringing under
whatever hath lifted up itself against that most holy name,
and led from the unity of the faith and good order that stands
therein." The above is introductory to several regulations, most of
which occur In a publication , known to the members of the
Society by the name of the '.' Book of Extracts," but of which
the title at length is, " Extracts from the Minutes and Advices
of the Yearly Meeting of Friends held in London, from its
first Institution." This is a compilation, in which, as we may
observe in passing, a reader wishing for Information respecting the
discipline or rules of the Society, may be likely to find his desire
satisfied. To return to the Epistle, it ends with this subscription :
" Your faithful Brethren, in the love and labour of the Gospel,
and Friends present at the said Meeting,

A. Parker
T. Salthouse
S. Crisp
G. Whitehead
J. Burnyeat
W. Penn
J. Lancaster
G. Roberts
A. Rigge
R. Wethers
H. Stout
T. Rudyard
J. Parke
J. Moon
C. Taylor

R. Thomas
A. Lawrence
B. Doyley
S. Smith
W. Fallowfield
J. HaU
J. Claypoole
W. Gosnell
L. Howard
T. Everden
T. Atkins
J. Picton
J. Nicholson
£. Bourne
J. Furley, Jan.

J. Merrick
G. Barnardiston
J. Fletcher
S. Thornton
J. Loft
T. Robinson
T. Hall
W. Gandy
J. Graves
J. Greeven
W. Watsoa
T. Langhorne
J. Banks
J. Jennings
W. Gajes

INTRODUCTION.

\ll.

T. Gilpm J. Garrett J. Wilsford
J. Kilborne W. Banting J. Penford
J. Elson J. Simcock R. Longworth
W. Mead T. Biacy O. Sansom
W. Gibson P. Bell F. Kemp
W. Storrs J. Songhurst W. Juxon
T. Burr G. Weatherly J. Harrison
J. Batt W. Yardley T. Briggs
T. Bagg F. Fincher J. Smith
C.Bacon S, Waldenfield J. Bouldron
G. Embree I. Penlngton J. Mardock
T. Dockin J. Rabett E. Ho6kes."
Subjoined to the above is a Postscript, which shall be given at
leogth : —
" Postscript. — There Is yet a weight and necessity laid upon
us from the Lord God, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to beseech
and warn all Friends who are or may be concerned In these
weighty matters, from the aforesaid Meeting, and about the affairs
«f the church, that you all walk unblamably In these things, and
be examples and encouragers of heavenly and -Gospel order to
the flock of God, that your authority in the Truth, and interest
with his witness In men's consciences for their convincement, may
be preserved In the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
therein eye and seek the salvation and eternal good of souls, which
he that winneth is wise ; and none of you to manage things in
strife, or vain glory, or in a zeal without true knowledge or gospel
order, as to the manner of your proceedings, as well as the matter
intended, that no real occasion or advantage may be given to such
as have offended, fallen short, or been weak in any thing; for it is
known to the Lord our God, that we have a care upon our hearts,
and travail In our souls, that our testimony for him in these
matters may not be Injured, lessened, or made Invalid, through im
prudence on any hand as to the managing thereof, our care being
for souls, and having a general eye unto the Truth, and the
church's peace In these things before mentioned. Wherefore, let
the peaceable wisdom that comes from above, and is gentle and
easy to be entreated, be eyed, followed, and justified by you, and
amongst you all, an4 not that which Is from beneath. And, in
that Divine light, power, and Spirit, which hath judgment, mercy,
and forgiveness In It, to minister iu their season, you will feel our
life, and have unity with us, and a sense of our care for the church's
peace and prosperity, and the salvation of souls, which is of great

VUI. INTRODUCTION.
value. Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the
children of God. — - Your faithful Brethren,
G. Whitehead Jasper Batt
Alexander Parker Wm. Penn
John Whitehead James Parke
Thos. Salthouse Wm. Gibson."
Immediately after the above comes another Epistle or circular
Letter, beginning thus : —
" At a General Yearly Meeting at Devonshire-House,
London, the ith of ith month, 1675.
" To Friends and Brethren belonging to the Quarterly
Meetings throughout England and Wales, Greeting'.
" These are to signify, that at two sundry Meetings in London,
one being on the 27th, and the other on the 31st day of the Third
month, 1675, many public Friends and Brethren of the nation
being present, these things were considered, and concluded to be
intimated to Friends and Brethren in the counties throughout the
nation, about the Sufferings of Friends." —
The first of the conclusions thus intimated, was, that a Meeting
should be held in London, the 8th of the " Eighth month," then
next ensuing, at which those who might be present, should, It was
proposed, " consider and advise together, for the help, ease, and
relief of Friends in SufTering ;" and then occur some recommen.
datlons as to the stating and recording of the proceedings
against members of the Society, on account of their religious
scruples ; with advice, importing how far it might be proper to
have recourse to legal remedies, where the rigour of the law was
exceeded. This communication of the date of the 4th of the 4th month,
1675, Is that with which Clark's Collection begins, being there
printed as the first Epistle. It has the following brief conclusion :
" So in true love to all you our faithful Friends and Brethren, to
whom the care of these things is committed, written and subscribed,
on behalf of the Meeting aforesaid, by your dear Friends and Bre
thren." The signatures are, " G. Whitehead, Alexander Parker,
Jasper Batt, JohnWhItehead, Thomas Salthouse, Richard Pinder."
The Meeting convened as above, took place accordingly
in the Eighth month, 1675, and the result was, the establishment
of a Meeting for Suff'erings, to be held in London four tiroes

INTRODUCTION. IX.
in the year, for rendering assistance, by counsel and advice, to
Friends under suffering throughout the nation. This Meeting,
which afterwards came to be held more frequently, still subsists
under the same designation ; but It may now be considered as a
standing committee of the Yearly Meeting, for the general con
cerns of the Society, in the intervals between the annual sittings
of the latter.
Vi'e proceed to 1676; the minutes of which year, bearing
date " the 17th and 18th of the Third month," appear to have been
sent down into the country without any epistolary introduction,
and simply with this conclusion : " Signed In the name and on
the behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, Thomas Taylor, Ambrose
Rigge, Jasper Batt, John Blaiklin, William Penn," — aud ten
other Friends. The minutes chiefly relate to the keeping of
records, with advice on the subject af tithes, and on the proper
line of conduct with respect to seeking relief under suflering.
They are printed In Clark's volume as the second Epistle. A cir
cular letter which was issued relative to a collection, is not added.
In the records of this year, there also occurs, as having /been
read in the Meeting, an Epistle of considerable length from
George Fox, dated " the 2Sth of 2nd month, 1676."
The minutes of the next year, 1677, were in like manner cir
culated, it seems, without any introductory salutation. They begin,
" At the Yearly Meeting held the 5th of the 4th mouth, 1677, at
the Bull and Mouth, London : Then agreed," &c. ; and close
with the signature, on behalf of the Meeting, of Ellis Hookes.
They are four in number. The three last relate to Sufferings and-
to disposing of Books, and need not be further noticed. The
first is Important, as shewing the revival, (after the discontinuance
in 1673,) of a general Yearly Meeting for the affairs of the Society,
on the basis of representation. This minute shall therefore be sub
joined at length ; —
" Then agreed, that the Yearly Meeting of one or two from
each county (as formerly agreed upon at a General Meeting in
London, upon the29th of theThlrd month, 1672, appointed yearly
to meet about the public affairs of Friends, some time in the
week called Whitsun Week,* until further order ; and after
wards agreed to be discontinued from the 21st day of the Third
* It may be proper to observe that the time is altered, as well as that a
change has taken place in the number Of representatives. The Yearly Meeting
now beo-ina hi the week commencing with the third First-day in the Fifth Month.

X. INTRODUCTION.
month, 1673, till Friends In God's wisdom should see a further oc
casion for It) be again revived, and begin this time twelve-month ;
and then Friends to advise about the continuance thereof, as they
in God's counsel shall see occasion. And accordingly this Meet
ing offers it as their advice to the Quarterly Meetings in the res
pective counties throughout England and Wales, according to the
former agreement of the said General Meeting, held, as abovesaid,
the 29th of the Third month, 1672, which was for a General Meet
ing of Friends to be held at London once a year, in the week
called Whitsun Week ; to consist of six Friends for the city of
London, three for the city of Bristol, two for the town of Col
chester, and one or two from each and every of the counties of
England and Wales respectively ; and that the preceding Quar
terly Meetings take care to nominate and appoint the Friends to
be present at the General Meeting aforesaid : and that the Friends
so chosen, be desired to be at London by the Second-day at night, ,
at furthest, in the Whitsun Week so called : and that a compe
tent number of country Friends meet with the six Friends of the
city, to appoint the time and place for the assembling of the said
General Meeting, to be holden In the said week for the service of
Truth. And It Is desired, that the Friends who shall come up out
of the several counties, be such as understand the sufferings and
afiairs of their respective counties."
These minutes of 1677, are printed by Clark as the third Epis
tle. The next which he gives, is that of 1681, the first of the
ensuing regular series. It is singular, that he has inserted com
munications which have scarcely any thing of the epistolary form,
and passed by so much that might with greater propriety have ,
been admitted. A conjecture naturally arises, and some circum
stances might be mentioned which tend to confirm It, that he
printed from detached copies, and that, without his being aware
of it, the collection he used was Incomplete.
In the same year, 1677, we meet with a remarkable Epistle,
on the subject of a division or separation, which, as Is well known
to those who are conversant with the annals of the Society had
its rise about this time*, from an opposition In the minds of some
to the establishment of that order or discipline, which has since
been generally acknowledged to have been greatly conducive to
its welfare. The Epistle, with a few omissions, Is as follows :—

» See Sewel's History of the People called Quakers, second edition, p. 561.
Gougii'9 ditto, vol. iii. p. 9, Sic.

INTRODUCTION. XI.
" From a Meeting held at Ellis Hookes Ms chamber, in
London, the Vith of the i^th month, 1677.
" OoR DEAR Friends and Brethren,
*' The Lord, who is the Ancient of Days, the unchangeable,
and Holy One of Israel, that was, and Is, and is to comp, our Rock
and Strength for ever, hath graciously brought us together by his
own power, and is with us, yea, and hath covered us with Ms
love and Spirit, and filled our hearts with his undeclarable kind
ness ; the sense of his mercies hath exceedingly overcome us, and
the remembrance of his ancient goodness has even melted and
cemented us together; and blessed, and sweet, and very precious
to our souls is the heavenly unity of life among us, wherein at this
meeting the Lord our God hath crowned us with glory, dominion,
and peace : blessed for ever be his pure name !
" Oh! how good it is for all tokeep in the living sense of God and
hIsTruth; where plenteous redemption and preservation are known,
where the murmurerand repiner can never come : therefore all that
are in the muttering, dissafisfiad, and jealous nature, full of
doubts, reasonings, and objectings, go from their pure eye, and
out of Truth's habitation in themselves, and so come to suffer loss.
Dear Brethren, at this time, as on the like occasion hath beefi
frequent with us, the care of the peace and welfare of the churches
of Christ came upon us, and, blessed be the Lord, things are
generaUy well and flourishing, and Truth grows famous, though
suffering^ abound in several places, yet it is well with Friends, and
the Lord's power reigns, and great has been the concern of Friends
about the sufferings of our brethren, and other things, and blessed
meetings have we had, wherein things have been clearly opened,
sweetly and tenderly treated on, and in much love and brotherly
kindness concluded ; for which blessed be the name of the Lord,
whose living, ancient, fresh power and presence was with us. But
truly with bowed spirits and grief of heart have we perceived the
obstinacy and obdurateness of some that have gone into the self-
will, casting tender love and entreating behind their backs; set
ting up, continiingin, and promoting false and pernicious jealousies
and secret smitings, whereby they are darkened In their under
standing, and so have, through the power of the enemy of the King
of Righteousness his peace, set up a kind of standard of sepuiatioti
from the blessed feUowship and communion that the churches of
Christ sweetly possessed together ; to the dishonour of God, his

5E1I. INTRODUCTION.
Truth, and people: more especIaUy J. S. and J.W. notwithstanding
the many visitations and admonitions of love and life, even in the
deepest travails, and that from time to time, and year to year, par
ticularly the sense and admonitions of the last Yearly Meeting,
written in great love, that they might return and be reconciled
before they ofi'er their gift, which they have rejected.
" And forasmuch as It appears to us that they wUl not come at
us nor near us, in the peaceable Truth which we hare frequently
truly desired for their good, but that they go on in their opposi
tion and evU smiting against the faithful brethren and practice of
the church of Christ, refusing to dissolve their separate company
in the North, or clear their hands of them by a faithful testimony
against them, or so much as blot their names out of their paper of
separation ; and because we are sensible they have made an ill use
of our forbearance, even to strengthen themselves In their separa
tion, and cover their evil designs the more among some simple
hearted Friends persevering therein by word, writing, and practice,
we are constrained after this continued waiting and exhortation
thus slighted by them, for the glory of the name of the Lord, the
sake of the peace of the churches of Christ, and that we may stand
clear in the power of God of the blood of all in the great, and
notable day of account, more publicly to reprove and judge
them in these things, and we do hereby reprove and judge that jea»
lous, rending, and separating spirit, and them and their separate
company, as being in that spirit of separation, and that by the
power and Spirit of our God, and we do warn all to whom this
comes, to beware of the said J. S. and J. W. whose way at present
19 not the way of peace and Christian concord, for if it were they
would not offer their gift till reconciled to their brethren, "if herefor^
brethren, everywhere, stand up in the power and wisdom of God,
for the testimony of Truth against that wrong, jealous, murmuring
and dividing spirit; and where they come, warn them in the,
name of the Lord to go home and be reconciled to their brethren,
and not go thus up and down to offer up their gift (which In this
slate is not a peace but a division offering) contrary to the precept
of Christ Jesus our Lord, of being first reconciled, whatever their
pretences be ; and therein will you acquit yourselves in God's sight,
and shew true love and friendship unto them, and those that may
be hurt by them ; which our friends most earnestly desire, yea,
that it may be truly well with them both here and for ever • and
from the Lord we say, had they loved the prosperity of Zion and
the peace of Jerusalem more than their own self-will and self-

INTRODUCTION. XllI.
separation, and had they sought the unity that is in the Truth,
and sweet communion of brethren, which stands in that love that
thinks no evil, and thjit wisdom that Is gentle, and very easy to
be entreated. by the brethren, sweet and very precious had our
fellowship been together at this day.
" And It is our exhortation to you. Friends and Brethren of
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, that you watch in the light and
power of God, against this separating spirit that smites at the
blessed fellowship of the churches of Christ, and where it enters
any, in God's love to admonish, exhort, and warn such to take
heed of that ravenous spirit, and to keep the unity and peace of
the family of the Lord, the household of Christ ; and if, notwith
standing your tender Christian dealing and forbearance, such
persons persevere and go on in their separate spirit and practice,
let God's Truth be clear of them, and Truth set over their heads,
according to the blessed order of the Gospel of Christ settled
amongst you ; and, dear Brethren, be careful not to suffer
your meetings, which were gathered, not by the will of man,
but by the power and wisdom of the Lord God, to be disturbed,
overruled, and spoiled by heady, obstinate, and contentious per
sons that disturb the peace of the church of Christ ; neither fear
man, but eye the Lord, and wait in his power and wisdom to be
guided and ordered, and so go on to your work in the name of
the Lord; for the seed of life, and not the wisdom that is from
below, must rule and have the dominion for ever. But forasmuch
as the way of the working of this subtle enemy has been to suggest
that it Is the design of some to make themselves lords over God's
heritage, and to set up a worldly and arbitrary power in the church
of Christ ; and then to run out into severe exclamations against
imposition, crying up liberty of conscience, thereby casting a
mist before the eyes of the simple, and a stumbling-block in the
way of the weak ; this we feel ourselves constrained in the love
of the Lord, for the good of all to declare, and the Lord that
gatKered us and preserved us to this day by his Spirit, Is our record,
that we deny and abhor any such thing; for we have one Lord,
Judge, King, and Lawgiver in the church, and that is Christ
Jesus ; unto whose light, power, and Spirit we have been turned,
and in that hare worshipped him, and had fellowship together to this
very day, and are your servants for his sake. And we are assured
in the Lord that those that keep in the light, and life, and power
of Jesus will have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is
with the Father and the Son ; and though it is far from us to bruise

xiv. INTRODUCTION.
or hurt the poorest or least member in the '^^^^'^Yl^J^'^tich^^^
may not have that clearness of sight and strength ot faitn w
Lord has brought us to, but that they may be cherishea ' J^^^^J^
that salt which we have in ourselves from the Lord are we ,
to savour between the transformations of the enemy, ana tn -
pies of the innocent ; and, as to be tender of the one, so to give
judgment against the other, and our day and age hath lamentably
shewn us the effects of that spirit that under the pretence of crymg
down imposition, and pleading for liberty, and doing nothing but
what it is free to, endeavoured to lay waste the blessed unity of
brethren, and so overrun the heritage of the Lord, that lived
together as an orderly family, under the law of life, and liviBg
order of the Gospel, with a loose and unsubject conversatioft,
which would bring confusion in the church ; and to the end thait
those very persons concerned in this separation may appear to he
no true lovers of Christian liberty, and Gospel privileges, as they
pretend, let their own Paper, which is a declaration of the reasons
of their so separating, be read and weighed in the universal love and
life of Christ Jesus ; and therein we welt suppose will be found
the true nature of imposition, in that none of their own county are
allowed to be of the Monthly or Quarterly Meetings, but such as
are appointed and chosen by the particular meetings ; next, that
none of other counties, though public labourers of the Gospel, are
to be admitted to be at their meetings, unless it be to tell their
message and immediately to depart : and these with such like things'
eighty-seven subscribed as the reasons of their separation, and
foundation of a new government among themselves, which is a
plain independency from „the life and practice of the church of
Christ throughout the world.
" Oh Friends ! watch In the power of God against this spirit
that would make them twain that God hath made one, and sepa
rate what God hath joined together, and you that have any
interest In them, and to whom their regard is, Oh ! have a care
that you give them no strength in their manifest separation, but
stand upon your watch-tower, dear Friends, In God's love and
touch net with that spirit, the enemy of Zion's glory, and their
peace, give not your strength to them, but deal faithfully with
them, and seek them in God's way and wisdom, that whatever
becomes of them in the end, you may be clear of their blood in
the sight of the Lord, and they may not say but that they have had
a day of love and visitation ; and truly that which has encouraged'
us in this Epistle is that good success God hath blessed our like

INTRODUCTION.

XV.

endeavours in his power with ; for many deceived by them and con
federated with them, having seen their snare, in tenderness of spirit
have honestly confessed their fault, and are come from them, and
have testified both against the separate company, and themselves
for having been of It ; and now live in unity with their brethren,
and feel the joy and quiet habitation that in the communion of
saints and fellowship of the churches of Jesus are enjoyed ; Praises
to the Lord for ever. And as we desire, so we hope, that more
will be brought to the same blessed sense.
" So be zealous for the Lord, dear Brethren, and stand up in his
Spirit and power for the peace of his Church, and in his precious
peaceable life dwell, that keeps in soundness of mind ; then will
you shew mercy to that to which mercy is due, and judgment to
that to which judgment is due,without respect to persons, and herein
our pure true love Is shewn to them and all mankind, and the God
of our heavenly love, peace, and precious feUowship be with us
all, and bless us, and keep us to the glory of his eternal name,
who over all spirits, angels, and men, thrones, dignities, and
dominions, reigns, and Is worthy and blessed for ever.
" We are, unanimously, your dear and faithful brethren, in the
labour, travail, tribulation, patience, hope, and rejoicing of the
kingdom -of Jesus our Lord,

Thomas Taylor
Thos. Briggs j
Wm. Edmundson
Ambrose Rigge
Jasper Batt
.fohn Burnyeat
James Harrison
John Bourne
Cuthbert Hayhurst
Henry Jackson
Giles Barnardiston
John Moon
Morgan Watkinson
Thos. Atkins
Wm. Gibson
Christopher Bacon
Roger Longworth
Christopher Taylor
Richard Davis

John Whitehead
Nicholas Gates
Leonard Fell
John Abraham
Stephen Smith
Bray Doyley
Thos. Holmes
James H 
Thos. Robertson
WiUiam Gosnell
Benjn. Antrobus
Samuel Jennings
Richard Pinder
Phineas Bell
James Fletcher
Tho. Zachary
Tho. Breisley
John Tysoe
John Watson
b

Tho. Burr
¦Wm. Fallowfield
Jonath. Johnson
Rich. Vickris
James Claypoole
Oliver Sansom
Luke Howard
Richd. Snead
Jno. Wilsford
Jno. Elson
Jno, Dew
Sam. Cater
J. Vaughton
Ezekiel Woolley
Fras. Fincher
Jno. Kilborne
Wm. Whaley
Tho, EUwood
Sam. FuUheck

XVI. INTRODUCTION.
John Higgins Anth. Tompkins John BlaikUn
Thos. Larimore JohA Boy Wm. Penn
John mil Charles Marshall Fras. Moore."
In 1678, we find the Yearly Meeting Paper, (the name which
seems about this time to have obtained in speaking of the commu
nications from that Meeting to the subordinate Meetings) consist
ing of minutes, with an epistolary introduction and close. It
begins as follows : — ¦
" Dear Friends and Brethren,
" In the ancient pure and precious Truth, (which will outlast all
envy and opposition, and shall prevail) is the very endeared saluta
tion of our tender faithful love to you all, in which Is the blessed
fellowship of life felt, enjoyed, and maintained, which is well
pleasing to the Lord, and is matter of holy confidence, and hea
venly refreshment to us his people ; and O ! blessed be his Eternal
Arm of power, that hath made us sensible of this unity, and
gathered us out of this worlds' spirit, (from under the power of the
Prince and God of it,) into this sweet, pure, and peaceable so
ciety, which is of great price with all them that keep their first
love, and abide in their integrity to the Lord. Well may we say,
and that in righteousness, God is good to Israel, and to all that
are of an upright heart. Dear Friends, his dew descendeth, his
rain falleth, and the light of his heavenly countenance is lifted up,
and shineth upon us ; our hearts are affected, our souls are over
come, he hath filled us with his blessing, and caused our cups to
overflow ; he hath spoken such peace to his people, as the world
can neither give nor take away, and therefore, they dare not re
turn to folly. — Ah ! blessed are they that keep in the dally living
sense of the Lord's power. They shall always be green, and
thrive, and prosper in the heavenly work of God ; and we tes
tify for the Lord God of our precious concord, they shall run,
and never be weary, they shall walk, and not faint ; yea, it shall
be their meat and drink to do the wUl of the Lord. Dear
Friends and Brethren, being met together In the fear and counsel
of the Lord, and several things of weight relating to the Church
being proposed, considered, and agreed upon amongst us, we
thought fit to recommend the same to you, as foUoweth : In the
first place, to give you the endeared salutation of our tender love,
and to acquaint you of our general assembly in the heavenly
power and unity, and next, to recommend to you these particulars
following."

INTHODUCTION. XVII.
Then are placed the minutes of the Meeting, held the " 22nd
of the third month, 1678," at the " Meeting Place, at Horsly-
down," the 23rd at " the Savoy," and the 24th at " the BuU and
Mouth." They are almost entirely on the subject of sufferings,
one kind of which not much noticed, as we recollect, by the his
torians of the Society, appears to have been then frequent ; men
tion being made of the " often suflering of Friends, by being im
pressed Into the King's ships of war."
The concluding exhortation, with a Postscript, is in these
words : —
"And, dear Friends and Brethren, keep in the pure and peace
able wisdom of Jesus, that you may be in all things ordered to the
Lord's glory, and your mutual peace and refreshment. Friends,
though the enemy be near to betray with fair pretences, the
Lord is nearer to preserve his heritage and water his plants,
therefore let none wax cold, let none murmur ; watch against all
vain jealousies, and evil surmises, and that spirit that worketh in
a mystery against the blessed unity, exalting itself under the
words and profession of the ancient Truth, against the life and
power thereof, and the brethren that abide therein. And be
noble and valiant for the Truth on earth, look to the Lord God
of your life, and keep your eye steadfastly to him, and be of an
universal spirit, and by how much the more it Is a day of trial,
and an hour of temptation, forsake ye not the assembling of your
selves together, but by so much the more, be zealous and diligent
in keeping all your meetings, both public meetings, and your
men's and women's meetings. In the Lord's everlasting power by
which they were set up ; and as you are found diligent and stead
fast in the work of the Lord, the God of peace will suddenly
tread down Satan under your feet, and plentifully reward into all
your bosoms your patience and perseverance, with the durable
blessings, peace, and joy of that kingdom, which was before the
world began, and that never shall have end."
Postscript — " from the travelling brethren iu another Meeting."
" And, all dear Friends,who have been gathered by the powerful
Word of life, and united by the one Spirit of our Lord Jesus
Christ, to be one blessed family and flock to him, and his over all
for ever ; — keep your blessed concord, and dwell and abide in
that love that first visited you, which time can never wear out,
nor many waters quench. It Is at this time as a fresh living foun-

XVm. INTBODOCTION.
tain in our hearts,, opened by the God of all pure love, Ufe» and
Oiercles, who hath now been with us, as of old, and his overcoming
precious presence is felt as in ancient times, in the deep and
weighty sense of which our souls reach to you our beloved
Friends aud Brethren, beseeching you not to be weary of well,
doing, but through patience and weU doing, to wait for that glory,
honour, and eternal life, which are the everlasting recompense of
the righteous.
" And because that the subtle working of an evil spirit, which
seeketh to make a breach upon our heavenly fellowship, may have
in measure overtaken and beguiled some that were tender, .from
their first simplicity, by suggesting, as if the ends of our general
meetings were not really the service of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in his light, power, and Spirit, nor the good of his heritage,
in all faithful labour of love, but to seek, and to set up our
selves, and to erect and administer another government in the
church of God, than that which ariseth from the power and Spirit
of our LoTd Jesus Christ ; which old slanderous spirit we abhor ;
and blessed be the Lord, the way of this spirit is much hedged up,
and it daily withers. And we do hereby further declare unto
you, In the faith and testimony of Jesus, that we disown and ut
terly reject all power, authority, and government In the church of
Christ, that comes not from Christ, and that is not exercised In
the holy power and free spirit of the Lord. Yet we are fully
persuaded, according to the apostles, and our elder brethren In
former generations, that they that are of God will hear us, in his
blessed Spirit, In that which tends to theLord's glory and honour,
and by that which Friends have received from the Lord in them
selves, they will be led to receive and embrace that which cometh
from the gift and Spirit of God, by and through us his servants,
and yours for his glory's sake, in unity, which we have sought
above all, and our reward is with him. So, committing you to the
Lord, and his Ingrafted Word, which is able to save you to the
uttermost, (by which the righteous live, and not by bread alone,)
and desiring you may keep your possessions, in the power of the
Lord Jesus Christ, who hath all power In heaven and earth com
mitted to him, and in it take care of his glory ; we remain your
travailing Friends and Brethren for Sion's prosperity, and the
peace of Jerusalem."
'"• Signed on behalf of the Meeting, by
ELLIS HOOKES."
" London, !4th of Third mouth, 1615,"

INTRODUCTION. XlX
The Meeting in the next year, 1679, was held at " Devonshire
House," on the 10th and II th of the then Fourth month. Its
minutes transmitted to the " Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England and Wales," are thus prefaced : —
" Dear Friends and Brethren,
" After the tender salutation of our very dear love in our Lor-I
Jesus Christ unto you all, with all the faithful and upright ia
heart throughout the nation, truly wishing everlasting unity, peace,
and prosperity among you in the living sense and enjoyment of
God's refreshing presence, glorious power, and blessed unity,
wherewith he hath as evidently blessed this our Yearly Meeting as
ever ; to our great refreshment and consolation in Christ Jesus.
These are to recommend to your tender and Christian care those
things which were agreed upon and concluded In this Yearly meeting,
which concern the respective Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, for
the general service of the blessed Truth, and Church of Christ."
The Minutes relate to the Meeting's Stock, to the Printing of
Books, and to Suflerings. With respect to the first of these
matters, a fresh collection was recommended and the objects of it
stated ; amongst which is mentioned the relief of Friends of
Dantzick and Embden, who for four years, as the minute expresses,
had had " little respite from cruel imprisonments, banishments,
and spoiling of goods."
The Subscription is — " Signed, on the behalf of the Yearly Meet
ing, by your dear Friends and Brethren intrusted to represent unto
you the things herein contained, George Whitehead Thomas Ellwood
Alexander Parker Ambrose Rigge
Jasper Batt Tho. Rudyard
William Gibson Richard Snead
Stephen Crisp Ellis Hookes
Robert Lodge John Banks
John Whitehead Wm. Fallowfield
Charles Marshall John Bouldrpn."
A Postscript is added relating to the proposed Collection : —
" Postscript. — Dear Friends, It is upon us further to acquaint
you, that when the before mentioned collection was propounded,
and the several services and ends thereof opened, the Meeting was
not without a tender consideration and sense of the low condition,
poverty, and sufferings of Friends in divers places and parts of this

XX. INTRODUCTION.
nation, especially where their burdens and sufl'erings have greatly
abounded, and upon many of them are stIU continued. Insomuch
that in some places they are made so far incapable of affording
assistance in the case above mentioned, that they have more need
of help themselves, and therefore we desire the Lord may so much
the more tender and open the hearts and bowels of those Friends
(in this matter) whom he hath blessed with outward substance and
estates, and in the enjoyment of their Uberty more than others,
which are all in his hands ; as not knowing how soon more general
sufferings and trials may come. So having shewn you the necessity,
and singly leaving It to the Lord to incline and enlarge your
hearts who are capable in this matter, In true love to his Truth,
and charity to your sufl'ering brethren ; and as not willing
to lay any burden on any, but in your Christian freedom accord
ing to the ability that God hath given you, so to do in this mattei/'
We rest your Brethren, /
George Whitehead Alexander Parker
William Gibson John Bouldron
Stephen Crisp John Whitehead
Jasper Batt Charles Marshall
Ambrose Rigge Thos. Rudyard.".
In 1680, the minutes, which are much on the same subjects as
in preceding years, have the following salutation prefixed : —
" At a General Yearly Meeting held at Devonshire- House,
London, the 1st [and 2nd, and at 'Horslydown the 3rdj day
of the ith Month, 1680.
" Dearly Beloved BrethrIen,
"To whom is our dear love In the Truth. God by his good
providence having brought us together In this Yearly Meeting,
hath also been In the midst of us, as he hath constantly been on the
like occasion to our great refreshment, knitting our hearts toge
ther in love, in which our unity and concord is preserved, glory
to his holy name for the same, and for all his tender mercies, for ,
he is worthy. We being met together as aforesaid, had under our
weighty consideration the sufferings of Friends in divers respects,
and some other necessary things relating to Truth, and the afore
said Meeting hath unanimously agreed to communicate to you the
particulars following; all which is left for you to make use" of and
practise as in the wisdom and counsel of God you may see occa-

INTRODUCTION. XXl.
After the minutes, foUows an afiectionate conclusion in these
words : — " Dear Friends,
" Our brotherly love in the precious unchangeable Truth doth
dearly salute you. In which the God of all Truth hath made us
near and dear one to another ; in which we seek his glory, from
whose bountiful hand we receive all our mercies and blessings, to
whom all glory, honour, praise, and pure obedience belong for
ever; and be it given unto him for evermore. Amen.
" Oh, Friends ! he hath sought and gathered us out of the crooked
and by-paths of unrighteousness. Into which we were gone in the
night of darkness and ignorance, which had spread over us in the days
that are past ; and we have just cause to say, that he hath sought
us out as a shepherd seeks his sheep, after the cloudy and dark
day. In long-suffering and patience he hath watched over us for
our eternal good, and hath given us just cause to say that he loved
us first, and who, in his tender love, through the working of his
glorious power in our inward man, hath caused us to love him,
in which we are led to obey him, which obedience is a proof of
the reality of our love, and in the same we do in reality love
one another, in which we watch over one another for good, and
therein labour and travail, for the good, one of another, in the
many trials, and deep exercises that we meet with, for the sake
of Christ Jesus our Lord, and the testimony which he hath given
us to bear. The faithful apostle said. It Is not only given us
on the behalf of Christ to believe, but also to suffer for his name,
and he said, We are conquerors, aud more than conquerors, through
him that hath loved us ; and said, Greater is he that is in us, than
he that Is in the world, by whom we overcome. These things are
experienced by the faithful In this age, to their great confirmation
and establishment, the sense of which melts and keeps their hearts
tender, In which tender state they are tender to and careful of the
weU-being of one another, in which they are one another's joy
and comfort in the Lord, and unto God a sweet savour of Christ in
them that are saved, and in them that perish. The Yi^ht ot such
shineth before men according to Christ's command, that they may
see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven.
In this the God of all our mercies and blessings confirm and estab
lish his people daily more and more.
" Signed on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
ELLIS HOOKES."
" To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends,
m Englaud and Wales."

XXll. INTRODUCTION.
The next year, 1681, Is that with which the ensuing series
begins. It will be seen, that several of the succeeding Epistles
previous to 1692, are, in it, as they are also in Clark's collection,
accompanied by Epistles from George Fox. In both they are
properly added, as having been originally printed and circulated
in connexion with those of the Meeting.
The constant mention for more than a century, of the amount
of the " Sufferings" of Friends, by which Is principally meant the
amount or valu'e of goods distrained on account of ecclesiastical
and military demands, may make it necessary. In closing this Intro
duction, to notice an erroneous supposition which this circum
stance may possibly have strengthened, — that individuals are re
imbursed out of a common stock. The Reader not of the Society,
for none who are of it can want the information, may be assured
that no such practice exists ; and such reader, it is hoped, will do
the Society the justice of believing, that in giving these statements,
no uncharitable feeling is entertained towards those who are imme
diately, or more or less remotely, concerned in the transactions ta
which they relate.

EPISTLES

from the

YM^MEiY MEETING,

EPISTLE, 1681.

W

Dear Friends and Brethren,
E dearly salute you in our Lord Jesus Christ, wJio

is our prince of peace, our head, our life, and
lawgiver ; being truly comforted and refreshed in his con
tinued presence and blessing with us, and with our meetings
and christian care in the affairs and concerns of Truth and
churches of Christ ; truly rejoicing in the living sense and
accounts we have at this Meeting of Truth's prosperity,
and of the love, unity, peace, good order, and godly care
among Friends and Brethren in most counties throughout
England and Wales, and also in other nations and foreign
parts. Blessed be our God for ever ! In whose continued
love, and on the behalf of this our Yearly Meeting, and as
the sense and agreement thereof, these following particulars
are recommended unto you : — '
AT A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT DEVON
SHIRE HOUSE, LONDON,
The 24th Day of the Third Month, 1681.
I. It is the advice and desire of this Meeting, That the
Quarterly Meetings in each county appoint one, two, or
A

more Friends to attend at every assizes and quarter ses
sions in their respective counties, there to make inquiry
of the clerks of the assizes and quarter sessions, what
Friends are there presented or prosecuted for recusancy,
or such like ; and to take copies of all such presentments,
prosecutions, and convictions as they find against any
Friends ; that they may thereby be the better able to take
off, prevent, or avoid such prosecutions, as the Truth
may permit and direct.
II. It is also desired. That when Friends send up theif
cases of sufferings in general, or any particular case, in
order to have Friends here in London to endeavour any
redress thereupon, by applicfition to the king, parliament,
or other magistrates, that the same be written doiyn (as
well with respect to the loss sustained, goods distrained,
severe or illegal treatment or usage by justices, or other
persons) plain, pertinent, and distinct, as to matter of fact
only ; without any reflection ujDon the magistrates ot per
sons by wliom Friends have suffered, or against whom any
complaint is made. And that such sufferings as are returned
to be recorded here, be first perused by the Quarterly
Meeting, or such persons as they shall appoint; and the
same to be signed by the said persons so appointed.
III. That an account be yearly sent up, of all such
Friends as are in prison, or prisoners ; that we may know
who are detained prisoners, and who are discharged since
the Yearly Meeting before ; and when discharged : Also
to signify the time of their commitment, by whom prose
cuted, and for what causel
IV. That always care be taken to bring distinct accounts
of all such Friends as have died ip prison, or prisoners,
for their testimony to the Truth, since the foregoing Yearly
Meeting; with their names, age, dwelling-place, educatipn,
callings, time of convincement, and the places of their tra
vail and service, and time of sufferings and death. It is
also desired, that where any accounts of such Friends are
already sent up, which are wanting in any of these particu
lars, care may be taken that they may be completed ac
cordingly.

s
V. It is again the desire of this Meeting, that every
Quarterly Meeting enter this, and all other such papers
and epistles as they may have had from the Yearly Meet
ings, in their book, to be read every Quarterly Meeting ;
that Friends be reminded of the services therein desired.
VI. Agreed, That there be the like General Yearly
Meeting this time twelve months, as the Lord gives liberty :
and that in each county Friends be reminded to send up
persons from their respective counties to the next Yearly
Meeting. Finally, dear Friends and Brethren, we commit you
to the Lord God, to be ordered by his divine wisdom and
counsel ; and therein continue your love and tender care one
for another, and for Truth's prosperity. All dwell in the
love of God, in unity and peace in Christ Jesus, the prince
of life and peace ; and therein go on in his service, and
keep your habitations over all that which is contrary, or
would hinder you therein, or disturb your peaceable
societies. So the God of peace be with you, bless and prosper
you, in his love, heavenly union, and peace in
Christ Jesus. Farewell.
Signed onthe behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
ELLIS HOOKES.

EPISTLE, 1682.

Dear Frienbs and Brethren,
WE salute you in the Lord; and recommend unto
your godly care and discretion these following par
ticulars, to make use of and practise, as in the counsel of
the Lord you see cause ; being agreed on and advised in
this our Yearly Meeting, for your help and service of one
another in true and brotherly love, whereunto ye are
called,
a2

AT A YEARLY MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS,
Begun and held in London, the 5th of the Fourth Month,
1682.
IT is the agreement and advice of this Meeting, That
Friends take care, in all counties and places where
they suffer by distress of their goods, or imprisonment of
their persons, whether by warrant from the justices of the
peace, by indictments at the assizes or sessions, or process
sent down to the sheriff's office, that they procure and send
up with their sufferings exact copies of all warrants for
distress, and such like ; whicli they may generally procure
from the constables, tithing-men, or headboroughs ; and
the copies, of all mittimusses granted or made by justices of
the peace ; which they may have from the gaoler, and
which the gaoler is bound to deliver by law, on demand,
to the prisoner, according to the late Habeas Corpus Act,
31 Car. II. intituled, "An Act for the better securing the
Liberty of the Subject :*" and likewise to procure copies
at large of all indictments at assizes or sessions ; which they
may have from the clerks of the peace and clerks of the
assize : and copies of all writs and process issuing out of
any of the courts at Westminster, which are directed to
the sheriffs ; which they may have from the under-sheriff's
ofiice : which may not only demonstrate their sufferings
more exactly, but be a better means and proof here to en
deavour for their redress.
It is also advised and agreed. That what was the last
Yearly Meeting agreed on, relating to the account and
testimonies of the first spreaders of Truth who are deceased,
be again recommended to the respective Quarterly Meetings
to make inquiry into, and send them up to London.
AT THE SAID MEETING,
The 6th of the Fourth Month, 1682.
UPON consideration of the general suffering of Friends
in many counties, it is the desire and advice of this

=^ Also the sheriff, gaoler, &c. shall permit and suffer the prisoners to send
out for beer, victuals, and other necessaries, where they please; as is required
by a penal statute, 22 & 23 Car, II, cap, 20. §. 10. 13, " For the Relief of
distressed Prisoners,"

Meeting, That in such counties where there are any severe
and immediate sufferings, they, out of their respective
Monthly Meetings, appoint some honest and knowing
Friends to be as a Meeting for Sufferings for that county,
who may take care, with all possible exactness, to state
and draw up the cases of sufferings : that they lay the
same before the respective justices, (which is also as the
statute plainly directs*,) and magistrates of their own
counties, for redress; and before the judges of assize, and
bishops, where concerned against Friends ; and that such
account as they send up to the Meeting for Sufferings here,
may be the same as they give to their own magistrates, duly
stated, and well witnessed : and where necessity requires
that accounts of sufferings be sent up with such speed that
they cannot stay to a Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, that
such accounts be viewed and approved under the hands of
three or four Friends at least, to prevent mistakes, and
loose uncertain accounts of things complained of: and that
before any accounts be entered in the Quarterly Meeting
books, the same be plainly and orderly drawn up by some
knowing Friends in such concerns.
And it is further agreed, That when accounts of suffer
ings are sent up to London by Friends, they also send up
account that they have laid the case before the justices and
magistrates, for redress, who have not relieved them : and
that the Friends coming up from the several counties to the
Yearly Meeting bring up the account of their sufferings from
their respective Quarterly Meetings, not in loose papers,
but fairly entered in a book, under distinct heads and
causes. And further, that in their own Quarterly Meeting
books they enter, and send up here also, true accounts of
the release or relief of Friends by name, by justices, magis
trates, or others ; and by what means, and by whom, and
tbe time when also, released or relieved.
And it is further agreed and advised by this Meeting,
That all judgments of God upon persecutors, informers, and
others (not only what has of late years befallen them, but
from the first breaking-forth of Truth,) be drawn up in
« 4 Hen. VII. cap. 12,

6
writing, and entered in every Monthly Meeting book where
it came to pass, exactly in all circumstances of time and
place, and attested under the hands of witnesses : that
thence it be sent and entered in their Quarterly Meeting
books, and thence transmitted yearly to this General
Meeting, in order to be here recorded and published in
print, or laid before authority, as a service may be seen to
be therein.
Upon consideration of the general suffering of Friends
for recusancy, by prosecution for twenty pounds a month,
on the statute 23 Eliz. and seizure of two thirds of estates,
it is again the advice of this Meeting unto all Friends, in
the respective counties of England and Wales : —
I. That some Friend attend every assizes and sessions;
and inquire whether any Friends are presented by the con
stable, churchwardens, &c.
II. If any, or who, are indicted thereon ? That if they
have any acquaintance or interest with the grand jury or
justices, they improve the same, to prevent the grand
jury's presentment.
III. That they have the printed sheet of the case of re
cusancy sent down, that was presented to the parliament,
and all Monthly Meetings furnished therewith; and to
deliver them to the grand jury and moderate justices,
at or before the assizes and sessions, to inform their judo--
ments in that case, that those laws, by which we are pro
secuted, were intentionally made against papists, and not
against protestants.
IV. That if any writs of seizures be issued out ao-ainst
them. Friends attend the same. If they have any mortgage
or incumbrance on their estates, that they plead the same
to the jury of inquiry, to prevent such seizure.
V. But where such seizure cannot be prevented, then
Friends to use their interest with the jury not to over-ra,te
their lands.
VI. That persons under such prosecution endeavour,
before conviction and distresses talten, to clear their ac
counts ; and secure, or satisfy for, their debts which they

7
owe to all persons ; and suffer for their testimony with no
other estate but their own.
Upon discourse of the case of Friends' sufferings on pro
secution in the Exchequer for tithes ; and consideration as
to appearance and not-appearance, and answering and not-
answering, to process and bills exhibited against them,
Friends are left to their liberty and freedom in the Truth,
in their respective cases. And also, that as Friends have
freedom, and will tender or give in their answers in person,
without oath, to the barons of the Exchequer, Friends
have unity therewith ; believing it may be of good service
and testimony for the Truth against swearing, and
against the severity of the court's prosecution of Friends to
contempts, rebellion, and sequestration, upon their not
accepting their answer without oath.
AT THE SAID MEETING,
The 7th of the Fourth Month, 1682.
UPON consideration of Friends' books, and the dis
posing thereof for the general service of Truth, it is
agreed and desired, That every Quarterly Meeting ia
each county take care weightily to consider and advise
amongst themselves such way, method, place and places, as
[are] fit to sell, publish, and dispose of books given forth for
the service of Truth ; and the numbers they would receive;
and give advice thereof to their respective cgrrespondents
here for the Meeting for Sufferings in London, to whose
care and. ordering these concerns are referred.
AT THE SAID MEETING,
The 8th of the Fourth Month, 1682.
UPON consideration of sufferings in general, it is the
advice of this Meeting, That in cases of difiiculty, and
where Friends who are sufferers, stand in need of ad
vice in any particular case, they send up their respective
cases to the Meeting for Sufferings in London. And it is
also left to the freedom of Friends of the Quarterly Meeting,
for their better and more easy understanding when they are
prosecuted, and suffer in person and estatie, contrary to law,

8
to buy or provide the " Statute-Book at Large ;" to which,
on all occasions, they may have recourse, and thereby may
in many cases be made capable to know when and how they
are injured, and to whom to apply for redress.
It being queried, " Whether any person can be prosecu
ted in the ecclesiastical court, and there censured ; and in
dicted and prosecuted at common law, or the temporal
court, for one and the same offence ?" — Upon consideration
thereof, it is apprehended by several, that in case it be
such offence against any statute, where the statute ascer
taining the punishment makes provision that the offence,
punished by virtue of that statute, shall not be otherwise
punished (as in the statute of 1 Eliz. cap, 2. §. 24, and that,
against conventicles, 22 Car. II. cap. 1. §. 14.), in such
cases of offence they cannot for one and the same offence be
censured in the ecclesiastical court, and prosecuted in the
temporal court. But in case they be, the remedy may be
thus ; viz. " If prosecuted first in the ecclesiastical court,
and after in the temporal court, he may plead the former
prosecution to the latter. — If prosecuted first in the tem
poral court, and after in the ecclesiastical, he may plead
also the former procedure to the latter. If the ecclesiastical
court accept not of such plea in bar, and stay not pro
cedure thereon, the person may, in any of the courts at
Westminster, suggest the whole matter, and have a pro
hibition thereon to stay the procedure in the ecclesiastical
court;" as it is the judgment of some knowing in those
matters, A case being here proposed about publick meeting-houses,
and what (the sense of Friends is) shall be done by those in
whose name or names such house is purchased, it is agreed,
and is the sense of this Meeting, that such as have given up
their names, and undertaken the trust of any public meet
ing-place, do own and stand by the same in time of trial
and persecution ; lest they give opportunity and occasion
for our adversaries to seize our meeting-houses, as some
have been done to, for want of one to own the houses. And,
further, if any persons having such trust at this day, have
not strength to stand by their trust, and therefore are wil
ling and desirous to give it up, that they surrender the

same. And that such as will take up these trusts be good
and upright Friends, who take them up in faith, and will
acknowledge themselves to be owners of such houses in time
of trial or necessity, or prosecution by the act against con
venticles, or otherwise.
A proposition being made to this Meeting on prosecution
for £20 a month, by informers on Qui tam writs at common
law;* it was queried, " Whether it was advisable to ap
pear, or not appear, to such suit, but go to prison upon the
first writ for not appearing?" — Upon consideration of some
knowing in this case —
1. That any Friend, appearing when first arrested, may,
at small cost of the informer, be prosecuted to a judgment
and execution ; —
2. That not appearing, the prosecutor cannot proceed
upon his suit to any declaration, nor to judgment or execu
tion, until the person arrested, at the informer's cost, be
brought to the bar of one of the courts at West
minster ; —
3. This cost being five or ten pounds, or sometimes
more, to bring the person from the country gaol to West
minster-hall, which an informer seldom can or will lay
out; —
4. Such appearance being in general not only to ease
the prosecutor in his charge in prosecution, but also for
warding him in his suit ; —
It is plain (in the sense of divers) that not appearing is the
greatest disappointment to the informer.
Howbeit, it is the sense of this Meeting, That Friends be
left to the guidance of the power of God in themselves,
and as they have freedom therein.
It is desired and advised by this Meeting, That it be
recommended to the several Quarterly Meetings to send up
one or two faithful Friends, who are knowing in the affairs
of the church, and the state of Friends there, to attend the
next General Yearly Meeting, if the Lord give liberty, and
make way for the same.
* 23 Eliz. cap. 1. 35 Eliz. cap, 1 §. 10.

10
AT THE SAID MEETING,
The 9th of the Fourth Month, 1682.
THESE questions following were proposed totheFriends
who appeared for the respective Quarterly Meetings,
to give answers to : —
I. What Friends in the ministry, in their respective coun
ties, departed this life since last Yearly Meeting ?
II. What Friends, imprisoned for their testimony, have
died in prison since the last Yearly Meeting?
III. How the truth has prospered amongst them since
the last Yearly Meeting ? and how Friends are in peace
and unity ?
To which the Friends of the counties gave their respective
answers to the Meeting's satisfaction and comfort, in rela
tion to the truth's prosperity, and peace and unity among
Friends. Finally, dear Friends, we have great cause to magnify
the name of the Lord our God, for this blessed oppor
tunity, and affording us his wonted presence and peculiar
providence in our preservation, beyond the expectations
of many; being greatly comforted and refreshed in the
many good accounts and lively testimonies given by the
Friends out of their respective counties of England and
Wales, and also out of Ireland, Scotland, Holland, and
Germany, of the general prosperity and spreading of truth,
and of the love, peace, and unity among Friends ; as also
of a new meeting, even among the captives in Algiers,
where one Friend has a publick testimony among them ;
and intimation given by letters out of America, that things
are generally well with Friends in those parts. All which
being considered, we have great cause to prize the Lord's
power and goodness, and to pray for the continuance of his
love, and increase of his \yisdom, government, and peace
among you, of which there shall be no end.
Signed on the behalf of the said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.
Dated London, the IStli of the
Fourth Month, 1CS2,
By whom also printed (with the advice of some Friends)

11
for expedition hence to the Quarterly Meetings,
and thence also only to the Monthly Meetings ;
by them only to be communicated, as they shall see
a service.
AN EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
Subjoined to the preceding.
Friends,
ALL be faithful in your testimony 'against tithes, and
all those things that have come up in this night of
apostasy from the light, life, and power of Christ and God ;
and against all looseness whatsoever, that the heavenly
camp of God may be kept clean and pure.
And all Friends, look at the Lord above all your suf
ferings ; and trust in him, who, by his eternal power, has
preserved you to this day.
The Lord, in his glorious power, was with us in all our
assemblies at this Yearly Meeting. He over all hath the
dominion, and over all evil spirits gave dominion to his
people. Glory to his name for ever. — Amen.
And therefore let your eye be in the gospel, the power of
God, which has brought life and immortality to light in you,
which is further than the law to be looked at.
G. F.
A Postscript to explain some of the foregoing Advice,
viz.
Draw up your sufferings fair in a book, and not too
close. All tithes by themselves : so for swearing ; so for
conventicle acts ; so ior capiasses; so for twenty pounds a
month ; each by themselves. Then take the number of all
tliat remain in prison, both old and new, and the number
of them that died in prison ; and so kefep a number of them
all along that are put into prison and that go out of prison ;
keep a yearly number who goes in and who goes out ; and
bring them up yearly to the Yearly Meeting. And let these
that are sent down to be reviewed be recorded in a book
(if not already recorded), and be brought up again the next
Yearly Meeting.
G. F.

12
EPISTLE, 1683.

FROM THE YEARLY MEETING IN LONDON,
Held the 28th, 29th, and 30th of the Third Month, 1683.
To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England and
Wales ; to be read among them.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WHOM the Lord Jesus Christ hath quickened and
made alive, that you might serve the living God in
his new and living way, and worship him in his Spirit and
truth. Now, dear Friends, all keep in the unity of God's Holy
Spirit, which is the bond of peace. And in the same
Spirit of God be all of one mind and one judgment. And
in the same Spirit feel the love of God shed in your hearts,
which bears and endures all things ; which love, nothing
below is able to separate you from. And in this love of
God, the body of Christ (which he is the head of) is edified.
And now, dear Friends, the wonderful mercy, and good
ness, and power, and blessed presence of the eternal im
mortal God hath been manifest this year in all our meetings,
and Friends wonderfully preserved by his special divine
providence in this difficult and suffering time. The Lord
our God is worthy to have all the praise, glory, and honour,
for his presence and power was manifest beyond words ! —
Blessed be his name for ever. And therefore that all may
walk worthy of his blessings and mercies ! — A nd that all may
keep and walk in Christ Jesus, the sanctuary ! For in him
is peace and safety, who destroys the destroyer, the enmity,
and adversary. For Christ is your sanctuary in this day
of storm and tempest, in whom you have rest and peace.
And, therefore, whatever storms and tempests do or should
arise within or without, Christ your sanctuary is over them
all, who has all power in heaven and earth given unto him ;
and none is able to pluck his lambs and sheep out of his
Father's or his hand, who is the true shepherd; neither

13
are any able to hurt the hair of your head, except it be
permitted by his power for your trial. — And therefore re
joice in his power, the Lamb of God, who hath the victory
over all, both within and without. He by whom all things
were made, and is over all; the first and the last J theAmen;
and the faithful and true witness in all his, males and females;
the heavenly rock and foundation for all the believers in the
light and children of the day to build upon, to stand sure.
And we do understand that in several counties are many
in prison, and several under great sufferings by spoil made
on their goods ; but the Lord doth greatly support them
by his eternal arm of power.
And we are glad to hear in several counties that they
have set up a meeting to look into sufferings, by which they
may collect them all true, and so to lay them before the
justices of sessions and judges of assizes, according to for
mer advice.
And seeing the Lord's power hath supported faithful
Friends in all their sufferings, we again remind you that
your sufferings from time to time be carefully collected and
truly stated, meet also to be laid before the supreme authoritv,
and published in print, as there shall be occasion. Inasmuch
as the frequent printing of the most grievous sufferings hath
been divers times proposed, there is a necessity of the greater
care and exactness in this case.
And it was matter of comfort and refreshment to us to
hear the testimonies of Friends of the general prosperity
of truth, and unity and peace among Friends in the most
counties in England and Wales. Divers tender epistles
from Friends in prison were read; and this Meeting was
sensible of the Lord's power and tender care in supporting
of them in their sufferings and deep trials. And also an
epistle from Friends of the Quarterly Meeting at Amster
dam was read ; intimating their Christian care, love, and unity,
and the prosperity of truth both in Holland and Germany.
The accounts relating to the redemption of captives, and
Friends in sufferings, &c. were inspected; and all things
found very plain and clear to satisfaction, and no need of a
further supply at present.
And where in any county any Friends have had advan-

14
tage by entering appeals against informers, &c. that they
keep a record thereof, attested by the clerk of the peace,
or some other person of note ; and that they send a true
copy thereof to the Meeting for Sufferings here.
Here were some tender Friends from Dantzick, Fries-
land, Holland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and from
America. And we understand that Friends keep up their
Meeting in Algiers in Turkey. And some Friends are going
t(\ the Yearly Meeting in Holland. And there is another
Yearly Meeting settled at Dantzick ; by which we under
stand that they are in unity, and the Lord's blessed presence
is among them, and his truth spreads and prospers.
So with our dear love, and salutation in our Lord
Jesus Christ (who is our and your life) unto all the
faithful every where, we rest
Your dear Friends and Brethren.
Signed on the behalf of the said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON,
The EPISTLE* annexed to the foregoing;
London, the 2nd of the Fourth Month, 1683.
DEAR Friends and Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ,
who is your only sanctuary in this day of storm and
persecution, spoiling of goods, and imprisonments, (and
therefore let eyery one's eye be unto him who has all power
in heaven and earth given unto him,) so that none can
touch a hair of your head, nor you, nor any thing you have,
except it be permitted or suffered by his power in this day
to try his people, whether their minds be with the Lord,
or in the outward things.
And now, dear Friends, that all your offerings may be free
and of your own that hath cost you something; so that you
may not offer of that which is another man's, or that which
you are intrusted withal and not your own, or fatherless
and widows' estates; but all such things you may settle and
estg,blish in their places.
For you may remember many- years ago, in the time of

* Supppsed to be written by George Fox,

15
great persecution, there were divers Friends who were
traders and shop-keepers, and others which had the con
cerns of widows and fatherless and other people's estates
in their hands, that, when a great suffering, persecution,
and spoiling of goods came upon Friends, there was a spe
cial care taken that all that Friends did suffer, and what
they did offer up to the Lord in their sufferings, it might be
really their own, and not any other's estates or goods which
they had in their hands, and were not really their own ;
so that they might not offer up another body's, but that
which was really their own, and they had bought and paid
for, or were able to pay for.
And therefore, after several letters came out of the
country to the Meetipg at London, Friends that had goods
from the shop-keepers here at London upon credit which
they had not paid for, they wrote back again to the creditors
that they had the goods of, entreating of them lo take their
goods again.
And some came to London, and treated with them to let
them understand how their conditions were, that they
lay liable to have all that ever they had, taken from them,
and that they would not have any man to suffer by them ;
neither would they suffer or offer up any thing but what
was really their own, or what they were able to pay for.
Upon which several took their goods back again that they
had sent down. Which wrought a very good savour in the
hearts of many people, to see that there was such a righte
ous, just, and honest principle in Friends, that would not
make any to suffer for their testimony of Jesus, but what
they did suffer it should be really and truly their own, not
other people's. And so in this they owed nothing to any
but love.
So in this every man and woman stands in the free offer
ing — a free people (whether it be spiritual or temporal),
which is their own, and in that they wrong no man neither
inwardly nor outwardly. " Oman said unto David, I will
give thee the threshing-floor, &c. and oxen for burnt-offer
ings, and the threshing-instruments for wood, and wheat
tor the meat-offering, I give it thee all. And king Dayid
said unto Oman, Nay, but I will verily buy it for the full

16
price ; for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord,
nor offer burnt offerings without cost." * So it should be
his own and every man's that offers.
So you may see here that David would not accept of
another man's gift for an offering to the Lord : he would
not offer up that which cost him nothing, but it should be
really his own. " A good man — will guide his affairs with
discretion."t Signed on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.
Let this be read in your Monthly and Quar
terly Men's and Women's Meetings.

EPISTLE, 1684.

FROM THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS
HELD IN LONDON,
The 19th and 20th of the Third Month, 1684.
To be Communicated only to the Monthly and Quarterly
Meetings in England and Wales, and read among them.
Dear and Faithful Friends,
AFTER the salutation of our tender and constant love
in our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our life and
salvation, these things following are recommended to vou
and your Christian care from our said Meeting.
Dear Friends,
We being sensible of the great sufferings and heavy pres
sures which Friends in many parts of this land have long
lain under, and are still continued upon them, and in some
parts increased, great industry and endeavours have been
from time to time used, and many applications made for
relief. And, of late, some Friends of London, meeting
with some stop in making application for suffering Friends
throughout the nation ; and, being advised by authority
that it would be more proper for the sufferers themselves
to make their own complaints, &c. on this consideration, it is
* 1 Chron. xxi. 23, 33, 24. f Psalm, cxii. 5.

17
thdught most proper and convenient, that all particular
accounts of any great or extreme sufferings, which require
speedy application or complaint to the king, &c. after [being]
carefully drawn up and signed bythe respective sufferers, and
the truth thereof (if possible) certified by some other faithful
Friends of the same county or neighbourhood known here,
that then they be brought up by one or two understanding
sound Friends, that may be capable to present the said suf
ferings and grievances, as aforesaid, if need require; having
knowledge of the particular cases thereof, that they may be
the better able to give account of the most material circum
stances ; Friends here of our Meeting for Sufferings being
willing to assist them in all extreme cases.
It is also desired, that all accounts of sufferings which
require application either to the king or council, or par
ticular ministers or persons of quality here, may be true,
and signed before sent up, and recommended as aforesaid,
and that none be sent up unsigned.
A general application to the king in behalf of suffering
Friends throughout the nation (comprehending their cases
on which their sufferings depend), was offered and pro
posed to this Meeting for Friends' concurrence, to be pre
sented, if they see meet to follow it, with particular com
plaints and applications, either now or hereafter; which
being approved, it was left to Friends to consider of till
the next day, with desire then to know their minds con
cerning the same. Which being again made mention of the
next day, and Friends not being ready at present to follow it
with fresh complaints, it was advised that they might report
the same to their respective Quarterly Meetings for Sufferings
in the counties ; that, as you see cause, upon any extreme
or severe suffering, you may prepare account thereof, to be
presented as before directed.
Two letters sent from Friends of Dantzick, dated the
20th of the second month, 1684, were read, signifying their
strait confinement, being prisoners in the house of correc
tion there, under extreme hard usage and cruelty, forced
to lie upon straw in this late extreme sharp winter. They
have been shackled or chained together, tvfo and two, by
their hands ; and by the magistrates (the senate of that
B

IS
place) sentenced to be kept and fed with bread and water
only for their sustenance. Also an epistle from the Quar
terly Meeting at Amsterdam, dated the 3d of the second
month, 1684, was read, recommending the distressed case
of the said prisoners at Dantzick lo this our Meeting. And
Friends of Holland having done much for them, &c. in
their suffering necessities, manifold imprisonments, and
banishments, this Meeting could do no less than concur
with- our said Friends of Holland ; and, in Christian bowels
and tenderness, order something towards the relief of the
said suffering Friends in Dantzick, as formerly, to be sent
by Friends of Holland. And we were moved, in the love
of God, by epistles to encourage and strengthen these our
extreme suffering brethren in their Christian and faithful
testimony. An account being given by a meeting here, ordered to
inspect the accounts for Friends that are captives in Algiers,
&c. intimating that what was charitably contributed for
merly owards their redemption, and left for that service,
is, in a great part, expended for the redemption of many,
and the rest thereof is well-nigh engaged for the redemption
of several Friends more that have long remained captives;
some whereof have been under extreme hardships, as vio
lent beating and other cruelties, by their patroons.
These things tenderly considered, a collection for their
redemption was proposed, and unanimously agreed upon,
by this Meeting, that the same should be, and is hereby,
tenderly recommended to the Quarterly Meetings of prieiids
in their respective counties throughout England and Wales ;
and that the same likewise be, and is hereby, recommended
to Friends in Ireland, Scotland, Barbadoes, and Jamaica,
to afford their Christian and friendly assistance in contribut
ing to the same service. And what shall be contributed for
this service, to be returned to William Shewen, John Dew,
William Chandler, Charles Bathurst, Theodore Ecclestone
arid John Edge, or any of them, in London.
And although, dear Friends, we are not insensible that
many families of faithful Friends in this nation are greatly
oppressed, and exposed to suffering and spoil at this time
for truth's holy testimony and the name of Jesus, and

19
thereby disabled to help other."? in distress ; yet, considering
that the suffering at present falls not so heavy upon many
others, whom the Lord has replenished with outward sub
stance, which he has made them stewards of, we hope the
Lord will open their hearts to consider the calamities and
extremity of the said captives and sufferers.
Mention being made by some Friends before they went
hence, of the want of the printers sending books into their
country as formerly ; and we, understanding that there is
the like omission in some other counties, we recommend
and leave it to Friends in their respective Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings to consider of, and to order and settle
that business in their own respective counties, and to cor
respond with the printers here for books of truth, and take
care for the spreading of serviceable books and papers,
as heretofore, in truth's service, that there be no further
neglect in that case.
Many serious and living accounts and testimonies were
given by Friends, from their respective counties, of the pros
perity of the work of the Lord, the spreading of truth, and
of the love, unity, and peace that is generally among
Friends, and the increase thereof in several counties, and
the sense of the presence of the Lord God among all faith
ful Friends ; though, in some places, much suffering and
persecution, yet in other places, more free, and meetings
quiet. And though the enemy has entered, and doth work
in some places to make rents and divisions, yet the strength
of that spirit is much weakened, and its work of opposition
against the power of God and unity of his people much
withered and blasted ; and many that were for a time hurt
and captivated thereby, are restored and come back to their
first love and unity with faithful Friends ; and a great love is
raised in many that stood at a distance. Although others,who
have wilfully persisted in their opposition against the coun
sel of truth and faithful Friends, are scattered and gone back
ag^in into the world and the loose and corrupt ways thereof^
and some even to the worships that are therein. And still,
where the enemy yet worlis to trouble Friends, they who
live in the faith that gives the victory, do hope to see things
better shortly. B 2

20
Account is also given, by letters from Ireland, Scotland,
Barbadoes, Bermudas, Carolina, New England, Jamaica,
and other plantations in America, that things are pretty
well there, and truth spreads and increases, and that
Friends generally are in love and unity.
Lastly, it was unanimously agreed. That the Yearly
Meeting for Sufferings should continue, as the Lord makes
way for Friends concerned to have recourse thereto. Only
on tender consideration of the present difficulties and
streights, and the great care upon Friends here, with re
spect to country Friends, to preserve their liberties as
much as in us lay, (which beyond expectation was answered
through the goodness and providence of God, as many were
sensible); on these considerations it was proposed and
thought meet, that if sufferings do continue till the next
year, one Friend only of each county may be sufficient to
come up to this Meeting at the usual time, the same Friend
being one that is approved and entrusted by the Quarterly
Meeting, as capable to give account of Friends' sufferings
and the affairs of truth in that county ; and to make appli
cation to authority here, as before directed, if need shall
require. So committing you to the Divine power and wisdom of
the Lord our God for your safety and peace, and
thereby to be ordered in these and all other affairs
of the blessed truth, and the concerns of the church
of Christ, with our supplication and prayers to
Almighty God, that Zion may be filled with judg
ment, righteousness, and peace ; that it may appear
more and more, that the Lord who dwelleth on
high, is exalted over all in his church and people,
we remain Your faithful Friends and Brethren of the
aforesaid Meeting. Signed by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.

SI

THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
DEAR Friends and Brethren in tlie Lord Jesus Christ,
who reigns over all, and has all power in heaven and
earth given unto him ; by whose eternal power our meet
ings this year have been preserved unto his great glory and
honour, and his living presence has livingly been amongst
us ; for which his people do give him the honour, glory,
thanks, and praise, who is Lord over all, and worthy of all,
blessed for ever and ever.
And therefore we desire and entreat all our Friends and
brethren every where, who are of the seed of the promise
and the children of the kingdom of God, and of the new
covenant of light and life, to walk in the same, and worthy
of the same, to the glory of God.
And you that do profess the primitive, pure, and unde
filed religion (which is above all the religions in the world),
shew it forth in life and practice.
And you that profess the worship of God in spirit and
truth, which Christ hath set up (which is above the Jews'
worship, and all the worships that the men of the world
have set up), be stedfast in the same. For all worships out
of God's Spirit and his truth are idolatry.
And now, dear Friends and brethren, who profess and
possess that which is above all religions, ways, and wor
ships in the world, our desire is, that you may always out
strip and exceed the world in virtue, in purity, in chastity,
in godliness, and in holiness ; and in modesty, civility, and
in righteousness, and in love. With that you may over
come the evil, aud with the good overcome the bad, so that
your moderation and sober life may appear to all, and an
swer that of God in all. That so the fruits of the Spirit
of God may shew themselves forth in meekness, and kind
ness, and humility, from the holy understanding, and the
pure heavenly wisdom, and the word of life and patience,
by which all things were made. In that you will be able
to bear all things, and endure all things, through him that
strengthens you.
And whatsoever things are lovely, decent, or comely, and
honest and of a good report, that answers the truth in all.

22
that mind and practise, that God Almighty may be glorified
in his seed that serves him. In which seed all nations are
blessed, which bruiseth the head of .the serpent that
brought the curse. In which seed no enmity nor strife can
come. In which seed Christ Jesus, your heavenly unity
and fellowship is preserved.
And whatsoever storms or tempests should arise in the
world, keep in the seed Christ Jesus, your sanctuary, who
was before the world was, who is your Saviour that destroys
the destroyer, in whom you have all life, peace, rest, safety,
and salvation.
In him who is the Amen, the First and the Last, in him
Farewell; and from him the blessings of the Lord
rest upon you. p -r^

EPISTLE, 1685,

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England and Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting for the Service of Truth and Friends
in Sufferings, Sfc. held in London^
The 8th and 9th of the Fourth Month, 1685.
SALUTATION in Christ Jesus, with endeared and ten
der love in the blessed communion of his Holy Spirit
and unchangeable light and life, to all faithful Friends and
Brethren, both in present sufferings and out of sufferings,
praying to God the Father of all our mercies, that grace,
mercy, and peace, with sincere love and brotherly affection,
maybe daily increased in and among you, through the lively
operation of the same Holy Spirit ; and that effectual deli
verance for his afflicted remnant he may in due time bring
to pass, to his own glory and his people's comfort and joy.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
The Brethren entrusted by this Meeting, do recommend
pnto you the following account, viz.
I. That the Lord hath, according to his wonted good
ness, accompanied this Meeting with his, living refreshing

23
presence and divine counsel; and, by his power, hath emi
nently preserved and kept us, and given Friends this blessed
opportunity, in peace and quietness, to open their hearts
one unto another, in the universal love of God, concerning
the weighty affairs of the blessed truth and churches of
Christ, and the present state thereof, to their general and
great satisfaction and comfort in the Lord.
II. And, to our great satisfaction, accounts were livingly
and weightily given by Friends of the several counties, of
their present state and conditions, relating to the faith and
patience of Friends in sufferings, and the Lord supporting
them in their faithful testimony for his name and truth's
sake ; as also of the general love, concord, peace, good
order, and Christian care among them, and the dominion
the Lord hath given them over the spirit of opposition and
division where it hath appeared, and how he hath borne
them up in their manifold tribulations.
III. And that though, in some counties, the sufferings
continue great and heavy upon many Friends, both in their
persons and estates ; yet in some other counties the suffer-
Jngs are of late abated. Blessed be the Lord!
IV. Also divers seasonable and lively accounts, by epis
tles, were given from foreign parts, as from Ireland, Hol
land, Barbadoes, Pennsylvania, &c. of the love, unity, and
peace among Friends, and truth's prosperity in those parts;
particularly that from Holland, signifying that Friends at
Dantzick, and in other eastern parts beyond the seven pro
vinces, are at present in the enjoyment of more quietness
and liberty than formerly. The Lord has been pleased to
influence the king of Poland and the magistrates of Dant
zick, moderately to resent the applications made to them in
behalf of the said suffering Friends and Brethren, although
most of them, by means of their former great sufferings,
were reduced to so low a condition in the world, that they
are not yet able to support themselves and families without
assistance from Friends at Amsterdam ; upon whom the
burden having long lain. Friends of this Meeting agreed to
communicate something of their Christian charity towards
the assisting and encouraging them in the said geod work,

24
V. And, concerning our Friends that were captives in
Algiers, the care and diligence of Friends here entrusted
in that affair hath been such, that several Friends have been
redeemed and come safe home since the last Yearly Meet
ing, and have very honestly, tenderly, and thankfully
acknowledged Friends' care and kindness towards them.
And, as to those that yet remain captives. Friends are
taking the same care for their redemption also, which it is
hoped will shortly be accomplished. And Friends here
being sensible how the Lord hath supported them in their
faithful testimony for his name, and under their deep afflic
tions that they have suffered in that dark place of captivity
in Algiers, are greatly comforted and satisfied in their Chris
tian care and charity on their behalf
VI. That the Friends of this Meeting, to whom the in
spection of accounts was referred, do make their report.
That having perused the books, and those accounts relating
to Friends suffering, and their relief^ they find them very
clear and plain, and no occasion for a further contribution
this year : Friends of most counties in this nation having
been very free and cheerful in fheir charitable contribution
towards the redemption of Friends in captivity ; as also
Friends in Ireland, Barbadoes, and Jamaica, to their great
commendation, have manifested their readiness and Chris
tian assistance in the same good work, thereby shewing
their tender and charitable sympathising with their Friends
and Brethren in sufferings, and shall not in any-wise lose
their reward from the Lord.
VII. And we also give you notice, that the London
Friends entrusted this year with the affairs of the captives
and suffering Friends, in disposal of Friends' charity for
their relief (as, according to former appointment, they shall
be directed), are Charles Bathurst, Theodore Ecclestone,
John Edge, Francis Camfield, Philip Ford, and John Staplo;
to whom, or any of them, as occasion requires in those con
cerns, you may apply for advice.
And, lastly, we reminfl you, according to former and
frequent advice, that you keep exact and distinct accounts
of your sufferings on record, to have in readiness on all

25
occasions ; and to bring up yearly a true copy, or sufficient
summary abbreviation thereof. And, at the conclusion of
every yearly account for each county respectively, be sure
to insert the whole number of prisoners imprisoned that
year, and of prisoners that died the same year, and of those
remaining in prison ; as also the value of distresses and
goods levied the same year, distinctly, viz.
1. On the conventicle act.
2. For twenty pounds a month.
3. On Qui tam writs.
4. Twelve-pence a Sunday.
5. For tithes.
With all other sufferings for Truth ; and thereto add the
total sum ; to the end that they may be presented to the
king, &c. for relief
And it was desired, that the Yearly Meeting for Suffer
ings might continue as last year directed, for one faithful
Friend of each county, who knows the sufferings thereof,
to have recourse thereunto, as the Lord shall make way.
To whose Divine power and wisdom we recommend
you, for safety, peace, and prosperity. And, in
the blessed unity of the spirit of life in Christ
Jesus, we remain
Your faithful Brethren,
And servants in Christ Jesus.
Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.
THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WHOM the Lord hath called and chosen in Christ
Jesus, your life and salvation, in whom you have all
rest and peace with God : The Lord God by his mighty
power, which is over all, hath preserved you and supported
you to this day, to be a peculiar holy people to himself;
so that by his Eternal Spirit and power ye might be all pre
served and kept out of the world, for in the world is the
trouble. And now, in this great day of the Lord God

26
Almighty, he is shaking the heavens and the earth of out
ward professions ; and their elements are in a heat, and
their sun and moon are darkened, and the stars falling,
and the mountains and hills shaking and tottering, as it
was among the Jews in the day of Christ's appearing.
And therefore all, dear Friends and Brethren, dwell in the
seed Christ Jesus, who is the rock and foundation that can
not be shaken ; and that ye may see, with the light and
Spirit of Christ, that you are the fixed stars in the firma
ment of God's power. And in this his power and light you
will see over all the wandering stars, and clouds without
water, and trees without fruit (and that which may be
shaken will be shaken), which are wandered from the fir
mament of God's power.
Now, dear Friends and brethren, you that are redeemed
from the death and fall of Adam, by Christ the second
Adam, in him ye have life, rest, and peace. — For Christ
saith, " In me ye shall have peace ; but in the world trou
ble." And the Apostle saith, " They that believe are
entered into their rest ;" namely, Christ, who hath over-
come the world, who bruiseth the serpent's head, and de
stroys the devil and his works, and fulfils the types, figures,
and shadows of the Old Testament and the prophets; in
whom the promises are yea and amen, who is the first and
last, beginning and ending, yea and amen, who is the
eternal rest. So keep and walk in Christ your rest, every
one that have received him your eternal rest.
And now, dear Friends and brethren, whatever bustlings
and trouble, or tumults or outrages, quarrels and strife,
should rise or be in the world, keep out of them all, and
concern not yourselves with them ; but keep in the Lord's
power and peaceable truth, that is over all and over all such
things, in which power you seek the peace and good of all
men. And live in the love which God hath shed abroad in
your hearts through Christ Jesus; in which love nothing is
able to separate you from God and Christ ; neither out
ward sufferings, persecutions, nor any outward thing that
IS below and without; nor to hinder or break your heavenly
fellowship in the light and gospel and spirit of Christ- nor
your holy communion in the Holy Qhost, that pro'ceeds

27
from the Father and the Son, which leads you into all truth.
And, in this Holy Ghost (in which is your holy communion),
that proceeds from the Father and the Son, you have fellow
ship with the Father and the Son, and communion and fellow
ship one with another. And this is it which links and joins
Christ's church or body together, to him the heavenly and
spiritual head, and in unity in his spirit, which is the bond
of peace of all his church and living members ; in whom
they have eternal and everlasting rest and peace in Christ,
and with God everlasting, who is to be blessed and praised
for ever. Amen, p, t^
Now, dear Friends, forsake not the assembling of your
selves together, who are gathered in the name of Jesus,
who is your prophet, that God has raised up in the New
Testament, to be heird in all things, who opens to you and
no man can shut, and shuts and no man can open ; who is
your priest, made higher than the heavens by the power
of an endless life. By him you are made a royal priest
hood, to offer up to God spiritual sacrifice ; who is the
bishop of your souls, to oversee you that you do not go
astray from God ; who is the good shepherd that hath laid
down bis life for his sheep, and they hear his voice and
follow him, and he gives to them eternal life.
And now, dear Friends and Brethren, abide in Christ
the vine, that you may bring forth fruit to the glory of God.
And, as every one has received Christ, so walk in him, who
is not of the world that lies in wickedness, so that you may
be preserved out of the vain fashions and customs of the
world, which satisfy the lust of the eye, the lust of the
flesh, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but
is of the world that passes away. And who joins to that
which is not of the Father, or encour,ages it, draws the
minds from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And therefore let Christ rule in your hearts, that your
minds, souls, and spirits may be kept and preserved out
of the vanities of the world, both in their words, ways,
and actions, so that you may be a peculiar people, zealous
of good works, serving the Lord God through Jesus Christ,
(in whom is life), and be a peculiar people to the praise

and glory of God. And by the word of his grace your
words may be gracious, and in your lives and conversations
jou may shew forth righteousness, holiness, and godliness.
That so God Almighty may be glorified in you all, and
through you all, who is above all, blessed and praised for
ever. Amen.
G. F.
London, the 11th of the
Fourth Month, 1685.

EPISTLE, 1686.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends iii
England and Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting for the Service of Truth and Friends
in Sufferings, S(c. held in London,
The 24th and 25th of the Third Month, 1686.
SALUTATION in Christ Jesus, with endeared and ten
der love in the blessed communion of his Holy Spirit
and unchangeable light and life, to all our faithful Friends
and brethren in and out of sufferings ; praying to God the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that from him grace,
mercy, and peace be multiplied in and among you, with
sincere love and brotherly affection, through the lively
operation of the same Holy Spirit ; and that the effectual
deliverance for his afflicted remnant, which he hath already
begun to bring to pass, may, in his own due time, be per
fected, to his own glory, and his people's refreshment,
comfort, and joy.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
We did judge it convenient to recommend unto you this
foUowing account of such things as were necessary for you
to understand : —
I. To let you know the Lord hath wonderfully appeared
for us and with us in our several living and refreshing
meetings, in which his Divine presence hath made glad our
souls, and hath given his people living openness in the
blessed fellowship of the everlasting gospel, and many

29
blessed and heavenly testimonies were given to the same,
to the refreshment of his heritage; also signifying the love,
concord, and unity, and also the care and diligence of
Friends in their several countries, for the promoting and
exalting the truth of God.
II. Also divers good epistles were read from divers
meetings on this side and beyond the seas, signifying the
prosperous state of truth and Friends in several parts of
the world.
III. To let you know that the Friends desired to inspect
the accounts of Friends' sufferings, and the charitable relief
which some years since was cheerfully contributed to their
assistance, do give an account that they find the books and
the accounts thereof well and duly kept ; and also that, by
reason of the great sufferings that have of late been upon
Friends, which have occasioned great charges and expense,
the said money is all laid out, and much more. And,
therefore, it was unanimously agreed, that there be a free
contribution recommended to all the meetings of our
Friends and brethren in England and Wales, for the re
imbursing Friends here, that have laid out much money
for the service aforesaid ; and also for the further relief of
our poor Friends, that are or may hereafter be in sufferings
for their faithful testimony to the truth ; and that you make
it known from your Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, to
the particular Meetings in each county, arid recommend
this good and Christian work to their consideration, in the
unity and sympathising spirit of truth.
And whereas divers Friends and Brethren do now,
through the good hand of God, enjoy their liberty, and more
freedom than formerly, we hope the Lord will open their
hearts to extend their charitable help and assistance to
their fellow members in Christ Jesus, who still remain in
suffering for the testimony of a good and upright conscience
towards God.
Also we let you know, that the Friends entrusted by this
Meeting this year, for the work and service aforesaid, are
Francis Camfield, Philip Ford, John Staplo, George Barr,
John Hall, and William Parker, to whom, or any of them.

30
you may return the free contribution of Friends : and for
the more ease to the six Friends aforesaid in this matter,
some counties may return the monies, so collected, to Wil
liam Mead, William Crouch, William Ingram, Benjamin
Antrobus, George Watts, or John Edridge, or any of them,
to be by them forthwith delivered to the Friends in trust,
as aforesaid.
And, as concerning Friends that were captives in Algiers,
we let you know, they are all redeemed except one, who
we hope shortly will also be here. But several Friends
are now captives in Sallee ; for whose redemption Friends
are also taking care, and hope in time to effect it.
And it was desired, that you might be put in mind, and
advised as formerly, that you keep a distinct account of
sufferings ; that is to say, upon what statute, or by what
ways or means, your sufferings are brought upon you, and
with the values demanded, and the values distrained, and
by whom.
Also it was agreed, that the Yearly Meeting for Suffer
ings should continue as the Lord makes way for it ; and
that Friends in every county do desire a faithfill Friend or
two of their county, who understand the state of suffering
Friends, and of the meetings in their counties, to attend
that service the next year ; by whom you are desired to
send an account of how much money was collected in your
respective counties for the work aforesaid, and to whom it
was remitted. And so we commend you all to the Lord, and to the
Word of his power, which is able to support you
in all conditions.
Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.
THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
Dear Friends,
MY love is to you all in the holy seed Christ Jesus,
(that bruises the serpent's head, and destroys the devil
and his works,) who hath all power in heaven and earth
given to him. Let every one's faith stand in him, and

31
his power, who is the author and finisher of your faith.
And now you, who have been partakers of his power, and
sensible of it in this day of his power that is over all,
(whose day and power is over darkness and its power ; and
by his power the hearts of the king and rulers have been
opened, by which your outward prison-doors have been set
open for your liberty;) and therefore my desires are, that
all may be preserved in humility and thankfulness in the
sense of the mercies of the Lord ; and live in the peace
able truth, that is over all, that you may answer God's
grace and his light and spirit in all, in a righteous godly
life and conversation. And let none be lifted up by their
outward liberty, nor let none be cast down by suffering for
Christ's sake ; but all live in the seed or wheat, which is
not shaken nor blown away by the winds and storms, as the
chaff is. Which seed of life none below can make higher
or lower ; for the children of the seed are the children of
the everlasting unchangeable kingdom of Christ and God.
So in Christ Jesus, whom God hath given you for a sanc
tuary, God Almighty keep you ! In whom you have life
everlasting, and wisdom which is from above ; pure, peace
able, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and
good fruits. And that you all now may be exercised in,
and practise this wisdom, in your godly, holy lives and
conversations ; so that this wisdom may be justified of all
her children, — and they, I say, exercised and preserved in
it, in this day of the power of Christ ; in which all his
people are made a willing people, to serve and worship
God in righteousness and holiness, and in the spirit and
truth. So that none may abuse the power of the Lord, nor
grieve his Spirit, by which you are sealed and kept to the
day of salvation and redemption; but always exercise your
selves to have a good conscience, void of offence towards
God, and towards all men ; being exercised in holiness, god
liness, and righteousness, and in the truth, and in the love
of it ; that you may all study to be approved unto God,
in innocency, virtue, simplicity, and faithfulness; and., so
labouring and studying to be quiet, in the will of God, in
all conditions. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,

32
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus ; giving thanks t6
God the Father by him ; that He may have the praise, wlio
is over all, for all his mercies and blessings ; with which
he doth and hath refreshed his people, and, by his eternal
arm and power hath kept and preserved his people to this
day. Glory to his name over all for ever. Amen.
For Christ hath called you by his grace into one body,
to him the holy head. And therefore live in charity, and
the love of God, which is the bond of perfectness in his
body. Which love edifies the body of Christ. VThich
body and all his members are knit together, and increased
with the increase of God, from whom they receive nou
rishment. For, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one
body, and have been made all to drink into one Spirit;
in which Spirit, the body, and all his members, have fellow
ship with Christ the head, and one with another. And so
the unity of this Holy Spirit is the bond of peace of all
the living members of Christ Jesus, of which he is their
spiritual head, rock, and foundation. And, in the midst of
his church of living members Christ exercises his spiritual
prophetical office, to open to them the mysteries of his
kingdom. And is a spiritual bishop to oversee them, that
they do not go astray from the living God that made them;
and a shepherd that feeds them with bread and water of
life from heaven, and none is able to pluck his sheep out
of his hands. And he is a priest that died for them, and
sanctifieth them, and presents them to God, who ruleth in
their hearts by the Divine faith which he is the author and
finisher of. And his living members do praise God through
Jesus Christ, in whom they have life and salvation, who
rteconciles them to God, &c. that they can say they have
peace with God through Jesus Christ ; and so praise God
through Mm that was dead and is alive again, and reigns
over all, ai?d liveth for evermore, blessed for ever. Hal
lelujah. Amen.
Greet one another with a holy kiss of charity. And this
kiss of charity is above all the kisses of the world. For
love and charity beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, and endures all things: it envieth not;
and charity vaunteth not itself, is not puft up, nor doth

33
it behave itself unseemly ; it rejoices not in iniquity, but
rejoices in the truth : and charity is not easily provoked,
and thinks no evil, but suffereth long, and is kind; and
charity never faileth, I say, greet one another with this
holy kiss of charity ; and peace be with you all that are in
Christ Jesus, your life and salvation. Amen.
G. F.

EPISTLE, 1687.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 16th, 17th, and 19th of the Third Month, 1687.
DEAR and tender salutation in our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is our life, and in whom we have fellowship, to
all our true Friends and Brethren every where.
Having great cause to bless and praise Almighty God
for his continued goodness and renewed favours unto us,
a deep and weighty sense whereof lives upon our spirits,
and hath been upon this Meeting, to the opening and ten
dering the hearts of many in renewed love and thanksgiving
to the God of our mercies, and brotherly kindness and
tender affection one towards another, and towards all the
whole family and heritage of our God, who are truly made
partakers of bis goodness in the land of the living; finding
ourselves greatly engaged to return sincere and hearty
thanksgiving to the Lord for the present enjoyment of
peace ajid liberty openly to worship and serve him, and
mutually to edify one another, in the congregations of his
people ; we pray God, that, by the operation of the same
Spirit of love and life, all Friends may be like-minded with
us to improve so great and eminent a mercy, with tender,
humble, and thankful hearts ; and that, by the assistance
of his Grace, they may walk worthy of the same, to his
glory, and the renown of his Name, who is worthy for ever
and ever.

34

Dear and tenderly beloved
Friends and Brethren,
We hereby give you to understand, that, at this our
Meeting, we have received and read many good Epistles and
letters from our Friends and Brethren ot divers meetings
and countries on this side, and beyond, the seas, giving us
an account of the prosperity of truth, and the Lord's work,
and Friends' love and unity therein, and' of their peaceable
meetings and increase; — as from Scotland, Wales, Ireland,
Holland, Nevis, Barbadoes, Maryland, Rhode - Island,
West and East Jersey, and Pennsylvania ; and [we] were
truly comforted, to understand thereby the concord, unity,
and godly care and zeal for the name of our Lord, that
lives, and is continued, amongst his people in the parts and
places aforesaid.
Also we thought meet hereby to acquaint you, that all
our Friends (except Roger Udy) that were late captives at
Algiers, are redeemed and set at liberty, to their great re
lief and comfort of them and their relations and distressed
families ; wherein Friends' care has greatly tended to the
strength and establishment of the sufferers in the truth,
engaging their hearts to return thanks to God, and tender
acknowledgments to Friends, for their love and care con
cerning them. But, as concerning the Friends, who are
captives at Mequinez (taken by the Sallee-men,) although
a great concern and care hath been, and is, upon Friends
here about them, anS great endeavours used for their re
demption, yet no way is found ppen at present for the
accomplishment thereof; only Friends here have found out
means to convey some relief to them in their necessities,
which they are careful of.
The number of the captive Friends in Mequinez is now
ten ; that is to say, Joseph Wasey, John Sealing, and
Joseph Harbin, who being taken and carried captives
thither, found two English captives there, who were con
vinced of Truth in. their captivity, before the said three
Friends came thither. And five more English captives are
convinced since, and they live in great love and unity one
with another. The said two Friends have wrote over to

35
Friends here a large, tender, and sensible letter, testifying
their fellowship and unity with Friends, and acknowledging
their love and charity to them in their bonds and necessities.
We understand that the people they suffer under, are more
barbarous than the Turks in Algiers : from whose great
oppression and cruel hands we pray God in mercy deliver
them, if it be his blessed will.
Also we let you know, that the Friends appointed to in
spect the accounts relating to the late charitable relief sent
up hy Friends sitice the last year, do find all things well
placed to the account, by the Friends therewith entrusted ;
and that the debt contracted the last year, in the cases of
suffering Friends, is discharged; and there remains a suf
ficient supply at present for further service, if need requires :
and the remainder of what was charitably contributed for
the relief of captives, doth remain in readiness for that
purpose, so soon as it pleases God to make way for it.
Also we let you know,* that the Friends of this city,
entrusted by this Meeting this year for the work and service
aforesaid^ are George Barr, John Hall, William Parker,
John Edridge, Benjamin Antrobus, and Thomas Barker.
And seeing God hath been graciously pleased to incline
the heart of the King to extend favour and kindness towards
Friends and others, for their liberties from prison and spoil,
and to grant and declare Liberty of Conscience for the free
exercise of religion; it was, at the desire of many country
Friends, and on serious consideration, concluded by this
Meeting, that a paper of Christian and thankful acknow
ledgment should be prepared to be presented to the King-,
according as our Friends and Brethren pf the city of Lon
don had already done. Which accordingly was prepared,
and thrice read over deliberately to the Meeting ; where
unto the Meeting unanimously agreed, being generally
satisfied therewith ; and some Friends of the country were
desired to attend the King, who, accordingly, were willing
to present the same.
And, dear Friends, We do further, in the love of God
and his blessed truth, and testimony of Christ Jesus, recom
mend it to your tender and Christian care, that Friends in
the several counties do sincerely keep to their ancient and
c2

36
CJiristian testimony against that old and great oppression
of Tithes ; for which many faithful Friends and servants of
Christ have deeply suffered (some till death in gaols,) and
several still suffer; whereby it appears, that the priests,
as they were the first, so they are like to be the last per
secutors for conscience sake. And also we request it of you
carefully to collect and make return of all Friends' suffer
ings for tithes (as well as other sufferings,) whether by im
prisonments or by taking away goods (as corn, cattle, or
other goods,) either by, or without, law ; both which are
sufferings, and ought to be so accounted of, and entered
upon record in behalf of all faithful Friends, who therein
stand clear in their testimony for truth.
And, dear Friends, as our Friends and Brethren, who
were entrusted to attend the service of this Yearly Meeting
out of their several respective counties and cities, have
given us very plain and lively accounts of the progress and
prosperity of truth and the work of the Lord, and of the
great love and unity among Friends, and the great open
ness of heart, among many people in divers parts, to receive
the blessed truth, (which we are truly comforted to hear of,
and so well to understand;) so it is desired, that Friends,
in their respective counties, continue their care in regard to
our next Yearly Meeting (intended, if the Lord will, to be
kept as usually,) that such faithful Friends (one or two of
a county) be desired to attend it, as are most capable and
fit for the service thereof.
So, commending you all to the God of all our mercies,
for your preservation, instruction, and comfort, and
for the increase of love and unity among you, hea-i-tily
desiring that all Friends may walk wisely and inoffen
sively in their lives and conversations, in the peace
able Spirit and life of our Lord Jesus Christ, towards
the civil government, and towards all men; and
truly and thankfully to prize and improve this pre
sent great additional mercy and favour of the liberty
we enjoy, with all other his tender mercies and fa
vours we partake of, to his honour, and the benefit
and comfort one of another.
Signed on the behalf of our said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.

37

THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
Dear Friends and Brethren
in the Lord Jesus Christ,
THE Lord, by his eternal arm and power, having sup
ported you in all your sufferings, great spoiling of goods,
and tedious imprisonments, only for serving and worship
ping the living God that made you, who gave up wife and
children, and goods, and suffered the spoil of them, and
imprisonment, for his truth and name's sake ; and now the
Lord, by his infinite power and mercy, having been pleased
to open the King's heart towards you, by which you are set
at liberty from the gaols, and the spoilers of your goods
are stopt, whereby you may follow your callings and hus
bandry, and confess Christ Jesus, and call him Lord bythe
Holy Ghost in your assemblies and meetings, without being
cast into gaols, or having your goods spoiled : and now,
dear Brethren, a great concern lies upon me from the Lord
to write unto you, that none may abuse this liberty, nor
the mercies of the Lord, but prize them. For there is
great danger, in time of liberty, of getting up, and getting
into ease and looseness, and false liberty. And now, see
ing that you have not the outward persecutors to war withal
in sufferings, with the spiritual weapons keep down that
which would not be subject to Christ, that He the Holy One
may reign in your hearts; so that your lives, conversations,
and words may preach rightebusness and truth, that you
may all shew forth good examples of true believers in
Christ, in virtue and holiness, answering that which may
be known of God in all people, that you are the sons and
daughters of God, standing fast in that righteous holy li
berty in Christ, that just and Holy One, that has made you
free over the loose or false, shunning the occasions of vain
disputes, and foolish questions of men of corrupt minds.
For the serpent was the first questioner of Eve, who drew
her and Adam out of the truth. Therefore, as you have
received Christ, all live and walk in him that bruises the
serpent's head, who is your safe sanctuary, in whom you
have election, reconciliation, and peace with God. Ar^d
therefore live in the peace which you have from Christ,

38
which is not of this world; and be at peace one f^^^''^'
ther, and seek the peace of all men in Christ Jesus,
blessed are the peace-makers. And labour ^ exercise a
good conscience towards God, in obedience to him Hi wnai
he requires, and in doing to all men the thing that is just
and honest, in your conversations and words g'V^ng no
offence to Jew nor Gentile, nor the church of God -. so that
yon may be as a city set on God's Zion Hill, which cannot
be hid, and be lights to the dark world, that they may see
your good fruits, and works righteous and holy, and so to
glorify your Father which is in heaven. For he is glorified
in your bringing forth good fruits, as you abide in Christ
the Vine, in this his day of life, power, and light, that
shines over all. And therefore, all you that believe in the
light walk in the light, as children of the light, and of
Christ's everlasting day ; that in the light you may have
fellowship with the Father and the Son, and one with ano
ther ; keeping in the unity of his Holy Spirit, in the bond
of his holy peace, in his Church, that He is head of.~
Amen. q. F_
And my desire is, that God's wisdom everywhere may
be justified of her children ; and that it may be
shewed forth in meekness and the fear of the Lord^
in this his day.

EPISTLE, 1688.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 4ih, 5th, and 6th of the Fourth Month, 1688.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren
'E salute you in the dear and tender love of God,
rejoicing in the communion and holy fellowship of
the Spirit of life, by which we are quickened together in
Christ Jesus, that we may walk together in him accepta-

w

39
¦ lily to God the Father; to whom be glory and praise,
throughout all the churches of Christ every-where, world
without end. Amen.
Dear Friends,
We give you to understand, that according to the
wonted kindness of our tender and merciful God, we have
had a very living and refreshing assembling together, and
the glory of the divine power and presence of God hath
shined upon us from day to day, to our great consolation ;
and a sweet harmony, love and concord hath appeared
amongst us; and many living testimonies were brought forth,
through the springings of life in many, both in respect to
the antient universal doctrine of the light and grace of God,
and also in particulars, relating to the holy and harmless
conversation of those who have believed, exhorting all to
walk as becomes the gospel of -Christ, that (he profession
thereof may shine forth more and more, and the beauty of
holiness may be seen upon you, and upon your families.
I. And in the first place, we do earnestly desire you all,
in your several Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, to stir up '
and exhort Friends to diligence in their meetings on the
Week-days, as well as on the First-day ; and to wait upon
the Lord for his divine wisdom and strength, to guide
them, and preserve them out of evil; knowing assuredly
that the diligent waiters upon the Lord shall be filled with
good things ; though the careless and lukewarm remain in
weakness, and are often overcome by the enemy.
II. And also, that Friends every-where be put in mind to
keep under the leadings and guidance,of the Spirit of truth
in their outward habits, and fashions thereof; not suffering
the spirit of the world to get over them, in a lust to be
like unto them in things useless and superfluous ; lest it
prevail upon them (by giving a little way to it) till it leads
them from the simplicity and plainness that become the
Gospel; and sofrom one vain liberty to another, till they
come to lose the blessed liberty that is in Christ, into
winch they were in measure redeemed, and fall back into
the bondage of the world's spirit, and grow up into the
liberty of the flesh, with the lust and concupiscence thereof.

40
and so lose both their name and place in the truth, as top
many have done.
III. And, for the prevention of these things, we dointreat
and desire all you our dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters,
that are parents and governors of families, that ye diligently
lay to heart your work and calling in your generation for
the Lord, and the charge committed to you ; not only in
becoming good examples unto the younger sort, but also
to use your power in your own families, in the educating
your children and servants in modesty, sobriety, and in the
fear of God ; curbing the extravagant humour in the young
ones, when it doth appear, and not to indulge it, and allow
of it. For you are set in your families as judges for God,
and it is you that must give an account of the power com
mitted to you. And when you see a libertine wanton spirit
appear in your children or servants, that lusteth after the
vain customs and fashions of the world, either in dressings,
habits, or outward adornings, and craves your assistance
and allowance, without which it cannot get forward, while
they are under your government ; O then look to your
selves, and discharge your trust for God, and for the good
of their souls, exhorting in meekness, and commanding in
wisdom ; that so you may minister and reach to the Wit
ness, and help them over their temptations, in the authority
of God's power. And when they feel themselves helped
and delivered, their souls will bless God for you, and you
will reap the comfort of your labour.
IV. And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased God to bring
forth a day of liberty and freedom to serve him, in which
he hath stopt the mouths of the devourers, in a great
measure, for his Name's sake ; O therefore let every one
have a care so to use this liberty, as the name of God may
be honoured by it; and not an occasion taken by any,
because of the present freedom, to launch forth into trading
and worldly business beyond what they can manage honour
ably, and with reputation among the sons of men, and so
that they may keep their word with all men, and that their
yea may prove yea indeed, and their nay may be nay
indeed ; for whatsoever is otherwise cometli of the evil one.

41
And such who make themselves guilty by thus dishonouring
God, and the holy profession of his name and truth, such
are for judgment by the truth; and the judgment of truth
ought to be set over them, that the truth, and those that
abide and walk in it, may be clear of their iniquities.
V. And, dear Friends, as concerning those vrho, through
letting in the enemy of their souls, have lost their part of
this our heavenly unity, and sought to break the sweet
harmony of the church and churches of Christ in some few
places, (but which is impossible,) we let you know the
power of the Lord in righteous judgment is come over their
evil works, and they cannot proceed. But divers, who
were for a time beguiled and darkened by them, have
received mercy from God, and light to see whither they
were going, and are returned to the Shepherd's fold, to the
comfort of their souls, and the praise of God. And, con
cerning them that remain still under the influence of that
evil separating spirit in any measure, (being betrayed at
unawares,) we desire they may be gained upon in a
Christian tenderness of spirit, and that bowels of com
passion may be exercised towards them, for their recovery
(if possible) out of the snare, into which, by the high
swelling words of others, they are fallen ; that so ye may,
as the apostle saith, put a difference ; saving some by fear,
plucking them as brands out of the fire. And where anv
real simplicity or true tenderness doth remain, it will
answer your tenderness, and be won upon by it, and turn
from the wandering stars that have misled them, and from
the wells that have not the water of life in them, (to nourish
and refresh their souls, and feed upon,) and trees without
fruit. VI. Farther we give you to understand, that several
good Epistles from divers parts of the world were read
amongst us ; as from Holland, Scotland, Ireland, Wales,
Barbadoes, Virginia, Maryland, Jamaica, Long-Island,
Rhode-Island, and from sundry parts of this nation, sig
nifying the prosperity of truth, and the increase of Friends,
and their great concord and unity in the blessed truth, to
our great comfort and joy in the Lord.

42
VII. And that the Friends appointed to inspect the
accounts did report to us, that they found the accounts well
and fairly kept, and the balance thereof not much different
from what it was last year ; so that there was no need of
any further collectipn this year. And that the Friends that
are captives in Mequinez cannot yet be gotten at liberty,
though much industry hath been used about it ; but Friends
are still in hopes to procure their liberty in some time, of
which you may hear further when it is effected.
VIII. And we give you to know, that the six Friends of
this city, that are entrusted for this year with the accounts,
are John Edridge, Benjamin Antrobus, Thomas Barker,
Thomas Cox, Thomas Hudson, and John West.
IX. And it is the desire of Friends generally, that you
all be careful, in your Monthly and Quarterly Meetings,
in collecting the sufferings of Friends by priests and impro
priators for their testimony against tithes, and what goods
are taken awav from them upon that account, with the
value thereof; as also about repairs of steeple-houses, or
about not swearing, and all other sufferings on truth's
account ; and let them be carefully recorded and witnessed,
and .copies sent up to London, from your Quarterly Meet
ings to your correspondents ; that the sufferings of Friends
for their testimonies may not be lost.
X. It was agreed by Friends with one consent, that this
Meeting be continued the next year, at the usual time, as
the Lord shall please to make way for it ; and that, in order
thereunto, two sound faithful Friends in every county, may
be desired to come up, that know the state of Friends, and
their sufferings, in their respective counties ; to whom we
leave it to give a farther account of this Meeting, and of
the glorious presence of the Lord manifested with us here.
XI. .Finally, dear Friends, we tenderly, in the love of
our God, recommend you all to the word of his grace and
wisdom, to govern and order you in peace, patience, union
and concord, and to shun all occasion of discord and con
tention that is out of truth; that all your affairg'may be
managed in true love, in the peaceable Spirit of our Lord
Jesus Christ. And we tenderly desire and advise, that all

43
Friends every-where keep peaceable and quiet in their
spirits, and inoffensive in their conversations and discourses,
that none let in, entertain, or mix with that jealous evil-
surmising spirit, that is at work in some sorts of ungrateful
prejudiced persons, who will not see the present pro
vidence of God, and mercy we enjoy under the King and
his government ; eyeing their own interests more than the
publick good, or peace of the church of Christ.
God Almighty preserve you, and be with you and us
all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
RICHARD RICHARDSON.

THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
ALL you believers in the light, and that are become
children of the light, walk as children of the light, and of
the day of Christ ; and as a city set on a hill that cannot be
hid : and so let your light shine, that people may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
For a good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and therefore be
ye trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord; having
fruits unto holiness ; and then your end will be everlasting
life. And such are the wells and cisterns that hold the
living water of life, which springs up in them to eternal
life. So you may all drink water out of your own cisterns,
and running water out of your own wells ; and eat every
one of his own fig-tree, and of his own vine ; having salt
every one in yourselves to season every one's sacrifice,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ ; and like unto the wise
virgins, that have oil in their lamps, and follow the Lamb,
and enter in with the bridegroom. And now is the time to
labour while it is day, (yea the day of Christ;) and to stir
up every one's pure mind, and the gift of God that is in
them ; and to improve your talents that Christ hath given
you, that you may profit ; and to walk every one according
to the measure that Christ hath given you. For the mani
festation of the Spirit of God is given to every one to
profit withal,

44
Now consider what you have profited in spiritual and
heavenly things with the heavenly Spirit of God. And be
not like the wicked and slothful, that hid his talent ; from
whom it was taken, and he cast into utter darkness. And
a dwarf, or one that had any blemish, was not to come
nigh to offer upon God's altar. And therefore mind the
word of wisdom, to keep you out of that which will corrupt
you and blemish you ; and that you may grow in grace,
and in faith, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. And feeding upon the milk of the word, grow by
it, that you may not be dwarfs ; and so to o&'er your spiri
tual sacrifice upon God's holy altar. For the field or vine
yard of the slothful grovi's over with thorns and nettles,
and his walls go down. Such are they that are not diligent
in the Spirit of God, and the power, which is the wall, a
sure fence. And the Spirit of God will weed out all, both
thorns and thistles and nettles, out of the vineyard of the
heart. And you that are keepers of others' vineyards, see
that you keep your own vineyards clean, with the Spirit
and power of Christ. And sanctify yourselves, and sanctify
the Lord in your hearts, that you may be a holy people to
the Lord, who saith, " Be ye holy, for I am holy," that
ye may be holy members of the church of Christ, that is
eloathed with the sun, and the moon is under her feet ; the
changeable world, with all her changeable worships, re
ligions, churches, and teachers. And be ye new and
heavenly Jerusalem's children ; for new and heavenly Je
rusalem's children (that is above, and is the mother of all
the children of the Light, and that are born of the Spirit,)
these be they that have been persecuted and have suffered
by the false church. Mystery Babylon, the mother of
harlots. And now all Heavenly Jerusalem's and Zion's children
that are from above, labour in the Gospel, the power of
God, and the seed in which all nations, and all the families
of the earth, are blessed. Which seed (Christ) bruises the
serpent's head, and destroys the devil and his works, and
overcomes the whore, the false church, and the beast, and
the false prophet ; and takes away the curse, and the veil
that is spread over all nations, and all the families of the

45
earth ; and brings the blessings upon all nations, and upon
all the families of the earth, if they will receive it, saying,
" In thy seed shall all nations, and all the families of the
earth, be blessed." And this is the Gospel of God,
preached to Abraham before Moses wrote his Five Books;
and was preached in the apostles' days; and is now preached
again. Which Gospel brings life and immortality to light;
and is the Gospel of peace, life, and salvation, to every
one that believes it. And so all nations, and all the families
of the earth, must be in Christ the seed, if they be blessed,
and be partakers of the blessing in the seed. Which
Gospel God did preach and reveal to Abraham, as in
Cfal, iii. 8.
And this Gospel was revealed and preached by Christ
unto his apostles, who preached it ; which is not of man,
nor from man. And now God and Christ hath revealed
the same gospel to me, and many others, in this age. 1
say, the Gospel, and the seed in which all nations and
femilies of the earth are blessed. In which gospel I have
laboured, and do labour, that all may come into this
blessed seed, Christ, who bruises the head of the serpent ;
that in it they might have peace with God. And this ever
lasting Gospel is preached again to them that dwell upon
the earth ; and they that believe it, and receive it, receive
the blessing, and the peace, and joy, and comfort of it,
and the stability in it, and the life and immortality which
it brings to light in them, and to them. And such can
praise the everlasting God in his everlasting gospel.
And, Friends all, seek the peace and good of all in
Christ. For truth makes no Cains, Korahs, Balaams, nor
Judasses; for they come to be such that go out of the
peaceable truth. And therefore walk in the peaceable
truth, and speak the truth in the love of it, as it is in
Jesus.
G. F.

46
EPISTLE, 1689.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England,
Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
Th? 20th, 3Tst, and 22nd, of the Third Month, 1689.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the Lord, whose presence is con
tinued, and blessings renewed unto us, and signally
manifest with our assemblies. Blessed be his name for
ever. The sense of love and unity amongst Friends, and
the prosperity of truth in many counties in this nation, and
divers remote parts, according as we have had certain
accounts, is a great comfort to us in the Lord, k nd we
understand that there is such an openness, in divers coun
ties in this nation, amongst people to receive truth, that
some Friends do much desire some faithful labourers among
them', as the Lord shall make way. In some counties
Friends have provided several new meeting-places ; wherein
their love to the name of the Lord, and the spreading of
his truth, is manifest, and truly commendable.
And, dear Friends, we desire your testimony against
tithes may be kept up in the peaceable spirit gf (Thrist, as
becomes true Christians: rather suffering patiently the
spoiling. of your goods, thari any-ways to strive or struggle
with the spoilers to retain them by force ; but singly commit
your cause to the Lord, who will plead it, and judge righte
ously. And, Friends, we desire you would keep an exact
account of this and all other your sufferings for truth, and
also of your deliverances ; to be- ready as there shall be
occasion to call for them.
Several Epistles were read from divers counties in
England and Wales, and foreign parts beyond seas, to the
comfort and satisfaction of Friends here.
By an Epistle from Friends at Amsterdam, an account
was given of a new storm of persecution risen at Dantzick,

47
where so great sufferings have been heretofore. Upon
which the Meeting agreed to order some relief for them.
The present condition of Friends in Ireland being under
some consideration, and several Friends from thence being
present, having given a brief account thereof in part, the
Meeting left the further care concerning them to the Meet
ing for Sufferings here, for the relief of any Friends from
thence that may be in distress. And, if they shall see
further cause, to recommend their conditions to Friends in
the respective counties in England, &c, for a further Chris
tian relief, as there shall appear necessity.
The Friends appointed to inspect the accounts did report
to us, that they found the accounts well kept; and there
was no need of a further contribution this year. And that
our Friends who are captives at Mequinez, do remain as
before ; only some are come down to Sallee, and have
liberty to go about the town, under security for their true
imprisonment. Great endeavours have been used for their
redemption, but it is not yet effected. And we give you
notice, that the six Friends of the city, that are entrusted
this year with the accounts, are Thomas Cox, Thomas
Hudson, John West, Laurence FuUove, Walter Miers,
and Walter Benthal.
A concern coming upon Friends of the Meeting, con
cerning several persons, both men and women, who go
rambling idly up and down the countries, under pretence of
preaching truth, who are out of the unity of Friends in
their own country, whose conversations and examples are
not savoury, as becomes the truth ; Friends in the several
counties should be aware of such, and give no encourage
ment nor countenance to them ; but, warn them to return,
and settle in their places and honest employments, and
seek unity with their own meetings.
And, dear Friends, the prosperity of truth, the increase
of love, unity, and peace, amongst all Friends in their re
spective meetings, and in general, is greatly desired by us.
And that every one watch against, and shut out all occasions
of offences, contentions and divisions ; and in the name of
the Lord stop and judge down all whisperings, tale-bearing,
backbiting, and evil speaking tending thereunto. And be kind

48
and tender-hearted one to another ; and earnestly labour and
press for universal love, union, and peace in all the churches
of Christ. And walk wisely and circumspectly towards aU
men, in the peaceable Spirit of Christ Jesus ; giving no
offence, nor occasions, to those in outward government, nor
way to any controversies, heats, or distractions of this world,
about the kingdoms thereof. But pray for the good of all,
and submit all to that Divine power and wisdom which
rules over the kingdoms of men. That, as the Lord's
hidden ones, that are always quiet in the land, and as those
prudent ones and wise in heart, who know when and where
to keep silent, you may all approve your hearts to God ;
keeping out of all airy discourses and words, that may any
ways become snares, or hurtful to truth or Friends, as
being sensible that any personal occasion of reproach causes
a reflection upon the body.
And, Friends, let every one be watchful against an
earthly Spirit getting up in any ; for that will choak the
good seed, and bring forth a slighting or neglecting your
testimony in your First-day and Week-day meetings, and
bring a decay of your strength and zeal for God and his
truth, and bring a weakness upon you ; by reason whereof
such will not be able to "stand in an hour of temptation.
And, dear Friends, for the Lord's sake, exercise your
Christian care in the education of your children in the
fear of God, and plainness and simplicity of truth, both in
language and habits.
It was agreed by Friends, with one consent, that this
Meeting be continued the next year, at the usual time, as
the Lord shall please to make way for it ; and that in
order thereunto, two sound faithful Friends in every
county may be desired to come up, that know the state of
Friends and their sufferings in their respective counties.
And to such as are now here we leave it to give a further
account of this Meeting, and of the good service and
effects thereof Blessed be the Lord for ever. And the
God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Signed in behalf, and by order, of the Meeting
aforesaid,
BENJAMIN SEALING.

49
THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WHO have known the Lord's eternal arm and power,
that hath preserved you upon the heavenly rock and foun
dation, and hath built your house upon it; you have known
many winds, tempests, and storms, that have risen out of
that.sea where the beast rose ; and many raging storms that
have risen by apostates of several sorts : but the seed (that
bruises the serpent's head, which is the foundation of God's
people) stands sure. And therefore, dear Friends and
Brethren, tho' there be great shakings in the world, the
Lord's power is over all, and his kingdom cannot be shaken.
And therefore, all ye children of God, and children of the
light, and heirs of his kingdom, a joyful peaceable habita
tion keep in ; keeping out of all the heats, contentions, and
disputes, about things below. And lay hands on no man,
nor no thing, suddenly; lest they should be puffed up with
that which fades, and so come to loss. But mind the Lord's
power, that keeps open your heavenly eye, to see things
present and to come; and in that you will see and handle
the word of life.
And, dear Friends every-where, have power over your
own spirits. As God hath blessed you with his outward
things, have a care of trusting in them; or falling into
difference one with another about these outward things that
are below, which will pass away. But all live in the love
of God ; and, in that, live in peace with God, and one with
another. And follow the works of charity; and overcome
the evil with the good to all. For what good have all the
tinklers done with their cymbals and sounding brass ? They
always bred confusion, and never did good in any age ;
tinkling with their cymbals, and sounding with their brass,
to draw out the simple to follow them. And therefore it is
good for all the children of God to keep in their possession
of life, and the love of God, that is everlasting.
And as for all the tumults of the world, and the apostates
from the truth, the Lord's power is over them all, and
Christ reigns. And the Lord saith, " No weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper." And now, Friends,

50
you are not insensible how many weapons have been
formed against us, who are the sons and daughters of
God; and the Lord hath restrained them; according to
his promise, they have not prospered. And the Lord said,
" Every tongue that shall rise up in judgment against thee,
thou shalt condemn." So God hath given such a power
to his children to condemn all the tongues that shall rise up
in judgment against them. And this is the heritage of the
servants of the Lord, " Their righteousness is of me, saith
the Lord." And you are not insensible of the many
tongues that have risen up against us in judgment; yea of
apostates and profane : but in and with the truth and the
power of God, according to the promise of God, " Every
tono-ue that riseth against thee, thou shalt condemn." So
it is not one tongue only thou shalt condemn; but " Every
tongue that shall rise up in judgment against thee, thou
shalt condemn." So the Lord giveth this power to his
servants and children to judge the evil tongues. And he
doth restrain the w^eapons formed against them, so that
they shall not prosper against his children that he hath
begotten. Praises and honour be to his holy Name for
ever. Amen.
G. F.

EPISTLE, 1690.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 9th, 10th, and 11th, of the Fourth Month, 1690.
Dear and Faithful Friends and Brethren,
WE dearly salute you all in the Lord, with very dear
and brotherly love, beyond words. We have still
cause greatly to praise and magnify the pure holy name of
the Lord our God, for his continued goodness, power, and
presence with us until this day, as much as ever since we

were a people, to the greatly tendering and enlarging the
hearts of many. Blessed be the Lord our God for ever.
We are also greatly comforted at this our solemn and
weighty assembly, to have so many lively accounts of the
love and unity, peace and quietness, among Friends ; and of
the prosperity of truth, and increase of meetings in divers
parts, and an openness and good desires in many people
after the blessed truth ; aud in the good order and care in
the respective meetings of Friends concerned in truth's
affairs in Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, &c. ; and that
the spirit of division and separation is much weakened and
decreased. In all which we must acknowledge the great
power and work of our God in the prosperity thereof, and
his great love and care over his heritage. Magnified be
his blessed name and power for ever.
The tender sense and Christian care of this our Yearly-
Meeting we are engaged faithfully to communicate to you,
in these following particulars :
The suffering that at present chiefly remains upon faithful
Friends in divers counties in this nation, by imprisonment
and spoil of goods, is for their Christian testimony against
the oppression of Tithes ; of which we have account at this
Meeting of about forty-six still remaining prisoners ; and
many others have their goods taken away, in some places
excessively. And therefore this Meeting renew their
desires that true accounts be kept upon record, as well of
the taking away goods in that case, as of imprisonment ;
because in some places there is a defect in that particular.
And also it is our desire, for the sake of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and his holy testimony, that all Friends be faithful to
him in their testimony against Tithes of all sorts; knowing
that since they were ended by Christ, they were imposed [by,]
and originally sprung from that antichristian root, a Popish
Usurpation in Church and State. And that Friends would
tenderly consider, that where any decline their testimony,
or are negligent in this weighty case, they do thereby
increase the weight and burden of sufferings upon them that
are faithful, and strengthen the hands of their adversaries.
And, dear Friends, it is our Christian and earnest advice
and counsel to all Friends concerned (so far as they are
D 2

33
able, or may be capable), to provide school-masters and
mistresses who are feithful Friends, to teach and instruct
their children, And not to send them to such schools
where they are taught the corrupt ways, manners, fashions,
and language of the world, and of the Heathen in their
authors, and names of the heathenish gods and goddesses ;
tending greatly to corrupt and alienate the minds of chil
dren into an averseness or opposition against the truth, and
the simplicity of it : but to take care that you train up your
children in the good nurture, admonition, and fear of the
Lord, in that plainness and language which become truth.
And parents and masters, &c. to be good examples to them,
in a sober and g6dly conversation, and plainness of speech.
And not to use the word yon, or ye, to a child or servant,
&c. nor suffer your substance to be bestowed on your chil
dren to furnish them with such things as tend to pride, and
to lift them up in vanity, or affect them with the vain
fashions of the world.
And also it is our advice and earnest desire, that parents
and guardians of children, in the fear of God, take special
care to prevent those under their charge from being engaged
or entangled with any upon the account of marriage, before
all things relating to their outward estates be firmly agreed
on both parts ; that so no breach may be made upon the
account of outward things, to the hurt or prejudice of
young people.
And we do also, in the name of the Lord, advise and
exhort all young and unmarried people among Friends,
that they do not make any motion or procedure one with
atiother upon the account of marriage, without first ac
quainting their parents or guardians therewith; and duly
waiting upon them for their consent and agreement therein.
And we also advise, that, in the first place, all young
persons concerned seriously wait upon the Lord for counsel
and clearness in this weighty concern, before they make any
motion or procedure with any in order to marriage; that
the Lord may be in their eye : so as they may not be led
by any forward, brittle, or uncertain affections in this great
concern, to their own hurt, grief of their friends, and dishon
our of truth. And let it be the godly concern of both Monthly.

53
and Quarterly Meetings, to be careful and mindful of the
preservation and good of children in this matter, as here
proposed and signified; and not to omit giving due and
faithful warnings and admonitions in this great and weighty
concern.. Several good and comfortable epistles from Friends in
divers parts were read in this Meeting ; as Barbadoes, New
Jersey, Antigua, Bermudas, Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam,
and Dantzick, &c. signifying the states and conditions of
Friends in those parts, and that love and unity are con
tinued amongst them ; and that truth prospers in New
England, and other American parts.
By letters from Ireland, we understand that their meet
ings are peaceable and quiet,^ But as to their outward
substance, many have sustained great loss, and are brought
low, by the common calamity that lies upon that nation.
In consideration whereof. Friends of the Meeting for Suf
ferings have already taken some care to convey some relief
to them, according to last Yearly Meeting's advice. Which
being done, was kindly and tenderly accepted of by Friends
concerned in the north of Ireland. And the further care
concerning them is still continued to the said Meeting for
Sufferings. By their letters from Amsterdam and Dantzick, we un
derstand that our Friends in Dantzick are again impri
soned ; and that nothing is laid to their charge, but meeting
together to wait upon the Lord ; nor any thing else required
of them by the magistrates, but to promise to depart from
that city ; which they cannot for conscience sake consent to.
This Meeting has ordered something to be sent over to
the Friends of Amsterdam, for the present relief of our
said suffering Friends at Dantzic. And in case there shall
be further need before the next year, this Meeting doth
entrust the Meeting for Sufferings here to supply their
necessities, as they shall see cause.
The Friends appointed to view the accounts, report that
they have found them well stated and kept; and judge that
there is no present necessity for a further contribution this
year. And also that they are very sensible of the great
care, labours, and endeavours of Friends at London with

54
the government in Friends' behalf, for their ease and relief;
which the Lord has made effectual in several respects.
And as concerning our Friends at Mequinez and Sallee,
endeavours have not been wanting to obtain their redemp
tion ; but as yet it cannot be effected. We hear from them
that they are well ; and desire that their loves might be
communicated to Friends here in their native country.
And we give you notice, that tlie six Friends of the city,
that are entrusted this year with- the accounts, are Walter
Miers Walter Benthall, Thomas Cooper, Thomas Lacy,
George Green, and Hercey Wilson,
And, dear Friends, although we gave plain and Christian
advice and admonition last year for Friends to beware of
all airy discourses, disputes and controversies, about the
kingdoms of this world; that all might walk wisely and
circumspectly, in subjection to the divine and over-ruling
power and wisdom of God ; yet contrariwise, to our grief,
we have heard too much complaint and reflections, occa
sioned by some who have not observed a true bridle to their
tongues, but have been too busy, loose and airy, in dis
courses of that nature. And therefore we do exhort and
admonish all such in the fear of God, and as they have
respect unto his holy truth and innocent people, and their
own safety, to be watchful, careful, and circumspect for
time to come; that none may suffer as busy-bodies, nor
bring sufferings or reproach, or cause jealousies to be raised,
upon or against others that are innocent ; and singly desire
the preservation, safety and peace of all Friends, in truth
and innocency towards all men. And that all Friends be
truly thankful to God for the present mercy, as to the peace
and liberty and blessed opportunities we now enjoy ; and
desire that all Friends may make a faithful improvement
thereof; and may shew it forth by their diligent attending
upon the worship and service of God, at the usual times
and seasons appointed for the same.
Lastly, it is agreed and concluded unanimously, that this
Meeting be continued the next year, at the usual time, as
the Lord shall please to give us liberty and make way for
the same. And that in order thereunto, two faithful and
, understanding Friends in eyery county may be desired to

55
come up ; who may be enabled to give a certain account of
the condition and sufferings of Friends in their respective
counties. And we leave it to Friends that are now come up to this
meeting, to give further account of the good service and
advantage thereof, through the Lord's love and goodness
plentifully manifested amongst us. Blessed be his glorious
name and power for ever.
The God of peace, and fountain of all our mercies, be
with you all. Amen.
Signed in behalf and by order of the
Meeting aforesaid,
BENJAMIN BEALING.
THE EPISTLE FROM GEORGE FOX.
ALL Friends every-where, that are alive to God
through Jesus Christ, and living members of Christ, the
Jioly head, be still; and sand still in the Lord's camp of
holiness and righteousness ; and therein see the salvation
of God, and your eternal life, rest, and peace. And in it
you may feel and see the Lord's power is over all; and
how the Lord is at work in his power, and ruling the
nations with his rod of iron, and is breaking (in the nations)
the old leaky vessels and cisterns to pieces, like the potters
vessels, that will not hold his living water of life, who are
erred from the Spirit.
But blessed be the Lord God of heaven and earth, who
by his eternal arm and power hath settled all his people
upon the living holy rock and foundation, that stands sure :
whom he hath drawn by his Spirit to his Son,, and gathered
them into the name of Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth ; who hath all power in heaven and
earth given to him; whose name is above every name under
the whole heaven ; and all his living members know there
is no salvation given by any other name under the whole
heaven, but by the name of Jesus. And He, their salvation
and their living head, is felt in the midst of them, in his light,
life. Spirit, grace, and truth, and his word of patience, wis
dom, and power. Who is his people's prophet, that God

56
hath raised up in his new testament and covenant, to open
to them ; and their living shepherd, that hath purchased,
redeemed, and bought them with his precious blood.
And Christ, the living one, feeds his living sheep in his
living pastures' of life. And his living sheep know their
living shepherd's voice, with his living bread and water,
and follow him; and will not follow any of the world's
hirelings, nor thieves, nor robbers, nor climbers, that are
without Christ, the door. And likewise Christ's living
children know Christ, the bishop of their souls, to oversee
them with his heavenly and spiritual eye, that they may be
preserved in his fold of life, and go no more forth. And
also they know Christ their holy priest, that by the grace
of God tasted death for them, and for every man ; and is a
propitiation for their sins ; and not for their sins only, but
for the sins of the whole world ; and by the one offering
up of himself, he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified. And such an high-priest becomes Christ's sheep in his
new covenant and testament, who is holy and harmless, and
separate from sinners, and is made higher than the heavens;
who is not made a priest after the order of Aaron, with his
tithes and offerings, &c. but he makes an end of all these
things, and hath abolished them ; and is made an high-
priest after the power of an endle.ss life : who fever liveth
to make intercession for his people, and is able to save to
the uttermost all that come to God through him : who is
the one holy mediator betwixt God and man, &c. who
sanctifies his people (his church that He is head of) and
presents them to God without spot, or wrinkle, or blemish,
or any such thing ; and makes them a royal priesthood, to
offer up spiritual holy sacrifices, acceptable to God by
Jesus Christ ; who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords
in the earth ; so a holy heavenly king, who hath all power in
heaven and earth given to him, and rules in all the hearts
of his sheep and lambs, by his holy, divine, precious faith,
that is held in all the pure consciences of his people ; which
holy faith, Christ the Holy One is the author and finisher
of. By which holy faith all the just live: and in which
holy and divine precious faith, all the just and holy ones,

57
have unity ; and by it they do quench all the fiery darts
of Satan ; and by this holy, divine, and precious faith, they
have access to the pure God, in which they do please him.
And Christ, who is set on the right hand of the throne
of the majesty in the heavens, in his new testament and
new covenant, is a minister of the sanctuary and true taber
nacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man. And
therefore all the lambs and sheep of Christ must feel this
holy minister in their temple and sanctuary ; who ministers
spiritual, holy, and heavenly things to them in their sanc
tuary and tabernacle. For all the tabernacles and sanc
tuaries that are built or pitched by man, men make'
ministers for them. And such ministers are of men, and
by men, with their worldly sanctuaries and tabernacles of
men's pitching, by men's hands.
And now, all dear Friends and Brethren every-where,
that are the flock of Christ, Christ, our Passover, is sacri
ficed for us. Therefore let us all keep this heavenly feast
of our passover in his new testament and covenant, not
with old leaven, neither of malice nor wickedness; but let
all that be purged out (with the sour old leavened bread)
that all may become a new lump ; and so keep this
heavenly feast of Christ, our heavenly passover, with the
unleavened bread (mark, with the unleavened bread) of
sincerity and truth. My desires are, that all the flock of
Christ every-where may keep this heavenly feast of Christ,
our heavenly passover, with his heavenly unleavened bread
of sincerity and truth, Amen. ^ p

EPISTLE, 1691.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England,
Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting held in London,
The 1st, 3nd, 3rd, and 4th of the Fourth Month, 1691.
Dear and Faithful Friends and Brethren,
WE tenderly salute you all in our Lord Jesus Christ,
.and blessed union of his precious life ; who hath

58
eminently appeared among us and with us, in this our
heavenly solemnity ; still ministering fresh encouragement
unto us, by his divine power and counsel, to persevere in
faithfulness and diligence in his work and service to the
end of our days, and finishing our course with joy, as many
of his dear antient and faithful servants have already done.
Blessed be his glorious name for ever.
We are much comforted at this our weighty assembly,
in the many good accounts given as heretofore of truth's
prosperity, and the increase of Christ's kingdom, and the
abounding of love, peace and unity, among Friends ; and
the decrease and dying of the spirit of division and enmity
in divers places where it has entered ; and that meetings
are increased, and many people's hearts opened to hear
and receive the truth : and that in some places new
meeting-houses are erected,and others about preparing and
building ; which are and will be of great advantage for
truth's promotion, we doubt not, as experience hath long
and clearly shewn : and that good order and Christian care
in your meetings aforesaid, is, and we hope will be, con
tinued in the service of truth and one another, to the
honour of God, and exaltation of his holy name and truth,
and the strengthening and encouraging of Friends in
general, and one another in the service thereof; which our
souls earnestly desire, and hope you will ever be mindful
of; that our God may have his praise, and you all your
lasting peace and comfort.
We perceive the suffering that chiefly remains on faith
ful Friends in divers counties, by imprisonment and spoil of
goods, doth increase, for our antient Christian testimony
against the old and grand oppression of Tithes ; we having
now account of about eighty Friends prisoners on that
account ; whose faithfulness the Lord will reward. And
we desire that the same Christian testimony may be duly
kept up ; and such as are unfaithful therein be diligently
exhorted to obedience and faithfulness to Christ Jesus;
that they may not strengthen the persecutor's hands, increase
others sufferings, nor make void truth's testimony therein,
which so many have offered up and laid down their
lives for.

59
These things are also recommended to your godly care ;
and it is our tender and Christian advice, for the Lord's
sake, and his blessed name and truth's sake, that Friends
be diligent in keeping tlieir Week-day meeting.s as duly as
on First-days, in his worship and service; and that you do
encourage the faithful Women's Meetings, and the settling
them where they are wanting, and may with convenience
be settled; knowing their service, and what need there is
also of their godly care in the church of Christ' in divers
weighty respects, proper to them. And that great care be
taken about marriages, for the consent of parents, due and
orderly publication thereof, and solemnizing of them in a
meeting appointed for that end and purpose ; which method
is convenient and commendable, as it has been lately made
appear in the eye of the government, and well resented.
And that Friends be reminded of this Meeting's former
advice against marriage with near kindred, and against
marrying by priests, and with persons of the world,
unequally yoking with unbelievers ; and against too early
and unsavoury proceedings in second marriages after the
death of husband or wife, contrary to the due method
and practice of faithful Friends in truth, and tending to
the dishonour and reproach thereof.
And that Friends take care to keep to truth and plain
ness, in language, habit, deportment and behaviour ; that
the simplicity of truth in these things may not wear out
nor be lost in our days, nor in our posterity's ; and be
exemplary to their children in each, and train them up
therein ; that modesty and sobriety may be countenanced,
and the fear of the Lord take place and increase among
them : and to avoid pride and immodesty in apparel, and
extravagant wigs, and all other vain and superfluous
fashions of the world; and in God's holy fear watch against
and keep out the spirit and corrupt friendship of the world;
and that no fellowship may be held or had with the un
fruitful works of darkness, nor therein with the workers
thereof And to avoid unnecessary frequenting taverns,
ale-houses, all looseness, excess, and unprofitable and idle
discourses, mis-spending their precious time and substance,
to the dishonour of truth, and scandal ofour holy profession.

60
Let your godly care and earnest endeavours be to stop and
prevent all reproaches and scandals in these or any other
cases. And that all Friends watch over their children:
and none to indulge or suffer them in pride, or corrupt
liberty ; whereby they become exposed to the world, to be
insnared either in their marriages, or evil conversation,
tending to their hurt and ruin. And that Friends keep to
their wonted example and testimony against the supersti
tious observation of days.
It is also the advice of this Meeting, that all and every
your meeting-houses, and mansion-houses where meetings
are or may be, be entered upon record, as the law directs ;
each particularly: we having seen both the service and
safety thereof, and the hurt and danger that may come hy
the omission. And that care be taken in each Monthly
Meeting, that Friends who have estates to dispose of, hy
will or otherwise, be particularly advised to make their
wills, or settle their estates, in due time ; to prevent the
inconveniencies, loss and trouble, that may follow upon
their relations and friends, and injury to the poor, through
their dying intestate. Delays and omissions in this case
having been very prejudicial in divers respects.
We are glad to hear that care is taken in some places,
according to former advice, for the providing school-mas
ters and mistresses who are faithful Friends, to instruct
Friends' children in such method as truth allows. And we
desire that Friends go on in that care to promote such
education and schools, for the advantage of their children
and posterity.
Divers good epistles "aud accounts were read in this
Meeting from foreign parts ; as Ireland, Scotland, Amster
dam, Dantzic, Jamaica, Nevis, Maryland, Rhode-Island
(and two from Friends, captives at Mequinez in Barbary,
under the Emperor of Morocco) intimating the prosperity
of truth, and the peace and unity of Friends among them
selves, and their love to Friends in this nation ; and in
many places their want of faithful labourers ; and their
desire for the spreading of truth as much as may be, both
by Friends' books and ministry ; and also to be furnished
with books, as Friends can send them.

61
There yet remain nine English Friends captives at
Mequinez, and three at Murbay ; who have received the
truth there (it being three or four day's journey distant),
who correspond with each other by letters. One Friend
(to wit, Joseph Wasey) being lately redeemed, and newly
come over, gave a large account to this Meeting of their
miserable hard usage in captivity ; having no lodging but
under arches, in deep places on the cold ground, winter
and summer ; only water for their drink ; and no bread
allowed them by the king, but of old rotten stinking barley ;
and no clothes, but a frock once in two years ; and forced
to hard labour (except three days in a year) ; and more
especially on the sixth day of the week (which is their day
of worship) they are compelled to carry heavy burdens on
their heads, running from sun-rising to sun-sett\ng, with
brutish black boys following with whips and stripes at their
pleasure. Many of the other captives perish and die,
through their extreme hardships, and want of food to sus
tain them : as in all likelihood Friends there had, if
Friends and their relations here had not sent them some
relief: seven pence a month, formerly allowed them by
the king, being now taken from them. Their sufferings
are lamentable ; ye'^ the Lord's Power has wonderfully
preserved them, and greatly restrained the fury and cruelty
of that Emperor towards poor Friends there ; in whose
behalf the said Joseph Wasey did, by an interpreter, speak
to the said Emperor ; giving him an account of their inno
cent conversation and religion; which he heard with
moderation ; tho' he often kills men in cold blood at his
pleasure. Joseph Wasey also signified, that Friends' day-time being
taken up with hard servitude, they are necessitated to keep
their meetings in the night-season to wait on God. And
that the aforesaid captive Friends were very thankful for
the relief sent from hence ; which was very refreshing to
them. An epistle from Friends' Half-year Meeting in Ireland
was read ; giving an account, that notwithstanding Friends'
great suffering and exercise in that kingdom, Friends there
have been well supported by the Lord's power under the

62
same ; having yet left them wherewithal to relieve them
that stand in need and are impoverished. And accordingly
our dear and ancient Friend William Edmundson (who
lately came from Ireland, having with his family undergone
deep suffering) also acquainted the Meeting, that although
Friends there have undergone great sufferings and losses,
yet care is taken, that no Friends need now come from
thence for want of a present supply, or without a certificate
from Friends of some meeting there. Wherefore, if there
be necessity hereafter to minister to their relief, when they
are capable to receive and make use thereof, it is left to
the care of the Meeting for Sufferings here, to give you
notice thereof ia its time and season, when further necessity
shall require.
We do also acquaint you, that the Friends appointed by
this Meeting to inspect the accounts, report back to this
.Meeting, that they find them truly stated and fairly kept :
and nothing of what was contributed towards captives'
redemption is disbursed this year past; no opportunity
having yet presented for their redemption, tho' much
endeavoured ; but sixty pounds added, being repaid by
Levin Buskin, who was a captive redeemed from Algiers
some years since. But that the contribution, intended for
the ease and relief of suffering and necessitous Friends, is
wholly expended and in debt, by reason of the urgent
occasions to endeavour the ease and relief of Friends that
do or may suffer in divers general cases (and also the cha
rity bestowed upon divers of our suffering Friends and
Brethren of Ireland, both there and here) ; wherein our
Friends of London have been very industrious, and intend
not to be wanting therein, as the Lord shall yet afford op
portunity. Whereupon they offer it to this Meeting as
their judgment, that it is needful there should be a further
supply? ^y a general contribution among Friends, for the
like service, to be made this year. Which being duly and
weightily considered, this Meeting agrees unanimously, that
a contribution be made by Friends throughout ail the
several meetings of Friends in England and Wales, for
the supply and service of F^riends and truth, as aforesaid.
And it is recommended by this Meeting to the Quarterly

63
and Monthly Meetings aforesaid ; who are desired to take
care therein with as much convenient speed as may be;
and to return the collections to the six Friends of the city,
who are intrusted this year with the accounts; namely,
Thomas Lacy, Thomas Cooper, George Green, Hercey
Wilson, Jos. Wright, and Cornelius Mason, or any of them.
This Meeting agrees, for the taking off and spreading
Friends' books for the service of Truth, that such a number
of Friends' books as shall be hereafter printed by their ap
probation (excepting collections of books) be taken off by
each Quarterly Meeting, as will only amount to two books
of a sort to each Monthly Meeting ; provided the two books
do not both exceed one shilling in price. And if any one
book be above six-pence price, then but one of that sort to
each Monthly Meeting ; who may send for as many more
as they may have occasion for, or desire [we understand
there are about 151 Monthly Meetings in England and
Wales] : and that the said books be sent by the several
correspondents in London (or by their order) to the corres
pondents of each county ; who are desired to send up the
money for the books, when received, to the Friends that are
correspondents in London ; and to be diligent in spreading
Friends' books for truth's service.
It is unanimously agreed and concluded, that this Meet
ing be continued the next year, as formerly, at the usual
time, as the Lord shall make way for it. And that, for the
service of truth and the churches of Christ, two faithful
understanding Friends in every county, who are truly
approved, in universal love and unity and peace among
Friends from whence they come, may be desired to come
up ; who may be enabled to give a certain and clear
account of the condition and sufferings of Friends, and
truth's prosperity, in their respective counties.
And, dear Friends and Brethren, we do, in the love of
God, tenderly recommend all the foregoing matters con
tained in this paper to your godly and Christian care, to
observe and manage in his wisdom and counsel ; as having
an eye to the service and prosperity of truth, preservation
of his people therein, and the peace of the churches of

64
Christ, and increase of his kingdom and government in
this age, and in the ages to come.
The God of peace be with you all. In whose dear
love we remain,
Your Faithful Friends and Brethren.
It is desired that Friends keep the Yearly Meeting
apers together in a book, in each Monthly and
Quarterly Meeting.
Signed in behalf ofour said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BKALING.
An Epistle of dear G. F.'s (which was written with his
own hand, and left spaled up, with this superscrip
tion ; viz. Not to be opened before the time) was
read, and agreed to be printed with this Yearly
Meeting paper, as followeth.
For the Yearly and Second - Day's Meeting in London /
And to all the Children of God in all Places in
the World.
BY AND FROM GEORGE FOX.
This for all the Children of God everywhere ; that are
led by his Spirit, and do walk in his light ; in which
they have life, and unity and fellowship with the
Father and the Son, and one with another :
KEEP all your meetings in the name of the Lord Jesus,
that be gathered in his name, by his light, grace, truth,
power, and Spirit : by which you will feel his blessed and
refreshing presence among you, and in you, to your comfort,
and God's glory.
And now, all Friends, all your meetings, both Mens' and
Womens', Monthly and Quarterly, and Yearly, &c, were
set up by the power, and Spirit, and Wisdom of God,
And in them you do know that you have felt both his
power, and Spirit, and wisdom, and blessed refreshing
presence among you and in you, to his praise and^glory,
and your comfort ; so that you have been a city set on a
hill, that cannot be hid.

65
And although many loose and unruly spirits have risen
betimes to oppose you and them, both in print and other
wise ; yet you have seen how they have come to nought;
and the Lord hath blasted them, and brought their deeds to
light, and made them manifest to be the trees without fruit,
and wells without water, and wandering stars from the fir
mament of God's power, and the raging waves of the sea,
casting up their mire and dirt ; and many of them are like
the dog turned to his old vomit, and the sow thtit was
washed turned again to the mire. And this hath been the
condition of many, God knoweth, and his people.
And therefore, all stand stedfast in Christ Jesus, your
head ; in whom you all are one, male and female ; and
know his government. And of the increase of his govern
ment and peace there shall be no end. But there will be
an end of the devil's, and of all them that be out of Christ,
and do oppose it and him ; whose judgment doth not linger,
and their damnation doth not slumber. And therefore, in
God and Christ's light, life, spirit, and power, live and
walk (that is over all, and the seed of it), in love, and in
innocency, and simplicity: and in righteousness and
holiness dwell, and in his power and Holy Ghost, in
which God's kingdom doth stand.
All children of new and heavenly Jerusalem (that is
from above, and is free, with all her holy spiritual children)
to her keep your eyes.
And as for this spirit of rebellion and opposition, that
hath risen formerly and lately, it is out of the kingdom of
God, and heavenly Jerusalem ; and is for judgment and
condemnation, with all its books, words, and works. And,
therefore, Friends are to live and walk in the power and
Spirit of God, that is over it ; and in the seed that will
bruise and break it to pieces: In which seed you have joy
and peace with God, and power and authority to judge it.
And your unity is in the power arid Spirit of God, that
doth judge it. And all God's witnessec in his tabernacle
go out against it, and always have and will.
And let no man live to self, but to the Lord, as they will
die in him. And seek the peace of the church of Christ,
and the peace of all men in him : for blessed are the peace-
E

66
makers. And dwell in the pure, peaceable, heavenly wis
dom of God, that is gentle, and easy to be intreated, that
is full of mercy : all striving to be of one mind, heart, soul,
and judgment in Christ, having his mind and Spirit dwell
ing in you ; building up one another in the love of God,
which doth edify the body of Christ (his church), who is the
holy head thereof. So glory to God through Christ, in this
age, and all other ages ; who is the rock and foundation,
and the Emanuel, God with us, Amen, over all, the begin
ning and the ending. In him live and walk ; in whom you
have life eternal ; in whom you will feel me, and I you.
All children of New Jerusalem that descends from above
(the holy city and the temple which the Lord and the Lamb
is the light of), in it they are born again of the Spirit. So
Jerusalem that is above is the mother of them that are
born of the Spirit. And so they that come, and are come,
to heavenly Jerusalem, are those that receive Christ (and'
he giveth them power to become the sons of God), arid are
born again of the Spirit ; so Jerusalem is their mother :
and such do come to heavenly Mount Sion, and the innu
merable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men
made perfect ; and are come to the church of the living
God, written in heaven; and have the name of God, and
the city of God, written upon them. So here is a new
mother, that bringeth forth a heavenly and spiritual gene
ration. There is no schism, nor division, nor contention, nor
strife, in heavenly Jerusalem, nor in the body of Christ ;
which is made up of living stones, a spiritual house : and
Christ is not divided ; for in him there is peace. Christ
saith, " In me you haye peace :" and he is from above,
and not of this world : but in the world below, in the
spirit of it, there is trouble. Therefore keep in Christ, and
walk in him. Amen. ^ „
G. F.
And Jerusalem was the mother of all the true Christians
before the apostacy. And since, the outward Chris
tians are broken into many sects, and they have
gotten many mothers. But all they that are come
out of the apostacy, by the power and Spirit of

67
Christ, Jerusalem, that is above, is their mother
(and none below her), who doth nourish all her
spiritual children. p p
London, the 4th of the Fourth Month, 1691.
Dear Friends,
WE, being appointed, by dear George Fox and the
Yearly Meeting, to consider of a method for the printing
his books, papers, epistles, and manuscripts, desire you will
make search in your Quarterly and Monthly Meeting Books,
and among Friends, what books, papers, epistles, or manu
scripts you have of his ; and send up the titles, and dates of
them that are dated, and the first and last words or sentence
of each book, paper, or manuscript; that we may the better
distinguish one from another, of all books, papers, or
manuscripts, written or printed.
So, not doubting your care and diligence herein, with our
dear loves, we rest, Your Friends and Brethren,
John Blaiklin, John Whitehead,
George Whitehead, Thomas Robbertson,
Thomas Dockwra, Benjamin Antrobus,
William Mead, Thomas Lower,
John House, Thomas Ellwood,
John Vaughton, John Field.
Stephen Crisp,

EPISTLE, 1692.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 16th, 17th, 18th, and I9th of the Third Month, 1692.
Dear and Faithful Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the Lord with very dear and tender
love, which lives in our hearts towards you all,
and God's whole heritage ; which we earnestly desire the
E 2

68
prosperity of, in that pure life, love, peace, and concord
in Christ Jesus, which will endure ; being truly comforted
and refreshed, as heretofore, to hear of truth's prosperity,
and the Lord's work going forward, and of the faithfulness
and love that is among Friends in this and other nations of
the world. And we have great cause still to bless the name
of our God, for his preserving and supporting us by his
power to this day ; and for that blessed immediate sense
thereof, and reviving and comforting of many thereby, in
our solemn assemblies at this time.
The most material things of concern agreed upon, as
desired by this Meeting, and many faithful Friends and
Brethren, we do hereby faithfully recommend to your godly
care and observation, as heretofore.
Being sensible how incident youth is to be corrupted,
and how liable to corrupt and hurt one another by evil
example and liberty, it is earnestly requested, that all
parents among Friends take all godly and Christian care in
the education of their children, and be good examples to
them, and not to allow them in any thing, that may gratify
a vain mind, in immodest apparel, or foolish garbs, or other
extravagancies, tending to their hurt, and reproach of our
holy profession, and incurring God's displeasure and judg
ment, which stands against the pride of life and haughtiness:
but, sincerely to use their best endeavours to train them up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in sobriety,
modesty, and plainness in apparel, language, and conversa
tion, as becometh our holy profession and Christian
religion. And, that Friends be careful and diligent to keep up their
ancient Christian testimony against the oppression of tithes :
for the more faithful and unanimous Friends are therein
we are really persuaded, the Lord will the sooner make way
for our ease and deliverance from that burden. And
Friends to be careful to record all the sufferings in that,
and other cases for the truth: for we understand that
Friends sufferings do increase in divers places : we having
now, account of one hundred and eleven prisoners, chiefly
for non-payment of tithes, besides nine prisoners deceased
since last Yearly Meeting.

69
And, to prevent reproach and division in the cases fol
lowing, it is advised and earnestly desired, that the pay
ment of just debts be not delayed, by any professing truth,
beyond the time promised and agreed upon : nor occafsion
given of complaint to those they deal with, by their back
wardness of payment, where no time is limited : nor any to
9vercharge themselves with too much trading and com
merce beyond their capacities to discharge a good conscience
towards all men : and that all Friends concerned be very
careful not to contract extravagant debts, to the endan
gering the wronging others and their families ; which some
have done, to the grieving the hearts of the upright : nor
to breal^ their promises, contracts, or agreements, in their
buying and selling (or in any other lawful affairs), to the
injuring themselves and others, occasioning strife, conten
tion, and reproach to truth and Friends. And, it is advised,
that all Friends that are entering into trade, or that are in
trade, and have not stocks sufficient of their own to answfer
the trade they aim at, be very cautious of running them
selves into debt, without advising with some of their
ancient and experienced Friends among whom they live ;
and more especially such trading as hath its dependence
upon sea adventures.
And, that in all cases of controversy and difference, the
persons concerned therein either speedily compose the
difference between themselves, or make choice of some
faithful unconcerned Friends to determine the same, and
they to stand to their determination : or otherwise, if they
cannot agree upon the choice, to submit to the Monthly
Meeting's choice of certain persons meet to inspect and
determine the controversy, and to stand to their award and
final determination thereof; that such controversies may
not be continued to cause a stink and reproach ; for they
are a great shame and scandal.
And, that care be taken for the speedy ending of all
controversies and differences among Friends ; and aU
Friends to take heed of being parties with one or another
for the prolonging thereof. And such persons as refuse
to submit to truth's order, or to hear the church of Christ,

70
are to be disowned and testified against, according to
Christ's doctrine on that behalf
And all Friends and Brethren to be careful and watchful
against all whisperings, backbitings, and tale-carry ing, to
the defaming of Friends or others, and to put a speedy
stop thereto; and pass righteous judgment upon all whis
perers and backbiters, who appear instruments of division
and offences, contrary to that peaceable truth and gospel
we profess.
And, that where any have received offence from any
other, first to speak privately to the party concerned, and
endeavour reconciliation between themselves ; and not to
whisper or aggravate matters against them behind their
backs, to the making parties, and the breach wider.
And, concerning Friends' marriages,, with respect to the
usual, due, orderly, and commendable proceedings therein,
being a matter of very great and weighty concern to the
whole body of Friends in general, as well as in particular,
for which we have been, and are yet liable to be called to
an account by the government, there having been several
great endeavours to provide a severe law against clandes
tine marriages, not yet brought to an issue, and great care
among Friends to vindicate our method to authority, that
nothing might be enacted to affect Friends in that case to
their injury or suffering; we therefore advise, that all such
as profess the truth among Friends, do publish their inten
tions of marriage at two sundry Monthly Meetings at least,
or at two sundry Two-weeks Meetings, in such places
where they are settled, before they solemnize the same ;
that convenient time may be allowed Friends concerned,
for enquiry and satisfaction concerning the consent of
parents and guardians, and their clearness from all scandal
and pre-contracts ; that Friends may own and stand by
their proceedings before the government, and all in autho
rity ; which otherwise they cannot, if they proceed not in
the due and orderly publication and method of truth settled
among Friends ; it being a matter greatly inquired into,
truly warrantable, and to be stood by.
And we signify to you, that though great endeavours

71
have been used for Friends relief from the burthen of the
imposition of oaths, which a large progress has been made
in, and yet hitherto disappointed of the gool ends of
Friends endeavours; howbeit, there is so much prepar tion
and way made already for further endeavours for Friends'
relief in that case, that this Meeting has consented and
agreed, that when the Lord is pleased to open a way for
Friends' ease and relief in that case, further endeavours
may be used to obtain it ; and the Meeting for Sufferings
here is to take care therein.
And this Meeting was well satisfied and very glad in the
sense they had of the innocency and peaceableness of the
body of our Friends iu general, towards the civil govern
ment under which we live, and enjoy our present liberty in
the peaceable exercise of our tender consciences towards
Almighty God ; to whom we are humbly thankful for the
same ; being obliged to demean ourselves, not only as a
grateful people, but, as a Christian society, to live peace
ably and inoffensively under the present- government, as
we have always done, under _the various revolutions of
governments, ever since we were a people, according to
our ancient Christian principle and practice ; in which, we
hope, we shall ever persevere to the end of our days, ac
cording as we are injoined by our peaceable Saviour Christ
Jesus, and the Christian advice of his faithful servants and
ministers among us. We being a people clear in the sight
of God from all evil designs, plots' and conspiracies -« hat-
soever ; and hope in God that we shall continue a people
always quiet in the land, having nothing but love and good
will to all men : for which end we earnestly desire and
hope that a Christian care may not be wanting among you,
for the preservation of our whole society in that innocent
life and peaceable conversation, which is agreeable to our
Christian principle and profession ; wherein He have, from
the beginning, found our safety and peace with God, and
him to be our defence ; being fully persuaded, that this our
ancient Christian testimony (publicly owned among us)
none ca.i gainsay, nor any faithful Friends to God or Christ
can ever decline it ; being assured that our God wiil, in his
own due time, remove all offences and causeless jealousies

72
and reproaches, tending to cloud our innocency, and will set
his own power, and the peaceable kingdom of his dear Son,
over all.
We further intimate to you, that we had at this our
Yearly Meeting divers seasonable and tender Epistles from
our Friends in foreign and remote parts of the world,
'beyond the seas ; as Barbadoes, Jamaica, Maryland, West-
Jersey, Bermudas, and also from Scotland, intimating the
progress and prosperity of Truth, and God's love to
Friends in those parts : and also — an Epistle from Am
sterdam, signifying the prosperity of truth in those parts;
and that at i);intzick there are now no prisoners: and
that the Duke of Holstein has put forth a declaration
for liberty of conscience ; and also that they have re
ceived what was last year sent them, for the relief of
Dantzick Friends ; and that they still stand in need to be
supplied by Friends ; which, care is taken to answer, accord
ingly. They desire to have some Epistles from Friends
here, which would be very acceptable to them. One of
them, Nicholas Rust, a faithful Friend of Dantzick, who
has been a great sufferer there, being now at liberty, is
come over to visit Friends here ; who, though he under
stands not our language, yet is sensible of, and refreshed in
Friends' love and tenderness towards him.
Several letters from Friends, who still remain in their
long and sore captivity in Mequinez, to divers Friends here,
were read ; intimating the state of things with tiiem, and
that they received our Epistles from our last Yearly Meet
ing ; and acknowledged Friends' love and diiigei. cohere in
labouring for their ransom: that since the last Yearly
Meeting, the Lord hath delivered three of them, by death,
out of their great misery and servitude ; who ended their
days in great content and peace : their names are John
Bound, Richard Nevet, and Thomas Harrell. The dis
tressed case of the remainder of them (as last year signified)
is still before Friends ; and divers are engaged, in the love
of God, to use their endeavours for their ransom.
An Epistle came from the Haii- Yearly Meeting in Ireland,
setting forth Friends' present condition ; their tenderly ac
cepting what was formerly ordered for their relief; and

73
also, that the sum of one bundled pounds, remitted from
Friends in Barbadoes, for their further relief, is ordered to
be remitted to them : whereupon this Meeting referred
the further management thereof to the Meeting for Suffer
ings here, to take care for their further supply, as they
shall see ineei.
Friends, appointed to view the accounts, report, that they
find them well and truly stated and kept. And, it is advised,
that, for the future, when there shall be occasion for a fur
ther contribution, Friends, that come from the several
counties, bring up ivith them an account of the total sum of
each collection that may be made in their respective coun
ties, to the next ensuing Yearly Meeting after such
collection is made ; that it may be compared with the
accounts here, for Friends' satisfaction therein.
For the dispersing Friends' books for the service of
truth, advice was given last Yearly Meeting ; which we
desire may be observed. And, it is by this Meeting like
wise agreed and advised, that one book at least of a sort,
that shall be printed (except books of collections), be kept
in each Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, for the future ser
vice of truth and Friends.
The weighty accounts given at this our solemn assembly,
from the respective counties in England and Wales, by the
Friends sent up, as also by some Epistles from several
counties and particular Friends, importing the prosperity
of God's blessed truth, and increase of Christ's government
and peace in his heritage, are greatly to our comfort and
refreshment ; and we humbly thank God, and bless his
Name for the same; being truly rejoiced, and our hearts
affected, in the sense of the Christian care, diligence, love,
unity and peace, among Friends : in which we pray God to
keep all his people faithful unto the end.
The six Friends of the city appointed and entrusted this
year with the accounts, are William Mead, AVilliam
Crouch, William Macket, John Stuploe, Cornelius Mason,
and Joseph Wright.
And it was agreed by Friends at this Meeting, that it
should again be observed the next ye(ir at the same time,
if the Lord will : and that Friends of each county, at

their Quarterly Meeting preceding this time of the year,
do agree upon two faithful Friends of their county to
attend the service of the said Meeting.
We must needs say that we were truly comforted in the
meekness of love and harmony that appeared among
Friends in the management of most of the important affairs
of this Meeting. Altho' the Meeting ended (it being late)
somewhat abruptly to the trouble of some of us, occasioned
partly on divers pressing for its ending, and partly for want
of time to accommodate something under consideration,
which otherwise, on more deliberation, might have been ac
commodated to a more general satisfaction, but we hope,
for the future, care will be taken for a more deliberate
and satisfactory conclusion. This, dear Friends, we thought
good innocently to signify to you to prevent mis-represen
tations and misconstructions hereafter. So the God of all
peace be with you all. Amen.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.
An EPISTLE subjoined to the preceding, from
S. C. and G. W. *
Dear Friends,
WITH respect to our ancient and innocent testimony in
the foregoing epistle, it is upon us further to add, Away
with those upbraiding characters of Jacobites and Willia-
mites, Jemmites and Billites, &c. so used by the world's
people one against another, to make parties and divisions,
and to stir up wrath and enmity. Let the spirit of enmity,
strife and contention, be judged and kept out of God's
heritage for ever; and let us have no such upbraiding
distinctions in God's camp, nor any thing tending to strife,
sedition, or discord ; no more than of Whig and Tory, long
since judged out and testified against.
And, shew forth your affection to Christ, to his kingdom
and government, by a quiet life, and peaceable subjection
unto the higher powers that God is pleased to set over us ;
which are at his disposing, and not ours ; it being our
ii
* These initials are supposed to stand for Stephen Crisp and George Whitehead.

75
Christian duty to desire their good, and to persuade them
to what good we can, for their safety, and our ease and
relief; that, in all godliness and honesty, you may be inno
cently preserved out of all offences, reproach and scandal,
and all real occasions thereof
O Friends, truth and innocency will live and work
through all ; and our ancient testimony and life therein will
stand and continue the same through all revolutions and
interchanges that God is pleased to bring or suffer among
men, for causes best known to himself; which, therefore,
must not be the subjects of dispute or controversy among
any of his people ; his judgments being unsearchable, and
his ways past finding out. Wherefore, let all study to
be quiet, and mind their own business, in God's holy fear ;
and none to be meddling or exercising themselves in things
too high for them.
The God of all our mercies, and well-spring of our
life and peace, who hath ordained us to live in
unity, be with you all. Amen.
S. C. G. W.

EPISTLE, 1693.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of the Fourth Mouth, 1693.
Dear and truly beloved
Friends and Brethren,
WE tenderly salute you in the Lord with love un
feigned ; heartily desiring Sion's prosperity, and
earnestly praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and of the
whole Israel of God and church of Christ, th.=it all the
assemblies of Friends may be truly comforted, and abun
dantly refreshed, in the living sense of the presence, and
unspeakable goodness ofour God, as we have been, beyond

76
expression, in this our solemn and seasonable assembly at
this time ; for which we are greatly obliged to bless and
praise the God and fountain of all our mercies, and always
to continue humbly thankful to him for the same.
The principal matters of most general concern agreed
upoE by this Meeting to be communicated, we do faith
fully recommend to your Christian care and notice as
heretofore. Our last yearly Epistle being very comprehensive and
weighty, and more large than usual, it is earnestly desired,
that the contents thereof be seriously reminded in all your
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, in order to the faithful
performance, according to our Christian religitni and pro
fession in the purity thereof, and as God's faithful witness
in all hearts doth enjoin, and is ready to assist all the
faithful and diligent in the conduct of their conversations.
And therefore, that all due and godly care be taken and
exercised among all Friends in the Christiiii and sober
education of their children and youth, which are under
their care and trust, that they be good examples and
patterns, both in conversation, w'orils, and habits, becoming
our , holy profession and humble religion ofour blessed Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, against the pride of life; against
the breach of promise, injuring and defrauding others in
their properties, trade and commerce, &c. against the grand
oppression and anti-christian yoke of tithes, that our Chris
tian testimony, borne and greatly suffered for, be faithfully
maintained against them in all respects ; and against
steeple-house rates or lays; as also against the burthen
and imposition pf oaths ; and against all whisperings and
backbitings, which tend to strife and division, and making
parties ; and all disorderly and u:idue proceedings in mar
riages ; that truth's order, method, and testimony, be faith
fully kept unto, concerning all these matters, and the judg
ment thereof, in God's wisdom, set over all perverseness,
unfaithfulness, and disorderly walking, tending to the dis
honour of (jod, the reproach and scandal of our holy
profession, and of us his people.
it is desired, that Friends, at all their Monthly and Quar-
terlv Meetings, be reminded to call for the records of the

r

7

sufferings of Friends, to see that they be duly gathered,
truly entered and kept, and accordingly sent up, as hath
been often advised, both of what tithes, &c. are pretended
to be due, and for how long a time, and the time when
taken, and by and for whom ; and what goods are taken,
and the value thereof, as well of those not exceeding, as
those exceeding the sums or quantities demanded (it being
a suffering in both for truth's sake ; they being in these
particulars found defective and imperfect in divers countie?,
which is an obstruction to the general record of Friends'
sufferings. And therefore, the Monthly and Quarterly
Meetings are advised to take more care for the future, that
all Friends' sufferings for truth's sake may be brought up
as full and complete in all respects as possibly may be.
A complaint being made about some ship-masters (-tvho
profess the truth, and are esteemed Quakers) carrying guns
in their ships, supposing thereby to defend and secure them
selves and their ships, contrary to their former principle
and practice, and to the indangering their own and others
lives thereby ; also giving occasion of more severe hard
ships and sufferings to be inflicted on such Friends as are
pressed into ships of war, who, for conscience sake, cannot
fight, nor destroy men's lives, it is therefore recommended to
the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings whereunto such ship
masters belong, to deal with them in God's wisdom and
tender love, to stir them up, and awaken their consciences,
that they may seriously consider how they injure their own
souls in so doing, and what occasion they give to make the
truth and Friends to suffer by their declension, and acting
contrary thereunto, through disobedience and unbelief;
placing their security in that which is altogether insecure
and dangerous ; which we are really sorry for, and sincerely
desire their recovery and safety from destruction, that their
faith and confidence may be in the arm and power of God.
Dear Friends,
You very well know our Christian principle and profes
sion in this matter, both with respect to God and Caesar,
that, because we are' subjects of Christ's kingdom, which is
not of this world, we cannot fight, [John xviii. 36.'] ; yet.

78
being subjects of Caesar's kingdom, we pay our taxes,
tribute, &c. according to the example of Christ and his
holy apostles, relating to Christ's kingdom and Caesar's ;
wherein we are careful not to offend [Matt. xvii. 27. and
xxii. 20. Rom. xiii. 6, 7.] : being also very glad, and much
satisfied, in the many testimonies, given at this Meeting, of
our Friends' innocency, and quiet and peaceable behaviour
under the outward government^ as becomes our Christian
principle and profession.
Our dear Friends and Brethren Thomas Wilson and
James Dickinson, being, by the good providence of God,
preserved in their travels, and safely returned, and present
at this Meeting, gave account of their eminent preserva
tion and deliverance both by sea and land, and of their
travels and service in Barbadoes, East and West Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New-England, North-
Carolina, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Antigua, Nevis;
and that they found Friends in good unity in most parts,
and great openness to truth, and, in many parts, their great
need of being visited, and that Friends there much desire it.
And that, in New-England, the cry of the blood of Friends
formerly put to death there, is much revived, by the late
judgment and confusion fallen upon the professors there,
about witchcraft ; .several being there put to death, under
pretence of being witches, which they wickedly accused
Friends formerly with; insomuch that some of the more
moderate people among them declared, that they believed
the hand of the Lord would not be taken from off that
place, until a day of humiliation be appointed, to acknow
ledge and condemn that action in putting the Quakers to
death ; which, we pray, God give them repentance for.
Four Epistles from Ireland (one from the Half- Year's
Meeting in Dublin, another from Ulster Province, another
from Munster Province, the fourth from the PrOvince-
Meeting at Leinster) were read ; intimating the goodness
of God in their preservation, and his presence amongst
them, and how well things are, with respect to unity, peace
and concord, among themselves ; and withal they return
fheir grateful acknowledgements of Friends' dear love,
great affectiou, and charity here towards them, for the

79
relief of poor Friends that greatly suffered by the late
calamities, which hath been to the great refreshment of the
bowels of many.
Several other Epistles from foreign parts, as Barbadoes,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Scotland, and Holland,
were read, signifying for the most part, the love and unity
amongst Friends, and great openness in divers parts, with
desires of Friends' prayers for them, particularly in Penn
sylvania. And that, in Barbadoes, there hath been a very
violent distemper, which has caused a great mortality.
A letter also from Jamaica, signifying the sad effects-of
the late terrible earthquake there, by the destruction of
many, with their substance ; two thirds of the people (as is
supposed) at Port-Royal, and the most of Friends then
there, being lost ; except those that were at a Monthly
Meeting, twelve miles distant from Port-Royal, who were
by that means preserved.
An Epistle from Amsterdam in Holland, signifying their
meetings are quiet, and that they are thankfid to God for
it ; and their desires to be visited.
And our dear Friend John Furley of Colchester, being
newly returned out of Holland, and present at this Meet
ing, gave a full account that he hath lately visited all the
meetings in Holland, and the low countries in those parts,
except one little meeting, which he could not get to, the
place being much covered with water. And that there is
some openness in some places, and great flocking of
strangers to the meeting at Amsterdam.
An account was given of Dantzick Friends, that they have
been quiet one year and a half, and so continue, though but
few are left ; some having died under persecution. [The
magistrates there are now pretty kind.] And that there
are a people raised up and encreased in Germany, from
among the Lutherans, called Pietists, and by some called
Quakers ; many whereof are persons of learning, and of
the gentry : that they are a people of sober conversations ;
persecuted by the Duke of Saxony and the priests, but
favoured and tolerated by the Duke of Brandenburgh.
Several Friends' books, at their request, have been spread
among them. The priests at Hamburgh, much disturbed

80
and enraged against our Friends and them, do rail at and
abuse them in print ; endeavouring to incense the magis
trates there by their lies and calumnies : but the magistrates
do not gratify them, but rather discountenance them.
Blessed be the Lord ; whose Power is at work in the
hearts of many people.
The Friends yet remaining captives in Mequinez, are
still held under great severities and hardships by that cruel
tyrannical task-master, who is yet suffered cruelly to punish,
wound, and kill poor captives at his pleasure. And all
possible care of their redemption and relief is, by this Meet
ing, still recommended to the Meeting for Sufferings, to
continue their endeavours for the effecting thereof.
This Meeting being acquainted that endeavours have
been used for the relief of Friends in relation to oaths (pur
suant to the last Yearly Vf eating's advice in that case), and
what progress was made in the House of Commons in order
thereto, and before the Committee of Parliament ; who,
after a due hearing of Friends, drew up a fair report, and
gave their opinion for our relief; which nevertheless was
lost by vote in the House ; this Meeting being sensible of
the great care of the Meeting for Sufferings here in that
case, many tenderly acknowledged Friends' labours and
endeavours therein. And the Meeting still leaves it to the
said Meeting for Sufferings to continue their care and
endeavours in that case, as the Lord shall please to make
way for the general ease of Friends.
An account being given to this Meeting, that several
poor Friends have removed themselves and their families,
from divers parts of the nation, to the city of London, who,
soon after their coming, being not capable to subsist, have
applied themselves to Friends there for relief, and have
been very chargeable :
It is advised, that if any poor Friends, for the time to
come, should incline to remove' themselves and families to
this city, that, before they unsettle themselves, they apply
themselves to the Monthly or Quarterly Meetings to which
they belong, for advice and counsel; and, that such meetings
do rather advise them to be contented in their station and
places, where provisions and accommodations may be easier

81
and much cheaper obtained than at London : , or, if per
mitted, by certificate from the counties, to remove, that
then the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, from whence
they come, do take care to supply their necessities, that the
Friends of London be not overcharged for the future.
It is desired, that the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings
respectively take notice of all Friends' books, that are, or
may be, sent to them, according to former agreement, and
take care for the dispersing the same for the service of
truth. And also, it is agreed, that each Quarterly Meeting take
care to advise the correspondents for the counties, and any
others concerned, to write, only to their correspondents in
London, about their sufferings, and not to other persons,
lest their suffering case be delayed.
Friends appointed to view the accounts report, that they
find they are truly stated and rightly kept. And Friends
are again advised to bring up with them the total sum of
each county's collection for the relief of Friends that suf
fered by the calamities in Ireland.
We are truly comforted and greatly refreshed in the
Lord, by the weighty accounts given, at this our solemn
assembly, from the respective counties in England and
Wales, by the Friends sent up ; as also by some Epistles
from several counties, importing the unity, love, peace, and
concord, among Friends, and prosperity of the blessed
truth, and increase of the government of Christ, and his
peace in the church ; in which we pray God to keep his
people to the end.
To avoid contention and strife in all meetings, it is the
advice and sense of this meeting ;
I. That all Friends have a care of God's glory, and be
tender thereof, as hath been often advised.
II. And to keep the authority of your meetings in the
power of God, and unity of his blessed Spirit, whereby
they were erected and settled ; and continue your godly
care and services therein, for those good ends for which
they were first instituted. ?

83
III. And to keep all contention, personal reflections and
smitings, out of your meetings ; and keep down and out of
all heats, and passions, and doubtful disputations.
IV. Suffer no turbulent, confentious, quarrelsome spirit,
or person, to be concerned among you, in ordering your
affairs ; that they may be all managed in the peaceable,
tender Spirit and wisdom of Christ Jesus.
V. Suffer no divisions, or schisms, or making parties
among yourselves, one against another. For they will
greatly tend to Weaken your meetings, and cause them to
lose their power, .and them and you to be slighted.
VI. Both our Men's and Women's Meetings, and our
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and Yearly Meetings,
and Meetings for Sufferings, were set up in the wisdom,
counsel, and tender love of God. And in the same peace
able wisdom to be kept and encouraged, for all those good
ends for which they were intended and appointed-
VII. All difterences, happening on personal or temporal
occasions, to be speedily ended ; according to the advice
given in our last Yearly Epistle : and, if any dotibtful point
in law be in the case, then both parties may advise with
some well-knowing in the law. For if any lust to be con
tentious, we' have no such custom in the churches of Christ.
VIII. The Meeting for Sufferings is entrusted to take
care of ail sufferings of Friends for truth and conscience
sake, as at first intended.
The six Friends of the city, appointed and entrusted this
year with the accounts, are William Crouch, John Staploe,
William Macket, William Chandler, William Beech, and
Nathaniel Marks.
Our souls also were very deeply affected with the refresh
ing presence and counsel of the Lord our God attending
this our Yearly Meeting ; and the amicable and peaceable
management of the affairs, and the blessed end and closure
thereof; to the great consolation and satisfaction of
Friends, and honour of his blessed truth, in which our
unity stands. Blessed be the God of all our mercies for
ever. It is agreed, that our Yearly Meeting be continued as

83
hitherto, if the Lord will, being adjourned till the next
year : and that Friends of each county send two faithful
Friends to attend the service thereof, as formerly directed.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1694.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 28th of the Third Month, to the 11th of the Fourth Month, 1694-
Dear and truly beloved
Friends and Brethren in Christ,
AFTER the salutation of our very dear and tender
love and brotherly affection, in that most precious
life and divine power wherein our unity and living faith
and safety consist, and which hath very eminently attended
us in this our Yearly Meeting from first to last ; for which
we truly bless and praise the God of all our mercies,
humbly beseeching him to continue his fatherly love and
care towards you, and his whole heritage every-where, and
to preserve us all in faithfulness and diligence in 'he truth ;
that love, concord, and peace may be continued and in
creased more and more among us, and a tender and Chris
tian concern may come upon all, in their respective stations,
for the keeping of good order in the affairs of truth, in the
unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace.
The principal matters of concernment, agreed upon by
this Meeting to be communicated, are here recommended
to your care and notice.
We understand, by the several accounts from the counties,
that there remain prisoners on truth's account, for tithes,
&c, to the number of one hundred and thirty-two ; and that,
since last year, there have died eleven prisoners.
We do not think it necessary now to repeat to you all
f2

84
[the] former advice given you in our late Yearly Epistles re
lating to truth's testimony ; but refer you to the same, hoping
you will put in practice all necessary and wholesome advice
therein " given ; only remind you, that it is still desired
that care be taken, when you send up your yearly accounts
of sufferings for tithes. Sec, that, as near as can be, you
give account therewith, how much is taken in value, and
how much it exceeds the pretended value, and \)y and for
whom. And, Friends, remember to keep a true record of mani
fest judgments upon persecutors, and send up an account
thereof, with your sufferings, yearly. If any have been
formerly omitted, fail not to send them ; that the just judg
ments of God, in pleading the cause of the innocent
sufferers, by signally punishing their persecutors, may be
taken notice of, as a warning to posterity; as the heavy
judgments, and fearful ends of wicked persecutors are re
corded in the Holy Scriptures and Books of Martyrs, &c.
It is also desired, that the several correspondents in the
respective counties, when they h^ar the Parliament is like
to sit, may not fail sending up an account from each county
where Friends are in prison, what alteration is therein
relating to prisoners ; if any addition of prisoners is made
since this Meeting ; or whether any are discharged ; and
how many ; that Friends may present a true account to the
Parliament, in case there be any occasion, in order for
relief : wherein, if timely care be taken by the correspon
dents, it will both prevent much trouble, charge, and loss
of time, in sending letters from hence for that purpose.
Several Epistles from foreign parts, as Bermudas, Nevis,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, East and West Jersey, Dantzick,
Amsterdam, Ireland and Scotland, were read ; intimating
that things were generally well relating to truth and
Friends ; and that, in most parts, Friends are in love and
unity, and a good openness towards truth ; tho', in some
parts of America, there is some breach in some measure yet
remaining ; which hath occasioned this Meeting's beino-
longer detained than usual, to hear and inspect the differ
ences, in order to endeavour a composure and end thereof;
for which this Meeting hath tenderly laboured, under a

85
great exercise and travail many days, for the blessed
truth's sake, and honour of the worthy name of our God,
and peace of his church and people ; and accordingly hath
given its sense and faithful advice and counsel for the
parties concerned ; leaving the issue of all to the Lord,
and patiently waiting for the desired end.
We were well affected with the large accounts from
Amsterdam, of the peace and unity amongst Friends, and
prosperity of truth in those parts, especially at Twist and
Home; where of late our dear Friend John Glaus, visiting
those parts, found great openness and tenderness among
the people ; who desire to be visited, and salute Friends :
and that in some places is found good openness among the
Mennists (or Baptists) to hear Friends declare the truth.
We have also an account by a Friend from Hamburgh,
that Friends there are at unity and peace in their meetings,
and desire to be visited : and that there is a great open
ness amongst the people called Pietists ; and that some of
them continue under the reproach of being called Quakers.
And, by the same account, we also understand the Lord is
secretly at work in many there ; and it is hoped the differ
ences about religion, between the Lutheran magistrates
and priests, may end in the further discovery and breaking-
forth of truth in those parts. And, from Dantzick, that
Friends, at present, are quiet and at liberty, and several
people there are seeking after truth ; and that they do ex
ceedingly long that some Friends might come over from
England to visit them.
Our dear ancient Friend and Brother William Edmund
son being here, together with divers other faithful Friends
and Brethren from Ireland, we were greatly refreshed in
their visit ; who signified, to our comfort, the great good
ness of God to them in that kingdom, in granting them
peace and great plenty ; but, above all, in exalting his
name and prospering his truth amongst them ; and the great
peace and unity amongst Friends there ; and the good
effect of their great care in the exercise of holy discipline,
for the preservation of all professing truth, in the ancient
pure way and path thereof. They desire that all Friends,
who remove from any part of England and Wales into

86
that kingdom, may have certificates from their respective
Monthly Meetings to which they belong, that they may be
informed of what repute they are, as to truth and Friends ;
and also, that no unnecessary and undue charge be brought
upon Friends there.
We are affected with sorrow by the accounts from Ber
mudas and Nevis, of the pestilence and great mortality in
those islands, and of (he death of many Friends thereby.
The Friends there, who yet remain, with somCj who are
lately convinced, signify their desire of Epistles and visits
from hence.
We are greatly comforted with the many living testimo
nies and accounts, out of the respective counties of England
and Wales, of truth's prosperity, Friends in love, unity,
and peace, and a great openness and increase in many
parts. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
An account w^as given to this Meeting of our dear and
ancient brother George Fox's Journal being printed, and
to be disposed of, by his executors, according to his will ;
in particular, one to every Yearly and Quarterly Meeting
offaithful Friends throughout the world.
The Friends, appointed to inspect the accounts, report,
they find them duly-, stated, and well kept, and nothing
wanting this year.
And, to our great joy, Ave further signify to you, that the
precious life, divine power, heavenly wisdom, and comfort
able presence of the Lord, which hath attended us from the
beginning, hath continued, to our great and mutual comfort,
strengthening, and encouragement, to the conclusion of this
our Meeting ; for which we reverently bless the Lord's
holy name ; and, with thankful hearts, return praise to him,
who hath been our strength and wisdom, and is the God of
ail our mercies, blessed for ever.
And, in much love and unity, the Meeting closed ; with
agreement, that this our Yearly Meeting be continued as
hitherto, if the Lord will : and that Friends of each
county send at least two faithful Friends to attend the
service thereof, as formerly directed.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

87
EPISTLE, 1695.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elseichere.
From our Yearly Meeting held in London,
The 13th, 14th, 15th, 16lh and 17th of the Third Month, 1695.
To our dear and tenderly beloved Friends and
Brethren in our Blessed Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ,
THIS our solemn Yearly Meeting sendeth greeting
and salutation, in him who is our life, in whom our
living union, peace and safety, for ever stand. Blessed,
praised, and renowned, be his most glorious power, and
excellent name ; to whom be glory and dominion, in and
over his whole church and heritage, for ever and ever.
We, being really persuaded you are not insensible that
the good and blessed intent and end of this, and all our
assemblies, is, with the Lord's assistance, for his honour,
in the promoting and maintaining of our Christian society
and religion, in life and practice, in all the parts and
branches thereof, do not esteem it necessary, frequently and
expressly, to remind you of all particulars thereof; we
therefore refer you chiefly to the faithful witness of God,
and his truth, in your own hearts, for the renewing and
continuance of your godly care and concurrence, for the
more effectual practice and performance of those weighty
matters and things, heretofore, and now, in the love of
God, recommended to you.
Many living and weighty accounts were given to this
Meeting, from the several counties in England and Wales,
of the prevalency and prosperity of the blessed truth, and
progress of the Lord's work, and the unity, peace and con
cord, and increase of love, among Friends ; together with
the great convincement, openness, and preparation, in
many people and places, to receive the truth in the love of
it : as also of the addition of several meetings, and meet
ing-houses in some places, and Friends' true zeal and care

88
therein : all which were to the great satisfaction and
comfort of this Meeting.
And this Meeting desires and hopes, that you, whom the
Lord hath gifted w ith a public testimony for his name and
truth, will, in this day of liberty, be diligent to visit the
heritage of God iu their meetings ; and, more especially,
those least frequented.
And, from some foreign parts ; as, in Amehrica, from Long-
Island and Rhode-Island ; and in Europe, from Holland,
Ireland and Scotland; we have also received good accounts.
But we have not had particular advice directed to this
Meeting, of the late differences in some parts of America ;
but hope things are better there than they have been ; yet
the sense, Christian advice and counsel, given by our last
Yearly Meeting to G, K. &c. and others having been openly
slighted and opposed by him in print and otherwise, and he,
manifesting himself to be gone out of the peaceable Spirit
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to continue in the same
spirit of discord and opposition, whereby he hath given
great trouble and sorrow to the church of Christ, and, par
ticularly, to the last Yearly Meeting, and this also, is
further testified against, until he unfeignedly repent, and
be reconciled to faithful Friends and Brethren ; which, for
his soul's sake, we sincerely desire.
From Amsterdam, by an Epistle, We received account
that Friends are in peace and quiet, and meetings kept up,
and great resort thereto in that city : and, that there is an
openness to^truth in North-Holland, Friesland, Embden,
and Frederickstadt. Our dear Friends and Brethren
James Fletcher, Heskin Fell, and Roger Haydock, are
going for Holland in truth's service.
This Meeting, having account of the present low and in
digent condition of those poor Friends in the Isle of Man,
and those at Dantzick and Embden, have ordered them
some supply for their relief.
We understand, by several accounts from the counties
this year, that there remain prisoners on truth's account
for tithes, &c. to the number of one hundred and thirty-four
Friends ; whose case, being lately presented, and opened to
the King, by some Friends from the Meeting for Sufferings,

89
had a favourable reception and resentment. Since which,
the act of general and free pardon being come forth, it is
hoped, that many Friends, who are prisoners on contempts,
may receive relief thereby, on improvement thereof, by
duly moving the judges aud courts thereupon ; which you
are desired not to omit.
And it is desired, that the accounts of faithful Friends'
sufferings for the testimony of Christ Jesus in this gospel
day, on all accounts, be truly stated and kept on record ;
and also in due time called for, and carefully examined, by
appointment of some knowing Friends from the Quarterly
Meeting; that they be sent up in due order and time,
together with true copies of the warrants, writs, or processes
of commitments, attested by the gaolers.
And remember the last Yearly Meeting's advice, to keep
true records of manifest judgments upon persecutors, and
send up accounts thereof, with your sufferings (as some
have already done), for a warning to posterity ; and be
sure they be well attested.
And it is requisite to recommend to the several Quarterly
Meetings, to take care that timely application be made in
their respective counties, by some sober, discreet Friends,
to members of parliament, before their coming up to sit ;
giving them right information, and entreating them, that,
in their places, they would be pleased to use their endea
vours and interest for the ease of our suffering Friends (as
aforesaid) when presented to them in parliament. This
method having been found of service in some places, it is
desired it may be observed.
And it is desired, and we judge it meet to remind you,
that all Friends that are, or may be concerned, take special
care, in the name of the Lord, and for his truth's sake, for
the good education and order of Friends' children in God's
holy fear, in the way of truth, for their preservatipn out
of the snares of the enemy, and corruptions of the world.
And also, to see that schools, and school-masters who are
faithful Friends, and well qualified, be placed, and encou
raged, in all counties, cities, great towns, or places where
there may be need : and that such school-masters (as
much as may be) sometimes correspond with one another,

90
for their help and improvement in such good and easy mt-
thods as are most agreeable to the truth, and the childrens'
advantage and benefit : and that care be taken, that poor
Friends' children may freely partake of such education, in
order to apprenticeship.
And, that all diligence, care, and caution, be had, that no
Friend, or Friends' children, be betrayed in affection, or
otherwise, nor join in marriage, with those that are not of
our Christian profession and society; nor without the
privity and consent of parents, guardians, or lawful tutors
entrusted with them ; nor with any near kindred, contrary
to the law of God, and wholesome advice already given
them ; particularly by a Yearly Meeting's Epistle, 1675 ;
and otherwise, by the faithful servants of Christ,
And, that care be taken to advise and stir up all Friends,
that have estates to dispose of, to make due, timely, firm
and lawful settlement thereof by will, or otherwise, to pre
vent future trouble and discord, as heretofore advised :
making such wills in due time will shorten no man's days ;
but the omission, or delay thereof, has proved very perni
cious to many, and injurious to truth.
And, Friends, let those just and ancient commands of
God be observed ; viz. Lev. xix. 16. " Thou shalt not go
up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people." And
Exod. xxiii. 1, " Thou shalt not raise a false report."
And Psalm xv. 3. " He that backbiteth not with his
tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a
reproach against his neighbour, &c." it is only such inno
cent ones that shall abide in the Lord's tabernacle, and
dwell in his holy hill. Wherefore, in the fear of the Lord,
stand against all whisperers, backbiters, tale-bearers, defa-
mers, and slanderers ; and against all whisperings, back-
biteings, tale-bearing, reproaching, and slandering-, and
put a speedy stop thereto, as much as in you lies : for such
works of darkness and envy tend to division and discord;
and the righteous law of God goes against both the authors,
fomenters, receivers, and encouragers thereof. See Prov.
xi. 13. and xviii. 8. and xxvi. 22. and xx. 19. and xxvi. 20.
and also 2 Cor. xii. 20.
It is advised, for the service of truth, and some ease to

91
Friends concerned in the printing, that it be recommended
to each Monthly Meeting in the counties, to take off two
books of a sort, as they are newly printed, under two shil
lings six-pence price each, for one year, from this time ;
and one of a sort to a Monthly Meeting, that is above that
price ; viz. such good books as truth and Friends allow and
approve of : and that they be sent into the counties quar
terly, about two or three weeks before the quarter-day, by
those Friends that print them. And, where Friends have
occasion for a greater number, they may send to the
printers for them, keeping one for each Quarterly Meeting.
The Friends of the counties appointed to inspect the
accounts, report, they have thoroughly viewed them, and
find them truly stated, to their satisfaction : and that they
judge there will be no want this year.
Now, dear Friends and Brethren, as we are called and
gathered by the Lord's glorious arm and power to be a
people of one heart and one way, and to walk before him
in true love and unity, in the peaceable Spirit of our
blessed Lord Jesus Christ (who is our life, our strength,
and safety) stand therein against the enemy, the son of per
dition, the spirit of anti-christ and division, and against all
the evil designs and attempts thereof. Wherefore, in the
same spirit of love and unity, keep in peace and concord ;
and, in godly fear and humility, be watchful against the
enemy's attempts and assaults on all hands, which will be ,
to the weakening and frustrating thereof. And all be
faithful and humbly thankful to our God for all his mercies,
and for the present liberty, and blessed opportunities we
do enjoy ; whose refreshing presence, power and counsel,
have greatly attended this our Meeting as at other times.
And hitherto the Lord has helped, strengthened, and con
firmed us, to our mutual comfort ; to his praise and renown
be it confessed and remembered. And to the Lord our
God, and the Lamb, that sitteth upon the throne, be glory,
honour and dominion, for ever and ever.
And, in the deep sense of the love of God, and unity of
his blessed Spirit, this Meeting concluded for this year,
with the wonted agreement that this our Yearly Meeting be
continued, if the Lord please : and that Friends of each

93
county send at least two faithful Friends to attend the
service of truth and Friends, as formerly.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1696.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy Adjournment,
From the 1st, to the 4th of the Fourth Month, 1696.
To our dear and faithful Friends and Brethren,
in the blessed and ever-living Truth,
AFTER tender salutation in our blessed Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ unto you all, we hereby in
timate, that w^e are greatly satisfied and comforted in the
living sense of the continuance of the great love and
care of our heavenly Father towards us, his whole heri
tage and people, and in the great progress and prosperity
of the powerful truth and kingdom of Christ ; according
to the many good accounts we have had at this Meeting,
from the several counties of England and Wales, and by
divers Epistles from foreign parts; as Barbadoes, Mary
land, West-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Bermudas, Antigua,
Holland, Ireland, and Scotland ; and that the late differ
ences, which have been in some parts of America, are very
much abated. For which, and for all the mercies we
enjoy, we are deeply obliged to be humbly thank
ful to the Lord our God ; and earnestly desire, that all
Friends may live in love and peace, in a true and diligent
improvement thereof; that Christianity, in life and conver
sation, may shine among us, and be promoted by us.
And, dear Friends, shun all occasions of strife and discord,
and take care to make a speedy end of all differences, that
axe, or may happen, among yourselves, as hath often been
advised, and that, according to the holy apostle's doc-

93
trine. Read 1 Cor. vi. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. And, let all
your affairs be managed in your meetings in the peaceable
wisdom and Spirit of our Lord .Jesus Christ ; not striving,
but bearing one with and for anoth-^r ; that the power of
Christ may rest upon you, and rule in all your assemblies.
We also desire Friends every-where (according to our
ancient principle and practice) to live inoffensively and
thankfully towards the government, which we have found
favourable towards us, for our relief on several accounts
(divers Friends having expressed their sense thereof in this
Meeting, for the ease and relief already received) ; and
which, we are in hopes, will continue to be so, for our
further ease.
We have received account, that fourscore and seventeen
Friends have been discharged from imprisonment by the
late act of pardon ; and that there are now prisoners fifty-
two. It is further desired, that such among Friends as are
endowed with plenty of outward substance, be timely and
tenderly advised to do good therewith, in their day and
generation ; especially w ith regard to the poor ; that the
tokens of your charity may commend your memorial, and
be good precedents to generations to come.
And, dear Friends, as the love and service of our great
and good God have brought us together on this occasion,
in which we have been abundantly comforted and encou
raged to continue the assembling ourselves together after
this blessed manner ; so we cannot but recommend to you
the holding up the holy testimony of truth, which hath made
us a people to God, and preserved us so unto this day, and
that in all the parts of it. For truth is one, and changes
not; and what it convinced us of to be evil in the begin
ning, it reproves still : and therefore, dear Friends, be
zealous and strict for the Lord's blessed testimony in your
selves, in your families, and in your commerce among men ;
that so it may be seen we are a people kept through faith
unto salvation by the Lord.
And, more particularly, we recommend to you that are
parents, the plainness and holy discipline of the truth
among your children, that they may be trained up in truth's

94
way, and with a commendable education, according to your
abilities ; that a peculiar people we may be in the life of
righteousness, in our generation, diligently improving that
good understanding, and those heavenly gifts the Lord hath
endued you with, and made you stewards of, to the honour
of him that hath called you, and the good and comfort one
of another ; and then there will be less need to enlarge to
you by way of Epistle.
So, in true and tender love, we commit you to the Lord,
and to his blessed conduct in all things, who is able to pre
serve us faithful to the end.
This Meeting having been comforted together, and the
business gone through ; it is agreed to continue this Meet
ing, as formerly, the next year, if the Lord will : and to
that time it is adjourned.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1697.

To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
In the Third Month, 1097.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the dear and tender love of our heavenly Father we
sincerely salute you, heartily wishing your prosperity
in the same love, unity, concord, and peace, which this our
solemn yearly assembly has deeply, and in an extraordinary
manner, travailed and supplicated the Lord our God for,
that the same love, unity, and peace in Christ Jesus, may
be continued and increased in all his churches ; we, having
livingly tasted of the sweetness thereof, fervently desire that
you all may be like-minded, and one with us, in your fervent
prayers to Almighty God, and your Christian care and
endeavours, in all your respective meetings and concerns, for
the glory of our God, and good of his whole heritage.

95
Dear Friends and Brethren

Our peace, our strength, health and comfort, in our Lord
Jesus Christ, stand in true love, and unity of the Spirit and
bond of peace, wherein the pure life and zeal for the glory
of God, and prosperity of the blessed truth, is kept up :
wherefore, we tenderly intreat you to watchfulness and
diligence in the light, against all disorder, provocations, and
causes of discord, strife, contention, and division, and that
evil spirit, which is the author thereof, both in publick and
private. By several Epistles from foreign parts, as from Jamaica,
Antigua, Carolina, Amsterdam, Bermudas, Scotland and
Ireland, as well as by verbal accounts from England and
Wales, we understand that truth spreads and prospers,
and the Lord's work goes on, and, that there is an open
ness and convincement in many places, and divers raised
up to bear publick testimony for the truth, and a good
unity and harmony among Friends.
But Friends at Dantzick are under sufferings for not
bearing arms ; and in Scotland, by being kept out of their
meeting-house at Edinburgh.
And, in Barbary, there remain several captives, most of
which are such that have received the truth in the time of
their captivity ; the ransom of whom could not hitherto be
obtained, although great endeavours have been used for it;
but farther endeavours are intended to be used as opportu
nity presents.
And, although we understand that divers Friends in
England have been discharged since the last year, there
remain forty-four prisoners, mostly on account of tithes.
It is the advice of this Meeting, that Friends every-where
keep to plainness, both in speech, habit, and dealing : and
not to launch too far into the things of this world, by
over-charging themselves with trading and debts beyond
their abilities to discharge ; but keep out of the spirit of
the world in all things, that none may be insnared and
defiled thereby, as hath been advised in former Epistles,
particularly in 1692. And, that all Friends keep to the
simplici^ of truth, and our ancient testimony, in calling

96
the months and > days by scripture names, and not by
heathen ; and all other things, against which truth's testi
mony hath been borne : and duly to keep up your Week
day Meetings; and, that the respective Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings do appoint some faithful Friends to
inquire into the due observation thereof.
And also, to see and take care, that in all places, where
schools are set up for the teaching of Friends' children, the,
masters be diligent to improve and forward their scholars in
learning, and keep them out of every thing that would
corrupt good manners. And, that care be taken in your
several Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to keep up our
Christian order and religious discipline in the church ; that
all disorder and looseness may be prevented, according to
advice formerly given ; and, that charity be promoted.
We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, warn and
charge all, that profess the truth among us, to take heed
and beware of covetousness, over-reaching, oppressing and
defrauding of any; from whence strife, contention, and
law-suits do often arise. And, if any differences about
these things do happen among any of you, to stop an4
suppress them.
And now, dear Friends, to conclude this our Yearly
Epistle to you, we have no new thing to say to you, but
that which was from the beginning, which we have heard,
which we have seen, and which our hands have handled,
of the word of life, by which we were quickened and
redeemed from the world and its pollutions, 'and all its
corrupt and evil ways, to be a peculiar people to the
Lord, in the light and life of righteousness. Unto which
blessed word we commit and commend you to be supplied
and preserved to the end; whereby you may add to your
faith, that has been begotten thereby, virtue; and to your
virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; to tern-
perence, patience ; to patience, godliness ; to godliness, bro
therly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity: for if
these things be m you, and abound, they make you, that
ye shall ne, her be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firj-

97
begotten from the dead^ the prince of tlie kings of tho
earth. Unto him, that loved us and washed us from our
sins in his own blood, be glory and dominion for ever.
This Meeting is adjourned till next year, as usual.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1698.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere. <
From our Yearly Meeting, held in Jjondon, by Adjournments,
From the 13th to the 17th of the Fourth Month, IfiOS.
Dear and well-beloved Friends and Brethren, in
the blessed unchangeable Truth.
WE dearly salute you all in the inexpressible love
of our God in Christ Jesus our Lord, which is
plentifully extended to us, and shed abroad in our hearts,
and wherewith he has eminently blessed this our solemn
assembly. Praise, honcmr, and glory, be to his renowned
name and power. To him be glory and dominion for ever
and ever.
The true intent and blessed end of this our Annual
Meeting being for the increase and continuance of Chris
tian love, unity, and good order in Christ Jesus, among
all Friends of Truth (which ought to be the sincere endea
vours of all who own and profess the same holy truth with
us), in the same love we recommend unto you these
following matters and things.
And first, we give you to understand,., that altho' several
Friends have been discharged since the last Yearly Meeting,
yet there still remain prisoners (and mostly on the account
of tithes) thirty- four : which being at present the most
pressing suffering, We remind you of our ancient Christian
testimony, and repeated advice, that it be faithfully main
tained and kept up in all the parts, of it ; and, that it may not

98
be avoided and shunned by any indirect ways or courses
with landlords, or otherwise : and, that you be careful to
keep a true record of the value of what is taken from you
on that account, in the field, or otherwise, whether it ex
ceeds the demand or not ; with the respective date of each
suffering, and the time when any suit is commenced.
And, to the end that effectual care be taken in these and
all other cases wherein the testimony of truth is concerned,
we advise you to appoint some faithful Friends of your
respective meetings to see how well these things are
observed ; and tenderly to admonish such, in brotherly
love, that shall decline the same.
We also understand, that divers of our Friends, who
were captives at Mequinez, and suffered great hardships
there, are dead : and there yet remain five, for whose
ransom great endeavours have been used, but it is not yet
effected. And, it hath been matter of great comfort and joy to us,
(which we also believe it will be to you) to understand by
the Friends that came up to this Yearly Meeting from the
several counties in England a^id Wales, as well as by the
Epistles from Scotland, and divers parts beyond the sea;
(viz. Ireland, Holland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Jer
sey, Maryland, Barbadoes, Bermudas, Jamaica, and Long
Island, which most generally give account [that] truth
spreads and prospers, and is ih good esteem, and many sober
people inquire after it in many places) Friends generally are
preserved in love and unity, and watchfulness against the
spirit of looseness and separation. Blessed be the God of
love and peace for this, and all his manifold mercies.
Howbeit, dear Friends, we are sorrowfully affected with
the straits and hardships which our Friends and Bre
thren in the kingdom of Scotland deeply partake of, in the
common calamity, which sorely afflicts the northern parts
of that nation, by reason of the failing of their crops for
these three years last past, which hath occasioned a great
scarcity of bread to some hundreds there: the consideration
whereof engages us to recommend to you their distressed
condition ; hoping and believing the Lord will open your
hearts, in a sympathizing spirit of brotherly love and

99
Christian compassion, cheerfully and freely to administer
to their great and pressing necessities : and, in as much as
there are other occasions for some supplies to some poor
Friends beyond the seas at Dantzick and Embden, as well
as for other general and necessary services of Truth ; we
therefore recommend to you, that a collection be made in
your respective meetings, and Friends stirred up to be open-
hearted on this occasion ; there having- been no collection
made of this kind for seven years last past ; and what was
then collected being all expended, and considerable sums
besides, as we understand by those Friends that were ap
pointed to examine the accounts.
And, it is farther desired, that Friends be careful and ex
peditious in sending up what money shall be so collected to
John Harwood, Richard Diamond, John Knight, Henry
Gouldney, Robert Ruddle, Francis Plumsted, or some of
them ; and to give advice thereof by letter to your several
correspondents here, to be communicated to the Meeting
for Sufferings.
And now, dear Friends, not thinking it needful to
renew our often-repeated advices, to keep out of the evil
ways, fashions, and customs, which the spirit of the world
leads into, we recommend you to the Lord, and to the
word of his grace, which is able to prosper and build you
up, and give you an inheritance among them that are sanc
tified ; and will keep and preserve you, as you sincerely
mind and obey it, in love, peace, and unity one with
another, and watchful against that spirit which would lead
into indifferency, slackness, or dullness, in going jto meet
ings, and in waiting upon the Lord therein; and which
would sow discord, and make divisions, parties, or breaches,
to the scandal of the church of Christ.
And, we beseech you therefore, in the fear of the Lord,
that ye will exercise a watchful and tender care over the
weak among you, that they may not be hurt, or drawn
away thereby.
So, in dear love, we conclude with the exhortation of our
blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, " Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark ix. 50.
And, having had a comfortable season together, and the
G 2

100
good presence of the Lord among us, in the sense of his
goodness, with thankfulness for the same, this Meeting
adjourns to this time twelvemonth, if it please the Lord to
give us an opportunity.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1699.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
From the 29th of the Third Month to the 2nd of the Fourth Month, 1699.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN, the renewed love of our Lord Jesus Christ, our
holy head and heavenly lawgiver, we dearly salute
you ; wishing you a plentiful increase of all spiritual bles
sings in him, who, according to his wonted goodness, hath,
through his divine providence, afforded us a peaceable and
comfortable season : so that notwithstanding the rage and
enmity of restless apostates, and some others, who have
grossly misrepresented us ; yet hath this our Meeting been
kept, as usual, in the name, power, love, and Spirit of
our Lord Jesifs Christ.
And as, in the sense thereof, we have been under a
godly concern to exhort one another to abide therein, and
to persevere, in faithfulness and sincerity, in our ancient and
Christian testimony, in all the several parts thereof; so we
tenderly exhort you in the love of G od, in your respective
meetings, to take effectual care therein, that all may be so
preserved to the end.
And, dear Friends, we hereby give you to understand,
that we have received accounts, as well by the Friends that
came up to this Yearly Meeting from the several counties
in England and Wiles, as by Epistles from divers foreign
parts, (viz. from Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Pennsylvania,

101
the Jerseys, Rhode-Island, Carolina, Virginia, Maryland,
Jamaica, &c.) that truth spreads and prospers ; that Friends
grow up, and are preserved in love and unity therein ; that
many sober people, both in this and other countries, resort
to Friends' meetings ; and, that the Lord hath, of late,
raised up, and sent forth divers of his servants, in the Spirit
of his Son, to labour in the work of the ministry, for the
gathering into, and building up in the way of truth anrl
holiness : which accounts, as they were cause of great
comfort and joy to us, so we gladly impart the same to you,
that you may partake with us therein ; and both you and
we may jointly return thanksgiving and praises to the
Lord our God therefore.
The deep sufferings of many in Scotland, by reason of
a great scarcity of corn, heretofore intimated, have been
considered by Friends, as desired last year, to the
great relief of the poor Friends there; whose acknowledg
ments of Friends' love and care therein have gratefully been
presented to this Meeting. And, the scarcity still continu
ing, and rather increasing, a further assistance is intended
to be continued, till we see how the Lord will be pleased
to do with them, as to a plentiful harvest or otherwise.
Earnest endeavours have again lately been used for the
liberty of our Friends, captives in Barbary, though not as
yet obtained : and there being at this time some negotia
tions on foot, by the tenderness and care of the government,
for the redemption of all the English there ; and tho' the
persons in Barbary, employed therein by Friends, do wait
some time to see the effect of that ; yet we shall continue
our further endeavours for their discbarge ; and, in the
mean' time, have and do take care to send them supplies for
food ; they having little allowance, in that country, of any
thing to support their bodies under the great severities of
labour, and undeserved stripes that captives often endure.
Also, further direction by this Meeting is given on their
behalf [to the Meeting for Sufferings.]
And, let all Friends be exhorted to abide under the daily
cross, wherebjA the earthly mind maybe crucified, which
hath its delights and ease in vanity, pride, covetousness,

102
&c. That Friends (being preserved out of those things
wherein the enemy hath had, and has, his kingdom, and
too plainly lays his snares to hinder their holy progress),
may every-where be more and more a retired, serious,
plain and self-denying people; growing in the grace and
knowledge of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and exalt
ing his spiritual kingdom in their souls.
And, because our comfort, as a people, depends upon our
care to maintain peace and fellowship amongst brethren,
in all our services we earnestly recommend an humble and
condescending frame of spirit unto all ; that, with godly
fear, wisdom and meekness, we may be so ordered in all our
respective services, that every high and rough thing may
be laid low, and all occasion of striving be prevented, the
peace of the church of Christ preserved and augmented
among us : and, to that purpose it is tenderly advised, that
we diligently and carefully observe the comely and blessed
gospel order, so long known and in practice among us, in
the spirit of meekness and a sound mind; which is the way
to crush all differences in their infancy, and suppress the
rise, as well as stop the progress, of every thing that is
unseemly, and inconsistent with the testimony of the
precious truth.
We have an account, that, since last year, fourteen
Friends are discharged from imprisonment ; yet there are
remaining thirty-seven Friends prisoners, mostly on ac
count of tithes.
And lastly, God having hitherto blessed and eminently
preserved his heritage, and lifted up his countenance upon
us and our solemn assemblies ; let it be the earnest suppli
cation and breathing ofour souls to him, that we may ever
be preserved a faithful and innocent people, following those
things which make for peace, and the compleating of that
universal spiritual union and fellowship in Christ Jesus our
Lord, which, as a peculiar people, we are called unto by
his grace ; that the God of peace may ever be with us, and
his mercies and blessings continued.
And this Meeti'sg (having had a peaceable and comfort
able season together, in the enjoyment of the Lord's

103
presence, in the sense of his great love and goodness to
us, and care and providence over us) adjourns till the
usual time next year, in this city.
Signed on behalf, and by direction, of this
Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1700.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
From the 20th to the aith of the Third Month, 1700.
Dear and well-beloved Friends and Brethren
in Christ Jesus,
WE tenderly salute you in his dear love and life,
whereby we were made alive unto him, and
hitherto helped and preserved, to be a peculiar people to
his praise and glory, who hath called us out of darkness
into his marvellous light. Blessed be his glorious name
and power for ever.
And, as his living presence and word of life hath been
felt among us, to our edification and comfort, in these our
solemn assemblies, our souls' fervent desire is, that you
may enjoy and partake of the same in all your assemblies,
to engage and to confirm you in faithfulness to the end,
that, a crown of righteousness and glory, you may inherit
for ever.
The things following are, in true brotherly love, briefly
recommended to you for your information, concerning
truth's progress and prosperity, as also, for your tender
consideration and Christian care.
This INIeetinff hath had divers jrood accounts from the seve-
ral counties both in England and Wales, as also by Epistles
from Friends in foreign parts (as Scotland, Ireland, Penn
sylvania, Maryland, Rhode-Island, Bermudas and Hol
land), importing the prosperity of truth,and increase of

104
Christ's government and peace, of which there shall be no
end : howbeit, that our Friends at Dantzick are under suf
ferings for truth and their testimony thereto; and our
Friends at Frederickstadt under some hardships, and their
lives have been under apparent dangers, occasioned by the
war in those parts ; for whose relief care is taken, as
occasion shall require.
F'riends' care is also continued for the redemption of our
Friends that are captives in Barbary ; and (as was hoped)
the King has now agreed for the ransom of all the English
captives there; and agents are arrived from thence, in
order to receive the said ransom. And, altho' now, as here
tofore, Friends have acquainted the government that they
intend to redeem our Friends at their own charge, never
theless Friends are so far willing to encourage a publick
collection for the said service, that, when the collectors shall
come with the briefs to Friends' houses, we hope Friends
will be inclined to extend their charity, in common with
their neighbours, towards the redemption of the other
English captives.
Concerning the present sufferings of Friends in this
nation ; First, by imprisonments : — Notwith'standing ten
have been discharged since last year, forty remain prisoners,
mostly for tithes, by priests and impropriators : Secondly,
By goods taken away : — ¦ The accounts now received
amount to above £4700, most of which is on the account
of tithes. And, as we have formerly advised that you keep
exact and true accounts of all your sufferings for con
science sake, both by distresses, sequestrations, and impri
sonments, that we may be capable to give a true account
thereof to the government, when necessity requires ; so
also, that care be taken to give speedy account when any
Friends are discharged from imprisonments, or proceedings
against them stopped, and how, and by what means (the
want of which hath given much needless trouble to
Friends here); so we intreat you to be more careful therein
for the time to come.
Also, it is the earnest desire of this Meeting, for the
Lord's sake, the honour of his name and truth, and the
good of our posterity, that a godly care be taken by you

105
for the due education of Friends' children in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord, and in plain and modest
apparel, and in truth's language, as becometh our holy pro
fession and Christian religion : and, that all parents be
good examples to them accordingly, and prevent and
restrain them from the pride of life and corruptions of the
world, as much as in tliein lies.
Finally, dear Friends, keep all your meetings (as well
those for good order, charity, and Christian discipline, as
those set apart entirely for the worship of God) in his love,
and in the name, power, and peaceable Spirit of his dear
Son Jesus Christ, which is the alone true authority of all
our meetings ; for without him we can do nothing.
And, in his blessed power, stand fast in righteous judgment
over all unruly and disorderly spirits, that would break in
upon the good order and discipline settled amongst us ; as
well as over all those that seek to lay waste the testimony
of truth, and cause the offence of the cross to cease.
And, we beseech you, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and for his sake, as his family and house, let his
peaceable wisdom and Spirit bear sway in and among you
all, and in all your meetings : and let nothing be done
through strife or vain glory, but let all things be done with
out murmuring and disputings. And all, live in love and
peace, be of one mind and one accord, and the God of
love and peace will be with you, and bless you in your
Christian care and service of love one towards another,
for his holy name and blessed truth's sake.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALINd

106
EPISTLE, 1701.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, 8(c.
From our Yearly Meeting in London,
Held the 9tb, lOth, 11th and 12th of the Fourth Month, 1701.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of God, which we have in Christ Jesus, we
dearly salute you ; and desire the sense of his goodness
to us until this day, may be continued unto the end to his
whole heritage.
We greatly rejoice to hear of your affairs relating to
truth's prosperity, and that love, peace and unity are con
tinued and increased amongst you ; as also in the godly
eoncern, and Christian care, that is upon the spirits of
faithful Friends one towards another ; and keeping to
truth's testimony in all respects, and particularly in that
part for wluch many chiefly suffer ; blessing the Lord, that
he hath given them not only to believe, but also to suffei*
for his name and truth's sake.
And, if any weakness, shortness, failure or unfaithfulness
appear in any professing the same truth with us, we hope
faithful Friends and Brethren Avill continue their Christian
care for their help, instruction and admonition, in the love
and power of the Lord, as in his wisdom they shall see
cause ; still aiming at their good, their inward peace of
conscience, and salvation in Christ Jesus.
The relation we have received by divers Epistles from
foreign parts, of truth's prosperity, and the faithfulness of^
Friends therein (viz. from Ireland, Scotland, West-Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Rhode-Island, Carolina, Virginia, Jamaica,
Antigua, Maryland, Barbadoes, Bermudas, and Holland)
was very acceptable unto us.
And, we have an account, from divers parts, of Friends'
great sufferings in England and Wales, to the value of
above £5000, since the last year's account ; and there are
stijl continued thirty-seven Friends prisoners, although

107
there have been thirteen discharged since the last Yearly
Meeting : and the sundry sufferings do appear to be
mostly on the claim of tithes ; and divers of them by the
old destructive course of proceeding to excommunication,
imprisonments, and sequestrations; notwithstanding the
sundry late acts (declared to be) " For the more easy re
covery, &c." which severe proceedings Friends may
tenderly acquaint the bishops and civil magistrates of.
Our testimony against tithes and forced maintenance in
this Gospel day, being received from Christ, our head and
high-priest, is not of our own making or imposing, nor
from the tradition of men, but what we have from him, by
whose divine power we were raised up to be a people, and
by which we have been preserved to this day : knowing that
his ministry and Gospel are free, according to his own ex
press command, " Freely ye have received, freely give."
The Friends, that are in captivity in Barbary, are duly
taken care of by Friends : and their ransom, having been
agreed for for some time, it is hoped will shortly be effected :
one young man has been convinced there lately."*
As we are truly comforted to hear of Friends' godly care
for the good education of their children in the fear, nurture,
and admonition of the Lord, in sobriety, modesty, and
plainness of habit and speech, so it is earnestly desired,
that the same care may be continued, and universally
increased and put iu practice ; and, as cause shall appear,
to stir up all concerned faithfully to discharge their duty
therein, as in the sight of God.
And, as we are glad to hear of Friends' care, in making
due provision for the education of their children in neces
sary learning, so it is desired that no poor Friends' children
may want any such learning.
We sincerely desire all Friends to dwell in brotherly
love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace : and, according to the ancient apostolical
exhortation, " Let your conversation be as it becometh the
Gospel of C!hrist :" that we may so hear of your affairs,
as, " that ye stand in one spirit, with one mind striving toge
ther for the faith of the gospel ;" that, in the unity thereof,
all may be so preserved, that none of you may be carried

' 108
away with any wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness ; whose designs the Lord has greatly
disappointed, yet do they still lie in wait to deceive:
therefore let your tender care be exercised towards them
that are but weak in the faith, to strengthen and encourage
them against that apostate spirit which would scatter and
draw back to perdition.
So, heartily wishing and desiring that all may persevere
in the blessed truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly
pray God, that his grace and peace may be with you all unto
the end.
We have great cause to be humbly thankful to the God
of all our mercies for that present ease and liberty we
enjoy through the favour of the government; and the com
fortable enjoyment of the Lord's blessed presence, which
has been largely manifested with us in this our solemn
assembly, and is an encouragement to us to continue this
our Yearly Meeting ; which is agreed to meet again at the
usual time, if the Lord see good.
Signed in behalf of our said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 170,2.

Tq the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, S^c.
From our Yearly Meeting in London,
Held the 2.5th, 26th, 27th, 2Sth, 29th and 30th of the Third Month, 1702.
Dear Friends and Brethren-,
THE salutation of our dear and ancient love in the
fellowship of the blessed Gospel of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, our heavenly head, which he hath
visited us with, to the opening of our understandings, and
quickeniiig of our hearts to serve him in our generation
reaches unto you, his churches and people, wherever
settled, all over the worid ; desiring, that grace, mercy, and

109
peace, fear, love, and obedience, may increase and abound
among you, to the glory of God, the unity of his church,
and your mutual edification and comfort in the Lord.
According to our accustomed manner, we have held our
General Meeting in this city, at the usual time ; wherein
divers matters came before us, and, under our consideration,
relating to our religious Society, Which we have thought fit
to communicate to you as followeth :
That, from those Friends that came up to this Meeting
from the several counties of England and Wales ; as also,
by several Epistles from foreign parts (viz. Bermudas,
Pennsylvania, Jamaica, Long-Island, Rhode-Island, North
Carolina, Holland, Scotland, and Ireland,) we have received
accounts, that great love and unity is among Friends, and
truth prospers and spreads in many places ; which was very
comfortable to us ; and we greatly desire the same may be
abundantly increased and multiplied amongst you.
We understand also, that, although since the last Yearly
Meeting fifteen Friends have been discharged from their
imprisonments, there yet remain prisoners in divers parts of
England seven-and-thirty Friends, mostly on the account
of tithes ; and that sufferings on the same account amount
to more than four thousand five hundred pounds ; although
some other sufferings of the same nature are not yet finished.
And, whereas, we formerly gave you some account of
the hopes Friends had, and endeavours used, for the re
demption of Friends, captives in Barbary ; we now let you
know, that John King, Richard Robertson, Thomas Wal-
kedon, Robert Finley, James Burgoine, Joseph Bigland
(being all, of our Friends, who remained alive in that long
and sorp captivity), have been this year redeemed; whose
ransom hath cost Friends upwards of £480, including one
George Palmer, a Friend's son of Pennsylvania, recom
mended from thence ; towards whose ransom they also did
contribute : divers of which redeemed Friends have ten
derly and gratefully acknowledged Friends' love and care
of them.
And, there having been also of late considerable disburse
ments for assistance of suffering and necessitous Friends,
so that the former collection, that was made for the general

110
service of Friends, is now wholly expended; it is therefore
tenderly desired, that a voluntary and charitable contribu
tion maybe made in the several meetings concerned; and,
what shall be so collected, we desire may be sent up to
Tobias Collet, Richard Hawkins, Peter Briggins, John
Freame, Samuel Waldenfield, and Roger Newham, or
some of them.
And, since the books of adversaries are industriously
spread in many parts of the nation, for the aspersing
ancient Friends, and defaming our true Christian doctrines ;
it is therefore desired, that Friends, in theirseveral Monthly
Meetings, will appoint some judicious Friends to read over
such answers as have been, or may be written, to clear truth
from their injurious calumnies ; that Friends thereby under
standing the controversy, and the falseness of our adver
saries' accusations, may be the better able to vindicate truth
and Friends, as occasion may be offered ; and, if the ser
vice shall so require, to send for more than the common
proportion of answers, to disperse among Friends or
neighbours where need shall appear.
We earnestly desire, that all, professing the blessed truth
with us, be very careful to keep their words and promises,
by paying their just debts without unreasonable delay ; and
do justice to all men, for righteousness sake, to prevent
the great reproach and scandal of defrauding any persons,
by breaking in their debts, or otherwise injuring any : and,
where it shall happen any differences may arise, to shun
going to law one with another; but that such dif
ferences may be justly and speedily ended, .according to
advice formerly given in this behalf.
And, dear Friends and Brethren, although we have not
been altogether free from some exercises, yet our gracious
aud tender Father hath, at this our solemn Meeting, highly
favoured us with his power and refreshing presence ;
which hath deeply affected, and closely united the hearts of
Friends in the bond of peace and love ; which, the enemy
of all truth and righteousness has often, but in vain,
attempted to break : and, that all such attempts may
always prove vain, we earnestly beseech Friends every
where, to keep in that love and humility in which, our

Ill
unity and fellowship will be always dear and valuable :
that so, when it shall please the Lord to give Friends op
portunity to meet again, which we hope will be at the same
time next year, to which this meeting doth now adjourn,
we may have a sense of one another in the same divine love
and life in which we now part.
Signed by appointment of this Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1703.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, Sfc.
From our Yearly Meeting in London,
Held the 17th, IStli, 19th, 20th, 81st, 22nd and 24th of the Third Month, 1703.
Dear and well-beloved
Friends and Brethren,
WHO are sanctified and preserved in Christ Jesus,
grace and peace be increased and multiplied unto
you all. We tenderly salute you, as partakers with us in
the spirit of love and life ; even in Him who laid down his
life for us, and is come in spirit and power in our day,
that we might have and possess life eternal by Him;
heartily desiring, and breathing in our souls, that his
Sion may prosper, and shine more and more in the beauty
of holiness ; that therein his Jerusalem may be a city
without breaches, and so become the praise of the whole
earth. For which blessed end all Friends ought diligently
to labour, to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of
lasting peace.
Dear Friends,
WE do, with real comfort in the Lord, intimate to you,
that this our Yearly Meeting, through his divine goodness,
in divers weighty concerns, hath been of very great and
eminent service, to the comfort of Friends in truth ; and
the good effects thereof, we hope, will remain to posterity.

113
We further give you to understand, that we have received
divers good and comfortable accounts, both by our Friends
that came to this Yearly Meeting from other nations, and
by Epistles from foreign parts (as from Barbadoes, New
Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Long-Island, Holland, Scotland,
and Ireland) of truth's prosperity, and the increase of love
and unity, and great openness among the people to hear
truth's testimony ; and we have also comfortable accounts,
from many of the several counties, of the godly care, zeal,
and faithfulness of Friends in their Christian testimony;
and that Friends generally are in love and unity, and truth
prospers among them.
We therefore tenderly recommend unto faithful Friends,
and Elders especially, to watch over the flock of Christ in
their respective places ; that they faithfully and diligently
walk up to the testimony of the blessed truth, to which the
Lord hath gathered us in this latter age of the world : that
so, where any are found short, weak, or faulty, they may be
admonished and sought in the spirit of love (which is that
of the Gospel) ; that divine charity, that draws as with the
cords of a man ; wherein mercy is not only mixt with
judgment, but may appear over all our works ; so that it
may be seen by all, that church-love abounds, before
church-censure comes ; and, that a gospel spirit is the
spring and motive to all our performances, as well in dis
cipline as worship.
And, dear Friends, our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings
being set up and established by the power, and in the wisdom
of God (which is the authority of those meetings), all Friends
are tenderly desired and advised carefully to keep to, and
in that authority, and therein manage all the business and
affairs of the said meetings, in discharge of their duty to
God and his church ; and not expect or depend upon this
Meeting for particular direction, from time to time, how
they shall proceed in the management of the concerns of
those meetings, relating to truth's testimony and service :
but wait for, and depend upon, the power and wisdom of
God, for counsel and direction in such matters and cases
as may come before them ; which will be to the great ease
of this meeting, and dispatch of the proper concerns

113
thereof. And let the man's part, and natural wisdom and
attainments, be subject to the Spirit and power of God,
which will truly edify the body in love, righteousness and
peace. And, if any decline from, or let fall, any branch
of their testimony, that such may, in the wisdom and autho
rity of truth, be dealt with ; and therein mercy and judg
ment exercised in their proper places.
And, that all Friends be weighty and circumspect in
their conduct and manag-ement of their outward affairs,
and careful to keep within the compass of their own sub
stance, to prevent failures and breaches : and to avoid all
indirect and unwarrantable methods, both in trade and
merchandize, by which the government may be defrauded
of its due ; that so no reproach may be brought upon our
holy profession by such things.
The chief sufferings Friends at present remain under,
are, those of tithes, and those called church-rates ; on which
accounts, five have died prisoners, seventeen have been
discharged, and forty-three remain prisoners, since the
last year's account. And we find the value of what our
Friends have suffered on these accounts this last year,
amounts unto above £4,200. And several Friends are
under prosecution in the exchequer and ecclesiastical
courts, on the said accounts. However, we desire and
hope such severities will not weaken the faith of any, nor
discourage them from maintaining their Christian testimony
in these, and all other parts thereof.
And, knowing how quickly many are removed by death,
it is also weightily recommended, according to former
advice, that all Friends, in time of health, and strength of
judgment, take care firmly to make their wills, and to
dispose of their substance, as injustice and wisdom may
be agreeable to their satisfaction.
And, where any Friend, or Friends, shall be prosecuted
upon any branch of their testimony for the truth, that such
labour (in a sense of the weight of their testimony) with the
prosecutor, before, or at the beginning of his prosecution ;
that so (if possible) the witness of God in him may be
reached, and he convinced, that their refusal to comply
proceeds not from obstinacy, or self-interest, but from a

114
godly care to preserve a conscience void of offence towards
God and man.
And, having under our serious consideration the good
and wholesome advice which hath been frequently commu
nicated unto you in several former Yearly Meeting Epis
tles, for your help and direction in things relating to the
testimony of truth in the several parts thereof, we tenderly
intreat, that care be taken to see the said advice put in
practice in your respective Quarterly and Monthly Meet
ings ; which will tend to the ease and comfort of this
Meeting. And this Meeting, being under a deep sense that pride,
and the vain customs and fashions of the world, prevail
over some under our profession, particularly in the excess
of apparel and furniture, doth earnestly recommend, that
all, who make profession of the truth, take care to be
exemplary in what they wear, and what they use ; so as to
avoid the vain customs of the world, and all extravagancy
in colour and fashion ; and keep themselves, in respeA
thereof, spotless and blameless ; adorning their profession
ill all modesty and sobriety. And, that all parents be
watchful over their children ; and careful not to suffer them
to get up into pride and excess ; but to keep them to that
decent plainness which becomes the people of God : that
the sin of the children may not lie upon their parents;
nor they be exposed to ruin by their parents' neglect.
And, that Friends of all degrees take due care to breed
up their children in some useful and necessary employments,
that they may not spend their precious time in idleness ;
which is of evil example, and tends much to their hurt.
And, that servants, professing the truth, behave themselves
in due subjection, humility, and plainness, as becomes their
profession and places : and likewise, masters and mistresses
behave themselves towards their servants, according to the
apostles' direction. Eph. vi. 5, 6. Col. iv. 1. 1 Tim. vi.
1,2. IPet. ii. 18. Tit.ii. 9, 10.
And, since the Lord hath been graciously pleased to make
us witnesses of that glorious promise of the latter days,
that he would be the teacher of his people himself, and
that from the greatest to the least ; we heartily desire, that

116
all, that make this great profession, would be more dili
gent to wait for the further fulfilling of this gracious
promise in themselves, as the highest of privileges, and the
excellency of the glory of the Gospel dispensation ; and
not live nor lean upon the gifts and services of others, as
but too many among us are too apt to do; who (had they
been faithful and diligent waiters upon the Lord, to have
heard and seen what he would have said to, and done for
them and in them) might, by this time, have been able reapers
in the harvest, and ministers of the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ ; and great had been their service and reward.
And now, dear Friends, the Lord having been graciously
pleased, in an eminent manner, to honour this our general
assembly with his divine presence and counsel, to our great
satisfaction, refreshment and joy ; we earnestly recommend
you to the guidance of his good Spirit, that, by it, you may
be enabled to perform the good and acceptable will of God
in all things : to whose holy protection, and fatherly pre
servation, we heartily commit you all.
We hope the Lord in mercy will give Friends an oppor
tunity to meet at the usual time next year ; . and therefore
desire, that faithful Friends may come to attend the same.
Signed, by appointment of this Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1704.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, 8fC.
From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th of the Fourth Month, 1704.
Dear and tenderly beloved
Friends and Brethren,
THIS our general Meeting salutes you in the Lord,
and in his ancient love continued, among us his
people, to this day. Blessed be his worthy name and
power for ever.
h2

116
There is no greater joy to us, as a Christian Society, than
the prosperity of the blessed truth and work of the Lord,
andFriends' unity, peace, and love in Christ Jesus ; whereof
we have received divers good and comfortable accounts, both
by Epistles from foreign parts, as Jamaica, Barbadoes,
Antigua, Bermudas, Rhode-Island, Holland, Scotland, and
Ireland ; as also, by the Friends that came up to this Meet
ing from the several parts of this nation and Wales ;
which engages us tenderly to recommend to your Christian
care, to labour and endeavour for the continuation and
increase thereof.
The account we have of Friends' sufferings this year, for
our ancient Christian testimony against tithes, and for not
paying to the repairs of steeple-houses, does amount to
above four thousand two hundred and sixty-pounds.
There have been discharged this year twenty-six Friends
that were sufferers for truth's testimony. And there remain
still one-and-thirty prisoners, most for not paying tithes :
notwithstanding which. Friends have great encouragement,
in the love of God, to continue faithful in their Christian
testimony, in that and all other respects.
We tenderly recommend and desire, that those Friends
that are concerned in the management of the affairs of the
church, in the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, be careful
tq act in the wisdom of God ; that they may be exemplary
therein to those that are young : and, that those that are
worthy to be esteemed members of those meetings, be dili
gent in attending the same : and, that they wiU encourage
such young men and women as they are sensible are quali
fied, and made capable, through waiting upon God, to
serve truth in your respective meetings ; that they may
come up, and stand in the life of righteousness, to be ser
viceable in the church, helpful to the ancient Friends, and
fitted to supply their places, as such shall be removed.
And parents are again reminded to continue their godly
care, and exercise their just and due authority and com
mand over their children, timely to restrain them from the
world's corruptions and extravagances, both in habit and
language, behaviour and conversation, that they may keep
the way of the Lord, and walk uprightly therein.
We are as a city set upon a hill, and many eyes are upon

117
us: some for good, and some for evil ; and it is, and ought
to be, our bounden duty and care to answer the one, and
frustrate the other. And, as our adversaries have been
hitherto disappointed, in undertaking to blemish us in prin
ciple and doctrine ; so let it be the Christian care of all,
both young and old, whom God hath blessed with the
knowledge of his saving truth, as it is in Jesus, to dis
appoint those who are watching for our halting, or drawing
back again into worldly or fleshly liberty, which the enemy
in this day of ease is seeking to entangle us again in ; even
the bondage of corruption, from which many in measure
have been set free. Oh I stand fast in that holy freedom,
in every place where the Lord hath placed you ; and follow
peace with all men, and live in unity one with another, and
let all strife and contention, whisperings, tale-carryings,
and evil reports tending thereunto, be avoided, condemned,
and buried under the cross of Christ ; and let all private
interests give way to the public good, unity, and prosperity
of truth and righteousness; for so is the will of God con
cerning you. And, by your blameless conversation, and
just dealing, engage the government to continue the liberty
you now enjoy under it. And let not any lust after the
vain fashions and glittering gaiety of this fading world;
for it will suddenly wither, as the mown grass before the
sun. And, if ye intend to be happy in this life and that to
come, thirst after righteousness, and let holiness be your
habitation while on earth ; so shall eternal glory be your
crown in heaven hereafter. ;
And so, dear Friends and Brethren, we beseech you, in
the love and fear of Almighty God, diligently to mind your
holy calling, that you may make your electi(m sure. And,
in order to it, wait daily upon the Lord, for the renewings
of his divine power upon your spirits ; and be you diligent
and close walkers with God, keeping your heavenly ranks
in peace and purity in the church, the holy body of our
Lord Jesus Christ, of which he is the blessed and heavenly
head. To whose holy care and protection we commit you
all ; and in the fellowship of the Gospel of peace, we remain
Your Friends,
Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,

118
EPISTLE, 1705.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Englatid, Wales, and elsewhere.
From the Yearly Meeting, in London,
Held the 28th, 29th, 30th, 31 st of the Third, and 1st of the Fourth Month, 1705,
Dear and truly beloved Brethren,
WE heartily salute you in the tender love of our
heavenly Father, which we enjoy in his beloved
Son Jesus Christ ; earnestly desiring and breathing unto
him, who is the author and fountain of all our mercies, that
he may replenish you with his divine goodness, and con
tinue and multiply his tender mercies and blessings, in
spiritual things, unto his church and people every-where.
Dear Brethren,
Our most gracious God having owned and manifestly
blessed this our Yearly Meeting, to our great satisfaction
and comfort, by the renewed sense and enjoyment of his
blessed power and presence, we glorify and praise his holy
name, for his continued goodness, and unspeakable loving-
kindness unto us his people : and, do humbly pray God to
preserve us all sincere and faithful unto him, and in love
and peace among ourselves ; so that no occasion of offence
may be given by any, to provoke him to withdraw his
kindness or mercies from us.
And now, dear Friends, in brotherly love, we give you
to understand, that we have received ; as well by Friends
and Brethren from the several counties in England and
Wales, and from Ireland, as by Epistles from divers
foreign parts (viz. Scotland, Ireland, Holland, New Eng
land, Long-Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Antigua,
Barbadoes, and Jamaica), and by the verbal relations of
several faithful Brethren, who have lately travelled and
laboured in the work of the Gospel in those parts, and in
Carolina, Bermudas, Nevis, Frederickstadt, and some parts
of Germany ; such good accounts of the progress and pros-

119
perity of truth, and Friends' love and unity, as have been
very refreshing to this our Yearly Meeting.
The sufferings, which Friends at present remain under,
are mostly on the account of tithes, and those called church-
rates ; on which accounts there remain twenty-seven pri
soners, notwithstanding thirteen have been discharged since
last year. And we find the value of what our Friends in
England and Wales have suffered on these accounts this
last year, amounts to four thousand pounds and upwards.
There are also divers Friends still under prosecution for
the same testimony.
And, it is tenderly advised, that Friends be careful to
stand fiiithful in their ancient testimony, and to keep exact
accounts of their sufferings for the same. And, when any
suffering, requiring a speedy care for relief, is written of to
London, it is desired the case may be truly and fully stated,
dated, and subscribed by the sufferer ; and (as often as can
be) attested by some known Friend.
It is also advised and desired, that, in all Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings, Friends take great care to manage the
affairs of truth, in a calm, meek, and gentle spirit ; without
heats, discord, and contention : For if any seem to be
contentious, we have no such custom in the churches of
God. (1 Cor. xi. 16.) And the apostle's advice also was,
" that nothing should be done through strife or vain glory ;
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves ;" and " do all things without murmurings and
disputings." Phil. ii. 3, Ii. Which apostolical counsel
and good order we desire may be kept to, and carefully
observed. And as it has been frequently advised, that Friends should
diligently keep their Week-day Meetings ; we desire, that
all, especially such as are esteemed Elders, may be exem
plary therein.
If any difference is depending, or shall arise, between
any persons professing truth amongst us, it is advised and
desired, that effectual care, in the wisdom of God, may be
taken by Friends of the Meeting or Meetings to which
such persons belong, to put a full and speedy end thereunto ;
?is has been formerly advised, particularly in the year 1697.

120
And, for as much as many inconveniences have happened
through the neglect of some Friends in not making their
wills, as well as by others, in making>them in such manner
(by unnecessary matter, and improper expressions) as hath
created much trouble, dispute, and reflection, after their
decease ; it is therefore thought fit to repeat the advice of
the Yearly Meeting, in 1703, which is as followeth ; viz.
" And, knowing how quickly many are removed by death,
it is also weightily recommended, according to former
advice, that all Friends, in time of health, and strength
of judgment, take care to make their wills firmly, and
to dispose of their substance, as injustice and wisdom
may be to their satisfaction."
It being a principal part of our ancient Christian testi
mony, to do justly; to keep a conscience void of offence
towards God and all men ; and to give no offence to
Jew or Gentile, nor yet to the church of Christ ; we
therefore tenderly desire and exhort all Friends to set their
affairs in order betimes, and clear themselves, according to
truth, in the sight of God and men, in all respects, before
their days are ended ; that they may leave a good report
and sweet savour behind them.
And, since the Lord's good providence has so far blessed
Friends, as to give them favour with the government ; it
is desired, that Friends would continue, with all humility, to
walk worthy of that mercy ; and improve the same, by a
gentle and peaceable conversation towards all men, in their
respective places of abode.
And now, dear Friends, as truth, in all the branches of
its holy testimony, is diligently to be regarded and observed;
by which we, as a people, have been distinguished from the
rest of the professors of Christianity ; so it is our earnest
desire, that, above all things. Friends hold fervent charity
in the body ;" and that will keep the members together in
a blessed concord and communion ; which is esteemed by
the apostle the " more excellent way ;" excelling other
gifts, which pass away : But Charity (that is, the Love of
God, from which our Christian and brotherly affection to
and for one another springs) shall endure for ever. This
envieth not, vaunteth not, boasteth not itself, and seeketh

121
not its own ; but is patient ; beareth all things ; suffereth
all things ; and watcheth not with an evil eye : no ; nor
thinketh ill; but is kind. In which blessed love, dear
Friends, hold your fellowship one with another : which was
the character of the primitive Christians. And, blessed be
the Lord, it has been said by many in this our day, in favour
of our holy profession, " Look how they love one
another !" In which the Lord preserve us all. For since
" God is Love," and they who dwell in love, dwell in God,
they dwell in that wherein the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus are enjoyed ; and where the first Christians sat and
dwelt, and the children of the light in our days do sit and
dwell also ; where all evil jealousies, envyings, strife, self-
seekings, and self-exaltings, are excluded ; and, instead
thereof, the Elders watch tenderly over the flock of God,
using the authority that truth has given them in the church
with much meekness ; and the younger behave themselves
with humility and fear ; according to the apostle's admoni
tion, 1 Tim. V. I Pet. v. And the members of the whole
body, by a tender condescension to one another, and a due
subjection to Christ, their holy head, edify the same in love
to the end : which the Lord God of all our many mercies
preserve and increase more and more, by his blessed Spirit
and power, among his people.
Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1706.

To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
England, Wales, and elsewhere.
From our Yearly Meeting in London,
Held from the 13th to the 18th of the Third Month, 1706,
Dear and well-beloved
Friends and Brethren,
IN the dear love of our Heavenly Father, which we
have in his Son Jesus Christ, we salute you; heartily

123
desiring truth's prosperity, and the abounding of true love,
unity, and concord amongst you, to your great comfort and
edification in the spirit of life and love, in our blessed
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that you may grow up in
him in all things ; to whom be glory and dominion for ever
and ever.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE earnestly intreat that a general care and labour be
fervently exercised, " to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace ;" that all may live in love, peace, and con
cord among yourselves.
We doubt not it will be to your comfort, as it hath been
to ours, to hear of the progress and prosperity of truth in
England and Wales ; as also, of the accounts we have from
our Friends, who have travelled and laboured in many
parts beyond the seas, in the work of the Gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ ; to the convincing of divers, and to the
comforting and refreshing his flock in those parts, and
countries ; and to the stopping the mouths of gainsayers,
who would obstruct the work of the Lord.
Likewise, we have good accounts from Holland, Fries-
land, flmbden, Holstein, and divers other provinces on the
sea-coast of Germany, of an openness in sundry places
amongst people of divers professions ; and, that the visits
of faithful brethren, and ministers of Christ, are very desi
rable and acceptable, both to Friends and their serious
neighbours, in divers places.
And, by Epistles from Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Jamaica,
Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Maryland, and Antigua, we
understand that great love and unity is among the faithful
Brethren. As to the sufferings which Friends do now remain under,
they are mostly on account of tithes, and those called
church-rates ; on which accounts, there now remain thirty-
three prisoners, although nine have been discharged since
the lastyear. And, we find the value, our Friends in Eng
land and Wales have suffered in that time on these ac
counts, amounts to three thousand eight hundred eighty-
four pounds and upwards ; and that there are also divers
Friends still under prosecution for the same testimony.

123
And it is tenderly and earnestly pressed and advised,
that Friends be very carefid to keep exact accounts of their
sufferings, and to have them well attested and subscribed
when they are sent up, as was advised in the last year's
Epistle ; to which they are referred in this particular.
And, for as much as, next to our own souls, our children
and offspring are the most immediate objects of our care
and concern, it is tenderly recommended to all, that are, or
may be, parents or guardians of children that they be
diligently exercised in this care and concern for the educa
tion of those committed to their charge ; that, in their
tender years, they may be brought to a sense of God, his
wsdom, power, and omnipresence, so as to beget an awe
and fear of him in their hearts (which is the beginning of
wisdom) ; and, as they grow up in capacity, to acquaint them
with, and bring them up in the frequent reading of the
Scriptures of Truth; and also, to instruct them in the great
love of God, through Jesus Christ, and the work of salva
tion by him, and of sanctification through his blessed Spirit ;
and also, to keep them out of the vain and foolish
fashions and ways of the world, and in plainness of lan
guage, habit, and behaviour ; that, being thus instructed in
the way of the Lord when they are young, they may not
forget it when old ; or, however, that all concerned may
be clear in the sight of God, that they have not been
wanting in their duties to them. And, that the labour and
travail of Friends therein may be more effectual, it is our
tender desire, that seasonable opportunities may be taken
to wait upon the Lord, w ith your children, in your families,
for the manifestation of his blessed power, to make them
sensible of his witness and seed of life and grace in their
hearts, in order to beget them into a living knowledge and
love of the truth as it is in Jesus.
And, dear Friends and Brethren, in the name and power
of our Lord Jesus Christ, keep all your meetings entirely ;
both those for his divine worship, and those for good order
and discipline in the church ; which divine power we all
ought to wait to feel, to prepare and sanctify our minds
and spirits, that we may be duly qualified for our share and
part of our service therein. And, in the same heavenly

124
power and dominion, labour to keep out strife and conten
tion ; and stand over all froward and contentious spirits;
not in your own, but in the meek Spirit of the Lamb of
God : for if any man lusts to be contentious (as said the
apostle of old,) we have no such custom nor can we allow
thereof) in the church of Christ. So will all be done in
an holy awe, reverence, and humility ; and none will intrude
themselves into things too high for them, nor exalt them
selves above their proper growths and stations in the
church, whether they be elder or younger ; but self (that
great mountain which stands so much in opposition to the
cross of Christ, and his love and peace in the church)
will be abased, and the Lord alone exalted among his
people. And, therefore, tenderly beloved Friends and Brethren,
let it be the universal travail and earnest breathing of aU
your souls to the Lord, our most gracious and glorioUs
God, that his Sion, his whole church and people, may shine
in the beauty of holiness, and therein become the perfection
of beauty ; out of which God will yet shine more to the
nations, that they may be affected, and drawn more and
more towards the city of our solemnities, and his mountain
of holiness ; and, that the good order of Christ's house and
family may be an effectual inducement unto the residue of
men to seek after him.
And now, dear Friends and Brethren, we dearly salute
and embrace you in the love of our God and Father, the
great master of this our solemn assembly, and bid you
heartily farewell in the Lord.
Signed in behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,

125
EPISTLE, 1707.

Of our Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment.
From the 2nd to the 7th of the Fourth Month, 1707.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in England, Wales, and elsewhere.
TO whom this our solemn assembly sendeth greeting,
in the love of our heavenly Father, which we have
in his dear Son Jesus Christ ; whereby, as a people, whom
he hath greatly loved, and favoured with his presence, we
are obliged to love one another in deed and in truth, and
to maintain good order in the exercise of our Christian
Religion, in the fellowship of his Holy Spirit, and Gospel
of peace ; which, we pray God, may increase more and
more among us, whom he hath chosen out of the world,
to be a peculiar people unto himself.
And, dear Friends and Brethren, the Lord's power and
presence, having, to our great comfort, been largely mani
fested amongst us, a holy care and concern, in the love and
wisdom of God, hath been upon our hearts, to communi
cate unto you the following particulars.
And, first, as to the sufferings of our Friends in England
and Wales, since the last Yearly Meeting, they have been
chiefly for tithes, and partly those called Church-rates ; the
accounts whereof amount to three thousand eight hundred
sixty-five pounds and upwards : besides several Friends
at this time under severe prosecutions, whose suffer
ings not being completed, could not be inserted in this
account : and, although the number of prisoners is some
what lessened, yet, several do still continue prisoners on
the said accounts.
Our beloved Friend Samuel Bownas, who hath lately
been in the service of truth in America, being present, gave
a large account of the progress and prosperity of truth,
and Friends in New-England, Rhode-Island, Long-Island,
East and West Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, and other parts where he travelled.

126
We had also Epistles from Wales, Scotland, Ireland,
Holland, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode-Island, Long-
Island, North Carolina, Barbadoes, and Antigua, giving
a good account of the prosperity of truth, and unity of
Friends therein, to the great satisfaction of this Meeting ;
and particularly from Antigua, from whence we had a
brief relation of the Lord's eminently preserving that
Island (wherein are a few Friends), from the insults and
spoil of the French, to whom the neighbouring islands of
Nevis and Christopher's became a prey.
And, in most of the places aforesaid, we understand, by
their Epistles, there is great openness among the people,
and many convinced of the blessed truth.
And, both in this nation, Ireland, and several foreign
parts, we understand there are great desires the Lord of
the harvest would send forth more faithful labourers to
visit them ; which we heartily pray for.
And, we being sensible of the hurt that may happen by
persons under the profession of truth, in drawing out the
affections of one another, without the knowledge and con
sent of parents or guardians ; do, for prieventing such
mischief, deliver it as our sense and judgment, that in case
any person reputed a Quaker, shall endeavour to entangle
the affection of any young woman professing truth, or
shall make suit unto her in order to marriage, without the
privity aud consent of her parents or guardians, first had and
obtained (whether such parents or guardians be Friends
or not), that such persons ought not to be allowed, or per
mitted to proceed in any Meeting of Friends, in order to the
accomplishing of such intended marriage, until they shall
have removed the offence, and given satisfaction both to
such parents or guardians, and to the Meeting of Friends
to which they do belong, by an open and due acknowledg
ment of the offence, and condemnation of themselves
therefore, and, shall have obtained the consent of such
parents or guardians.
And, it is further advised, that after parents and guar
dians have suffered their children to engage one another in
affections, they do not break off upon any worldly account;
but, [that they] wait upon and seek the Lord for their chil-

127
dren, in proposals of marriage, before they give any encou
ragement thereunto.
Our Women's Meetings, being set up and approved in
the love of God, and by his wisdom and power, and of
manifest service, and helpful in the church ; it is the earnest
desire and advice of this Meeting, they may be upheld and
encouraged where they are settled, by Monthly and Quar
terly Meetings ; and, that in such counties and places
where they are not, it be the care of the Quarterly Meet
ings, to endeavour they may be set up and encouraged in
proper and convenient places, where they may be most
serviceable and helpful.
And now, our dear and well-beloved Friends, Brethren,
and Sisters, united in the one holy faith, and spirit,
worship, and discipline, throughout this nation, and the
neighbouring nations, provinces, and islands, beyond the
seas, let us be faithful to the holy profession we make ia
fear, love, and watchftdness ; and we shall be fruitful,
having our fruits unto holiness, that our end may be eternal
life ; the great design of religion, pure and undefiled before
God the Father ; of which he has given and sent us the
true pattern from his heavenly mount, where he appeared
to our forefathers in the truth, and also unto us, that were
instrumentally begotten by them to God. Oh ! press for
ward, that ye fall not short of this heavenly pattern, in aU
your converse, that has been so well recommended by those
dear servants of the Lord, that were examples, as well as
preachers thereof; who are gone before us to their eternal
rest and recompence. And, therefore, let us all walk with
much circumspection, fear, and humility, before the Lord,
under the sense of our present outward liberty, and the
temporal mercies that have for some years attended the
same ; that our love and service for the Lord, and his holy
truth and church, may have the preference of our worldly
business in our thoughts, lest we should incur the Lord's
displeasure for an ungrateful neglect of our duty and
thankfidness to him. For it has been sometimes the
Lord's method to deprive his people of the favours they
abuse ; though he is a God slow to anger, and of long-
suffering towards his children.

128
For the continuance of the great love and goodness of
the Lord God to us, as a people, and, that his eye and
divine hand has been over this assembly for good to all ;
let us all bless and praise his worthy name and power ; and
serve him in true humility and thankfulness, and one
another in love, that the God of peace may for ever be
with us. Signed by appointment of this Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1708.

Ofour Yearly Meeting, held in London, by Adjournment,
From the 24th to the 28th of the Third Month, 1708.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the tender love of our heavenly Father, which we
have in his dear Son, Christ Jesus, we salute
you ; earnestly desiring, that he, who is the Father and
fountain of all our mercies and consolations, may
thoroughly sanctify the hearts of all his people, unto true
and constant thankfulness and faithfulness for all his rich
mercies, blessings, and privileges, continued unto us, as
his peculiar people, until this day.
And, dear Friends, as the Lord has been exceeding good
and gracious to us, in this our solemn Meeting, by favour
ing us with his divine power and presence, to the opening
of the hearts of Friends in love to him, and one to another;
and therein brought an holy fear, and godly concern upon
us, for the exaltation of his name and truth in the earth ;
we, in that love, recommend to you the following accounts
and advices.
The sufferings that our Friends in Great Britain, now
remain under, are mostly on account of tithes, and partly
those called church-rates ; for which (according to the
accounts now brought in), there hath been taken from

129
Friends to the value of about four thousand pounds : and
there remain yet prisoners twenty-seven Friends on those
accounts, notwithstanding some have been discharged.
We have (by Friends that are come from the several
Quarterly Meetings in England, &c.) received divers good
accounts of the prosperity of truth, the love and unity
amongst Friends, and of openness in the hearts of people
in many places, to hear and receive truth's testimony ; and
that many are convinced.
The like good accounts we have also received, as well by
the verbal relations of our dear Friends John FothergiU
and William Armitstead (who have lately travelled, in the
service of truth, in most parts of America, where Friends
are), as by Epistles from Friends in Wales, Scotland, Ire
land, Holland, New England, Long Island, East and West
Jerseys, Pennsylvania, and Antigua; which accounts were
very comfortable and refreshing to this Meeting.
And, dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters in Christ,
we desire your godly care, for the due education and
safety of your children, within the bounds and limits of
truth, in all respects, may be continued and increased
amongyou; and, that parents be exemplary to their chil
dren, in keeping out of the vain fashions, customs, and
pride of the world, by adorning themselves modestly, and
in plainness, according to the simplicity of truth received
by us in the beginning. And, that you may be care
fully and zealously concerned for our ancient Christian
testimony against mixed marriages, that none of your
children may be corrupted and alienated from truth
thereby. And, to prevent the great scandal and reproach which
any professing truth may bring on it, by breaking in other
men's debts ; we remind you to exercise a godly care therein
(as much as in you lies), by giving timely caution to any
such, as either break their promises, or delay payment of
their just debts, or otherwise render themselves suspected.
And, forasnpiuch as some persons, who, by their ill
conduct, have justly deserved, and come under the censure
of the Meetings to which they belong, have thought to get
from under the weight of that judgment, by signing a paper

130
of condemnation, and thereby suppose themselves dischar
ged ; it is therefore recommended to Friends' consideration,
that they be careful not to admit such persons too early into
fellowship (or to give them cause to think they are accepted,)
before the Meeting or Meetings are satisfied in their re
pentance and amendment, notwithstanding such paper be
given. And, in that a godly care is growing among Friends in
many places, that all things which are unsavoury and hurt
ful might be removed ; that so all that profess the precious
truth with us, may come up together in the good order of
the Gospel ; for the furthering of which, and encouraging
thereunto, it is recommended, that weighty and sensible
Friends of unblameable conversations be chosen, in the
wisdom of God, to visit the families of Friends in his love ;
who are desired to advise or admonish in the peaceable
Spirit of truth, as occasion may be seen.
And, now to conclude, it is earnestly desired and advised,
in the love of Christ, that all Friends, everywhere, labour
for unity and peace ; and that love and good works may be
maintained among us, and union, and concord in the Holy
Spirit increased, and our good constitution and order
upheld in all the churches o( Christ ; that in him (our
ancient foundation) all his people may be fitly framed,
united, and knit together, and grow up to an holy temple
in the Lord, that he may delight to do us good, and to
dwell among us for ever ; to whom be everlasting praise
and dominion for evermore. To whose divine protection
we heartily recommend and commit you ; and remain.
Your Friends and Brethren.
Signed on behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,

131
EPISTLE, 1709.

From our Yearly Meeting, held iri London,
From the 13th to the 18th of the Fourth Month, 1709.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear and truly beloved
Friends and Brethren,
IN the tender love of Christ Jesus our Lord, this Meet
ing salutes you. The continuance of the great love
and tender mercies of the Lord our God to us, as his pecu
liar people, calls for faithfulness, true humility, and thank
ful hearts on our parts to him, with sincere love, and fervent
charity among ourselves ; in which we pray God his people
may be preserved and prosper, to his eternal glory and
praise. In this our solemn assembly, the Lord has not been
wanting to favour us with his blessed presence and counsel,
tending to the increase of love and Christian society among
us, who are thereby concerned for his name and truth, that
the same may be exalted and prosper in his whole heritage,
and in all the earth ; and, in true love, the following ac
counts and advices are recommended to you.
Dear Friends,
It was matter of great comfort to us, to have so many
sensible accounts as we have had of the prosperity of the
blessed truth, and work of the Lord; and, generally, of
the love, unity and peace in the Church of Christ, both
by Epistles from remote and foreign parts (as, not only
from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, but also from divers
parts in America ; as particularly, Jamaica, Rhode-Island,
Long-Island, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Jerseys), and
also by the many weighty accounts given by Friends from
their respective counties, and from Holland and Germany.
The account of Friends sufferings brought in since the
last Yearly Meeting, amounts to £4,440, and upwards;
i2

132
chiefly upon the account of titlies, and partly for church-
rates, so called.
There are twenty-three prisoners discharged since last
Yearly Meeting, most of them by the Queen's late act of
grace ; and there are about sixteen still remaining pri
soners ; divers of which, we expect, will be shortly released,
by virtue of the aforesaid act.
And it is desired, that as soon as any more Friends shall
be discharged in any county, care be taken speedily to send
up their names to the Meeting for Sufferings in London.
And, dear Friends, we hereby let you know, that the last
general collection, made seven years ago, has been some
time since wholly expended in the services of truth, for
which it was made. And, therefore, we hold it very neces
sary now to recommend unto you, that a general and free
contribution be made in the several meetings ofour Friends
in every county, to be employed in the service of truth :
and, that what shall be thereupon collected be sent up,
with as much convenient speed as may be, to our Friends
John Wilcox, Jos. Toovey, Tho. Bond, Peter Bowen,
William Chamberlain, and Richard Crafton, or some of
them. We hope we need not put you in mind, that truth leads
all, who faithfully follow it, to do right and justice to all,
and not to defraud or wrong any, in any way of commerce,
trade, trust, or dealing ; much less to put any abuse on the
Government, by endeavouring to diminish any of the cus
toms, excise, or any other public civil dues. Yet, if any,
going under our profession, should happen to be so far
tempted, through covetousness, and the love of unrighteous
gain, as to be drawn into any such evil, we desire you will
deal with such persons, to make them sensible of such
corrupt and pernicious practices ; that our holy profession
may not be blemished thereby, nor any offence given, or
injury done, by being concerned in prohibited goods, or
wrecks unrighteously taken away from the just owners.
And, dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters in Christ, who
are heads of families, and especially such who are elders in
the Church of Christ, be all diligent and careful to watch
over the young generation; that sobriety, plainness and

133
virtue, may be encouraged and promoted, and exemplarily
recommended by you to them ; that the liberty too many
of our youth take, in following the fashions and customs of
,the world, which tend to the dishonour and reproach of
the testimony of the blessed truth, may be discouraged, and
such as are found in the same dealt with, in the fear,
wisdom, and love of God, that they may be won and
brought into humility and subjection to the Lord and his
truth. And, let the aged remember, and the youth know, that,
when apparent signs of the plague of leprosy appeared on
the walls in the houses of Israel, it was the care of the
priests under the law, to have the houses cleansed, and the
lepers also. And surely Christ's priesthood should not fall
short of their care, to endeavour to stop and remove the
manifest tokens of the leprosy of the great sin of pride,
and all superfluity of naughtiness. And, therefore, let all
concerned be earnestly stirred up to sincere obedience to
the light of Christ, our great High- Priest ; that he may
cleanse the hearts and houses* of that growing plague,
which tends to the ruin of families and posterity.
And further, that nothing may be wanting in Friends'
care towards their children, let all be concerned to see that
they do not only watch over them for good, but that they
also rule over them in the fear of the Lord ; and none, in
. the fondness of affection, lose the authority wherein the
Lord has set them for their children's preservation. And,
let all be examples to them, in wisdom, moderation, and
plainness in language and habit; and not examples only,
but also to restrain them from any thing that might be
their hurt, either inwardly or outwardly ; neither providing
for therti costly and gaudy attire unbecoming godliness, nor
letting them have money to gratify themselves therein.
We recommend it as an incumbent duty on Friends, to
cause them to be frequent in reading the Holy Scriptures,
and, in observing to them the examples of such children as,
in Scripture, are recorded to have early learned the fear of
the Lord, and hearkened to his counsel ; instructing them
in the fear and dread of the Lord, planting impressions
upon their spirits of reverence towards God, from whom

134
they have their daily support ; shewing them they ought
not to offend him, but love, serve and honour Him, in whose
hands all blessings are. And, as their hearts are seasoned
with truth, and made good, good fruits, agreeable to truth,
will apppear, to the honour of God, and the conjfort of
their tender parents ; who ought to watch over them, that
they be not careless of going to meetings, where the Lord's
power hath often broke in upon children, and given them
early tokens of his future favour : for hereby, he hath
brought many to know the God of their fathers, and the
hearts of many have been inclined sincerely to desire, that
he might be their God also, and their guide all the days of
their lives. And, it hath been comfortable to many, to wait
upon the Lord with them in their private families, to feel
the divine power break in upon them, that they may know
the Lord for themselves, and knowing him, serve him.
And, where Friends want ability in the world, their
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings are desired to assist
thein; that the children of the poor may have due help of
education, instruction, and necessary learning : and, that
children (both of rich and poor) may be early provided
with industrious employments, that they may not grow up
in idleness, looseness, and vice ; but that, being thus seai
soned with the truth, sanctified of God, andtaught our holy
self-denying way, they may appear a reputation to our holy
profession, the comfort of their honest parents, instrumen
tal to the glory of God, and the good of the generatioi^
coming on.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
We hope you are not insensible, that it is only divine
wisdom from above, that truly qualifies faithful elders for
helps in government, and good order in the Church of
Christ, our glorious Lord and excellent pattern ; who has
given us of his Spirit, and left us an example of love,
humility, and meekness. Wherefore in his light and Spirit
of wisdom it is safe, and becomes us all to wait, his power
daily to feel ; that all things may be managed and done
therein, even in the name, spirit, and power, of our blessed
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that he may be all in all,

135
in all his members, both men and women : and in his name,
power and authority, all to stand witnesses for him,
against all iniquity, pride, and covetousness, which is
idolatry ; and against sowing discord, divisions, strife and
contention, which cometh by pride ; let it be shut out of
the Lord's camp for ever, and that spirit that lusteth after it.
Yet be tender to every tender plant in the Lord's heritage,
and let not the bruised reed be broken ; but let mercy
and compassion flow through you, in the bowels of Christ
Jesus, to all that are truly and tenderly affected towards
him, for their encouragement, growth and prosperity in the
blessed truth.
To avoid repeating too many things heretofore recom
mended. Friends are hereby desired to put in practice the
former advices relating to truth's testimonies, in the several
branches thereof; and particularly that advice of the
Yearly Meeting Epistle in the year 1693.
" Oh ! Sion, let thy King: reign and prosper ; that peace
may be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces ;
and shine forth in the beauty of holiness, in thy beautiful
garments, wherewith thy Heavenly King arrays thee, and
will adorn all thy faithful children."
We tenderly conclude in the words of the holy apostle :
*' Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith from God
the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
" Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity. Amen."
Signed by order of the Yearly Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.
EPISTLE, 1710.

From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
From the 29th of the Third Month, to the 3rd of the Fourth Month, 1710.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE tenderly salute you in the love of our Lord Jesus
Christ; heartily desiring the increase of sincere

' 136
lave, union, and concord among you, and in all the
churches of Christ; that the true comfort thereof may be
continued with you all; so that the God of love and peace
may be with you unto the end.
In this our great solemnity, humbly attending upon the
Lord, he hath favoured us with his living presence and
ancient power; to the opening many hearts and under
standings, tbe more to prepare them to serve him and his
church in true love ; wherein the following particulars are
recommended to you ; and the more briefly, as being a
sensible intelligent people, obliged faithfully to serve the
Lord our God, and his people, in your day and age.
By Friends, who came from the several Quarterly
Meetings in England and Wales, and from Scotland and
Ireland, and by Epistles from our Brethren of Scotland,
Ireland, Holland, Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and the
Jerseys, Maryland, West-River, Virginia, North- Carolina,
and Flushing upon Long-Island, we have good accounts of
truth's prosperity, and Friends' fellowship one with another
therein. The sufferings that our Friends in England and Wales
at present remain under, are chiefly for our ancient testi
mony against tithes, and partly those called Church-rates.
And, according to the accounts brought in from Friends of
the several counties, there hath been taken from Friends
above the value of five thousand pounds. There are
about twelve, at present, prisoners, notwithstanding thirteen
have been discharged since the last account, mostly by the
Queen's Act of Grace.
Our Christian testimony and caution has been so often
already given against that Antichristian Yoke, whereby
many suffer, that we do not think it necessary to be always
repeating the same ; for we hope we write unto a living and
sensible people, to whom the Lord hath given an under
standing heart, endued with Christian care to keep to
truth's testimony in all respects, in behalf of Christ, his
everlasting priesthood, kingdom, and government. And,
that this Meeting's former counsel in this respect be not
omitted, we refer to the advice given in the year 1706.
We doubt not but Antichrist's kingdom must come down ;

137
and the more faithful Friends jare, keeping in the unity of
the Spirit and bond of peace, the more they will see the
Gospel, the power and kingdom of Christ, prevailing; and
he will plead their cause against the persecuting spirit of
Antichrist and Babylon.
Considering the great suffering that hath been brought
upon truth and faithful Friends, by divers professing
truth amongst us, breaking their words, promises, and
obligations, to the great injury of others, by not paying
their just debts in due time; and the sad consequences
thereof, and reproaches brought thereby, notwithstanding
our great care, and many warnings given for prevention
thereof ; which being too many to recite here, we refer you
to the* advice formerly given by our ancient Friend and
Brother, G, F, to shopkeepers, merchants, factors, or any
other Friends ; which this Meeting hath thought proper to
recommend unto you in print, and advise, that it be read in
your Quarterly and Monthly Meetings as you may see
occasion, at least once a year.
A tender and weighty concern has been upon our
assembly, as formerly, for the good education of our
Friends' children in the light and way of truth, in humility
and the fear of the Lord our God, that he may be the guide
of our youth unto his heavenly kingdom. This great
concern being also more fully intimated in our last Yearly
Meeting Epistle, we refer thereto. The Lord knows we
would not have any of our dear Friends' children (who are
natural branches of a good stock) degenerate from that
good seed and tender plant that he has sown and planted in
them ; nor corrupted from truth's simplicity or innocency,
bythe society or ill examples of any other children ; which,
Friends, who are parents, should take timely care to
prevent. We also advise, that a due care be upon all parents,
and guardians of children and youth, to watch over them,
and tenderly to exhort thfem to seek the Lord in that
weighty affair of marriage, and to wait upon him in the
light for counsel, and the direction of his Holy Spirit, in
* Epistle of caution to Traders.

138
that great concern, that his blessing may be upon them :
in order to which, let none make the earth and the world
the ground of their choice ; for that will not procure the
blessing, but the contrary ; and will grieve the Lord, may
spoil families, and bring an exercise on the Church of
Christ. We also esteem it very necessary and requisite, that
yo^ung convinced and well inclined persons and Friends be
early visited in the love of God by faithful Friends, for
their encouragement, help, and furtherance in the truth.
And, that the Christian duty of visiting the sick be timely
remembered and practised ; it having often left comfort,
ease, and sweetness upon the spirits of many, to their very
end.  Also, to be careful in due time to take the weighty
testimonies of dying Friends.
Lastly, in the dear love and tender bowels of our Lord
Jesus Christ, we recommend you to his wisdom and
guidance in all your weighty and necessary concerns in his
Church ; and, that your conversation may be, in all things, as
becometh the Gospel, holy and unblameable, to his glory
and honour, and your everlasting peace.
We conclude with this ancient Christian advice, " That
ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together
for the faith of the Gospel." Phil, i. 27, Watching over
yourselves, your families, and one another, in the fear and
love of God ; that by his heavenly power you may be pre
served to his heavenly kingdom. — The Lord be with you
p,ll. Amen. Signed on behalf of this said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,

139
EPISTLE, 1711.

From our Yearly Meeting, held in London,
Fromthe21st ofthe Third Mouth, to the 26th of the same, 1711,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsexphere.
Beloved Friends,
IN true and tender love in our Lord Jesus Christ is our
renewed salutation unto you ; blessing our most gracious
God for the continuance of his goodness and manifold
mercies unto us ; and heartily desiring your preservation
and prosperity in his dear Son Jesus Christ, in all things,
to his glory, and your peace and comfort, in the faithful
discharge of the Christian care and trust the Lord hath
committed to you, in order to promote and maintain gospel
prder in the churches of Christ.
This Epistle is recommended to your tender notice, as
being a living aijd sensible people.
The many accounts we had from the respective counties
in England and Wales, of truth's prosperity (importing the
enlarging ofthe sanctuary ofthe Lord, and preparing many
people for himself; and especially of love, union, and
good order among Friends), were very acceptable and
comfprtable to this our solemn assembly : knowing that,
where charity is put on, and love abounds, there is the
principal comfort of our Christian and holy society.
It was also matter of joy, to hear from divers parts of
the Lord's merciful visitation taking hold of some of our
young generation, and bowing their souls before hira ; who
deserve your Christian notice, and tender care, for their
help and encouragement in the love of the truth : for it is
the hearty travail of Friends, that we may see more of that
blessed work upon the youth among us. But, on the other
hand, we are sorrowfully aftected, because of those whose
love to pride, and other vanities of the world, is too
apparent, by their declining the humble, meek, and self-
denying example of our Lord Jesus Christ,

140
We likewise have received good accounts, as well by the
verbal relations of some Public Friends (who have travelled
in the service of truth in Holland, and divers other
Eastern countries, and in most of the English provinces on
the main land of America), as by Episties from Scotland,
Ireland, Holland, Friesland, Frederickstadt, Maryland,
Virginia, Long-Island, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, and
the two Jerseys; which accounts were very acceptable and
refreshing to the Meeting.
The sufferings our Friends are under at present, are
mostly for their testimonies against the payment of tithes,
and those called church-rates ; for which, by the accounts
now brought up from the several counties in England and
Wales, it appears there has been taken from Friends to the
value of five thousand pounds and upwards, since the last
account ; and that there are twelve prisoners for the same,
notwithstanding eight have been discharged since last
year. And now, dear Friends, we tenderly advise you all to
keep to the Lord's power, and wait for his wisdom in all
your Meetings ; so will your own spirits be kept in sub
jection to his, and you vifill be clothed with the meek Spirit
of the Lamb, in which you will be tender of the Lord's
glory, and of one another, watching over the flock of
Christ in meekness of wisdom ; so will you have a clear
discerning between them that serve God, and them that
serve him not ; and, have dominion over every perverse
unruly spirit, and place judgment upon it, and thereby
keep it out from among you.
And we beseech you to keep to the truth as ^t is in
Jesus ; holding him your Heavenly Head in all things, who
is the author of our salvation ; for which end the Father
gave him ; to whom, for all his manifold mercies, through
his beloved Son, the immaculate Lamb, be all honour,
glory, and praise, with love, fear, service, reverence, and
obedience, world without end.
So, with very dear and tender love in our blessed Lord
Jesus Christ, we conclude with this ancient apostolical
counsel, " Above all things put on charity (that is love),
which is the bond of perfectness ; and let the peace of God

141
rule in your hearts ; to the which also ye are called in one
body; and be ye thankful." Col. iii. 14, 15.
Hoping the Lord in mercy will give Friends an opportu
nity to meet at the usual time next year ; it is desired, that
such Friends as may be sent to our Yearly Meeting, from
the respective Quarterly Meetings, may be well approved,
and known to be of unblameable conversations, walking
in love and unity with Friends.
Signed on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1712.

From our Yearly Meeting in London held by several
adjournments.
From the 9th to the 20th ofthe Fourth Month, 1712.
To the Quat terly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
DEAR and tenderly beloved Friends and Brethren in
Christ Jesus, to whom the salutation of true love
is extended, we humbly beseech our Heavenly Father, that
grace, love, and peace may be multiplied unto you,
through his dear Son Jesus Christ ; and that, in him, we all
may enjoy fervent love, comfort, peace, and concord among
ourselves, and that the same may abound more and more
in all the churches of Christ throughout thp whole world,
unto the glory of our God, and perfection of Sion's
beauty ; for which it appears greatly necessary for us all,
humbly and earnestly, to present our requests and supplica
tions constantly unto Him, who is the great repairer of
breaches, and restorer of paths to dwell in. The day
calls for such an universal and deep travail of soul among
us all, that the Lord our God may cast his skirt over us,
and hide and preserve us under the shadow of his wing.
We have had this year comfortable accounts of truth's
prosperity, love and unity among Brethren, and divers con
vinced of the blessed truth, in several parts of Great
Britain and Ireland.

14^
And, by Epistles received from several English colonies
in America ; and also from some Eastern countries, as
Holstein, Holland, and Friesland; we understand that
Friends are preserved in brotherly love ; and that sober
people do, at times, resort to Friends' Meetings.
The sufferings of Friends this year; according to ac
counts brought in, having been mostly for tithes, and those
called church-rates, amount to the sum of five thousand
three hundred and seventy pounds, and upwards, in that
part of Great Britain, called England and Wales.
There have been discharged this year five prisoners;
and there are continued eleven prisoners, chiefly by Exche
quer process, upon suits for tithes.
And, Friends, as we are taught by the Grace of God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ, to live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world ; and, that our moderation in
all things may appear before all men ; let all Friends con
cerned in and about marriages, ktep within the bounds of
truth, sobriety, and temperance, and be examples thereof;
, that whether they eat or drink, or whatever else they do,
it may be to the glory of God.
And, as the truth is the foundation of right fellowship
with God, and communion one with another, we exhort all
such as are professors of it, faithfully to obey the same, in
keeping to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the •
several testimonies thereof; so that none may despise the
day of small things, nor turn aside from the plainness,
simplicity, and life of the truth, into the words, ways, cus
toms, and fashions of the world, which are vain, and will
perish with using (God having redemed his people out of
the same, through his righteous judgments in their inward
parts) ; knowing that whatever hath been condemned and
overturned thereby, is never to be built up again, by any
that are lovers of the truth as it is in Jesus.
We also exhort all parents of children, to be \ery careful
to educate and train them up in the fear of God, and know
ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, according to
the Holy Scriptures ; and, be good examples to them in all
things, as becomes men and women professing- god
liness, that good foot-steps may be left by us to future

143
generations; which may be helpful to the preservation of
those that succeed us in the right way of the Lord.
And, we pray, let no seeds of discord, strife, or conten
tion, be sown or received by any of us in the church, to'
the disturbance thereof And, let all be careful to walk
inoffensively towards the Government under which we live.
So, dear Friends and Brethren, let us all be tender of
the glory of God, and the honour of his Holy Name and
truth, professed among us, and follow peace with all men,
and holiness, without which none shall see the Lord; and
(as he hath taught us) have salt in ourselves, and be at
peace one with another, that the God of love and peace
may continue his presence with us to the end of our days ;
that we may all approve ourselves true and faithful servants
unto our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; to whom,
with the Father, be glory and dominion for ever.
Signed on behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1713.

From our Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments,
From the 25th of the Third Month, 1713, to the 9th ofthe Fourth Month
following.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
THE salutation of love in the Lord Jesus Christ,
our peaceable Saviour, and blessed Mediator, is ex
tended unto you ; heartily wishing, that grace, mercy, and
peace may abound among us all, and in all the churches of
Christ everywhere, that the spring of life and sincere love
may yet arise and flow through all, for perfect unity of
spirit, in the bond of true lasting peace and concord.
Great travail and endeavours have been on the spirits of
many faithful Friends, in this our annual assembly, for the
continuance and increase of primitive love, and comfortable

144
fellowship of the Holy Spirit ; wiich we hope the Lord
will graciously answer,, as we all wait upon him in deep
humiliation, contrition of heart, and earnest supplication,
which the present day and heavy exercises call for.
And, we earnestly beseech all Friends and Brethren,
diligently to watch and wait in faith and patience, in the
light of the Lord, against our grand adversary, the sower
of strife, discord and divisions, the old accuser of the
Brethren ; that he may not prevail, to bring his evil and
destructive designs to pass in God's heritage.
And, we desire and advise, that all Friends be tenderly
careful, that such who are weak in the faith, or young-
convinced, be received ; but not to doubtful disputations.
And, all keep to, and attend upon, the Gospel of peace, in
an humble Christian spirit ; which will tend to the peace,
union, and good order of the Churches of Christ : for
which end and purpose the Lord govern all his servants
and ministers with his divine and peaceable wisdom,
therein to be such good and Christian examples of the
believers, as mentioned 1 Tim. iv. 12.
And, as concerning the education of Friends' children,
the keeping up of First-day, and other Week-day Meet
ings, together with the divers branches of our testimony
relating to tithes, and other sufferings for truth's sake ; not
being willing too often to repeat the same things, we re
commend to your serious and weighty consideration, the
several advices heretofore given in our former Yearly
Meeting Epistles, that the same may be duly recommended
by the Quarterly Meetings, to the several Monthly and par
ticular Meetings, in order to the further observance and
practice thereof; as particularly those Epistles in the years
I6?8, 1692, 1706, &c.
And, dear Friends, the Friends of this Meeting, to whom
the inspection of the accounts was referred, make report,
that having perused the, books and the accounts relating to
Friends, they find the stock near expended : whereupon
this Meeting thinks it necessary, now to recommend unto
you, that a general and free contribution be made in the
several Meetings of our Friends in every county ; and,
that what shall be thereupon collected, be sent up to the

145
correspondents of the several counties, in order to be paid
to William Wragg, Jonathan Scarth, Anthony Neat,
Andrew Pitt, John Turner, and John Constantine, some,
or any of them.
We have received sundry good accounts from several
counties in England anil Wales; as also, the like from
Pennsylvania, Virgini^a, Rhode-Island, Holland, Friesland,
and Ireland, concerning the prosperity of truth, and unity
of Friends in many places : and also from Scotland, that,
in some parts thereof, there was an openness to receive the
testimony of truth ; and likewise at Frederickstadt, not
withstanding the great oppression and impoverishment by
the armies, yet they have enjoyed their Meetings peaceably.
The whole of Friends' sufferings this year, in England
and Wales, amounts to four thousand seven hundred
pounds, and upwards ; chiefly on account of tithes. And,
we desire all Friends may be faithful in this our ancient
testimony, and careful in recording their sufferings for the
same, pursuant to former advices. There have been two
prisoners discharged since last year, two died prisoners, and
eight continued prisoners.
Finally, dear and well-beloved Friends and Brethren,
farewell in our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ;
labour to promote love; live in peace, that the God of
peace may be with you. Amen.
Signed on behalf of the said Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1714.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments,
From the 17th of the Third Month to the 27th ofthe same Month, 1714.
To the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Beloved Friends and Brethren,
THE salutation of sincere love, in our blessed Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, freely reaches unto you ;

146
we heartily wishing grace, love and peace in him, may be
increased and multiplied unto you all, even to all the
churches of Christ, that the peace of God may rule in all
your hearts, whereunto you are called in one body ; even
by that one eternal Spirit of life and love, whereby we
have been gathered and preserved to be a people to this
day : blessed be God, the Father and fountain of all our
mercies, for evermore.
There remains a weighty obligation upon us, and the
Lord's whole heritage, to deep humiliation, and fervent
¦ supplication, and travail of soul to Almighty God, that he
may increase universal charity, peace and concord among
us, and the whole church of Christ. Humbly hoping, that
he would graciously please to bring his people into such
nearness of spirit aud mutual understanding, that love and
peace may increase more and more among us.
It was very satisfactory to this Meeting, to receive aa
account from Brethren of the Morning Meeting, held the
same day that this our Yearly Meeting began, that they
were comfortably attended with the reviving presence and
counsel of the liord our God, whose name was and is near
us. And, in the public Meetings of business, we had re
freshing seasons, as the Lord was waited upon in stillness ;
and counsel was quietly heard.
Sundry Epistles from places abroad, as Long-Island,
North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode-
Island, Holland, Frederickstadt, and also from some places
nearer home, as Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, were read
in this our Meeting, expressing, in divers of them, how
peaceably, lovingly, and comfortably their affairs, relating
to truth, were carried on and managed ; wherein their good
example is commendable : mentioning also the Lord's
largely manifesting his presence in their Yearly and other
Meetings. When any Friend, or Friends, remove to any of the
plantations in Anierica, or other parts, it is advised, that
their going be with consent of the Monthly Meetings,
whereto they belong ; and that they take a certificate of
their conversation and unity with Friends ; and, if single
persons, of their clearness respecting marriage ; and if they

147
have parents living, that the parents do signify their minds
relating thereunto to some particular Friends, or to some
Meeting in the country whereto they go.
The sufferings of Friends this year, by the accounts
brought in from England and Wales, do amount unto four
thousand four hundred and sixty pounds, and upwards ;
mostlv on account of tithes.
There have been five Friends discharged from their im
prisonments on truth's account since last year ; notwith
standing there do still remain nine Friends prisoners, mostly
upon account of tithes.
It is recommended, that Friends take care that those who
are desired and appointed to come up to Yearly Meetings,
may be men fiearing God, of good conversations, of weighty
spirits, prudent and sincere, and well acquainted with the
affairs of truth at home.
To conclude, dear and well-beloved Friends, farewell in
our blessed Lord, the prince of life and peace ; still labour
to provoke one another to love and good works ; have salt
in yourselves (even that of the everlasting covenant) and
be at peace one with another. Dwell in humility, and walk
in the meek and tender spirit of our great Mediator
towards one another ; and strive not, but be gentle towards
all men ; — it is the Lamb shall have the victoiy.
There seems at present to hang over us a cloud threat
ening a storm. Let us all watch and pray, and retire to
our munition and strong hold in our spiritual rock and
foundation, which standeth sure; that our God may
defend, help and bless us, as his peculiar people, to the
end of our days and time here, and the full fruition of the
heavenly kingdom and glory hereafter.
The God of peace bruise Satan, the author of strife
and confusion, under our feet ; that primitive love
and concord may be renewed, and fully restored
among his people.
Signed on behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

K '^

148
EPISTLE, 1715.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by Adjournments,
From the 6th of the Fourth Month, to the 13th of the same, 1715.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere, greeting, in the love
of our Heavenly Father.
THE salutation of our ancient and fervent love, in
our Lord Jesus Christ, being freely extended unto
you, our earnest breathings, travail and supplication in
him are, that sincere love, and settled peace, with all
divine and Christian virtues, m.ay be increased and mul
tiplied unto you, and to us all : and, that as we are called in
one body to enjoy that peace and comfort of love, in the
Spirit of life, wherein we have been gathered and preserved
to be a people to this day, and chosen out of the world, and
the corruptions of it ; so we might all be partakers of the
divine nature in Christ Jesus, and of all spiritual bles
sings in him, to whom the kingdom, dominion, and govern
ment belong for ever.
There still remains a weighty concern upon us, for the
whole church to labour and travail in deep humility, self-
denial, and fervent supplication to the God and Father of
all our mercies, that we be at peace among ourselves, and
follow those things which make for peace and concord in all
the churches of Christ; whereby we may enjoy consolation
in him, and the comfort of true love. For this end be very
watchful against the contrary spirit and work of division,
that there may not be any breach, schism, or discord
amongst us. The Lord is one, and his name, power, and
Spirit one, and he hath called us to be one, in charity, in
principle, and in practice. Let us all therefore diligently
follow and pursue the same, according to the degrees of
that divine grace, wisdom and understanding given us of
God, through the dear Son of his love, Jesus Christ our
only Mediator. And, let us all diligently follow him, and
his example, in his divine light and Spirit, wherein Satan

149
(the adversary, the devil, the murderer, and divider) hath
no place ; that the power of Christ Jesus, in whom the
prince of the world hath nothing, may reign over all for
ever; to whose name and power every knee must bow^
and tongue confess. We pray God that Friends every where
may truly reverence his name and power, and be mindful of
his kingdom and government over all. ¦
In this our annual assembly, our God hath been near to
help and counsel us, as in humility, and the meekness of
wisdom we have been willing to attend upon him ; who, in
his goodness, hath graciously shined upon this, our great
solemnity, and brought many into more amity and love, and
to better understanding and nearness in spirit, than for
some time past. Blessed be the God of love and peace,
for all his kindnesses and favours towards us.
We think it meet, as usual, to impart unto you the most
material accounts, passages and counsels relating to the
concerns of truth, good order and peace in the churches of
Christ, necessary at this time : which are as follow.
By those Friends who came up to this Meeting from the
several counties of England and Wales, as also from Scot
land and Ireland, as well as by divers Epistles from foreign
parts ; viz. Maryland, Pennsylvania, East and West Jersey,
Long-Island, Rhode-Island, Holland, and Frederickstadt,
and likewise from some faithful Friends and Brethren, who
lately have travelled in truth's service in divers parts of
America ; we have good and comfortable accounts of the
prosperity of truth, of the unity there is generally among
Friends, and the great readiness and openness in many
places, both iu England and foreign parts, to hear the tes
timony of the gospel declared unto them.
The sufferings of Friends, brought in this year from
England and Wales, do amount unto four thousand nine
hundred pounds and upwards, for tithes, and those called
church-rates, &c. but chiefly on account of the former.
We understand also, that although, since last Yearly
Meeting, nine Friends have been discharged from impri
sonment, there yet remain nine Friends, prisoners in divers
parts of England, mostly on account of tithes; and one
Friend hath died a prisoner.

150
A tender concern being upon the spirits of many Bre
thren, for the keeping up our ancient testimonies in the
truth against pride, and the vain fashions and customs of
the world; it is desired and advised, that Friends in all
places (in the wisdom of God) endeavour to train up their
children in the fear of the Lord, and be good examples to
them, in keeping to the cross of Christ, both in plainness of
habit and speech ; and, that none do countenance or con
nive at them, in going from the ancient simplicity of the
truth, in which we have appeared as a people called of God,
to bear testimony to his name ; nor make light of those
testimonies, which, by our ancient Friends (who trod out
the way before us) were borne through great perils and
dangers, to the hazarding the lives and estates of many ;
the weight of whose exercises remains fresh upon the
minds of a remnant, to the stirring up of a godly zeal in
them, against all false liberty, and sinful ease in the flesh,
which is too apt to grow among some professing the same
truth with us, in this our day, for want of due watchfulness
and obedience to the light of Christ, and keeping low and
humble before the Lord ; by reason whereof, many evils
get in amongst us ; viz. Pride of apparel : making of mixt
marriages with persons of contrary judgment; bowing, and
giving flattering titles to men ; the saying of ye or you to
a single person ; and calling the days of the week, and the
months, by heathen names, to the declining of truth's tes
timony, and giving occasion of stumbling, to such as are
seeking after the knowledge of the same, as it is in Jesus.
These things are cause of sorrow of heart and trouble to
the Israel of God ; yea, cause of great moiiining ; and call
for humiliation and amendment in the camp of Qod ; that
every evil and hurtful thing being cast out, truth may
prevail, and the professors thereof may stand faithfully
against all snares and temptiitions ; that the blessing of
God, in which there is no sorrow, may rest upon, and
abound in the whole church of Christ.
And, that our children may be preserved from the wiles
of Satan, as much as in us lies, let a godly care and con
cern be upon the minds of all parents to watch over them,
'jyith supplications to the Lord, that they be not drawn

151
away from the innocency, simplicity, and plainness of the
way of truth; and labour, in a sense of truth, to reach the
witness in them, that they may feel in their own spirits a
degree of fear and reverence towards God ; and instruct
them to follow his counsel, and obey his voice ; as the
tribes of Israel were required of God, to teach his precepts
diligently unto their children, Deut. vi. ver. 7. " And
thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when
thou walkest by the way, aud when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up." So be you concerned to acquaint
them how the Lord led you from one degiee of faithfulness
to another, in a denial of the world's corrupt ways, lan
guage and customs : which while we (in disobedience to
him) walked in, we could not enjoy true peace : but as we
bore the cross, and bowed to his will, we had an evidence
of acceptance with him. And, be careful, that none of you,
by a neglect herein, become examples unto them to depart
from the Scripture language, wherein is true propriety of
speech. And, let none exercise rule or government in the church,
as elders or overseers, but such who are unblameable in
conversation and example, free from covetousness, over
reaching, oppression and extortion, &c. persons of good
report, even among those who are without; following
those things so earnestly recommended by the holy apostles
Paul and Peter. Philip, ii. 3. " Let nothing be done
through strife, or vain glory ; but in lowliness of mind let
each esteem other better than themselves." 1 Pet. v. 2 3.
" Feed the flock of God which is among you; takino- 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 the flock."
And, as the blessed truth we profess, teacheth us to do
justly unto all men, in all things ; even so, more especially,
in a faithful subjection to the government, in all godliness
and honesty ; continuing to render unto the King, what is
his due, in taxes and customs payable to him according to
law. The Lord our God, who, for the sake of his heritaffe.

152
hath often heretofore rebuked and limited the raging waves
of the sea, hath (blessed be his name) mercifully dispersed
the cloud threatening a storm, which lately seemed to hang
over us ; which, together with the favour God hath given
us in the eyes of the King and government, for the free en
joyment of our religious and civil liberties, calls for true
thankfulness to him.
And, humbly to pray to Almighty God for the King, and
those in authority, for his and their safety and defence, is
certainly our Christian dirty, as well as to walk inoffensively,
as a grateful people, towards them.
Finally, dear Friends and Brethren, be careful to be at
peace among yourselves ; to live in love and concord, and
keep your Meetings therein in the authority of that divine
power, wherein they were first erected.
And, the God of love and peace be with you all, and
rule among you by the Spirit of his dear Son Christ
Jesus. To whom the glory, the kingdom, and gO'?
vernment over all, belong for ever.
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting,
in London, the 13th of the Fourth Month,
1715, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1716.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments,
From the 21st of the Third Month, to the 29th ofthe same, 1716.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere; Salutation in the Love
of our God is freely extended and revealed, through
his dear Son Jesus Christ.
Tenderly beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE humbly beseech and supplicate our Heavenly
Father, that sincere love and true peace may
increase and abound more and more in all the churches of
Christ, and the whole family and heritage of God, in this,
and all other nations where his blessed work of restoration

153 i
is begun ; knowing, that as these do increase and abound,
through sincere obedience to the divine unction received
from the Holy One, in and among us, there will 'be the less
occasion for the frequent repetition or addition of outward
directions ; the royal law of love being written in the heart.
Dear Friends,
We have very great cause to be humbly thankful to
Almighty God, for his many providences over us ; and par
ticularly for being delivered from the great miseries and
calamities with which these nations were threatened by
the late rebellion.
By the accounts received this year, the sufferings of
Friends in England and Wales, are four thousand six
hundred thirty pounds and upwards, chiefly on account of
tithes aud church-rates so called ; and that there are nine
teen Friends now prisoners, and one deceased a prisoner
since last year.
We think meet to pommunicate to you, that we have re
ceived fiivers good and comfortable accounts at this Meet
ing, as well by Friends come up from the several counties
of England and Wales, as also by several Epistles from
Scotland, Ireland, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode-Island,
Amsterdam, Harlinghen, and Frederickstadt, that Friends
in general are preserved in love, and truth prospers in
divers parts, and [that there is] an openness in the minds of
people to hear truth's testimony delivered in Friends'
Meetings'j and some convincement.
The consideration of which weighs with us, to recom
mend to our Brethren a steady progress in the truth, and a
prudent inoffensive conduct and demeanour one towards
another in all respects ; that no just offence may be given
to any upon any account, according to former advices from
this Meeting, to which we refer; and particularly to the
matters contained in the minute of the last Yearly Meeting,
for walking charitably and tenderly one towards another,
and not judging one another in the case therein mentioned,
recommended in writing to the Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings ; which minute we advise may be therein read,
^nd entered in your Meeting books, that the same may be

164
effectually put in practice ; and that report thereof be
made to the next Yearly Meeting.
Finally, dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters, all of you
have godly care of judging or contradicting one another in
public Meetings, or shewing any marks or signs of division
therein, among ministers or others ; that being of very
pernicious consequence, to bring blame or contempt upon the
ministry, and a great hurt to our youth and others. Where
fore all be very careful to shew a good example of sobriety,
gravity, and sincerity, sound doctrine and speech, that can
not be condemned ; giving no offence in any thing, that the
ministiy may not in anywise be blamed ; but all gainsayers
be ashamed, and truth kept in dominion in all your solem
nities. Our dear and worthy Friend and Brother George
Fox hath given the like advice and caution more fully, in
the collection of his Epistles, folios 92 and 300, to which
you are referred.
And, for the sake of good order and Christian love one
towards another in the church, as members one of another,
the strong ought with compassion both to help and bear
the infirmities of the weak. For we have weak Brethren
in the church ; towards whom our Lord Jesus Christ hath
bowels of compassion, and in the spirit of love and meek
ness, would have them seasonably helped and strengthened
by their elder and stronger brethren : as he has been com
passionate, and hath forgiven and helped them in times of
need. And, that gospel order may be carefully maintained and
followed, according to the precept and doctrine of Christ
and 'his holy apostles, we recommend to your serious notice
and observation the following scriptures ; viz.
Mat. xviii. 15. " Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass
against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and
him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy
brother, &c." Ver. 16, 17, Agreeably to the Mosaical
Law, in Leviticus, xix, 17, 18. " Thou shalt not hate
thy brother in thine heart : thou shalt in anywise
rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin to lie upon
him [or, as in the margent, ' that thou bear not sin for
him']. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge

155
against the children of thy people ; but thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."
Gal. vi. 1. " Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye, which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit
of meekness ; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted."
James, v. 19, 20. " Brethren, if any of you do err from
the truth, and one convert him ; let him know, that he,
which converteth a sinner from the error of his way,
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multi
tude of sins."
2 Cor. vi. 3, i. " Giving no offence in any thing, that
the ministry be not blamed ; but in all things approv
ing ourselves as tbe ministers of God, in much patience,
in afflictions, &c."
2 Tim. ii. 24, 25. " And the servant of the Lord must
not strive ; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach,
patient [or forbearing] ; in meekness instructing those
that oppose themselves ; if God, peradventure, will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the
truth."
Rom. XV. 5, 6. " Now the God of patience and conso
lation grant you to belike-minded one toward another,
according to [or, after the example of] Christ Jesus;
that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Thess. iii. 14, 15, 16. " And if any man obey not our
word by this Epistle [i. e. of Paul's], note that man,
and have no company with him, that he may be
ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admo
nish him as a brother.' ' Now the Lord of peace
himself give you peace always by all means. The
Lord be with you all."
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting
in London, the 28th of the Third Month,
1716, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

156
EPISTLE, 1717.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment,
From the 10th ofthe Fourth Month, to the I4th of the same, inclusive, 1717.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere.
OUR salutation in the love of Christ Jesus our blessed
Lord, is freely extended unto you ; whose tender
care over, and mercy to, this our annual assembly, we
do humbly and thankfully acknowledge, in the love, amity,
tender condescension, and peaceable procedure thereof,
with respect to the divine power and goodness of the
Lord our God, and the service of his church and people;
sincerely desiring the prosperity of his whole heritage,
even in all the churches of Christ among us, in his dear
love, unity and peace, to his eternal glory, and our uni
versal comfort and perpetual joy in the kingdom ofthe dear
Son of God.
We are truly comforted, in that we understand there is
such a general concurrence and union among Friends with
our former earnest desires and counsel for true and univer
sal love, unity, peace, and good order, to be earnestly
endeavoured and maintained among us, as a peculiar
people, chosen of the Lord out of the world, to bear a
faithful testimony to his Holy Name and truth, in all respects;
and that all that is contrary be watched against and avoided
(as strife, discord, contention), and disputes, tendingto divi
sions, may be utterly suppressed and laid aside, as the light,
and righteous judgment of truth require.
Oh ! that all the churches and congregations of the faith
ful would be excited by the Spirit of the dear Son of God,
fervently to pray for the prosperity of his church and
people throughout the world ; that Sion may more and
more shine in the beauty of holiness, to the glory and
praise of the King of Glory.
The Friends and Brethren, come up from the several
Quarterly Meetings in, this nation, have given a good ac-

157
count to this Meeting of truth's prosperity, arid that
Friends are generally in love and unity one with another.
And by several Epistles from Friends of North Carolina,
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Barbadoes, Holland, Scot
land, Ireland, and Wales, which have been read in this
Meeting; as also, by verbal accounts, given by several
Friends that have lately travelled in divers parts of Ame
rica, and elsewhere ; we have received comfortable accounts
of the state of truth and Friends in those parts ; by which
we are encouraged to hope truth prevails in many places,
and a concern grows upon Friends for the prosperity
thereof; and that there is an inclination in people to hear
the truth declared.
By the accounts brought up this year, we find that
Friends' sufferings in England and Wales amount to five
thousand two hundred and ninety pounds and upwards,
chiefly for tithes, priests' wages, and steeple-house rates ;
and that notwithstanding there have been four Friends dis
charged the last year, there yet remain tv/enty Friends
prisoners on these accounts.
We advise, that a tender care remain upon Friends in all
places, to be faithful in keeping up our Christian testimony
against tithes ; as being fully persuaded, it is that where
unto God hath called his people in this our day ; we seeing,
by daily experience, that such as are not faithful therein,
do thereby add to the suffering of honest Friends, and
hinder their own growth and prosperity in the most blessed
truth. As touching the education of Friends' children, for
which this Meeting has often found a concern ; we think it
our duty to recommend unto you the necessity that there
is of a care in preserving of them in plainness of speech
and habit, suitable to our holy profession ; and also, that no
opportunity be omitted, nor any endeavours wanting, to
instruct them in the principle of truth, which we profess ;
that thereby they, being sensible of the operation thereof
in themselves, may find not only their spirits softened and
tendered, fit to receive the impressions ofthe divine image,
but may also from thence find themselves under a necessity
to appear clear in the several branches of our Christian

158
testimony. And, as this will be most beneficial to them,
being the fruits of conviction, so it is the most effectual
way of propagating the same throughout the churches of
Christ. And there being times and seasons wherein their
spirits are (more than at others) disposed to have those
things impressed upon them ; so we desire, that all parents,
and others concerned in the oversight of youth, might
wait, in the fear of God, to know themselves divinely
qualified for that service ; that, in his wisdom, they may
make use of every such opportunity, which the Lord shall
put into their hands. And, we do hereby warn and advise
Friends in all places, to flee every appearance of evil ; and
keep out of pride, and [from] following the vain fashions
and customs of this world, as recommended in the Epistle
of 1715.
And, as we always found it our concern to recommend
love, concord, and unity, in the churches of Christ every
where, so, as a means to effect the same, we earnestly
desire, that Friends, but more especially such as are con
cerned in Meetings of business, do labour to know their
own spirits subjected by the Spirit of truth ; that thereby
being " baptized into one body," they may be truly one in
the foundation of their love and unity, and that therein
they may all labour to find a nearness to each other in
spirit ; this being the true way to a thorough reconcilia
tion, wherever there is, or may have been any difference of
apprehension ; thereby Friends will be preserved in that
sweetness of spirit, that is, and will be the bond of true
peace throughout all the churches of Christ.
And, dear Friends, the Friends of this Meeting, to
whom the inspection of the accounts was referred, made
report, that having perused the same, they found the stock
to be nearly expended ; whereupon this Meeting thinks it
necessary to recommend unto you, that a general and
free contribution be made in every county, and that what
shall be thereupon collected, be sent up to the respective
correspondents. Finally, dear Friends and Brethren, be careful to walk
unblameably in love and peace among yourselves, and i
towards all men in Christian charity; and be humbly

159
thankful to the Lord, our most gracious God, for the favour
he hath given us in the eyes of the King and civil govern
ment, in the peaceable enjoyment of our religious and
Christian liberties under them ; and the God of peace (we
trust) will be with you to the end.
The Grace of our Lord Jesns Christ be with your
spirits. Amen.
Signed in, and on the behalf, and by the order of
this Meeting, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.

EPISTLE, 1718.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment,
From the 2nd ofthe Fourth Month, to the 10th ofthe same, inclusive, 1718.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear and well-beloved Friends and Brethren,
THIS our solemn assembly recommends our sincere
love and salutation, in our blessed Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, unto you, and to all his churches everywhere,
to whom this Epistle may be communicated.
We think it meet to remind you, that the intent and
holy design of our annual assemblies, in their first consti
tution, were for a great and weighty oversight, and Chris
tian care of the affairs of the churches pertaining to our
holy profession, and Christian communion ; that good order,
true love, unity and concord, may be faithfully followed
and maintained among all of us, as a peculiar people,
called and chosen out of the world, and the errors and
corruptions thereof: knowing also, that sincere love, and
union in general, will be a great cause of truth's prosperity
among ourselves, and of the prevalency thereof over the
world and the spirit of it. All which seriously considered,
we sincerely desire, and humbly hope, that God will gra
ciously please more and more to put it into the hearts of

160
Friends and Brethren, to be zealously concerned, that
universal love, true union, peace and concord be followed
and maintained in all the churches of Christ; and all the
contrary, as enmity, division, discord and strife, watched
against and shut out for ever ; that the power and peace
of our God may prevail and rule in all hearts more and
more ; whereunto we are called in one body, that the God
of love and peace may be with us for ever ; which is the
earnest desire and travail of the souls of all the faithful.
The Friends and Brethren of the several Quarterly
Meetings in this nation have given good accounts to this
Meeting, of truth's prosperity in divers places, and, that
Friends -are generally in love and unity one with another.
And several Epistles (viz, from Flushing in Long-Island,
Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey, Maryland,
Virginia, Barbadoes, Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland, and
Wales) have been read in this our Meeting ; by which we
understand, that truth prevails (many being convinced
thereof,) and that a concern grows upon faithful Friends
for the further increase of it.
The account of sufferings we have received from the
several counties in this nation, have been mostly for non-pay
ment of tithes, priests' wages, and church-rates so called ;
and do amount in the whole unto five thousand one hun
dred ninety three pounds and upwards ; and that there
have been discharged since last year five prisoners, and
there do yet remain thirteen prisoners, mostly on account
of tithes.
We beseech and exhort all Friends to be faithful in their
Christian testimony against those grand oppressions of
tithes, priest's wages, and all other things that truth al-
loweth not of; out of which the Lord hath called his people
in this gospel day. For by experience we find, that to
such who are not faithful therein, it tends to hinder their
growth in the truth, and to add to the sufferings of faithful
Friends. And, dear Friends, it having frequently been recom
mended, that Friends should be diligent in providing
schools for the education of their youth; not only in
useful and necessary learning, but also to bring them up

161
in the fear of God, and in a sense of his holy life upon
their spirits, and in frequent reading the Holy Scriptures,
and other good books ; so we have accounts from divers
parts of this kingdom, that Friends are in the practice
thereof, and have had good success on their endeavours
therein ; yet we have also accounts, that there is in some
places want of schools. And, (as hath been advised in the
Epistle of this Meeting, anno 1709), " Where Friends want
ability, their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings are des.ired
to assist them, that the children of the poor may have due
help of education, instruction,, and necessary learning; and,
that the children, both of rich and poor, may be early pro
vided w ith industrious employments, that they may not grow
up in idleness, looseness and vice ; but that, being thus
seasoned with the truth, sanctified of God, and taught our
holy self-denying way, they may appear a reputation to our
holy profession, the comfort of their honest parents, instru
mental to the glory of God, and the good ofthe generation
coming on."
And, dear Friends, with respect to the poor among us,
it ought to be considered, that the poor (both parents and
children) are of our family, and ought not to be turned off
to any others, to be either supported or educated. And, al
though some may think the poor a burthen; yet, remember,
where our poor are well provided for, and walk orderly,
they are an ornament to our society ; and the rich should
consider, " It is more blessed to give than to receive ;" and
that he who gives to the poor, lends to the Lord, who
will repay it again.
And, we beseech all Friends (and in an especial manner
all such who are active members in the church, and, who
seem to have a great place and interest therein) to wait
diligently upon the Lord for the wisdom which comes
down from above ; that, in the meekness of that wisdom
they mov act for God, and for the good of his church and
people ; and not in an overly, talkative, and disorderly
spirit. ,4nd, that all such be exemplary in seasonably and
constantly keeping to Week-day Meetings, as well as
First-day ; and such as have children and families, in
bringing them, as much as may be, w ith them ; that they
L

162
may be good examples to the flock therein ; and not,' by
their indifferency and negligence, be a stumbling-block in
the way of others.
And, as caution has often been given against the growing
evil of pride, so it hath been a concern upon this Meeting
to renew the same ; and, by a particular Epistle from this
Meeting on that occasion, [we] have given caution and
advice thereon ; and directed, that printed copies thereof
be sent to each family of Friends ; to which Epistle we
refer. And, dear Friends and Brethren in our Lord Jesus
Christ, our Holy Head, and heavenly lawgiver, by whom
we are united into one body, through the power and virtue
of the Holy Spirit ; (being, by the most merciful kindness
of God, under the renewed sense of his divine life and
love, which has overshadowed this our annual assembly, to
our great comfort and satisfaction, for which we are humbly
thankful to him) ; we heartily desire your prosperity in the
blessed truth, and increase in the unity of the faith, and,
that we may strive together therein for " the hope of the
Gospel." To conclude, we tenderly recommend you all to the God
of love and peace, that his divine power, and peaceable
wisdom, may rule and reign over all ; that therein all your
affairs may be ordered to his glory, and your comfort and
peace in Christ Jesus ; and nothing done through strife and
contention, or vain glory, murmuring or disputing ; but, in
the Spirit of meekness, love and humility, carry yourselves
toward one another ; and the younger brethren endeavour
to know their places, as living members of one body, and
preserve a due regard to their elders in Christ Jesus. The
God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting, in
London, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,
London, the lOth of the
Fourth Month, 1718,

163
EPISTLE, 1719.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment,
From the 18th ofthe Tliird Month, to the 23rd of the same, inclusive, 1719.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends
in Great Britai7i, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of Christ, our Holy Head and lawgiver, we
dearly salute you, in a living sense of the Lord's great
and gracious goodness, which he hath been pleased to
renew upon the spirits of many in this our Yearly Meeting ;
for which we are humbly thankful unto the God and
Father ot all our mercies ; wishing the increase of all
spiritual blessings in the churches everywhere, through
Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
And since, through the merciful providence of the Lord
our God toward us his people, the churches among us
have rest and quiet ; our sincere desire is, that all may
make a true and faithful improvement thereof, to his glory,
and the churches' edification, in the one living faith, true
love and concord ; as the primitive churches, when they had
rest, were edified ; and, walking in the fear of the Lord,
were multiplied by the comfort of the Holy Ghost.
For good order, union and concord, and to shun all oc
casions of strife and discord, and for speedy ending all
differences, we hope you have not need of particular and
renewed advice, if the ancient counsel, advices and cau
tions, given in many of our Yearly Epistles, be sincerely
observed, and duly put in practice, in your Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings ; still preferring the law of the Spirit
of life in yourselves, as a remaining obligation upon your
spirits, to continue in the practice of that pure and Chris
tian religion, which we are called unto by the Grace of
God. And, dear Friends, we have received divers Epistles
from Friends in foreign parts ; viz. from North Carolina,
Antigua, the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, Long-Island, Mary-
L 2

164
land, Virginia, Rhode-Island, Barbadoes, Frederickstadt,
Amsterdam, and Ireland ; as also, from Friends of North
Britain and Wales ; wherein are contained good accounts
of the love and unity of Friends in general, of the
prosperity of truth, and enlargement of the kingdom of
Christ in divers parts. Blessed be the name of the Lord
our God.
The comfortable accounts which also have been given to
this Meeting, by Friends from the several Quarterly Meet
ings, &c. in South Britain, of love and concord in general, „
and of the progress of the work of God, and good dispo
sitions "bf people in divers parts, to hear the Gospel ofthe
kingdom preached, in the demonstration of the Spirit, and
in power, cannot but be very affecting to us.
Dear Friends,
As our testimony hath ever been, and still is, against the
defrauding the King of any of his customs, duties, or
excise, buying goods reasonably suspected to be run, ex
porting of wool, or any other goods prohibited by law, or
doing any other thing whatsoever, to the injury of the
King's revenues, or of the common good, or to the hurt of
the fair trader ; so if any person or persons, under our
name and profession, shall be known to be guilty of these,
or any other such crimes and offences, we do earnestly
advise the respective Monthly Meetings, to which such
offenders belong, that they severely reprehend and testify
against such offenders, and their unwarrantable, clandes
tine and unlawful actions ; and admonish them to make
restitution for the vt'rong done to the government, and to
the holy truth professed by us.
By the accounts received from the several Quarterly
Meetings in England and Wales this year, the sufferings of
Friends do amount unto four thousand six hundred and
twenty pounds, and upwards ; which appear to have been
chiefly on account of tithes, and church-rates, so called ;
and that there are sixteen Friends now prisoners, mostly
on account of tithes, and one prisoner discharged since
last year.
And, in order that our ancient and Christian testimony

166
against tithes, and church-rates, so called, may be fiilly kept
up, our advice is, that Friends in all places be faithful
therein : and, that the advices formerly given by the
Yearly Meeting, concerning such as receive or pay tithes,
may be duly observed and put in practice.
At this our Meeting, we being given to understand, that,
in divers places, there are some who profess the truth with
us, who deviate ft-om the way thereof, by contracting
marriages w ith such as are not of our society, contrary to
the repeated advice of this Meeting, to the dishonour of
our holy profession, and the hindrance of truth's prosperity ;
in order therefore, that a stop may be put- to an undue
liberty in such marriages, and the evil consequences
thereof, we do hereby tenderly advise and desire, that all
parents and guardians of children do take especial care,
as much as in them lieth, to prevent their children from
running into such marriages ; and that Friends of each
particular Meeting, as also of the Monthly Meetings to
which such persons belong, do, in the w isdom and power of
truth, use their endeavours to put a stop to the said evil, by
admonishing such as may attempt to marry as aforesaid, to
desist before they accomplish the same : but if they refuse
to take counsel, or privately go on to marry as aforesaid,
that then such persons be dealt withal according to the good
order of truth, and judgment fixed upon all such as take
such an undue liberty.
It is matter of sorrow and grief to us, that notwithstand
ing the good advice and counsel formerly given from this
Meeting against pride, yet, it appears in many places, there
is not that due regard had to the counsel given as ought to
be : wherefore it is again advised, that such parents and
guardians, who have the care and oversight of children, be
first concerned to be good examples to them. Secondly,
be careful to train them up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord ; and be concerned to have the sense of truth
on your own spirits ; otherwise you cannot bring them to a
sense of truth on their spirits : and without that, your work
will be but of small advantage : but if you find truth
hath hold of their minds, then have you a help in them, to
work with you against those youthful inclinations to vanity.

166
And, dear Friends, let those just and ancient commands
of God be duly observed ; viz. " Thou shalt not go up and
down as a talebearer among thy people." (Lev xix. 16.)
'^ Thou shalt not raise a false report." (Exod. xxiii. 1.)
" Wherefore, in the fear of the Lord, stand against jealou
sies and evil surmisings, as well as against all whisperers,
backbiters, talebearers, and defamers, and endeavour to
put a speedy stop thereto; for their wicked practices and
works of darkness tend to division and discord, and greatly
weaken our love and unity, and many times injure the re
putation of the innocent ; and the righteous law of God
goes against both the authors and encouragers thereof And
therefore, if you hear a report of a Friend, 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,
Matt xviii. but if false, then endeavour, as much as in you
lies, to stop such reports ; for, as Solomon saith, " A good
name is rather to be chosen thin great riches." (Prov. xx. 1.)
And^ for the better reiniudiug and observing the sundry
advices of this Meeting to the several Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings, it is desired, that the said several
Meetings do commit the Epistles of this Meeting, whether
printed or written, to the custody of some suitable and able
Friend ; to whom Friends may have recourse as occasion
requires ; or they may be read in Meetings at suitable op
portunities. And, dear Friends, there remains a caution upon our
spirits to all under our holy profession, and in a particular
manner, when assembled for the affairs of the church, that
" the wrath of man," which " worketh notthe righteousness
of God," (Jam i. 20,) may be kept down, together with all
exaltedness of spirit : and that, on the contrary, the meek
ness and wisdom of the Lord may govern all Friends, and
they, in that, carry on and perform the affairs ofthe church ;
whereby the many and great evils which attend wrath and
exaltedness will be suppressed and prevented.
' And, it is desired, that the Epistles and accounts of the
affairs of truth sent to this Meeting, from Yearly Quar-
teriy, and Monthly Meetings, may, if possible, be read and

167
approved in the respective Meetings from whence they are
sent, before they be signed on the behalf of the Meetings.
Finally, dear Friends, we earnestly exhort you, every
where in all your Meetings, to retire inward, unto the gift
of God in yourselves, therein to feel your minds truly en
gaged to seek the promotion and advancement of the truth,
and the testimony of it, which we are called to bear ; that,
being as a city set on a hill, our lights may so shine among
men, that He, the great God, who hath called us, may have
the praise and glory of all his great and marvellous works.
So the God of love and peace be with you, and keep
and preserve you all under the conduct of his peace
able wisdom, and guidance of his Holy Spirit.
Read and approved in the said Meeting, and
Signed in and on the behalf of the same, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.
Loudon, the 33rd of the
Third Month, 1719,

EPISTLE, 1720.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment.
From the 6th of the Fourth Month, to the 1 5th of the same, inclusive, 1720.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in >
Great Britain, and elsewhere. '
Beloved Friends, Brethren, and Sisters,
IN that dear and tender love we have received in
Christ Jesus our Lord, this assembly salutes you ;
and as you and we are all called into one body by his Holy
Spirit of life and grace, so we humbly desire for ever to
continue, to his glory and our peace, in hira who hath called
us, that we may be true and faithful subjects, under his
peaceable government ; that he, who is the prince of life
and peace, may ever rule and reign among us, as a peculiar
people, and holy church and inheritance, which he has
gathered for the same end. And, we pray God to prosper
his work of righteousness in the earth, and make his ene
mies the footstool of his anointed Son, whose right it is
to rule and govern. Amen.

168
Beloved Friends,
We would put you in remembrance, that the dispensation
of the New Covenant, which we are called unto, is a dis
pensation oi' light, life, love, grace, peace, and of unity of
spirit in Christ Jesus ; which covenant allows of no animo
sities, injuries, divisions, schisms, or enmity, but enjoins all
sincerely to observe the great commandment and duty of
love, charity and good will ; which, being truly observed,
there will be peace, concord, and harmony, among all whq
are children of that covenant, which is never to be
forgotten. We have received Epistles from Virginia, Rhode-Island,
Long-Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina,
Barbadoes, Antigua, Jamaica, Amsterdam, Frederickstadt,
and Ireland ; as also, from North Britain and Wales ; and,
although, in some few places, the account is not so encou
raging as could be desired, yet, they express their earnest
desire, that Friends in the love of God, might be stirred up
to visit them. But generally, they give account of the
openness there is in many places to hear the testimony of
truth, and of the progress and prosperity thereof.
Also, the accounts brought up from the several counties
in South Britain, of love and concord among Friends in
general, and of the progress of the work of God in divers
parts, and of people's good disposition to hear the Gospel
of the kingdom preached, were acceptable to us.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, amount
unto four thousand six hundred and ninety pounds, and
upwards ; which appear to be chiefly on account of tithes
and church-rates, so called : and, that there are eleven
Friends now prisoners, mostly on the same accounts ; nine
Friends (prisoners) have been discharged since last year,
and two Friends have died prisoners.
Friends, in the respective counties and Meetings, are
earnestly desired and advised, that they use prudence and
caution, so as not to be imposed upon by impostors or
cheats pretending to the ministry, or otherwise. And,
where there is doubt or question of the ministry of any
persons, in that case, that such be called upon to shew what
certificates they have ; and in general, it is tenderly recom-

169
mended to the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, to see
that Friends, who travel in the work of the ministry, do go
in the unity of the IMeetings to which they belong, and
with certificates therefi-om.
And, further, that it may become the tender care of the
said several Meetings, to watch over such as may be young
in the ministry, to see that they walk humbly and wisely ;
that as, on the one hand, nothing, truly tending to the glory
of God and the edification of his church and people, may
be discouraged ; so, on the other hand, where any thing ap
pears which may make advice necessary, that the elders of
the church, both ministers and others, do, in the wisdom of
God, give their advice thereupon, with due regard to the
state of weakness and childhood that such may be under.
As mercy, compassion and charity are eminently required
in this New- Covenant dispensation we are under ; so, care of
the poor and indigent among us, to see there be no beggar
in our Israel, is the concurrent advice of this Meeting, that
all poor Friends among us may be taken due care of,
and none of them sent to the parish to be relieved ; that
nothing be wanting for their necessary supply ; which has
been according to our ancient practice and testimony. And
it has long been of good report, that we have not only
maintained our own poor, but also contributed our share
to the poor of the respective parishes wherein we dwell.
Whereupon it is agreed by this Meeting, that to the
questions already put in our Yearly Meeting, this be
added ; viz.
How are the poor Friends among you taken care of?
Let all promises and obligations for payment of just
debts be truly kept and performed ; and due care taken that
all offences, trespasses, and differences be speedily ended
and composed, in God's wisdom, according to Gospel order
among us, either by mutual forgiveness. Christian counsel,
or just arbitration, as the case may require, anrl safely
admit or allow ; and [let] the choice of arbitrators and
umpires be of such just, impartial men, as neither party
can justly except against, but both agree to their choice.
As our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted and
warned to beware and take heed of covetousness (which is

170
idolatry), we are concerned that all professing Christianity
among us may take heed of pride, covetousness, and hasten
ing to be rich in the world, which are pernicious and
growing evils : let them be watched against, resisted, and
suppressed, in the fear and dread of Almighty God, and
have no place or countenance in his camp. O ye grave
elders, both men and women ! pray be careful and watchful
against these evils, and over the youth in these cases.
It is also seriously advised, that no Friends suffer ro
mances, play-books, or other vain and idle pamphlets in
their houses or families, which tend to corrupt the minds of
youth ; but, instead thereof, that they excite them to the
reading of the Holy Scriptures and religious books.
Let the Holy Scriptures be early taught our youth, and
diligently searched, and seriously read by Friends, with due
regard to the Holy Spirit from whence they came, and
by which they are truly opened ; for they contain excellent
doctrine, rules and precepts, divine and moral : insomuch
that there will be no need to enumerate, or often to repeat
laws or precepts, like the Jews, under a literal and lower
dispensation and covena,nt than we are called into. The
true practice of the pure religion given us will answer all.
Now let us all be humbly thankful to our most merciful
God, for the favour he hath given us in the eyes ofthe King
and government, under whom we enjoy our present peace
able religious liberty.
Finally, dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters, farewell,
farewell in Christ Jesus. Live in love and peace; and
the God of love and peace, and of all our mercies, be with
you all. Amen.
Signed in and on the behalf of the said Meeting,
and by order thereof, by
BENJAMIN BEALING,
toudon, the 15th of thg
Fourth Month, IRQ.

171
EPISTLE, 1721.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment.
From the 29th of the Third Month, to the 3rd of the Fourth Month,
inclusive, 1721.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Truly Beloved Friends, Brethren, and Sisters,
THIS our annual and solemn assembly salutes you in
the love of Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and
lawgiver, who first loved us, that we should truly love him,
and one another ; and the more manifest our love to him
by our godly care and love to his lambs and sheep ; watch
ing against all causes of division and reproach, as tending
to the dishonour of his glorious name, and our holy pro
fession. Therefore,
Let us all labour to promote true charity and fervent love
among ourselves ; which is the bond of perfectness, and has
been, in a good measure, experienced among us in this Meet
ing ; and, with the holy apostle, fervently pray, that sincere
love may abound yet more and more, in divine knowledge,
and in all true judgment.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, from the
several Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England and
Wales, do amount unto four thousand seven hundred and
seventy pounds and upwards ; which appear to be chiefly
on account of tithes and church-rates, so called ; and that
there are at present five Friends prisoners, mostly on those
accounts; notwithstanding there have been seven discharged
since last year.
By accounts brought up from the Monthly and Quarterly
Meetings in this nation, as well as by Kpistles this year
from our Friends and Brethren of Wales, North Britain,
Ireland, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Maryland, South
Carolina, the two Jerseys, Pennsylvania, Antigua, Barba
does, and Amsterdam, we have received comtcrtable rela
tions of the prosperity of truth in divers places, and a
readiness in sober neighbours to hear the lively testimonies

172
thereof, and some inclining to join with Friends in the
strait and narrow way that leads to life.
And, whereas Friends were weightily concerned to advise
and caution, in the last Yearly Epistie, all professing truth
with us to take heed of pride, covetousness, and hastening
to be rich in this world, as pernicious and growing evils ;
which advice having not been duly regarded by some, who
have unwarily been drawn into such things as have tended ,
not only to the dishonour of God, but also to their own
loss and sorrow ;
We therefore find ourselves now again concerned ear
nestly to press all Friends to be diligent in the observation
thereof; and do intreat that such, who may have been so
misled, may come to a due sense of it, and sincerely
repent. And, whereas, in our Epistle of 1719, we did earnestly
caution against defrauding the King of his customs, duties,
or excise, or encouraging such clandestine practices, by
buying goods reasonably suspected to be run ; in which
advice this Meeting, having in that Epistle been very par
ticular, doth refer thereunto, and press the same again ; and
that Friends do honestly and chearfully pay their tributes
to the government, under which they enjoy protection.
And, as we warn against the injustice aforesaid, so like
wise against all the provoking sins of the age, which draw
down the heavy judgments of God.
We further desire, that all Friends may take care to
bring their business and outward concerns into as narrow,
compass as possible, and make their wills and •settlements
in the time of health, as hath formerly been advised by
this Meeting.
And, inasmuch as this Meeting did so earnestly recom
mend, in their said Epistle of 1719, for Friends to be very
careful of hurting one another in their unity or reputa
tion ; which advice we j udge to be of great importance, and
very necessary to be maintained and put in practice, yet
hath not been so duly observed ; we do therefore again re
commend the same as followeth :
" And, dear Friends, let those just and ancient commands
of God be duly observed, viz. ' Thou shalt not go

173
up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people.' (Lev.
xix. 16.) ' Thou shalt not raise a false report.' (Exod,
xxiii. 1.) ' Wherefore, in the fear of the Lord, stand
against jealousies and evil surmisings, as well as against
all whisperers, backbiters, talebearers, and defamers,
and endeavour to put a speedy stop thereto ; for their
wicked practices and works of darkness, tend to divi
sion and discord, and greatly weaken our love and
unity, and many times injure the reputation of the in
nocent ; and the righteous law of God goes against both
the authoi-s and encouragers thereof And, therefore,
if you hear a report of a Friend, be careful not to
report it again, but go to the person of whom the re
port 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, Matt, xviii. ; but if false, then
endeavour, as much as in you lies, to stop such re
ports ; for, as Solomon saith, ' A good name is rather
to be chosen, than great riches.' " (Prov. xxii. 1.)
The universal perfection and beauty of the Church of
Christ, all ought to believe, hope, and pray for. Oh ! that
Sion may shine, and the gentiles see her righteousness,
and all kings the brightness of her glory ! Let her be a
crown and royal diadem in the hand of the Lord our God.
This is the perfection and glory promised to the true
spouse and Church of Christ, and it is the desire of every
faithful member to have a lasting share therein.
In true Christian charity and good will to all, we recom
mend you to him, who is able to establish and preserve you,
according to the Gospel of peace ; and to do for us above
all we can ask or think. To whom be gl»ry and dominion
for ever and ever. Farewell.
Your Friends and Brethren, &c.
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meetintr, by
BENJAMIN BEALING.
London, the Srd of the
Fourth Month, 17£1.

174
EPISTLE, 1722.

From the Yearly Meeting of Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment,
From the 14th of the Third Month, to the 18th ofthe same, inclusive, 1722.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends
in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Sincerely Beloved Friends and Brethren,
THIS assembly tenderly salutes you in that true love
we have in (ihrist Jesus our Lord, through whom we
desire grace, mercy and peace may increase and be multi
plied unto all who love his appearance, and are truly careful
that soundness in faith, love, charity, good works, and
Christian order be promoted, held and raaintaiped in the
Church of Christ.
This our solemn assembly, with the affairs properly per
taining thereto, hath been held and managed in great love
and peace, to our comfort ; and living praises, with humble
thanksgiving", have been therein rendered unto our merciful
God, through his dear Son Jesus Christ, for his tender
mercies and privileges we enjoy respecting our religious
and civil liberties.
And, dear Friends, we cannot but with great humility
acknowledge the goodness of God, in disposing the legis
lature to grant us, the last session of parliament,, such form
of affirmation, as, by accounts received, we find very satis
factory to all the Brethren ; for which we are truly thankful
to God, and those in authority. And, as we are well
satisfied with the care of Friends in London, in their
addressing the King thereupon, and thankful for his excel
lent and favourable answer, so also, with their care in
writing and dispersing the late Epistle of caution concern
ing the use thereof: which good advice this Meeting
recommends with the greatest earnestness, that there be no
other than an honest and conscientious use made of this
farther indulgence granted to us.
And, dear Friends, as the united solicitation for this ease
ought to be esteemed a token of the goodness of God, and

175
to which the success we have been blessed with is greatly
owing ; so we earnestly desire that all Friends will thank
fully embrace the present opportunity of cementing in a
very close and brotherly fellowship one with another in the
divine Spirit, and therein watch against all occasions of dis
cord or breach of unity in any Quarterly, Monthly, or
particular Meeting : to the end Sion may continue a quiet
habitation, the glory and presence of God rest and remain
on her, and the spirit and doctrine of the Gospel may be
lived in and maintained ; and then we need not doubt of
seeing truth prevail in the earth in our days, and the glo
rious and spiritual kingdom of our blessed Redeemer esta
blished in the hearts of men.
Dear Friends,
The sum last collected for the service of Friends being
laid out, by reason of the late sundry needful and consider
able occasions of expence, as reported to this Meeting by
the Friends to whom the inspection of the accounts was
referred, this IMeetiug doth recommend, that a general,
liberal, and speedy contribution be made by Friends in
every county ; and that what shall be thereupon collected,
be sent up to the respective correspondents.
The sufferings of Friends, which this year have been
brought in from the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in
England and Wales, amount unto four thousand six hun
dred sixty-six pounds and upwards, and do appear to be
chiefly on account of tithes and church-rates, so called.
There are at present eight Friends prisoners, mostly on
account of tithes ; whereof three have been continued since
the last year.
By the several accounts brought from the Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings in England, as also by accounts and
Epistles this year from our Friends and Brethren of Wales,
North Britain, Ireland, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Mary
land, South Carolina, Barbadoes, Amsterdam, and Frede
rickstadt, we have received comfortable relations of truth's
prosperity in divers places, and a readiness in many to hear
and receive the living testimony thereof: and some have
come forth and joined with Friends in the strait and narrow

176
way which leads to the kingdom ; and that divers of our
youth in several places, do walk as becomes the truth, and
have their mouths opened in public testimony to declare
the same.
We also recommend, that such Friends as are concerned
in the affairs of the church, in the Quarterly, Monthly, or
particular Meetings, be careful to act therein in the wisdom
of God, whereby they will be exemplary to the young,
who may be esteemed members thereof, and attend the
same. And as such young persons are found to be qua
lified with a real sense of truth on their spirits, and subjec
tion thereunto, and thereby made capable to come up to a
service in their respective Meetings, Friends are desired
to encourage and bring them forward therein ; whereby
they may be helpful to the ancients, and brought up in a
life of righteousness, to walk and act to the praise of God's
Holy Name ; and standing in their lot, will supply the place
of the elders in such Meetings, through the same Spirit,
when they are gone.
And parents, who have children to dispose of in marriage,
are tenderly advised not to make it their first or chief care
to obtain for them large portions and settlements of mar
riage ; but rather be careful that their children be joined
in marriage with persons of religious inclinations, suitable
disposition, temper, sobriety of manners, and diligence in
their business ; which are things essentially necessary to a
comfortable life in a married estate ; and carefully to guard
against all mixt marriages, and unequal yoking of their
children therein.
Finally, dear Brethren and Sisters, we recommend you
all to our most gracious God and Saviour Jesus Christ, to
preserve you in his love and peace ; and humbly desire you
may all continue therein, with a godly care to discharge
and keep a pure conscience, as Christian extimples in life
and practice ; that the God of love and peace may continue
his presence with you : To whom be glory, dominion and
praise, through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.
Signed in and on behalf of the said Meeting, the iSth
day ofthe Third Month, 1722, by
ALEXANDER ARSCOTT.
Clerk of the Meeting this Year.

177
EPISTLE, 1723.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by Adjournment,
From the Srd to the Sth of the Fourth Month, inclusive, 1723,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the tender and true love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
is our salutation renewed mito you : blessing our most
gracious God for the continuance of his goodness, and
manifold mercies ; earnestly desiring your preservation and
perseverance in the holy truth, to his glory, and your peace
and comfort, by an humble and faithful discharge of that
Christian care and trust, which the Lord hath committed to
you, for promoting and maintaining Gospel order in all the
Churches of Christ.
By accounts which we have received from the several
Quarterly and iMonthly Meetings in England, and by
several Epistles from our Friends and Brethren of Wales,
North Britain, Ireland, and Holland, in Europe ; and from
Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, East and West Jersey, Long-
Island, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Barbadoes,
in America ; as also by the comfortable account of our
Friends John FothergiU and Lawrence King, given to
this Meeting, of their late travels in most of the American
places aforementioned ; we are given to understand, that,
in divers parts, a readiness appears in many to hear and
receive the living testimony of truth ; and that some have
been added to the church.
Friends' sufferings, by accounts this year brought in from
the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England and
Wales, do amount unto four thousand three hundred sixty
nine pounds and upwards ; and do appear to be chiefly on
account of tithes and church-rates so caUed. There are at
present only two Friends prisoners on truth's account ; and
seven Friends have been discharged from imprisonment
since last year. On which occasion we think meet to ob-
M

178
serve to you the goodness and mercy of God herein ; for
that it doth not appear so few Friends have been prisoners
on truth's account, in any one year since we were a people,
as are at this time : and we have no reason to believe
otherwise, than that Friends are as faithful in their testi
mony as in former years.
And, as we are deeply engaged to be humbly thankful to
the God of all our mercies, and to the government ; so we
earnestly desire, that Friends everywhere may live in love
and peace ; whereby Christianity, in life and conversation,
may shine among us, and be adorned by us.
Dear Friends,
You that have at heart the prosperity of truth in your
selves, and in your children, remember that it was the love
of God, and the sense of his power and goodness, which at
first bowed your hearts to love, fear and serve him, in
walking in an holy conformity to the requirings of his
blessed Spirit. And, where have you met with more of
those enjoyments, than in the assemblies of his people, met
together lor divine worship ?
Now, Friends, in these enjoyments are not your hearts
enlarged to wish well to your posterity ? Are there not fer
vent desires in your souls, that those whom the Lord hath
given to be yours, may also be the Lord's, and with you
enjoy of his abundant blessings ? Then be concerned to
keep them to a constant, seasonable, and orderly frequenting,
as well of Week-day as of First-day Meetings ; instructing
them to have their minds staid in the divine gift ; to wait
upon the Lord therein, to receive a portion with you of his
spiritual favours ; that they, from the tendering virtue of
the Holy Spirit, may be engaged in heart and mind, to
walk worthy of so great grace; and, in a holy zeal to
honour God, submit to bear the cross, endure the shame,
and become public witnesses for him amongst the sons of
men. And, dear Friends, this Meeting considering thatsome
in the present age do endeavour, as well by certain books,
as a licentious conversation, to lessen and decry the true
faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, even that pre-

179
cious faith, once delivered to his saints ; which, by the mercy
of God, is also bestowed upon us ; doth therefore earnestly
advise and exhort all parents, masters and mistresses of
families, and guardians of minors, that they prevent, as
much as in them lies, their children, servants, and youth,
under their respective care and tuition, from the having or
reading books or papers, that have any tendency to preju
dice the profession of the Christian Religion, to create in
them the least doubt or question concerning the truth of
the Holy Scriptures, or those necessary and saving truths
declared in them ; lest their infant and feeble minds should
be poisoned thereby, and a foundation laid for the greatest
evils. And, as parents have a natural right to approve of, and
consent to, the marriage of their children ; so this Meeting
doth earnestly desire that Friends' children would consult
and advise with their parents and guardians in that great
and weighty point, so essential to their happiness and com
fort, before they let out their minds, or do entangle their
affections ; the too frequent examples that have happened
to the contrary hereof, have caused lamentation in honest
parents, and great affliction to themselves : which advice,
now given, is agreeable to wiiat hath been frequently re
commended by this Meeting ; to which we refer.
And now, dear Friends, having thus recommended these
few useful and necessary things unto your serious and
weighty consideration and practice ; we commit you to the
divine aid and protection of our most gracious God, who is
able and ready to build us up yet more and more a spiritual
house unto himself, to his own glory. To whom, for the
comforts of his blessed presence in these our annual
assemblies, as well as other meetings, which are not the
least of his manifold blessings, be' dominion and praise,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy, now
and for ever.
Signed in and on behalf of the said Meeting, the Sth
day ofthe Fourth Month, 1723, by
THOMAS BEAVAN,
Clerk of th 5 Meeting this Year.
m2

180
EPISTLE, 1724.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment.
From the 2.jth to the 29th of the Third Month, inclusive, 1724.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a renewed sense of the love of God unto us in this
our annual assembly, we tenderly salute you ; having
been graciously attended with a favourable visitation ofthe
spring of divine life and good will of God, evidently mani
fested in this Meeting, to our great consolation in Christ ;
whereby we have been helped and abundantly encouraged
in the performance of our duty and service to the Lord, for
the promoting of his honour, and the good of his church
and people. And therefore, in order to excite our Friends
and Brethren to a diligent and circumspect attention to
the movings and leadings ofthe Spirit of truth in themselves,
and to promote the spreading and growth thereof in others,
whereby such as walk answerable thereto will be able to
persevere therein, to their own and the church's comfort
and satisfaction, do we hereby recommend to you the fol
lowing particulars.
By accounts brought from the Quarterly Meetings in
England, and Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Barbadoes, Pennsylvania^ Maryland, Rhode-
Island, Long-Island, and North and South Carolina, we
understand an openness continues in divers places to hear
the testimony of truth declared in our Meetings ; through
which, in the operation of the Spirit, many have been
reached, and confessed to the same, and some added to the
church ; and, in several places, a spring of living ministry is
opened, to the comfort of Friends ; whom we recommend
in the Spirit to make frequent supplication to the Lord of
the harvest to raise many more faithful labourers, as instru
mental means to replenish his church, and gather the people.

181
The sufferings of Friends this year amount to four thou
sand two hundred and four pounds, and upwards ; mostly
on account of tithes and church-rates so called. There
are at present three Friends prisoners on the account of
tithes, and one discharged since last year.
And, as we have often occasion to acquaint you of the
repeated favours of the government to us here, we have also
now to acquaint you of the extension of their favours to our
Friends in Ireland and Barbadoes, in granting them the
same form of affirmation with us. We hope Friends every
where will have a just and grateful sense on their minds of
the same.
Dear Friends,
The circumstances of our youth having been again
under our consideration, we judge it necessary to observe
to you, that the undue liberty which too many of them take,
both in their conversation one with another, as well as with
those not of our persuasion, hath been cause of grief to
know and hear ; wherefore we tenderly recommend to all
parents, and such as may have care of children, that they do,
so far as in them lies, carefully inspect, and narrowly
inquire into the manner of their conversation ; that where
counsel or reproof may be wanting, it may, in the spirit of
love and in sound judgment, be given. Such care and
inquiry, seasonably made, may tend to prevent ill-designing
persons in their endeavours to entangle the affections of our
youth in relation to marriage ; the unhappy disobedience
of some therein, having frequently brought deep affliction
on their tender parents, and misery on themselves. And,
on this occasion, we again tenderly desire, that parents or
guardians do not make earthly riches a chief view or cause
of consent in marriage.
Dear Friends,
Though the concern of this Meeting hath been often
exercised, to encourage the practice of a Christian life, and
to prevent disorders in conversation, or among the churches,
which we doubt not have had some good effect ; yet, in as
much as many Friends are now grown up, who may not

182
have taken notice of every of the said cautions, we
therefore briefly hint at divers of them, and refer to the
several Epistles.
I. That Friends, in Meetings of business, watch over
their own spirits, that no indecent warmth get in, whereby
the understanding may be hurried and hindered from a
regular judgment on the affairs before the Meeting.
II. A caution against tithes, very often hinted.
III. For speedy ending differences by prudent and just
arbitrations. IV. Cautions against pride in apparel ; of which^ see a
large Epistle, dated the 5th ofthe Sixth Month, 1717.
V. Several times advices have been griven to a diligent
attending First-day and Week-day Meetings ; yet, to our
grief, there is now too much cause earnestly to renew the
advice, which we tenderly do ; and beseech all Friends, that
though such Meetings are sometimes held in silence, yet,
that they will not neglect their attendance at those Meet
ings ; for the hungry soul will labour for bread, and the
thirsty for the water of life ; and the diligent hand wiU
make rich in that treasure that is of an enduring substance.
VI. A caution against imitating the vain custom of
wearing or giving mourning ; and all extravagant expences
about the interment pf the deceased.
And, whereas, in this time of general ease and liberty,
too many under our profession have launched forth into
the things of this world beyond their substance and capa
cities to discharge a good conscience in the performance
of their promises and contracts, as well as their just debts,
to the great scandal of our holy profession, and involving
of themselves, their families, and others in great sorrow
and inconveniencies : it is therefore our earnest desire, that
all Friends everywhere be very careful to avoid all inordi
nate pursuit after the things of this world, by such ways
and means as depend too much upon the uncertain probabi
lities of hazardous enterprizes; but rather labour to con
tent themselves with such a plain way and manner of living
as is most agreeable to the self-denying principle of truth

183
which we profess, and which is most conducive to that
tranquillity of mind that is requisite to a religious conduct
through this troublesome world. And, on this head we
further recommend, that Friends, as often as there may be
occasion, do read, in their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings,
our ancient Friend George Fox's Epistle of caution to shop
keepers, &c. last reprinted in the year 1710.
Finally, Brethren, farewell. May the God of peace be
with you, and his Holy Spirit rule amongst you ; then we
doubt not but his blessing will be upon us, and we shall be
preserved a people to the praise and glory of his great
name. Signed in and on the behalf of the said Meeting, this 29th
of the Third Month, 1724, by
JOSEPH WYETH,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, ]725.

From the Yearly Meeting of Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment,
Fromthe 17th ofthe Third Month, to the 26th ofthe same, inclusive, 1725.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the love of our Heavenly Father,
who hath been graciously pleased to favour this
our annual assembly with his divine presence ; and hath, in
our Meetings for worship, enabled divers of his ministers
to bear faithful and living testimonies to his truth, in the
demonstration of his word and power, to the comfort and
edification of his church, and to the further gathering the
sincere inquirer. And, under the conduct of the Holy
Spirit, wherewith God hath, in good degree, replenished his
church, the affairs of this our Meeting have been carried
on in peace and concord.
By the accounts this year brought from the Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings in this kingdom, and by sundry Epistles
from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania,

184
and the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode-Island, Long-
Island, North and South Carolina, and Barbadoes ; as also,
by the verbal account of a Friend, who hath lately visited
several of those American colonies, we have received com
fortable accounts and relations of Friends' prosperity in the
truth in many places, and that a disposition doth appear in
the people to hear the testimony thereof.
Friends,
Let us watch diligently over our own spirits, to see
that we are conformable to the Spirit of truth ; whereby
our behaviour and conversation may be such as becomes
godliness, and may adorn the doctrine of Christ Jesus our
Lord ; who mercifully hath called us to be a people faithful
in bearing the cross, and despising the shame, and cheer
fully bearing our testimony to the great truths of the
Christian Religion, which he hath revealed; and against
every appearance of Antichrist and wickedness.
It is also advised, and earnestly recommended, that in as
much as it doth appear there is in some places a shortness
and deficiency in bearing a faithful testimony against tithes,
that, in any Monthly Meetings which have such members,
after a deliberate dealing with them in the wisdom of truth
and the meek spirit of the Gospel for their help and infor
mation. Friends have recourse, for their further proceedings,
to the Yearly Meeting Minute, Anno 1706.
The accounts ofthe sufferings of Friends, which this year
we have received from the counties of England and Wales,
do amount unto four thousand seven hundred and twenty
pounds and upwards, and are chiefly for tithes and church-
rates so called. Two Friends, prisoners, have been disr
charged since last year ; and, there doth at present remain
but one Friend prisoner on truth's account. Whereupon
we have repeated occasion to observe to you the goodness
and mercy of God in this, as in many other particulars.
And, forasmuch as it hath been observed in this Meeting,
that some counties were deficient in their answers to the
queries of this Meeting, by being too general ; therefore,
this Meeting doth desire, that a separate and distinct answer
laay be returned to each query for ihe future.

185
Former advice hath by this Meeting been given, with
regard to the honour of God and his truth, that the reli
gious reputation of our society might be preserved from
blemish, and all just occasion of scandal ; and which ws now
again earnestly press and desire, th-at all Friends avoid as
much as possible occasions of difference one with another.
But if, notwithstanding such care, any difference shall
happen and arise, that then the Friends of that Meeting,
in the compass whereof any such shall happen, take timely
care lo put an end thereunto, by advising and exhorting
those between whom difference may happen, to refer the
matter of their difference to impartial and proper arbritra-
tors, which may be a very likely means to avoid the scandal
of going to law one with another, and to shew forth to the
world that we love one another, which is a distinguishing
mark of being Christ's disciples.
So shall we watch over one another in love, to strengthen
the weak, to restore, in the spirit of meekness, those over
taken in a fault, and be very careful not to hurt one another
in unity or reputation, by word or writing, as hath been
advised by this Meeting in the Epistles of 1719 and 1721,
and many other times, to which we do particularly refer
you. In your religious Meetings for the worship of God,
both on the First and other days ofthe week, be diligent in
waiting on him in his Spirit, whereby you may renew your
strength, and witness him your sufficient help ; for surely
many of us have cause thaukfully to remember his early
visitations in the assemblies of his people, where he broke
in upon our hearts with his power and love, and did, in the
needful time, administer help, comfort, and counsel, whereby
we have, in the renewings thereof, been upheld in a faithful
testimony, and in the discharge of our duty to him.
And you, who are parents of children, labour fervently
in the Spirit, with secret supplication unto the Lord, that
he may give them an inheritance in the truth, wherein they
maybe enabled to stand up in their generation after you to
his praise and glory, rather than labour to get great inheri
tances for them in this world ; which have proved a snare
and temptation to some to shun the cross, and embrace the
glory of this present world. But let those to whom God

186
hath given riches take the apostle's advice. That they be
not high-minded, but fear ; and trust not in uncertain
riches ; but therewith be rich in good works, willing to
communicate, ready to distribute, and therein be good
examples to their children. (I Tim. vi. 17).
Dear Friends,
In the spring of divine love do we tenderly salute you,
desiring the Lord of the heavenly harvest to settle and
establish you in his holy covenant of light, in which you
have believed ; that you may walk therein to his glory, and
your everlasting peace and comfort ; and be thereby pre
served faithful in that testimony which God hath given you
to bear ; sitting down in deep humility and fear, to wait for
counsel and wisdom from him, that he may shew you your
places, and bring you up in them in his pure love and life,
in which you may serve him aud one another, and be pre
served from the many snares and temptations of the enemy,
who still works to draw into a false liberty, and from the
simplicity of the Gospel, wherein our beauty hath been
seen, and where the Lord hath manifested his power, and
made us a people which were no people, and hath wrought
wonders for our deliverance. O that we may dwell as in
the dust before hiin ! that he may say to us, Arise and
sing, you that dwell in the dust. So will the Lord rebuke
the enemy, and exalt the horn of his salvation : that we
may, in truth, say, We have a strong city ; salvation hath
God appointed for walls and bulwarks, (Isai. xxvi. 1);
herein we shall dwell safely, and be quiet from fear of evil.
And, dear Friends, in the spirit of the Gospel, comfort
and edify one another ; pray for the increase of Sion, and
the enlargement of all her borders ; that God may delight
to dwell amongyou, and instruct you in every good'word
and work, and crown your faithful labours with his blessing;
and, at the end of your race, receive you into the mansions
of his everlasting kingdom ; whereunto we pray God pre
serve you. In his endeared love we bid you all farewell;
and remain your Friends and Brethren in the truth.
Signed in and on the behalf of the said Meetino-, this
26th day of the Third Month, 1725, by
ALEXANDER ARSCOTT,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

187
EPISTLE, 1726.

From the Yearly Meeting oj triends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment.
From the 29th of the Third Month, to the Ilthof the Fourth Month,
inclusive, 1726.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, of Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the love of the Father, and his
beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord, in thankfulness
for the continuation of his merciful providence over us, as
a people ; and in humble prayer for our growth in all good
ness and wellpleasing to God, in obedience to him, and in
brotherly love and charity one towards another.
We cannot omit to express our thankfulness to the King
and government, for the additional favours which from
time to time we enjoy, and are blessed with, and which call
for our utmost gratitude and fidelity.
By accounts brought from the Quarterly Meetings in
England, and Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Barbadoes, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the
Jerseys, New-England, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, and
South Carolina, we are given to understand, that in diVers
places there continues an openness to hear the testimony of
truth declared ; by means whereof many have been reached,
and some added to the church.
The sufferings of Friends this year amount to four thou
sand five hundred and nineteen pounds and upwards, mostly
on account of tithes and church-rates so called. One
Friend, a prisoner on account of tithes, hath been dis
charged since the last year, and two Friends have been
since committed on the like account.
Dear Friends,
We think it meet to recommend to you the wholesome
and prudent acivice of the Yearly Meeting, Anno 1719, viz.
" ' Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among
thy people.' ' Thou shalt not raise a false report.'

188
" Wherefore, in the fear of the Lord, stand against
jealousies and evil surmisings, as well as against all
whisperers, backbiters, talebearers, and defamers, and
endeavour to put a speedy stop thereto; for their
wicked practices and works of darkness tend to divi
sion and discord, and greatly weaken our love and
unity, and many times injure the reputation of the in
nocent ; and the righteous law of God goes against
both the authors and encouragers thereof. And, there
fore, if you hear a report of a Friend, 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, Mat. xviii ; but if false, then
endeavour, as much as in you lies, to stop such reports;
for, as Solomon saith, ' A good name is rather to be
chosen than great riches.' "
Which wholesome advice was also repeated in the Epistle
of this Meeting in the year 1721.
[In addition] to which advice, now not less seasonable,
we recommend also the advice of the Yearly Meeting in
the year 1722, where it is said,
'' We earnestly desire, that all Friends will thankfully
embrace the present opportunity of cementing in a
very close and brotherly fellowship one with another,
in the divine Spirit ; and therein watch against all oc
casions of discord, or breach of unity, in any Quarterly,
Monthly, or particular Meeting ; to the end Sion may
continue a quiet habitation, the glory and presence of
God rest and remain on her, and the spirit and doctrine
of the Gospel may be lived in and maintained ; and
then we need not doubt of seeing truth prevail in the
earth in our days, and the glorious and spiritual king
dom ofour blessed Redeemer established in the hearts
of men."
And, dear Friends, as this Meeting has at this time, as
well as formerly, had several appeals laid before them,
which have been the cause of protracting the time of this
Meeting, and given unnecessary trouble to it ; therefore we
advise and recommend to all Friends in their Monthly and

189
Quarterly Meetings, as well as the particular members of
them, to labour to make up all differences that may happen,
without troubling this Meeting therewith. And, that they
use all Christian tenderness towards persons who may be
concerned in controversy, either among themselves, or with
the Meeting ; in order to the convincing them of their error
if they appear to be guilty, and giving them time sufficient
to clear themselves if innocent. And, on the other hand, we
recommend to Friends, not only that they abstain from all
evil and hurtful conversation, as well in a private capacity,
as what may affect the society, but also, tliat they abstain
from all appearances of evil as much as possible : and,
moreover, that all seeds and small beginnings of con
troversies and scandals be very early taken care to be rooted
out and destroyed, through Friends' sincere endeavours
w ith the parties concerned, while the remedy is easy ; by
whicli means not only their own peace will be secured, but
much trouble saved to the church in general.
To conclude, dear Friends, we earnestly recommend to
you, whatever your places and stations in the church may
be, that, in the most weighty and serious manner, you often
call to remembrance, in all humility of mind, what it was
that brought us to be a people, and what is, and will be,
that which will preserve us such. That the foundation on
which a true Christian is built, is the Spirit of Christ.
Let this therefore direct you in all things, both respecting
your private conversation, and whatever you do for God in
his church : this is the only true means to preserve you
holy and blameless in the one, as well as serviceable and
useful in the other. In this every one will have a single
regard to the service that comes before him in Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings, without partiality or respect of per-
^««ls. " Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge
righteously between every man and his brother, and the
stranger that is with him. Ye shall not respect persons in
judgment, but you shall hear the small as well as the great.
You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judg
ment is God's." Deut. i. 16, 17. And, in the management
of such affairs, they will find their own spirits rightly sea
soned and prepared for every work and service to ^\ hich

190
they may be called, and all disorderly proceedings, arising
from the heat of our own spirits, will hereby be shut out;
and thus the church will be preserved on her ancient, solid,
and permanent foundation, to the glory of God, and her
own quiet and comfort.
The God of peace bruise Satan, the author of strife
and confusion, under our feet ; that priniitive love
and concord may be preserved. Grace be with all
who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Signed in and by order of the Yearly Meeting in London,
this 11th day of the Fourth Month, 1726, by
JOHN WILSON,
Clerk ofthe Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1727.

From the Yearly Meeting of Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment,
From the 22nd ofthe Third Month, to the27th of the same, inclusive, 1727.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Entirely Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WITH that sincere and divine love, which labours
for the prosperity of the churches of Christ Jesus
our Lord, our heavenly Head, we dearly salute you ; and
send you the following particulars, viz. That, in this our
annual assembly, we have been greatly favoured with the
divine presence of our God in our meetings for worship,
and in those for the affairs of the church ; which have
therein been carried on in much love and concord, to the
edification of the body.
By accounts brought in this year from the Quarterly
Meetings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, Scotland,
Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania, the Jerseys, Rhode-
Island, Long-Island, Virginia, Maryland, Barbadoes, and
South Carolina, of the prosperity of truth, we have been
comforted ; and that there is, in divers places, an openness
to hear the testimony thereof, and some convincement.

191
We likewise find there is in some places a decrease in
number, by the decease of several of our ancient faithful
Friends ; in whose places we heartily desire and pray that
the rising generation may be brought; whereby the stand
ard of truth will be maintained among men, in those
places where it hath pleased God to lift it up ; that others,
not yet gathered, may be brought under it, where true
happiness and safety is known.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings this year amount to
fbur thousand and twelve pounds and upwards, mostly for
tithes and church-rates so called. Three F^riends, who
were prisoners for tithes, have been discharged this last
year, and one Friend hath been committed prisoner on the
like account since that time. It doth appear to this Meeting,
that Friends in divers places are under difficulty, on
account of stoppages made in respect to demands for
small tithes and church-rates so called ; and for illegal
seizures, without warrant, on such accounts, which are in
some places made ; whereby we apprehend a voluntary
compliance is implied, which doth tend to weaken and lay
waste our testimony ; and therefore this Meeting doth
tenderly renew the caution and advice hereupon given in a
minute in the year 1703, whereunto we refer.
And, dear Friends, it hath long been the great concern
of this Meeting, that all Friends carefully walk in the
divine light ; that they may be preserved from the two ex
tremes of covetousness on the one hand, and extravagancy
on the other : the latter of which has been the occasion of
the failing of some among us, by the non-payment of their
just debts; by which, great reproach hath too often been
brought upon our holy profession. Wherefore, we
earnestly desire all Friends to be very careful, not to
run into larger trading and business than their capacities
and abilities can well answer; and that they frequently
inspect their circumstances, and do not live at an ex-
pence beyond them. And if, through adverse accidents
any should fail in paying their just debts, and should,
after his or her composition with his or her creditors,
be so far blessed and prosperous in their affairs, as to be
capable of paying their deficiencies ; it is the earnest desire

192
and advice of this Meeting, that they do not omit the
same ; it being agreeable to the command of the Gospel,
(Matt. vii. 12,) and common justice among men.
And, according to the advice of this Meeting in 1695, we
do again earnestly exhort and advise, " That all diligence,
care and caution be had, that no Friends, or Friends'
children, be betrayed in affection or otherwise ; nor join in
marriage with those that are not ofour Christian profession
and society ; nor without the privity and consent of parents,
guardians, or lawful tutors entrusted with them ; nor with
any near kindred, contrary to the law of God, and whole
some advice already given ; particularly by the Yearly
Meeting Epistle of 1675, and also by several faithful
servants of Christ."
And, as it was, among other things, the weighty concern
of this Meeting last year, to recommend former wholesome
and prudent advice given in the years 1719 and 1721,
against talebearing, false reports, jealousies, and evil
surmisings, so it is now the very weighty concern of this
Meeting, to exhort, that all such things may carefully be
stopped, discouraged and discountenanced, because they
are immediately and directly a breach of charity and
brotherly love; and, in their consequences, do naturally
tend to break in pieces and dissolve all Christian unity
and society.
The elders that are among you we intreat to take the
oversight of the flock of Christ, not by constraint, but
willingly ; not as lords over God's heritage, but as good
examples ; to help the weak, confirm the feebleminded,
and labour to gather the scattered, and the other sheep not
yet of Christ's fold, under him the one shepherd ; where,
being fed in the pastures of life, they may, when he shall
appear, receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Finally, dear Friends, we recommend you, in great
earnestness of spirit, to the one unerring guide, the Grace of
otir Lord Jesus Christ, which is able to preserve all of us
from falling. And the not being obedient thereto, is the
great and universal cause of evil and disorder, and giveth
occasion for repeating advice upon particular cases from
this Meeting, which is matter of sorrow to all the sincere-

193
hearted ; wherefore we again beseech all Friends to keep
to the Lord's power, and the work thereof in themselves.
This at first made us a people, who were not a people;
and as herein we keep our Meetings, they will be to God's
glory, and our everlasting peace and salvation.
The God of love and peace rule among you, by the
Spirit of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; to whom
be glory, dominion, and praise for ever.
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting, in
London, the 27th ofthe 'Third Month, 1727, by
THOMAS BEAVEN,
Clerk of the Meeting this Year.
EPISTLE, J 728.

From the Yearly Meeting o/ Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment.
From the 10th of the Fourth Month, to the 14th of the same, inclusive,
1728.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, and elsewhere.
Dear FRiEyns and Brethren,
r'i the pure love of that eternal Truth, whereby we have
been gathered to be a people, we tenderly salute you ;
having renewed occasion, in great humility, to bless the
name of our gracious God, whose continued goodness we
have been favoured with at this our annual Meeting ; and
throughout, the affairs thereof have been conducted, in
raeekn-ss of wisdom and true brotherly condescension, to
our mutual comfort and edification.
By accounts from the Quarterly Meetings in England
and Wi.ies, as also by Epistles from Scotland, Ireland,
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Barbadoes, Long-Island,
and Holland, we understand that Friends in general con
tinue in a good degree of brotherly love and unity; and,
that there is an openness in divers places, both in Great
Britain and beyond the seas, to hear the testimony of truth,
and some convinced; though in some places the accounts
are not so favourable. N

194
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
in England and Wales, do amount to three thousand nine
hundred and fourteen pounds and upwards, mostly on ac
count of tithes and church-rates so called ; and there is one
Friend only continued prisoner on that account.
And, dear Friends, in as much as the Holy Scriptures are
the external means of conveying and preserving to us an
account of the things most surely to be believed concerning
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the
fulfilling the prophecies relating thereto ; we therefore re
commend to all Friends, especially elders in the church,
and masters of families, that they would, both by example
and advice, impress on the minds of the younger, a reverend
esteem of those sacred writings ; and advise them to a fre
quent reading and meditating therein. And, that ministers,
as well as elders and others, in all their preaching, writing,
and conversing about the things of God, do keep to the
form of sound words, or scripture terms ; and that none
pretend to be wise above what is there written, and, in
such pretended wisdom, go about to explain the things of
God, in the words which man's wisdom teaches ; but, on
the contrary, that you would, at proper times and seasons,
when you find your minds rightly disposed thereunto, give
the youth to understand, that the same good experience of
the work of sanctification, through the operations of the
Spirit of God, which the Holy Scriptures plentifully bear
testimony to, is to be witnessed by believers in all genera
tions, as well as by those in the first ages of Christianity;
in which case, some account of your own experience will
be helpful to them. And this we recommend as the most
effectual means for begetting and establishing in their minds
a firm belief of the Christian doctrine in general, as well as
of the necessity of the aid and help of the operations of the
Holy Spirit of God in the hearts of men in particular, con
tained in that most excellent book the BIBLE ; and for the
preserving them from being defiled with the many perni
cious notions and principles, contrary to such sound doo
trine, which are at this time industriously dispersed in the
nation, to the reproach of the Christian profession in
general.

195
And, forasmuch as repeated oecasion hath been given of
great grief and affliction to Friends, which hath caused the
way of truth to be evil spoken of, by the launching out of
divers under our profession too far into the affairs of this
world, to their own hurt, the reproach of the society, and
wronging other persons of their just properties, we recom
mend great care and circumspection to all Friends in this
respect, and in particular do refer to the advices in the
Yearly Kpistles in 1710, 1724, and last year ; and do desire
Friends, at their several Monthly Meetings, to use their
utmost endeavours, by a watchful eye, to prevent, as much
as in them lies, all such unjust practices and scandals.
At this time, as at several other times in former y^ars, it
hath been the concern of this Meeting to advise on parti
cular occasions, and in particular cases : which occasions
could not offer themselves in this manner, if all Friends,
who make profession of the holy truth with us, did duly
regard the teachings of the grace of God in themselves,
and obey the advice of that Wonderful Counsellor ; (Isa.
ix. 6,) because it is most certain, that all those who do or
shall attend to the teachings and counsel of the Holy Spirit
of God, will find cause to say with the Psalmist, " Thy
commandment is exceeding broad ;" (Psa. cxix. 96,) for by
it all may be sufficiently instructed, and unprepared " to
every good work." (2 Tim. ii. 21.)
Finally, dear Friends, our beginning' was in the Spirit,
and our comfortable fellowship is under the holy influences
of it ; therefore let all be diligent in waiting on God for
the renewings thereof, and watching in it, whereby the
snares of the evil one may be seen and avoided, and, we
continue a people, to the praise of his name, who hath called
us out of darkness into his marvellous light, and therein
shine, as his children, before the world. And, we earnestly
pray the Father of all our mercies may keep you blameless
unto the day of the coming of his Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ ; in the fellowship of whose Spirit we salute you,
and remain Your Friends and Brethren.
Signed in and on the behalf of the Yearly Meeting, in
London, the 14th ofthe Fourth Month, 1728, by
ALEXANDER ARSCOTT,
Clerk of the Meeting this Year.
K 2

196
EPISTLE, 1729.

From the Yearly Meeting of Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment.
From the 26th of tbe Third Month, to the 30th of the same, inclusive,
1729.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, arid elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of our Heavenly Father we salute you;
signifying that, in this our annual assembly, the light
of his glorious countenance hath graciously been afforded
to us ; and, under the blessing thereof, thfe affairs of his
church have been carried on amongst us in much love,
peace, and condescension.
By accounts brought from the several Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings in England ; and by Epistles from VVales,
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island, Long-
Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Barba
does, and Antigua ; and also, by the verbal accounts of our
Friends Joshua Fielding and Samuel Bownas, who have
lately separately visited the Meetings of Friends in Ame
rica ; also some places where no Friends do dwell, and
where no Meetings had before been ; we have the com
fortable and satisfactory account that truth doth prosper;
and, in many places there is an openness among the people,
not only to hear, but also to receive the testimony thereof;
and, that Friends are generally in peace and unity one with
another. We are also particularly informed, that on the continent
of America there is a very great increase of the number of
Friends, among whom the affairs of truth are well managed,
and, that there is a spring of living and sound ministry
raised in divers parts of those plantations ; which we
heartily wish and desire may be a means to provoke and
stir up Friends in generajl to a fervent zeal and concern for
the honour and glory of the Lord our God, and the Gospel
of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath been graciously

197
pleased not only to gather us to be a people, but hath also
hitherto preserved us ; and, by the arm of his mighty power,
hath wrought wonderfully for our deliverance from many
grievous burdens and oppressions which our elders laboured
under. The accounts of the sufferings of Friends brought in
this year, in England and Wales do amount unto four thou
sand one hundred and thirty pounds and upwards, mostly
on account of tithes and church-rates so called. There is
at present no Friend prisoner on truth's account, that we
hear of in this kingdom. On which occasion we cannot
but commemorate the goodness of- our God in this his mer
ciful dispensation, so different fronj the lot of our fathers ;
which we earnestly pray may, by all of us, be remembered
with deep humility and thankfulness.
All Friends everywhere, keep to the Lord's power that
gathered you to be a people that were not a people ; that,
under the work of it, you may be made what the Lord
would have you to be ; where every one of you may come
clearly to see your places and services in the churches of
Christ, and, from a real sense of your duty, be heartily en
gaged to stand by the testimony which God hath given you
to bear ; that, as good stewards of the manifold gifts he
hath been pleased to bestow, you may be preserved faithful,
and labour in that ability to stir up one another in love, and
against the evil one, who is labouring to sow his evil seed
of strife and contention, whereby he may divide in Jacob,
and scatter in Israel ; or, by coldness and negligence, lead
any from the Lord, and the light of his Holy Spirit, wherein
our communion hath been, and still is sweet and pleasant ;
in which, as we are careful to walk, we dan have no fellow
ship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but are engaged
to reprove them.
Dear Friends,
Many are the good and wholesome advices which in
ormer years have been recommended from this Meeting,
exhorting to faithfulness and perseverance in all godliness
and honesty ; yet, to our grief, we find there are fresh
instances of great shortness in coming up in the practice

198
thereof; particularly by some injuriously defrauding their
creditors of their just debts, and not performing their word
and promise, which have occasioned grievous complaints :
wherefore we desire and intreat, when any such occasion of
reproach shall be, that whatsoever Monthly Meeting, within
the compass whereof it may happen, they do not fail speedily
to set righteous judgment on the head of the transgressor.
And, we would hope, if Friends in their Monthly Meet
ings should, pursuant to the direction of this Meeting in
the Epistle of 1708, appoint proper, sensible, and honest
Friends to visit their respective members, it may, in great
measure, prevent the necessity of repeating the advices which
have been so frequently given. To which we find ourselves
at this time engaged to add, and to request, that Friends in
any part of this kingdom, or other place, where provisions
and the necessaries of life are dear and scarce, or sickness
doth remarkably afflict, would, in proportion to such
scarcity or aflliction, exert their charitable assistance to the
poor ; which is our Christian duty, as stewards of the many
mercies wherewith the Lord hath intrusted us.
This Meeting, being at this time under a tender and reli
gious concern for the youth among us, that the succeeding.
generation may be preserved in the way of truth, and,
through the grace ofour Lord Jesus Christ, grow up therein,
that, when we are removed, they may stand in a faithful
testimony for the Lord, and be valiant in their day for his
truth upon earth, do earnestly recommend it to all Friends,
as much as in them lies, to prevent their children and ser
vants from reading plays, romances, and all such books as
have any tendency to lead their minds from God, and draw
their youthful affections to a love of the world, and desire
after the vanities and evils that are therein.
And also, to be very careful to prevent their children
and servants from reading such vile and corrupt books
(some of which have been published of late), as manifestly
tend to oppose and reject the divine authority of the Holy
Scriptures, and to introduce Deism, Atheism, and all manner
of infidelity and corruption, both in principle and practice.
And, likewise, it ought to be the great care and concern
pf parents, as they value the welfare of theit children an^

199
posterity, and of others who have youth under their care,
that they endeavour, by their example, as well as precept, to
keep them from bad company ; for many have found, by sad
experience, the truth of that saying of the apostle, " Evil
communications corrupt good manners."
We again recommend the advice given in the year 1723,
that Friends be diligent in attending First and Week-day
Meetings, for the worship of Almighty God ; and that the
elders and heads of families be good examples therein, and
bring their children and servants to them.
Finally, dear Friends, approve yourselves as the chil
dren of the light and of the day, in all holy and Christian
conversation among men ; whereby God will be glorified,
the inquirer informed, the weak strengthened, and the whole
church edified and comforted in the Spirit ofthe Lamb; by
whom, the victory over the world, the flesh, and the devjl,
is obtained.
And, that thus the ends of the earth may be gathered,
and all flesh see his salvation, is the hearty prayer of
Your Friends and Brethren.
Signed in and by order of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN WILSON,
Clerk this Year.

EPISTLE, 1730.

From the Yearly Meeting of Friends and Brethren, held in
London, by adjournment.
From the 18th of the Third Month, to the 22nd ofthe same, inclusive,
1730,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the fellowship of the Spirit of God our Father, who
hath called us by his Grace unto the Gospel of his Son
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we salute you ; and
hereby let you know, He hath beeh pleased graciously to

20Q
favour this our annual assembly (which hath been large, and
very comfortable) with his divine presence ; uniting our
hearts to him, and one unto another, in that love where
with he hath loved us from the beginning ; and wherein we
earnestly desire all Friends may continue, in an humble and
thankful remembrance of his mercies ; daily waiting on him
for strength to walk worthy of so high a calling.
By accounts brought from the several Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings in England, and Epistles from Wales,
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, North Carolina, Virginia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, the Jerseys, and Long-Island ; as
also by verbal accounts from several Friends who have
lately visited most of the Meetings in the American plan
tations, we have received acceptable accounts of truth's
prosperity, that love and unity in the general is maintained
among Friends, and a considerable openness in many places
to hear the doctrine of truth ; and that several have re
ceived the testimony thereof in the love of it ; which is
matter of comfort, and encouragement to us to continue in
faithfulness to it; notwithstanding in some places things
are notso well as we could desire.
The accounts of the sufferings of Friends, brought in
this year, in England and Wales do amount unto four
thousand and eighty-five pounds and upwards ; mostly on
account of tithes and church-rates so called. There is
not at present, that we hear of, by the accounts brought in,
any Friend a prisoner on truth's account, in this kingdom.
We likewise give you to understand, that upon report of
the Friends appointed to examine the accounts of this Meet
ing, it doth appear that a collection is necessary to be made
for the public service of Frienils as usual, and therefore do
earnestly recommend it, requesting all Friends to promote
and liberally forward such collection ; and, when made, to
remit the same to the hands of their several correspondents,
for them to pay to the cashiers.
An earnest concern and travail of soul remains upon this
Meeting, that the discipline ofthe church may be preserved
in its primitive purity, and the divers branches of our
ancient and Christian testimony maintained. We therefore
exhort Friends, agreeable to former advices, to stand faith'

201
ful in their testimony against tithes, priest's wages, and
repairing of parish worship houses. With this view, our
last Yearly Meeting was concerned, for the sake of all her
members that might be weak, or their judgments not tho
roughly informed therein, to reprint and publish Anthony
Pearson's Great Case of Tithes ; and we heartily desire
and entreat Friends to read and disperse the same ; hoping
it may have this good effect, if read with a single eye, to
manifest the inconsistency of tithes with this Gospel dis
pensation. And, dear Friends, we tenderly recommend the due ob
servation and careful regard of the written Epistle of this
Meeting, 1728, relating to the ministry, and granting cer
tificates either to men or women for that service ; and do
now further desire Friends to call on strangers for such
certificates ; thereby, in all places, to prevent being imposed
upon, so as far may be.
And, in regard we have been favoured by the govern
ment with the enjoyment of our religious liberties, in com
mon with other Protestant dissenters, and, in an especial
manner, relieved by the legislature in several cases, which
peculiarly cpncern us as a people ; we, therefore, think
ourselves obliged earnestly to advise all F'riends, that they
be particularly careful to behave with all dutifulness and
gratitude, and especially to discountenance every the least
appearance of indecent freedom, or mark of dissatisfaction,
in word or writing, relating to the government.
We also recommend the good order of Friends relating
to marriage, that it be carefully preserved, and duly main-
. tained, in the first and earliest proceedings leading there
unto, as well as the orderly solemnization thereof And, if
any persons, contrary to the repeated advice and established
order of Friends, should, under any pretence whatsoever,
presume to take one another in any meeting for worship,
without the consent of the Monthly Meeting to which they
belong (such proceeding beinsr of a clandestine nature,
tending to make void the just care of Friends in that case,
which is of good esteem among the people) ; we advise that
the Monthly Meeting do not fail to testify against the

203
practice, as well as against the persons concerned therein ;
whereby the body may be preserved clear from any just im
putation of allowing or approving that practice. And also,
we intreat, that due regard be had to the former advices of
this Meeting, respecting marriage between near relations,
and intermarriage with persons not of the same faith and
profession with us.
We likewise are engaged to refer to former advice from
this Meeting, relating to a godly care and concern for the
good education ofour youth, in order to their preservation
from evil conversation, and the corruptions which do too
much abound ; agreeable to that ancient and apostolic doc
trine, that " Evil communications corrupt good manners."
With this view we did lastyear, and do now again, earnestly
recommend and beseech all Friends, to admonish and exhort
the youth under their care, not to read, but refrain [from]
all such books as tend to make void the divine authority of
the Holy Scriptures, and to promote profaneness and infi
delity in the earth. This, if pressed earnestly in the lov^
of truth, and in the meekness of wisdom, we would hope
may often prove effectual. But if, after all these endea
vours, they shall not be reclaimed, then will a close repre
hension and rebuke be necessary ; that our society may be
acquitted from the imputation of blame, which otherwise
may be laid upon it. And, we have good ground to hope,
if parents of children, and masters of families, would care
fully example their families in all Christian watchfulness,
it would be helpful to preserve our youth in our ancient and
primitive innocency, and plainness in habit, in speech, and
in all manner of conversation.
It hath been a weighty concern on this Meeting, that our
ancient and honourable testimony against Friends being
concerned in bearing arms, or fighting, may be main
tained ; it being a doctrine and testimony agreeable to the
nature and design of the Christian religion, and to the
universal love and grace of God. This testimony we desire
inay be strictly and carefully maintained, by a godly care
and concern in all to stand single and clear therein ; so shall
we strengthen and comfort one another,

203
Dear Friends,
Among the Gospel precepts, we find not any thing more
strongly and frequently recommended by our Lord Jesus
Christ and his apostles, to the primitive believers, than that
they should love one another ; and, as we are sensible, that
nothing will more contribute to the peace and prosperity of
the church, than a due regard to this advice, so we earnestly
desire that it may be the care and concern of all Friends,
everywhere, to dwell therein ; and, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, to maintain love, concord, and peace, in and among
all the Churches of Christ : in order thereunto, we recom
mend it to all Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, to watch
carefully over their members in this respect ; that so,
where any root of bitterness shall appear, that would bring
forth envy, strife, emulation and hatred, and thereby our
holy unity in the Spirit be broken, they do use timely and
earnest endsavours to prevent and remove the same ;
whereby we may be preserved a people to the glory of
God, and in that perfect love and unity which will
demonstrate us to be the disciples of Christ.
Beloved in the Lord,
Having given you the sundry advices proper and neces
sary, from the state of things as represented to this Meet
ing, we do now add the recommendation of tbe apostle
Paul to the church of the Philippians ; " Finally, Bre
thren, 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 of these things :" commending you to God,
and the word of his grace, who is able to build you up,
and to give you an inheritance among the sanctified through
faith in our Lord Jesus, f .'uto whom, with the Father,
through the Holy Spirit, be dominion and glory, throughout
^11 the churches, now and for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN MOORE,
Clerk to the Meeting this Yeai.

204
EPISTLE, 1731.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 7th to the 11th of the Fourth Month, 1731, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a fresh spring of divine love, which has been mer
cifully and comfortably extended to us, in this our
annual assembly ; by which our hearts have been affected
together, and our spirits livingly engaged, for the help,
strength, and encouragement of one another, in that holy
way of truth and righteousness into v/hich the Lord our
God hath called us as a people ; we dearly salute you,—
humbly beseeching the God and Father of all our mercies,
that as he hath called us by his grace to be a people to his
praise, and hitherto continued his most gracious and
merciful visitations to ue, so he may still continue to look
down upon us with an eye of pity and tender compassion ;
and that he may never forsake his inheritance, but,
according to our Lord's blessed promise, may abide with
us for ever.
We further signify to you, that we have not only had
large and comfortable seasons during the course of this our
annual solemnity, in those Meetings for the worship of
God, but also in those which concern the general affairs of
the church ; which have been managed, throughout, in a
spirit of love and mutual condescension, which wg have
reason to hope increases among Friends.
By accounts brought into this Meeting from the several
counties ; as also, by Epistles from Wales, Scotland,
Ireland, New-England, Virginia, Maryland, Long-Island,
Pennsylvania, Barbadoes, North and South Carolina, we
have received acceptable informations of Friends' prosperity
in the truth ; and that love and unity, and a godly concern
for keeping up the good order and discipline of the church,
is maintained in many places ; though in some others there

205
is a shortness in these respects ; which is matter of sorrow,
and calls for our Christian care and endeavour to redress.
We have also received accounts of some convincement
in several pkces, both in Great Britain and America; and
that there appears a great openness among people to hear
the testimony of truth declared.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and Wales,
brought in this year, which are, as usual, mostly for tithes
and church-rates so called, is three thousand three
hundred and five pounds and upwards ; and there is one
Friend a prisoner on that account.
And now, dear Friends, in the weighty sense and con
sideration of the present state ofthe church, we recommend
unto you the following advices :
In as much as we have a large body of youth growing up,
the oftspring of Friends, these call for our especial care and
concern, that they may be preserved in the way of truth,
in which our forefathers walked ; and, in order thereto, we
tenderly recommend to all parents and guardians ; first,
that they take heed to themselves, that their own spirits be
rightly seasoned and directed, for the help and good
government of their children ; and then, that they have a
constant and watchful eye in love over them for their good,
and keep them, as much as possible, within their notice
and observation. For this we are sensible of, that the
miscarriages of youth have very much proceeded from
their being imprudently indulged, or left to themselves ;
by which means they become exposed to the danger of evil
examples on the one hand, and viciou-iv corrupt principles
on the other, with which the world too much abounds.
And, therefore, we earnestly and tenderly advise all parents
and guardians, to be watchfully concerned in this respect ;
and, that they take all proper occasions, both by example
and instruction, to help their children. And, that mothers
of children, as well as fathers (as they have frequently the
best opportunities) would take particular care to instruct
them in the knowledge of religion and the Holy Scriptures;
because it hath been found by experience, that good iih-
pressions, made early on the tender minds of children,
have proved lasting means of preserving them in a religious

206
life and conversation. This practice was enjoined strongly
upon the people of Israel by Moses and Joshua, the
servants of the Lord, who required them to read or repeat
the law to their children. And the apostle Paul takes
notice of Timothy's being well instructed in the Holy
Scriptures from a child, and of the unfeigned faith which
dwelt in his grandmother Lois, and mother Eunice, (2 Tim.
i. 5,) who, no doubt, had a religious care of his education.
But, where parents or guardians are deficient in such
their care, we recommend to Monthly Meetings that they
stir them up thereto, either by visiting them in their
families, or in such manner as in the wisdom of God they
may see meet ; that so the doctrines of the Gospel, and a
conversation agreeable thereunto, may be maintained unto
all generations.
And, in order to render these advices more effectual, we
further tenderly recommend to all heads of families, that
they do frequently call their children and servants
together, and, in a solemn religious way, cause them
to read the Holy Scriptures ; and in so doing, that they
humbly wait upon God with their families, for instruction
and counsel to them, respecting Christian faith and practice,
according to the former advices of this Meeting, particularly
that in the year 1706 ; to which, in an especial manner, we
refer on this occasion.
And, with regard to that openness and good disposition
which appears in the minds of people to hear the testimony
of truth, and some convincement in divers places, we
earnestly advise Friends, that they be careful of their
conduct at all times, and on all occasions; that no
stumblingblock be laid in the way of honest inquirers,
nor offence given to tender young convinced Friends.
" Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven." Let us walk wisely towards those that are
without, as well as those within. Let our moderation and
prudence, as well as truth and justice, appear unto all
men, and in all things ; in trading and commerce, in speech
and communication, in eating and drinking, in habit and
furniture; and, through all, in a meek, lowly, quiet

207
spirit ; that, as we profess to be a spiritually minded
people, we may appear to be such, as, being bounded by
the cross of Christ, shew forth the power of that divine
principle we make profession of, by a conversation every
way agreeable thereunto.
And, dear Friends, an earnest travail and concern of
mind remains upon the spirits of many Brethren, in order
to excite all Friends, who make profession of truth with
us, to stand faithful in our ancient and Christian testimony
against tithes of all kinds (as well as church-rates so
called), according to the several former advices of this
Meeting, particularly that in the year 1706.
And it will conduce very much to the rendering the
foregoing and all other advices of this Meeting effectual, if
Friends everywhere, in an especial manner, take care to
keep up the good order and discipline of Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings, in that spirit of love aud divine
wisdom in which they were at first constituted ; that therein
every thing may be managed to the praise of God, and the
preservation of his church and people within the bounds
and limits of his blessed truth. This, we are sensible,
has been a means, under divine direction, to keep many
hurtful things out of the church ; and, therefore, we are
sincerely concerned that nothing may weaken the hands of
Friends in this good work, but that it may be carried on
for the support of our Christian testimony in all its
branches. " Now the God of peace, that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the
sheepj through the blood of the everlasting cove
nant, make you perfect in every good work, to do
his will, working in you that which is well pleasing
in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen."
Signed in and oh behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM WILLIAMSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year

208
EPISTLE, 1732.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 29th of the Third Month, to the 3fd ofthe Fourth Month,
1732, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the fellowship of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, our Holy Head and High Priest, do we
tenderly salute you ; and hereby intimate, that this our
annual assembly hath been favoured with the divine pre
sence of Almighty God ; in a sense of whose goodness the
affairs of this Meeting have been managed in much love,
peace, and a spirit of condescension, to our mutual comfort
and edification.
Ry advices brought from the several Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings in England, and by Epistles from Wales,
Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Barbadoes, and North Carolina ; as also by the
relation of a Friend, who hath lately visited most of the
British plantations on the continent of America, we have
sundry good accounts of Friends' prosperity in the truth,
and, that several have been convinced last year ; that love
and unity are maintained, and care is continued, in many
places, to keep up the discipline of our society, and main
tain the testimony of truth unviolated ; yet, to our sorrow,
in some parts there appears too much shortness and remiss
ness ; which we heartily desire Friends, in their several
quarters, may endeavour to redress.
The accounts of the sufferings of Friends in England
and Wales, brought in this year, amount to three thousand
four hundred and nineteen pounds and upwards, chiefly
for tithes and church-rates so called. One Ftiend hath
been discharged out of prison since last Yearly Meeting,
and three remain prisoners on that account.
And, dear Brethren, in as much as it hath been the fre-

209
quent practice of this Meeting, to recommend to the several
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, tenderly to advise, and
earnestly to exhort Friends to be careful in bearing a faith
ful testimony against the antichristian yoke of tithes,
priests' maintenance, and church-rates so called ; the want
whereof, in some places, hath tended to the uneasiness and
sorrow of many brethren, and added to the suflerings of
such as have stood faithful in this our ancient and Christian
testimony ; and, that the same may be amended for the
time to come, this Meeting doth again earnestly recommend
to the several Quarterly and Monthly Meetings in the love
of truth, tenderly to advise and exhort their respective
members to stand faithful in that testimony; and, where
any Friends are found weak and deficient therein, that they
deal with such in the spirit of love and wisdom, according
to former advices of this Meeting, particularly that in the
year 1706.
It is also the earnest desire of this Meeting, that all
Friends be faithfully concerned to maintain the several
other branches of our Christian testimony ; and that all
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings be careful to advise their
respective members to bring in the accounts of their suf
ferings, &c. that they may be duly recorded, and brought
yearly to this Meeting, agreeable to our Epistle 1687.
We find it our duty to remind our respective members of
the remarkable uprightness and honesty of our Friends in
the beginning, in their commerce and converse. How
exact were they in performing their words and promises,
without evasive excuses, and insincere dealings; how
careful not to involve themselves in business which they
understood not, nor had stock of their own to manage ;
how circumspect not to contract greater debts than they
were able to pay in due time ; which brought great credit
and reputation to our religious society ; but, with sorrow
we observe, that, contrary to their example, and the re
peated advices formerly given by this Meeting, particularly
in the years 1729, and 1731, against an inordinate pursuit
after riches, too many have launched into trades and business
above their stocks and capacities ; by which unjustifiable
proceedings, and high living, they have involved themselves

210
and families in trouble and ruin, and brought considerable
loss upon others, to the great reproach of our holy pro
fession. We therefore recommend to Friends, in their respective
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, to have a watchful eye
over all their members ; and where they observe any defi
cient in discharging their contracts and just debts in due
time, so as to give reasonable suspicion of weakness or neg
ligence, that Friends do earnestly advise them to a suitable
care, and necessary inspection into their circumstances, in
order that they may be helped ; and, if any proceed con
trary to such advice, and by their failure bring open scandal
and reproach on the society, that then Friends justifiably
may and ought to testify against such offenders.
And, dear Friends, we tenderly and earnestly advise and
exhort all parents, and masters of families, that they exert
themselves in the wisdom of God, and in the strength of
his love, to instruct their children and families in the doc
trines and precepts of the Christian religion, contained in
the Holy Scriptures ; and, that they excite them to the diU-
gent reading of those sacred writings, which plainly set
forth the miraculous conception, birth, holy life, wonderful
works, blessed example, meritorious death, and glorious
resurrection, ascension, and mediation of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ ; and to educate their children in the
belief of those important truths, as well as in the belief of
the inward manifestation and operation of the Spirit of
God on their own minds, that they may reap the benefit and
advantage thereof, for their own peace and everlasting hap-
piness, which is infinitely preferable to all other considera
tions. We therefore exhort, in the most earnest manner,
that all be very careful in this respect ; a neglect herein
being, in our j udgment, very blameworthy: and further,
where any deficiency of this sort appears, we recommend
to Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, that they stir up those
whom it may concern to their duty therein.
It is very acceptable to us to find, by the accounts from
the several parts of the kingdom, that (according to former
exhortations of this Meeting) Friends continue generally
careful not to defraud the King of his customs, duties, or

211
excise ; and so far to discourage such practices, as to avoid
dealing in goods reasonably suspected to be run. This is
a care highly commendable, and no doubt incumbent on
every honest subject. But, as the government has signally
favoured us in our religious liberties, we are under the
greater obligations of gratitude, as well as duty, to mani
fest that we are as truly conscientious to render to Caesar
the things that are Caesar's, as to support any other branch
of our Christian testimony.
And, as it is evident, that the simplicity, and distinguishing
plainness of our holy profession are too much lost amongst
us, respecting language, apparel, and behaviour ; we there
fore earnestly exhort all to keep under the power of the
cross of Christ, which will crucify to the world, and the
vanities of it, and bring up in a true life of selfdenial,
agreeable to the Gospel, and example of our elders.
It is also desired, that aU Friends, who are masters and
heads of families, be very careful in attending, and bringing
their children and servants to Meetings, both on First-days,
and other days of the week ; and that young Friends, who
are sober and well inclined, be encouraged to attend the
service of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings ; and, that all
Friends in such Meetings wait to feel the power of truth,
that their minds being seasoned with the virtue thereof^
the wholesome discipline of the church may be maintained
and continued from one generation to another, for the help
of such as are weak.
And, for the dealing with all persons offending, according
to the several circumstances of their offence, we recommend,
that Friends in their said Meetings be careful to labour in
the spirit of love and meekness, regularly and impartially,
for the help and reclaiming of all such. And if, after such
labour of love, there appears no ground to hope for repent
ance, and the case be of a scandalous reproachful nature,
that they proceed to testify against such practices, and those
who are concerned therein.
Finally, dear Friends, to render these, and all other
advices serviceable and effectual, we " commend you to
God, and to the word of his grace, which is [only] able to
build you up," and preserve you in the practice of all
o 2

212
holiness of life, and godliness of conversation, 'and to
give you an inheritance among the sanctified, through faith
in our Lord Jesus : in whose love we tenderly salute
you, and remain Your Friends and Brethren.
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
EDMUND GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1733.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment,
From the 14th ofthe Third Month, to the 19th, inclusive, 1733.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and law
giver, and in the fellowship of the Gospel of peace and
salvation, this our annual assembly doth tenderly salute
you ; earnestly desiring, that Friends everywhere, keeping
under the holy influences and direction of the Spirit of
truth, may thereby be enabled to adorn the doctrine of God
our Saviour, by a righteous and exemplary life and conver
sation among men, and a firm and steady adherence to the
several branches of that Christian testimony which we have
been called to bear and maintain.
And, dear Friends, as the promotion of piety and charity
is the end and intent of our Meetings for the discipline of
the Church, a weighty concern remains upon us, that
Friends be careful diligently to attend those Meetings, and,
when there, to act in the wisdom given them of God, with
a real and living sense of truth upon their spirits ; that so
the affairs of the Church may be carried on in brotherly
loye, arid, in that sweet, calm and Christian disposition of
mind, which tends to the mutual comfort and edification one
of another, and of the church in general.

213
We have cause to continue humbly thankful to the God
and Father of all our mercies, who hath been graciously
pleased to favour this our solemn assembly, with a living
sense of his divine and heavenly presence and goodness ;
in the enjoyment whereof, we heartily and sincerely desire,
that the Meetings of Friends everywhere may be truly
comforted and refreshed.
By advices from the Several Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings in England, as also by Epistles from Wales, Scot
land, Ireland, Pennsylvania, and the Jerseys, Long-Island,
Rhode-Island, Maryland, and Virginia, we have comfort
able accounts of Friends' prosperity in the truth, and of the
continuance and increase of peace and love among them :
and although in some places there appears a want of zeal,
yet the testimony of truth is attentively heard by many, and
some have been convinced last year.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings in England and
Wales, brought in this year, being chiefly for tithes, and
church-rates so called, amount to three thousand four hun
dred and fifty eight pounds and upwards. Two Friends
have been discharged out of prison last year, and two are
now remaining prisoners.
And, dear Friends, this Meeting observing a remissness
in some places, in respect to our testimony against that
antichristian yoke of tithes, an earnest concern and zeal
have been on the minds of Friends, that all might be excited
and stirred up to faithfulness therein : in order whereunto,
we think necessary to put you in mind, that the zeal of our
Friends who have abode faithful in their testimony against
paying tithes, steeple-house rates, and priests' maintenance,
has greatly tended to the opening of the eyes of many, not
only in this, but also in other countries. We have received
last year an account from New England, where our Friends
formerly underwent grievous sufferings, that a law is made,
exempting them from paying either to the maintenance of
the established ministers, or the repairing of their worship
houses ; and it is our belief, that if all Friends here had
been faithful in their testimony against tithes, the time of
our deliverance from that oppression, under which this
nation yet groans, would have been nearer at hand, ^^

214
do therefore earnestly exhort to a close coming up in that,
and every other branch of our testimony, tending to the
promotion of gospel liberty, which it has been our concern
ever since we were a people, through manifold sufferings,
to maintain. And, if any weakness or unfaithfulness shall
appear among the professors of the truth, we hope faithful
Friends and Brethren will not be wanting to administer
help and admonition in the love and counsel of God, as
they shall see occasion, for the restoring and strengthening
of such, according to the advice given by the apostle. Gal.
vi. 1. " Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye
which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of
meekness." As it has been matter of comfort to us to hear that
Friends in many places have a godly concern and care upon
them, for the good education of their children in the fear
and nurture of the Lord, and in plainness of habit and
speech ; so it is our earnest desire, that such a care may be
continued and increased, and that all Friends would con
scientiously discharge their duty therein, as in the sight
of God. And, dear Friends, we must remind you to take
all convenient opportunities to put your children upon
reading and meditating in the Holy Scriptures ; which,
having proceeded from the dictates of the Holy Spirit, do
afford the most comfortable and salutary instructions of all
writings whatever, as we have heretofore often advised, and
particularly in our Epistles of the two last years, in which
the advices on this head being large and comprehensive, we
refer thereto.
And, as the first day of the week is set apart for the
public worship of Almighty God, it is our earnest advice,
that Friends would exhort and encourage their children and
families, to be diligent in attending meetings for worship,
and to behave themselves there with seriousness and gravity,
as becomes the professors of Christianity ; and to be re
gardful of the good counsel and admonitions of those whose
mouths the Lord may be pleased to open in the work of
the ministry, and that parents would be exemplary to their
children in closely attending Meetings, not only on the
First days, but, as much as in thejn lies, on other days of

215
the week also ; in which respect we cannot but with grief
observe too many appear remiss.
The good accounts we have received of Friends' care in
general to keep themselves clear of defrauding the King in
any of his customs, duties, or excise, are very acceptable to
us ; and we do as formerly, so now again, recommend the
continuance of a duty so necessary and incumbent on every
good and faithful subject ; being expressly commanded by
Christ himself, " Render therefore unto Caesar the things
which are Caesar's." (Matt. xxii. 21.)
We also think proper to exhort Friends everywhere,
to avoid all whisperings, backbitings, and talebearings,
tending to blemish the reputation of any, or to sow discord,
and create evil surmisings one of another : a practice
which ought to be zealously discouraged, as being of a
most pernicious consequence to society. It is therefore
recommended, that when any shall hear a report of such a
nature, they take an opportunity to acquaint the person
concerned thereof, before they again report, or be instru
mental to spread the same. And, in order to stop the
mouths of all talebearers and slanderers. Friends would do
well to manifest their aversion to such a practice. " The
north wind," saith Solomon, " driveth away rain, so doth
an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." Prov. xxv. 23.
And, dear Friends, our tender and brotherly advice to
your several Quarterly Meetings is, that they would be
careful annually to depute such Friends to attend the ser
vice of the Yearly Meeting, as are well acquainted with
the affairs of the cfiureh, and diligent attenders of the
Meetings for discipline in the respective counties and places
where they dwell, and whose practice and conversation are
answerable to the testimony they profess to bear.
Finally, Brethren, we recommend you to God, and to
the teachings of his Holy Spirit in your hearts, that divine
monitor, which alone can supply the defect of outward
instructions. And, as you abide under its holy conduct and
guidance, your strength will be renewed, you w ill be led
into the practice of godliness and truth, and be enabled to
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, to
the praise ofour Heavenly Father, who hath called us out of

216
darkness into his marvellous light; to whose holy pro
tection we commit you, and remain, in the fellowship ofthe
one Spirit, Your Friends and Brethren.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN MOORE,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1734.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the Srd of the Fourth Month, to the 7tli of the same, inclusive,
1734.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
XN the fellowship of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour
-¦- Jesus Christ, our Holy Head and high priest, who, by
the blessed influences of his divine and heavenly Spirit,
first called us out of the evils and pollutions of the world,
and hath, by his mighty power, preserved us unto this day,
a people to his praise ; we most tenderly and affectionately
salute you.
In a grateful sense of the refreshing presence of our
good and gracious God, which we have measurably expe
rienced to overshadow this our annual assembly, we ac
quaint you, that the affairs of the church have been therein
managed and carried on in a spirit of Christian love and
brotherly condescension, to the mutual comfort and edifica
tion one of another.
By the advices received from the several Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings in England, as also by Epistles from
Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Pennsylvania, and the Jerseys,
Rhode-Island, Maryland, and Long-Island, we have good
and comfortable accounts of the prosperity of truth, and
the convincement of several in this nation, and in divers
parts of America ; thfit some young Friends are of late

217
raised up to bear a public testimony to the truth in our
assemblies ; and, that a spirit of love and concord doth
diffuse itself through the churches, to the uniting of Friends
one unto another : so that we have just occasion of thank
fulness to the Almighty, for the continuance of his ancient
goodness, and the renewings of his merciful visitations
towards us : and it is our earnest desire, that a constant
care and regard may rest upon all our spirits, to walk
worthy of the benefits received ; and, by an holy and up
right conversation, so to adorn the doctrine of God our
Saviour in all things, that others, by our good works which
they shall behold, may also glorify God in the day of visi
tation. The accounts of Friends' sufferings in Great Britain
brought in this year, being chiefly for tithes, and church-
rates so called, amount to three thousand one hundred
eighty eight pounds and upwards ; and those in Ireland, to
one thousand five hundred and eighty five pounds. One
Friend has been discharged out of prison since last year,
and one yet remains a prisoner on account of tithes.
And, dear Friends, for the sake of those particular per
sons, in some places, who yet continue remiss in maintain
ing their testimony against the antichristian yoke of tithes,
we think necessary to repeat the advice given last year, that
Friends, as they shall see occasion in the wisdom of God,
would admonish such, and, in the spirit of love and meek
ness, endeavour to help and strengthen them, and to excite
and stir them up to faithfulness in th3,t branch of our
ancient testimony.
As there has been heretofore, so there yet remains upon
this Meeting, a peculiar regard to, and weighty concern for,
the offspring of Friends, that the rising generation might be
trained up in the principles and practice of the Christian
Religion : in order whereunto, as formerly, so now again,
we recommend an humble waiting upon the Lord for the
manifestation of his power and Spirit, and a diligent reading
of the Holy Scriptures in your families ; and, that masters
of families, parents, and guardians of children, at proper
and convenient opportunities, would stir up those under
their care to diligence herein ; shewing them, that those

218
sacred writings do contain the doctrines and principles of
our profession ; and explaining to them, as the Lord by his
Spirit shall enable, the grounds and causes inducing Friends
to distinguish themselves, by not conforming to the vain
fashions and corrupt customs of the world ; and, that one
great end of Christ's coming was, to form to himself a
people, who, by their lives and conversations, should be
patterns of that simplicity, holiness, and charity, which our
great Lord himself in the most perfect manner exhibited,
" leaving us an |example, that ye should follow his steps."
By simplicity, we understand an inward sincerity and lowly
disposition of mind, producing that plainness of speech,
habit, and manners, which Christ himself, and his holy
apostles recommended. By holiness, an internal purity
and renovation of soul, wrought in us by the Grace of God;
the fruits whereof are, a devout and religious behaviour,
justice, and inoffensiveness in all our dealings and conversa
tion. By charity, that spirit of love, compassion, and
forbearance, wherein consists the sum and substance of
religion ; the introduction of that universal peace and
good will upon earth, which is the great design of Christi
anity, as well as the badge and characteristic of our holy
profession. " By this," saith our blessed Lord, " shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another." (John, xiii. 35.)
And, dear F'riends, we desire, that you would excite and
stir up your children to a diligent attending the First-day
and Week-day Meetings, and be exemplary yourselves
therein ; not in a mere formal and customary attendance,
but in a serious and diligent waiting upon the Lord; for
as formality in worship occasioned the Lord to complain of
his people in days of old, that they drew near to him
with their mouths, and with their lips did honour him ; but
had removed their hearts far from him, (Isa. xxix. 13,) so
we have reason to fear, that the same formality has been
one cause of that great declension from the purity and spi
rituality of gospel worship, which is too apparent among
many of the professors of Christianity.
And, in as much as it hath pleased the Lord to concern
some amongst us, as instruments in his hand, to travel to

219
and fro, for the preaching and spreading ofthe Gospel; we
advise, that where meetings for worship are settled, when
any such are concerned to visit you, you would give notice
thereof to your sober and well inclined neighbours, that
they may have an opportunity to hear the testimoiiy of truth
declared ; a means which the Lord hath been often pleased
to make use of, for gathering many out of the world
unto himself, through the power of the word of life faith
fully preached.
And, whereas the number of Friends attending the service
of Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, for the discipline of
the church is but small in some places, we desire, that elders
wouldgive all due encouragement to such younger Friends,
as they observe to be religious and sober in their conversa
tion, to attend the service of those Meetings ; that so,
being inured to the management ofthe affairs ofthe church
in the company of their elders, they may be the better
qualified to succeed them therein, and, to supply their
places and service, when removed.
And, seeing it is very evident that " evil communications
corrupt good manners," we think proper to recommend
with much affection to our young Friends, that they be
very careful to avoid all such company as, by a light and
vain conversation, would tend to alienate their minds from
the love of virtue and sobriety ; for " the discourse of fools
is irksome, and their sport is in the wantonness of sin."
Eccles. xxvii. 13. " If," therefore, " thou be among the
indiscreet, observe the time ;" tarry not there, " but be
continually among men of understanding." Ver. 12. And
we do exhort Friends everywhere, that in the great concern
of marriage, whereon much of the comfort and happiness of
life depend, they be mindful to proceed in the fear of the
Lord, aud have an eye to him for counsel and instruction
in their choice ; the neglect of which has been the ruin of
many families, and tended much to the reproach and dis
honour of our holy profession.
We are glad to hear, by accounts received, that Friends
are generally found in the practice of their Christian duty
of rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesar's ; and,
do earnestly recommend a strict care for the continuance
of the same, in every branch of the King's revenue.

220
And we earnestly exhort all Friends and Brethren, that,
under a living concern of spirit for the honour of God,
and welfare of his people, they diligently watch over one
another for good ; and, where any weakness or unfaithful
ness, touching any branch of our Christian testimony,
appears in any making profession with us, let such be timely
and tenderly advised, and in the wisdom of truth stirred up
to their duty.
Finally, dear Friends, we recommend you to God, to
Jesus Christ the bishop of our souls, and to the Holy
Spirit, the Anointing ; that, being taught and anointed
thereby, ye may shew forth the works of the Spirit ; and,
having done your day's work in the day time, ye may lay
down your heads in peace, and receive at last the joyful
welcome from our Lord and Saviour, " Come, ye blessed
of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from
the foundation of the world." (Mat. xxv. 34.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
DANIEL VANDEWALL,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE, 1735.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 20th ofthe Third Month to the 2nd of the Fourth Month,
inclusive, 173o.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
G»RACE be unto you, and peace from God our father,
and from our Lord Jesus Christ ; in a renewed sense
of whose ancient love and life, and in the fellowship of the
one Spirit, the bond of peace, which at first united us one
unto another, we tenderly salute you, knowing that this
hath been our strength and preservation to this day, and
only can enable us to persevere faithful unto the end in
every gppd word and work. Wherefore we earnestly desire,

221
that the churches of Christ everywhere may thereby be
established unblameable in holiness, and may increase and
abound in love one towards another, and towards all men.
We are humbly thankful to the God and Father of all
our mercies, that he liaUi been pleased to favour this our
annual assembly with his wonted goodness and gracious
visitations ; and, that the affairs and concerns of the church
have been therein carried on in a spirit of mutual condes
cension and brotherly love ; in which we impart unto you
the following advices.
By accounts received from the Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings in England, as also by Epistles from Wales,
Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Barbadoes, Long-Island,
Rhode-Island, Virginia, New-England, Carolina, Pennsyl
vania, and the Jerseys, we have received comfortable in
formations of the continuance of love and unity in the
churches ; and, that although many of our ancient Friends
are removed by death, it hath pleased the Lord, by a fresh
visitation, to raise up others in divers places to succeed
them ; several having been of late convinced, and some
called to bear a public testimony to his name and truth.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and Wales
brought in this year, being chiefly for tithes and church-
rates so called, is three thousand five hundred and forty
five pounds and upwards ; and in Ireland, one thousand
five hundred and thirty four pounds and upwards; making
together above five thousand and eighty pounds : and
one Friend is continued a prisoner on account. of tithes.
And, dear Friends, as it hath been the concern of this
Meeting frequently to advise, that Friends should stand
faithful in their testimony against that antichristian yoke
of tithes, so we do now renew our advice in that respect.
And we earnestly intreat the faithful among you, to take
all suitable opportunities of endeavouring to demonstrate,
to such as are weak and unfaithful, the importance of our
testimony against receiving or paying tithes, the natural
tendency whereof is to obtain that liberty which the purest
ages of Christianity enjoyed ; that is, a liberty for any
person, moved by the Holy Spirit bf God, to preach the
doctrine of the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour

222
Jesus Christ freely ; and, of which they were not deprived,
till such time as great corruptions of doctrine and practice
were foUnd amongst the professors of Christianity, and the
civil powers were prevailed upon to meddle with the
consciences of the people, which of right are to be sub
jected to God only.
We cannot therefore but bless the Lord, from an experi
mental witnessing of the comfort and spiritual advantage
which arises from such a liberty, that he was pleased to
raise up our worthy elders, and, to give them a testimony
against that antichristian yoke ; making them willing, in
this and other nations, to suffer for that testimony, thereby
shewing to the world what the love of Christ is able to do ;
for, we believe, nothing short of that love could have
/enabled them to suffer the spoil of their goods, and the long
imprisonments of their bodies, even unto death, as some of
them did, for their conscientious refusal to pay tithes ; and,
we have reason to believe, that if all amongst us had fol
lowed their example, by abiding faithful in this our Chris
tian testimony, we might, before this time, have been, in a
great measure, relieved from under that oppression.
And, as it hath been frequently the care and concern of
this Meeting to advise parents, and all who have the tuition
and education of children, to bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord ; we are still sensible that
there is occasion to repeat our tender advice and exhorta
tion that you would lay this matter closely to heart ; for it
is certain that the preservation of your offspring in the way
of true religion and godliness, is of much greater moment
to their happiness, both in this life, and in that which is to
come, than any thing else you are capable of doing for
them ; and therefore we renew our advice, that you be dili
gently exercised in such a godly care, waiting upon God
for wisdom from him, first to walk wisely and circumspectly
before them yourselves, and then you may, with more weight
and authority, in the meekness of that wisdom, instruct,
advise, exhort, and rebuke, as you shall see occasion. And,
we think it will contribute very much to your success in
these endeavours, if you put them frequently in a solemn
manner upon reading the Holy Scriptures, especially such

223
parts of them as relate to the great doctrines and precepts
of the Christian Religion ; and then wait upon God with
them, that you may become instruments to open their un
derstandings ; and, in the sense of his power and wisdom,
press them closely to the practice of what they read. Such
an exercise as this, begun early, and frequently repeated,
we recommend as the indispensable duty of all concerned,
and the most likely means for the preservation and im
provement of children in the way of truth ; and, through
the Lord's blessing, to secure them from being prevailed
upon by the many false deceitful spirits that are gone forth
into the world, tending to subvert 4^he Christian faith, and
a practice and conversation agreeable thereto.
And, forasmuch as a true Christian practice, and every
branch of it, is the fruit and effect of the inward sanctifica
tion of the heart by the Spirit of Christ, for which we are
frequently to wait on him in all humility and lowliness of
mind; we tenderly advise, that every thing tending to
obstruct or divert the minds either of children, or those of
more advanced years, from this good exercise, may be care
fully avoided, and taken out of the way. And, it being
evident, that the glory and vanity of the world, and the
pleasures and diversions of it, are of this nature and ten
dency, we therefore advise, that all parents and masters, in
the first place, be good examples to their children and
families, in an humble and circumspect walking, and with
all plainness of habit and speech, which is agreeable to the
cross of Christ, the example of our ancient Friends, and
the frequent advices of this Meeting. And also, that they
be very careful not to indulge their children in the use and
practice of things contrary thereunto ; for we are sensible,
that, by such habits, of how little moment soever some may
think them, the tender minds of children, while very young,
being lifted up and drawn aside from the simplicity of the
truth, a foundation is early laid for those undue liberties so
justly complained of; for a love and delight in such
things, imprudently indulged at first, grows up with them,
?tnd becomes strengthened more and more into confirmed
habits, and thus some have become enemies to the cross of
Christ, and forsaken and opposed the way of truth ; which

224
possibly might have been prevented by parents doing their
duty, in being good examples, and not cherishing the seeds
of vanity and folly in their children, but, on the contrary,
prudently discouraging every appearance of evil in them,
which necessary duty we earnestly recommend to their
serious consideration and practice.
And we do further recommend, as a means very con
ducive to the preservation of Friends, a people of one
heart and one way, for the good of themselves and their
children after them, that the discipline of the church, in
the several Meetings instituted for that purpose, be kept up
and managed in a spirit of wisdom and love. Let all
things in those Meetings be done with charity ; let the love
of God in an especial manner rule in your hearts ; and
therein, though sometimes different sentiments may arise,
yet will every particular member have the same thing in
view, viz. the glory of God, and the good of his church
and people ; and, in this singleness of heart, they will best
promote the great end and services of those Meetings.
We advise, therefore, upon this occasion, that nothing be
done through strife and contention, nor from any private
views, or the influence of numbers ; but, in lowliness of
mind, let each esteem another better than himself; and,
where any debates arise, endeavour, in a spirit of meekness,
to convince one another ; and as you so stand mutually
engaged in love, your hearts will be enlarged, and all
undue warmths and discord will be gradually, removed ;
and you will be enabled, through meekness, humility,
longsuffering, and forbearance one of another, to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; always
bearing in mind that excellent caution of the apostle,
Gal. V. 26. " Let us not be desirous of vain glory, pro
voking one another, envying one another :" knowing this,
that " the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ; against
such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have
crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Verse
22, 23, 24, 25.
The advices we have received of the general care of

225
Friends to keep clear from defrauding the King in any
branch of his revenue are very acceptable to us ; who hold
it our indispensable duty, with rfegard to kings, and all that
are in authority, to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty.
Again, dear Friends, we esteem it our duty to renew our
former advices, that Friends everywhere take diligent care
to prevent, as much as possible, persons professing with us
defrauding their creditors of their just dues, to the great
scandal and reproach of our holy profession ; by timely ad
monishing and cautioning all those of our Society, who, by
delays in payment, and breaking their words and pro
mises, give reasonable cause of suspicion, that their circum
stances are desperate ; advising all such to inspect their
accounts, and give up their effects in time, in order to make
the best they can to their creditors : which will most con
duce to their own peace, and the credit and reputation of
our Christian Society. But if any, through ambition or
desire of grandeur in the world, shall reduce themselves
to insolvency, after having been thus plainly cautioned, and
dealt with according to the nature of the offence, and pur
suant to the advices of this Meeting in the years 1728 and
1732 (to which we refer you), then the Society will justly
be clear of reproach arising from the misconduct of such.
A care of this nature we earnestly recommend, not only to
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, but also, that Friends, in
their private capacity, watch over, advise, and caution one
another, whenever they observe any real occasion for it.
And, as it has pleased the Lord, in his great mercy and
goodness, to favour the faithful among his people, not only
in such public assemblies as these, but also in their small
retired meetings in the country everywhere, with the lifting
up of the light of his countenance upon them, and renewing
an inward and spiritual acquaintance with them, by which
they are greatly encouraged to meet often together to think
upon His name, and, as he shall move any thereunto, to
speak one unto another, to their mutual edification and com
fort ; we take this opportunity to renew our former advices,
that Friends, in their several counties and places, be dili
gent in attending religious meetings for the worship of God,
p

226
not only on First days, but on other days ofthe week, and,
as near as may be, at the time appointed ; there being, by
accounts brought in to this Meeting from some places, a
great neglect in this respect ; which we have reason to
believe is owing to a being overcharged with the cares of
this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the love of other
things, which choak the good seed, so that love to religion
and the worship of God decay and grow cold.
Finally, Brethren, we exhort you, in the words >of the
apostle, to " warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble
minded, support the weak, be patient to^vard all men. See
that none render evil for eVil unto any man ; but ever
follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and
to all men." (I Thes. v. 14, 15.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
EDMUND GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1736.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the I4th of the Fourth Month, to the 19th of the same,
inclusive, 1736.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the sweet communion and fellowship of the Grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which brought us to be a
people, we tenderly salute you, and impart unto you the
following advices : —
The affairs of this our Annual Assembly (blessed be the
God and Father of all our mercies) have been carried on
in a spirit of meekness and condescension, and with much
love and qjiietness ; and the ancient power and goodness of
the Lord (the crown of all our religious assemblies) has
been measurably experienced among us, to the refreshing
and comforting the hearts of his children.

227
By accounts from the Quarterly Meetings in England, as
also by Epistles from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Holland,
Barbadoes, South and North Carolina, Maryland, New-
England, Long-Island, Rhode-Island, Virginia, Pennsyl
vania, and N'ew- Jersey, we are informed ofthe continuance
of peace and concord in the churches in general; and that,
notwithstanding the declension of some particular persons,
who, through neglecting the guidance ofthe Holy Spirit in
themselves, have l^een drawn aside into undue liberties, to
the grief and exercise of the faithful ; yet it hath pleased
the Lord in many places to afford a fresh visitation of his
power and spirit, to the convincing and gathering of others,
and to the carrying on that work of reformation which he
hath begun in the earth, and will fully accomplish in his
own appointed time.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and Wales,
brought in this year (chiefly for tithes and church-rates so
called,) is three thousand three hundred thirty two pounds
and upwards ; and of those in Ireland, one thousand four
hundred fifty eight pounds and upwards ; besides which,
some particular Friends have been put to great expences,
by prosecutions in the ecclesiastical and other courts ; and,
if all Friends did bring in an account of their sufferings,
the sum would be much greater than it is. One Friend is
discharged from his imprisonment since lastyear ; and there
are two at present prisoners on account of tithes.
And, dear Friends, as we have, ever since we were a
people, Uijintained our Christian testimony against tithes,
and forced maintenance of ministers, as contrary to the
nature of the Gospel dispensation ; we cannot but repeat
our earnest exhortations, that Friends everywhere stand
-fast in the liberty Avherewith Christ has made them free,
and beware of burdening their own consciences, by a mean
submission to an antichristian yoke of bondage, through
fear of suffering. A meek and quiet spirit under temporal
inconveniences, for the sake of our Christian testimony, is
one of the best proofs of our sincerity therein, and may be
a means of effectually recommending us to the compassion
of those whom God has placed in authority over us ; to
whose hands he has committed the power of giving us relief,
p 2

228
and from whom it becometh us to seek it with humility and
patience. Though the accounts we have received from some places
of this and other countries, of the prosperity of truth, and
of the coming forth of some among us in a public testimony
thereunto, have been very acceptable to us ; yet, it is with
much grief and concern, that we observe in some a declen
sion from the way of righteousness and truth, as well as
from the plainness of habit, and simplicity of speech and
behaviour, which were so conspicuous in our early Friends,
and many of their offspring. This declension we appre
hend arises from a disregard to the divine light and truth
they have been often recommended to, as the regulator of
their words and actions. By a careful and conscientious
regard to this, the holy men, in all ages, obtained a good
report; and our ancients, and many of their immediate
offspring, were comely in the eyes of the nation, for their
solid deportment, and religious regard to their words and
actions : a godly fear rested upon their minds, that the
precious truth and principle which they professed, and felt
the blessed effects of, might not suffer reproach from their
misconduct. The like holy concern now, would tend to
regulate our youth, and render them more comely in the
eyes of beholders, than any external ornaments or deckings
of the body whatsoever : this would instruct them to avoid
all pride and affectation, and endue them with humility,
modesty, and virtue, which recommend to the favour of God,
and a good esteem among men. A religious regard to the
principle of light and truth, God's witness in the mind and
heart of man, ever produces the most beneficial effects, as
well to society in general, as to every one in particular.
This would introduce universal love, peace and concord
among mankind; this would sweeten the bitter spirit,
mollify and assuage the fierce and violent dispositions of
men, mutually endear relations and friends, and bring all
into the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit : the
fruits whereof (the apostle declareth) are joy, peace
longsuffering, brotherly kindness, and charity. We do
therefore most earnestly recommend a strict attention to
this holy and divine principle, to Friends everywhere

229
and, in a particular manner, to the youth of the present
generation. And, dear Friends, you who have children under your
care or tuition, we beseech you to accustom them early to
the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and to train them up in
the way of the cross, as soon as they are capable of receiver
ing impressions of good and evil ; that parents be careful
how they indulge them in any thing that has an evil tendency,
endeavouring to restrain them from every hurtful thing which
their natural inclinations may lead them to desire after ;
this, we think, is the indispensable duty of all parents ; and
we cannot see how they can answer the omission of it in
the sight of God. For such neglect too often occasions ill
habits, which afterwards are not to be restrained without
great difficulty, if at all. We also earnestly intreat our
young Friends, with all readiness of mind, to receive and
give place to the labour of love and wholesome admonitions
bestowed upon them by their parents or others, for their
benefit and instruction, and carefully to avoid all evil com-?
pany, which corrupts good manners, and leads into disorder
and extravagancy, And, that the endeavours of parents
may be crowned with success, it behoveth them to enforce
their advice by a suitable practice, and an exemplary walk-;
ing in all holiness and godliness of conversation,
And, dearly beloved Friends and Brethren, we desire you
to encourage such youth as are regular and sober in their
conversation, to frequent our Monthly and Quarterly Meet
ings ; that they may see the care which is taken for the
maintenance ofour poor, and the preservation ofour Chris
tian discipline, and thereby become more useful in their
respective Meetings, and to the church in general. And,
we tenderly intreat that you would, both by word and
example, excite them to a diligent attendance of our Meet
ings for worship, not only on the First days, but also on the
pther days of the week.
By accounts from the several counties, we do not under
stand but that Friends are clear from the practice of run-
nipg of goods, or defrauding the Kin g of his customs or
revenues : we earnestly recommen d the continuance of
that necessary duty, and desire, that Friends everyyvhere.

230
may be careful to discourage such practices, which are not
only unjust, but also inconsistent with that gratitude which
we, as a people, ought to express towards a government,
to whose lenity and goodness we are obliged for the privi
leges we enjoy.
And it is the earnest desire of this Meeting, that a spirit
of love and humility may more and more diffuse itself
among us, and influence the hearts of all ; that so every one
may come to seek peace and pursue it ; and that none be
apt to take offence, but each, in his own particular, be more
careful to rectify his own failings and imperfections, than
curious in observing, censuring, and aggravating those
of others. This will lead to the exercise of mutual forbear
ance and forgiveness one of another ; by which the occasions
of contention will be avoided, and the churches preserved
in a state of peace and tranquillity.
And, dear Friends, in order that, as we have received
Christ, so we may walk in him, in all holiness and godliness
of conversation, we earnestly exhort, that ye hold fast the
profession of the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, without
wavering ; both in respect to his outward coming in the
flesh, his sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, media
tion and intercession at the right hand of the Father ; and,
to the inward manifestation of his grace and Holy Spirit in
our hearts, powerfully working in the soul of man, to the
subduing every evil affection and lust, and to the purifying
of our consciences from dead works, to serve the living
God ; and that, through the virtue and efficacy of this most
holy faith, ye may become strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might; which will enable you to worship God
in spirit with acceptance, and preserve you, in a lively
frame of mind, from a drowsy and lukewarm spirit ; which,
in all our religious assemblies, ought to be guarded against
with the utmost care and circumspection. In this lively
faith, and pure life of Christ, you will have victory over the
world, over your desires after the grandeur and perishinp'
things thereof, and over all corrupt customs and fashions,
which are contrary to the purity of the Gospel, and our
ancient Christian testimony.
Finally, Brethren, farevvell. The grace of our Lord

,231
Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the
Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
ALEXANDER ARSCOTT,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1737.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 30th of the Third Month, to the 4th of the Fourth Month,
inclusive, 1737.
Jb the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a renewed sense of the love of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, which at first gathered us to be a people,
and in which all the living members of the true church,
however scattered and dispersed throughout the world, are
united, and become one flock and family under him, the
one great and universal shepherd of the sheep, we tenderly
salute you.
We have repeated cause, with humble and thankful
hearts, to praise the name of the Lord our God, for the
continuance of his merciful visitations towards us ; and,
that he hath been graciously pleased to favour us, in this
our Yearly Meeting, with a comfortable sense of his divine
presence, and enabled us, under the influence of his grace,
to transact the business and affairs of the church in the
spirit of peace and charity ; which is the bond of perfect
ness, and the strength of Christian society.
The accounts brought in this year from the Quarterly
and Monthly Meetings in England, and the Epistles received
from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey,
Long-Island, Rhode-Island, and Virginia; as also the
verbal account of a Friend lately returned from his travels
in America, have brought us very comfortable advices of
the prosperity of truth ; the power and virtue whereof is

232
manifested in divers places, to the convincing of many. For
the sake of such tender and young convinced Friends, an
earnest concern is onthe minds of many, that no occasion
of stumbling or offence be laid in their way ; but that all
such as have made longer profession of the way of truth,
may be careful to walk before them in all holiness and up
rightness of conversation, and in an humble waiting upon
the Lord ; that their example may tend to the encourage
ment and strengthening of those who have been more lately
visited, to a steady and constant perseverance in the path
which the Lord hath directed their feet into.
The sufferings of Friends in England and Wales brought
in this year, being chiefly for tithes, and church-rates so
called, amount to three thousand five hundred and sixty
five pounds and upwards ; and those in Ireland, to one
thousand four hundred and eighty five pounds and up
wards ; making together above five thousand and fifty
pounds : and there are three prisoners on account of
tithes. You have been often reminded of the importance of our
ancient testimony against the antichristian yoke of tithes ;
and, as you are convinced in your consciences of their incon
sistency with the nature of the Gospel dispensation, it is
certainly your necessary duty to act agreeably to such con
victions. And if sufferings for your testimony shall be the
consequence of your obedience therein, it will become you,
after the example of the primitive Christians, cheerfully to
submit, and to take joyfully the spoiling of your goods, that
so you may preserve a conscience void of offence towards
God ; and, at the same time, by your Christian meekness,
and innocent deportment, give reasonable evidence of your
sincerity to men.
And, dear Friends, having received very comfortable ac
counts from divers places, of the good disposition raised in
the minds of young persons, to walk in that plainness and
selfdenial which have been often recommfsnded by this
Meeting, we earnestly desire, that parents and guardians,
and Friends everywhere, would watch over such, and en
courage and cherish every thing which may contribute to
their growth and progress in the ways of truth and holiness;

233
and, for the strength and encouragement of every such well
disposed young persons, we earnestly exhort masters and
mistresses of families to be exemplary, and to enforce their
advice by an agreeable practice ; and in no wise to discou
rage, but encourage, both in their children and servants,
that plainness of speech and behaviour which the truth
leads to.
And, dear Friends, we should be glad to hear that all
those who make profession with us, and are blessed with
outward substance, were more diligent in attending not only
our Meetings for worship, but also such meetings as are
appointed chiefly for the care and relief of the poor among
us ; which we hold as a duty incumbent on every member
of the church, but in an especial manner on those who are
of ability ; that, when it shall please the Lord, who has
given them talents, and abundance of the good things of
this world; to call them to give au account of their steward
ship, they may render the same with joy, and not with
sorrow. And, dear Friends, that the affairs of our society may
continue to be managed in the meek and peaceable wisdom
of truth, let the elders of each Monthly Meeting have an
eye upon the younger, and consider their conversations,
qualifications, and growth in the truth ; and invite such as
are sober and hopeful to the meetings for business and the
affairs of the church, that they may learn and improve in
the knowledge of the discipline of the church, and become
instrumental to the service of God, his truth, and people.
And, dear Friends, it is with much sorrow and grief of
heart we have still occasion to remind you of the advices so
lately delivered in our Yearly Epistles, namely, to keep out
of the extravagant fashions and customs of the world ; and
not to launch further into trade and business, than you are
capable of managing and carrying on, with reputation and
credit among men, and without prejudice, loss, or detriment
to any. We are fully persuaded, that if Friends every
where had a due respect and regard to this one precept of
Christ, viz. " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness," (Matt. vi. S3,) which is the indispensable
duty of all his followers to observe ; we should have little

234
or no occasion for the repetition of such advices : let
therefore, we earnestly beseech you, that precept of our
blessed Lord and master, and Holy Head, be duly considered
and put in practice ; that, by ordering our conversations
agreeable to our profession, we may shew forth the praise
of him that has called us. So shall we witness the promise
to be fulfilled, "Them that honour me," saith the Lord,
" I will honour." (1 Sam. ii. SO.)
Finally, Brethren, we recommend you to the direction
and guidance of the unerring Spirit of truth within, and the
excellent precepts and instructions of the Holy scriptures
without, which, if you shall diligently take heed unto, you
will not fail of being perfectly instructed in the great duties
of worship towards God, the father and author of all our
mercies; of fidelity and gratitude to the government,
which his merciful providence has set over us ; of love and
peace among yourselves; and of justice and benevolence
towards all men.
We again salute you in the love of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and our Heavenly Father ; to whose holy care and
protection we commit you, and bid you farewell.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
HENRY BRADFORD,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE, 1738.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment.
From the 22Dd ofthe Third Month, to the 27th ofthe same, inclusive, 1738.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a sense of the continued mercy and loving kindness
of the Lord our God, and in the fellowship of the
Gospel, we tenderly salute you, earnestly desiring that
Friends everywhere, by closely adhering to the guidance of

235
the Holy Spirit in themselves, may be preserved in the way
of truth, and enabled so to adorn their profession by an ex
emplary conversation, as that the church may yet shine
more and more in the beauty of holiness.
The affairs of this our annual assembly have been
managed in peace and concord, to our mutual comfort and
edification. By advices from the several Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings in England, and by Epistles received from Wales,
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania, Rhode-
Island, Long-Island, Maryland, Virginia, and Barbadoes,
we have comfortable accounts of the continuance of Chris
tian love and unity in the churches, and of a readiness in
many people to hear and assent to the testimonies of truth
declared ; and, that several are lately convinced, and make
public confession of the blessed truth with us. And, as we
have reason to believe that the Lord has inclined the minds
of many to receive the doctrine of the Gospel, there is a
weighty concern incumbent upon us, to walk before them in
all godliness and honesty ; that we give no offence, nor in
terrupt the progress of so blessed a work in any, through
our neglect or disobedience.
The sufferings of Friends in England and Wales brought
in this year, being chiefly for tithes and church-rates so
called, amount to three thousand three hundred and sixty
pounds and upwards ; and those- in Ireland, to one thou
sand five hundred and ninety pounds and upwards ; making
together above four thousand nine hundred and sixty
pounds : besides which, several Friends are now under
severe prosecutions for tithes ; though three prisoners on
that account have been discharged since last year.
And, dear Friends, as the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, was at first freely promulgated by himself
and his immediate followers, the nature of it being unalter
able, it behoveth that the ministers thereof, in all succeed
ing times, be like-minded, not acting " by constraint, but
willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." (1 Pet.
T. 2.) WTien we call to mind the grievous sufferings which
(Dur ancients underwent, in this and other nations, for their
testimony against a man-made ministry, and hireling

236
preachers ; and their great concern to revive and publish
the doctrine of the Gospel, as it was declared by Christ
himself, when on earth, " Freely ye have received, freely
give," (Matt, x. 8, ;) and revealed to one of his servants,
who was banished to the isle of Patmos for the Word of
God, and for the testimony of Jesus, " Whosoever will, let
him take the water of life freely," (Rev, xxii. 17. ;) we say,
dear Friends, when we call to mind the travails, the jeopar
dies, and the sufferings they underwent, for publishing this
evangelical doctrine to the world, our hearts are grieved
when we find any of their offspring, or any under our name,
declining their testimony against the antichristian yoke of
tithes ; for which, as w ell as other branches of our Chris
tian testimony, so many of our Brethren and Sisters have
suffered not only the loss of their substance and estates, but
long and tedious imprisonments, even unto death. We
jtlierefore tenderly exhort all who profess the truth to watchr-
fulness and zeal, that this branch of our Christian testimony
be not laid waste, by connivance or private agreement with
priests or impropriators ; but that all abide patient under
that testimony which the Lord has called us to bear ; not
doubting but that the gradual progress of real Christianity
will, at length, operate to the removal of a yoke so directly
contrary to the liberty wherewith Christ has made, us free.
" Stand fast," says the apostle, " in the liberty wherewith
Christ has made us free ; and be not entangled again with
the yoke of bondage." (Gal. v. 1.)
And, forasmuch as we are called with an high and holy
calling to all holiness and purity of conversation, let your
behaviour among men be unblameable, and such as may
adorn the Gospel of Christ. Let not the vain and foolish
fashions and customs of the world, which pass away, and
which our ancient Friends were concerned to bear testi
mony against, prevail over you ; but " be ye transformed,
by the renewing of your mind." (Rom. xii. 2.) Avoid sports,
plays, and all such diversions ; as tending to alienate the
mind from God, and to deprive the soul of the comfortable
enjoyment of his presence and power. Be temperate and
sober ; shun all excess in eating and drinking ; that, ac
cording to the advice of the apostle, your moderation may

237
be known unto all men. (Phil. iv. 5.) Let such of you as
deal in spirituous liquors be careful to limit your trade
within the bounds prescribed by the law of the land.
Beware, lest any of you suffer as an evil doer. (I Pet.
iv. 15.)
And, dear Friends, when we consider that it was the
power of the Lord which first gathered us to be a people,
and enabled our ancients to bear a faithful testimony to his
name, we cannot but exhort you time after time, to wait for
a renewed enjoyment of the power of truth upon your
hearts ; that thereby you may be encouraged to come up in
your respective services, and in a conscientious suffering for
the Christian testimonies you are concerned to bear. Our
blessed Lord, just before his ascension, commanded his dis
ciples and followers to wait at Jerusalem till they were
endued with power from on high ; knowing their inability,
without the sensible feeling of that power, to speak in his
name for the convertion of the nations. It was this
power that enabled them to speak boldly in the name of
Jesus. This alone made them able ministers of Christ,
whose " preaching was not with enticing words of man's wis
dom ; but in the demonstration ofthe Spirit and of power."
And, seeing many of us have experienced much spiritual
consolation by waiting in silence, and humbly depending
upon the Lord alone, we exhort Friends to be very careful
to observe the hours appointed for religious worship, and
that, when together, they labour to feel their minds
abstracted from visible objects into a true stillness and
nothingness of self, wherein the teachings of the Holy
Spirit are witnessed by humble and contrite souls. In
such a waiting state, you wiil have a true relish and savour
of the ministry of those who are rightly concerned, by the
same Spirit, to labour in word and doctrine among you.
And, dear Friends, be careful to avoid all backbitings,
whisperings, and talebearings ; for " the words of a tale
bearer," says the wise man, " are as wounds," (Prov. xviii.
8. ;) tending to the defamation, and lessening the characters
one of another. Be not therefore like those of whom the
prophet complains. " Report, say they, and we will report ;"

238
but when you hear a thing tending to the defamation of
any, inquire of the reporter whether he has acquainted the
person affected thereby with such report ? If not, caution
him to forbear spreading the same, lest the reputation of
the innocent beinjured thereby. Endeavour to put a speedy
stop to all such wicked practices, and works of darkness,
justly condemnable not only in the authors, but the encou
ragers thereof. " He that worketh deceit," says the royal
psalmist, " shall not dwell within my house ; he that telleth
lies shall not tarry in my sight." (Psal. ci. 7.)
And, dear Friends, as much as in you lies, take care that
the business of your Monthly Meetings be transacted by
persons who are well grounded in the principles of truth ;
and beware of committing the management thereof to such
as know not their own spirits seasoned by the work of
truth in themselves. But, where you observe any young
persons of a grave and solid deportment, and inclinable to
be helpful in the church, dicourage them not ; but endea
vour to bring them forward in the service of truth, accord
ing to their respective abilities for so weighty a work.
We find it our duty also to remind you, that a godly con
cern may always rest upon your minds for the good educa
tion of your children, in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord : - excite them to a frequent reading of the Holy
Scriptures, and a reverent regard to the blessed truths
therein contained. And, as it is apparent, to our very great
grief, that the simplicity and distinguishing plainness ofour
profession, respecting language, apparel, aud behaviour, is
too much departed from by many among us, we earnestly
desire, that parents and heads of families would be exem
plary to their children and servants therein, by abiding
under the power of the cross of Christ ; which will crucify
us to the world, and the vanities of it.
We are also concerned to remind you ofthe advice here
tofore given, in our Epistle of 1719, in the following
words, viz. —
" We being given to understand, that in divers places
there are some who profess the truth with us, who deviate '
from the way thereof, by contracting marriages with

239
such as are not of our Society, contrary to the repeated
advice of this Meeting, to the dishonour of our holy pro
fession, and the hindrance of truth's prosperity ; in order,
therefore, that a stop may be put to an undue liberty in
such marriages, and the evil consequences thereof, we do
hereby tenderly advise and desire, that all parents and
guardians of children do take special care, as much as in
them lieth, to prevent their children from running into such
marriages; and that Friends of each particular Meeting, as
also ofthe Monthly Meetings to which such persons belong,
do, in the wisdom and power of truth, use their endeavours
to put a stop to the said evil, by admonishing such as may
attempt to marry as aforesaid to desist, before they accom
plish the same ; but if they refuse to take counsel, or
privately go on to marry as aforesaid, that then such per
sons be dealt withal according to the good order of truth,
and judgment fixed upon all such as take such an undue
liberty." And, dear Friends, in as much as our time in this world
is short and uncertain, it is tenderly advised, that such
Friends as it has pleased the Lord to bless with outward
substance, would settle their affairs by will or otherwise, in
time of health and understanding ; that so all occasions of
discord and disputes, which the neglect of such a prudent
care has sometimes raisfed among families and relations,
may be prevented.
Finally, dearly beloved Friends and Brethren, we
commend you to the grace of God, and the guidance of his
unerring Spirit ; reminding you of the brief, but very
comprehensive, exhortations of the apostle, (1 Thess. v. 14.)
" Warn them that are unruly ; comfort the feebleminded ;
support the weak ; be patient toward all men. See that
none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow
that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.
Rejoice evermore ; pray without ceasing ; in every thing
give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you. Quench not the Spirit ; despise not pro-
phesyings. Prove all things ; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil : and the very God of

240
peace sanctify you wholly. And we pray God your whole
spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN WILSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1739.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment.
From the llth of the Fourth Month, tothelSthof the same, inclusive, 1739,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a fresh and lively sense of the love of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ manifested unto us, whereby our
hearts are enlarged in love to him, and one towards another,
we tenderly salute you, with earnest breathings and sup
plications, that it may please the God and Father of all
our mercies, who hath called us by his Grace, to preserve
us in an humble and lowly frame of spirit before him ;
sensible of our own infirmities, and in a continual depen-
dance on the assistance of his Holy Spirit, to guide and
conduct us in the ways of righteousness and peace,
and to establish us on the Rock, Christ Jesus, the light,
life, strength, and salvation pf his people, the foundation
of all the righteous generations ; in whom the whole flock
and family of the faithful, however outwardly dispersed,
are inwardly united in that bond of peace and love which
cannot be broken, and grow up unto one holy temple, an
habitation of God, through his Spirit : to whom be glory
in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen,
We have cause in deep humility to bless and praise the
name of the Lord our God, for that spirit of love and una
nimity which hath eminently attended us in this our Yearly

241
Meeting, from the beginning to the end thereof, humbly
beseeching him to continue his fatherly care and visitation,
that a real Christian concern may grow and increase
more and more, for maintaining an holy discipline in the
churches everywhere, that all things may " be done decently,
and in order," to the honour and praise of God, and your
own solid peace and comfort.
By accounts received in writing from the several Quar
terly Meetings in England, as also by Epistles from Wales,
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island, Long-
Island, and Barbadoes, we have many acceptable informa
tions respecting the state of the churches ; and, were par
ticularly comforted and refreshed by the verbal relation of
our dear and ancient Friend John FothergiU, being, by the
good providence of God, not long since returned from his
travels in the service of truth through most of the English
plantations in America ; whereby it appears, that the Lord,
by his own power, is convincing, opening, and preparing the
hearts of people in many places for the reception of his
truth in the love of it : and as it is evident, that the Lord is
working by his Spirit among the children of men, and is
visiting many with his day-spring from on high, and raising
in them a desire and thirst after the real, inward, and expe
rimental knowledge of true religion in themselves ; and, as
that blessed progress of the work of the Holy Spirit is
matter of unspeakable jt)y and comfort to the faithful and
upright hearted, so it is our earnest desire, that those among
us, who have been careless and disobedient, may be excited
and stirred up, with an holy emulation, to turn unto the
Lord, while the day of his merciful visitation is yet extended
to them ; lest he be provoked to turn away his face, withdraw
the light of his countenance, and leave them in a deplo
rable deprivation of that grace, which, with sorrow be it
spoken, too many have slighted and neglected.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and Wales
brought in this year (being chiefly for tithes and church-
rates so called) is three thousand three hundred and sixty
five pounds and upwards ; and of those in Ireland, one
thousand four hundred and eighty five pounds and upwards;
making together about four thousand eight hundred and
Q

243
fifty pounds, Ahd, we could heartily wish, that all Friends?,
who abide faithful in suffering for their testimony, would
bring in their accounts thereof regularly and in due time.
As there is always remaining upon the church a concern
for the maintenance of our Christian testimony in the
several branches thereof, we cannot cease from continually
exhorting all the professors of truth to faithfulness and
perseverance therein. We therefore exhort that our
ancient Christian testimony against tithes be duly maintained
and kept up; and, that those who are found unfaithful
therein, be tenderly advised and stirred up to consider, that
where any decline their testimony in that respect, they do
thereby increase the weight and burthen of suffering on
those that are faithful, and strengthen the hands of their
prosecutors. It is also our concern earnestly to exhort Friends, both
men and women, to watch against the growling sin pf pride,
and to beware of adorning themselves in a manner disagree
able to the plainness and simplicity ofthe truth we make pro
fession of. Oh ! that they would duly consider that severe
reproof, which the Lord, by the mouth of his prophet, pro
nounced against the haughty daughters of Zion, (Isa. iii.)
where he describes even the particularities of their dres
sings and ornaments, so displeasing to the Lord, and draw
ing down his judgments upon them. If those things in
that time were so offensive in the eyes of the Lord, how
much more are they so now in a people professing the
plainness and simplicity which the Gospel of Christ recom
mends ? " I will," saith the apostle Paul, " that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness
and sobriety ; not with broidered hair, or pearls, or gold,
or costly array ; but, which becometh women professing
godliness, with good works." (1 Tim. ii. 9, 10.) Where
he plainly sheweth that such adornings are contrary to the
profession of godliness. The apostle Peter also is very full
in his exhortations on this subject: " whose adorning," says
he, " let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is
not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet

243
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price ; for after
this manner, in the old time, the holy women also, who
trusted in God, adorned themselves." (I Pet. iii. 3, 4, 5.)
Plainly intimating, that those, who of old were holy and
did trust in God, placed not their delight in such orna
ments. Oh I that ye would weigh and consider these
things ! " Let your moderation be known unto all men ;
and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, [but] be ye followers
of God as dear children ; walking circumspectly; not as
fools, but as vrise, redeeming the time, because the days
are evil."
As in our Epistle of the year 1734, the youth among us
were recommended, in much affection, to be careful to avoid
all such company, as, by a light and vain conversation, doth
tend to alienate their minds from the love of virtue and
sobriety, we find it our concern to renew the said advice ;
and earnestly beseech our Friends, and especially the youth
among us, to avoid all such conversation as may tend to
draw out their minds into the foolish and wicked pastimes
with which this age aboundeth; particularly balls, gaming-
places, horseraces, and playhouses ; those nurseries of
debauchery and wickedness ; the burthen and grief of the
sober part of other societies, as well as of our own ; prac
tices wholly unbecoming a people under the Christian pro
fession, contrary to the tenour ofthe doctrine ofthe Gospel,
and the examples of the best men in the earliest ages ofthe
church. For, as " evil communications corrupt good man
ners," so it is the duty of men professing religion, who live
in this world in order to obtain a better, not only to shake
their hands from holding of bribes, and stop their ears
from hearing of blood, but also, to shut their eyes from
seeing of evil. :Isa. xxxiii. 15.) And we do exhort all
parents of children, and masters of families, to watch over
their children and servants ; and not only, as much as in
them lies, to restrain them from taking such undue liberties,
but to inculcate into them an early aversion to such prac
tices, by endeavouring to raise in them a sense of that inex
pressible comfort and delight which attend the exercise of
true religion and virtue ; the relish and taste of which real
pleasure, will bring them to see tbe vanity and emptiness
«2

244
of what men falsely call so ; and that the sports and diver
sions by them used, are but the inventions of degenerate and
corrupt minds, who, being ignorant of that solid satisfac
tion of soul, which is of an enduring nature, vainly attempt
to supply the want of it by temporary and fading pleasures,
the end of which is anxiety and sorrow.
And, dear Friends, as in the same Epistle we were con
cerned to recommend a diligent attendance of First-day and
Week-day Meetings for worship, and a behaviour suitable
and becoming those solemn occasions, so we do again re
commend the advice given on that head in our last Year's
Epistle to your especial notice, beseeching you to call to
remembrance the care which was upon our ancients for the
keeping up their meetings of worship ; what longing in
their souls for the meeting day ! and when met together,
with what awfulness did they sit before the Lord, in expec
tation of witnessing the blessed promise of Christ fulfilled in
and among them, namely, his being in the midst of them.
(Matt, xviii. 20,) and, when witnessed by them, Oh how
were their hearts tendered, in a sense of his love and life-
giving presence!
Thus' did th^y serve God in the newness of the Spirit,
(Rom. vii. 6,) thereby demonstrating themselves to be such
worshippers as the Father seeks, according to the words of
Christ, " The hour cometh, and now is, when the true wor
shippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth,
for.the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John, iv. 23.)
Let therefore, we earnestly intreat, the same concern come
over you all, in all your religious Meetings, so shall you
be good examples to the flock and heritage of God, and
encouragers of the youth to come up in that godly practice
and necessary duty.
Let none be ashamed of the tendering power of the
Lord, but yield to the operation of his word, which is as a
fire to burn up, and as an hammer to break in pieces : it
was by this that our ancients became a bright and shining
people. The Lord himself hath declared his approbation
of an humble and contrite state and condition of soul ; so
that none need to be ashamed of it. (Isaiah, Ixvi. 1.)
" Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the

245
earth is my footstool. Where is the house that ye build
unto me, and where is the place of my rest ? for all those
things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been,
saith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him
that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my
word." And the royal prophet says, " The sacrifices of
God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, O
God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalm, Ii. 17.)
We therefore humbly pray the God of all our mercies to
look down upon us, and incline the hearts of his people to
serve him with uprightness and sincerity, that Zion may
become the beauty of nations, and the praise of the whole
earth. And now, under a renewed sense of his love and heart
tendering power, we again tenderly salute you, and bid
you farewell.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN HAYWARD,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1740.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment.
From the 26th of the Third Month, 1740, to the 30th of the same, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
, Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
TN the love and fellowship of the Gospel of peace and
-^ salvation, and in an humble and reverent sense of the
goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father, manifested in
and among us in this our annual assembly, wherein the
fresh visitations of his grace and good Spirit have bowed
our souls before him, and engaged us to lift up our hearts
in a grateful acknowledgment of the continuation of his
spiritual and inestimable blessings through our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, we tenderly salute you.
It is with hearts filled with joy, that we have experienced,

246
in this our Yearly Meeting, that the Lord is yet graciously
pouring forth of his Spirit, both upon sons and daughters,
and enabling many to be instrumental in his hand for the
comforting and establishing of his church and heritage;
and hath given us a renewed ground of hope and trust in
him, that he will continue to raise up many more by his
Spirit, to run to and fro, that knowledge may be increased,
and the borders of his sanctuary enlarged, by bringing his
sons from far, and his daughters from the ends of the
earth, (Isa. xliii. 6,) to the praise and exaltation of his
name ; to whom " be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
By accounts transmitted to us from the several Quarterly
and Monthly Meetings in England, and by Epistles from
Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania,
Rhode-Island,New-England,Long-Island, Virginia, Mary
land, North Carolina, and Barbadoes, we have comfort
able relations of the continuance of brotherly love, peace
and unity throughout the churches in general ; and, that a
godly care remains in many places for the preservation of
the good order and discipline established among us ; and,
that a fresh visitation of love is extended, to the convince
ment of some, and bringing them into fellowship witl^ us;
wherefore it behoveth us fervently to pray that the Lord
may enable us to say with the apostle, 'f Truly our fellow
ship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
(1 John, i. 3.)
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and
Wales, brought in this year (being generally for non-pay
ment of tithes and those called church-rates) is three thou
sand three hundred pounds and upwards; and of those in
Ireland, one thousand five hundred aud eleven pounds and
upwards ; making together above four thousand eight hun
dred and thirteen pounds. And our desire is, that Friends
would be generally mindful to carry in to their several
meetings, from time to time, an account of their respective
sufferings for maintaining the testimony of truth in this
respect. We greatly wish, that the faithfulness and perseverance
of those \vho make profession of the blessed truth, in

247
their Christian testimony against the antichristian oppres
sion of tithes, were so general, as to render our advices on
that head unnecessary ; but while, with grief, we observe a
remissness yet remaining among some therein, we cannot
but repeat our earnest exhortations, that all may come up
in the discharge of their duty ; and chuse rather to undergo .
losses and sufferings in their outward concerns, than to
break their inward peace, by complying with any thing
which they are convinced in themselves is contrary to the
Gospel of Christ.
And, dear Friends, we tenderly advise and exhort you,
that, in all your assemblies for the worship of Almighty God,
you wait to feel your hearts influenced by his power, and
in patience and humility possess your souls ; depending on
Christ alone for instruction, who, whether immediately by
his Spirit, or instrumentally by his servants, is the teacher
of his people himself; on whose Spirit only ought our
whple trust, expectation, and dependance to be : and, as
you are found humbly waiting for his teaching, without ex
pectation from man, he will administer comfort to your
souls, either immediately or instrumentally, as it shall seem
good to him, who, never faileth those' who put their trust in
him : and all such, from the experience of the blessings
and comforts they receive, will have a due esteem and
regard for those, through whom they find them conveyed ;
ascribing nevertheless the praise and glory of all to Him
alone, whose instruments they are, and who, by his own
power and Spirit, worketh either with them, or without
them, according to his good pleasure, in the various mani
festations of his infinite wisdom and goodness towards the
children of men.
Beware, therefore, that you assemble not in a mere
formal and customary manner ; but let both preacher and
hearer labour to gather their minds inward to the Lord,
that every one may witness him who is the master of our
assemblies to go before them, and put them forth in their
respective services. The immediate teaching of the Holy
Spirit is the foundation of all Gospel worship and ministry;
and those, who depend entirely thereon, shall not be disap
pointed, through the failure or absence of instrumental

248
means. Wherefore, we beseech you, wait in silence, with,
reverence and singleness of heart, in all your meetings,
that you may witness the incomes and refreshing influences
of the Holy Spirit, by which you will be strengthened in
the inward man, and be made to grow and flourish as
trees planted by the rivers of water, which bring forth
their fruit in due season. (Psalm, i. 3.)
And, dear Friends, as it is recorded in Holy Scripture,
that " many of the priests and Levites, and chief of the
fathers, who were ancient men, who had seen the first house,
when the foundation of this house was laid before their
eyes, wept with a loud voice ;" (Ezra, iii. 12,) so many, in
this our day, are affected with grief, in comparing the
present state of the church with its first beginning ; when
the members thereof adorned the doctrine of the Gospel in
their lives and conversations, and the fruits of the Holy
Spirit, viz, their patience, long suffering, gentleness, meek
ness, temperance, love, sincerity, truth, humility, selfdenial,
plainness of speech and habit, were conspicuous to all.
Wherefore we earnestly exhort, that Friends everywhere,
who have swerved fromthe way of truth, would speedily
return to their first love, and turn their minds to the
inward manifestations of the divine light ; which discovers
and reproves the deeds of darkness, and leads to purity and
holiness, and every good work ; begets true unity and fel
lowship one with another, and a reverent and sacred regard
to the truths delivered in the Holy Scriptures.
And, dear Friends, as much as in you lies, encourage a
frequent and diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures in
your families. In them are contained the promises of
eternal life and salvation ; for, as a steady trust and belief
in the promises of God, and a frequent meditation in the
law of the Lord, was the preservation of a remnant in old
time, so it is even to this day : and, as a distrust and dis
belief of the promises of God, and a neglect of his holy
law, was the occasion of the complaints made against the
Jews, the posterity of Abrahani, even so we have reason to
fear, that the apparent declension in our time of true piety
and godly zeal in many places, is too much owing to a
disregard of the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, and the

249
promises of the Holy Spirit in them recorded. Wherefore
it greatly behoves every one, who would be united to
Christ, and a member of his church, to believe in the pro
mises of God and Christ, and wait to know the fulfilling of
them in his own heart. It was by this the primitive believers
became of " one heart, and of one soul." (Acts, iv. 32.) It
was by one Spirit, namely, the Spirit promised by Christ,
that they were " all baptized into one body." Having,
therefore, dearly beloved, such great and precious promises,
and being encompassed with so great a cloiid of witnesses,
let us run with chearfulness in the ways of the Lord, and
walk in the footsteps of the flocks of the companions ;
" looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ;
who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the Gross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God." (Heb. xii. 2.)
Finally, Brethren, we beseech you to stand upon your
guard against the allurements and temptations of this evil
world, and beware of an ambitious and covetous spirit, by
which many are ensnared in too eager a pursuit of earthly
enjoyments ; the danger of which is thus described by the
apostle Paul : " They that will be rich, fall into temptation
and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of
money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows." (I Tim. vi. 9, 10.) Beware,
therefore, dearly beloved, lest you also, being led aside by
the love of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, " fall
from your own stedfastness ; but grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
EDMUND PECKOVER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

250
EPISTLE, 1741.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 18th ofthe Third Moptb, 1741, to the 22nd ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a sense of the unspeakable love of God, manifested
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, " who
gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this
present evil world ;" and, under a renewed visitation ofthe
Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which he hath sent forth for the
healing of the nations, to restore and bring back mankind,
who were lost and gone astray ; and, through obedience and
sanctification, to perfect a people to his praise, we tenderly
salute you ; earnestly desiring your increase in all spiritual
wisdom and understanding ; and that, being strengthened
with might in your inner man, ye may walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called ; and, by your fruitfulness
in every good work, may give convincing proofs to the
world of your faith and love in Christ Jesus ; and that the
exceeding abundance of his grace bestowed upon you, hath
not been in vain.
We have cause, with humility and thankfulness of heart,
to bless the name of the Lord our God, for the continuance
of his life-giving power and presence amongst us, whereby
the souls of many have been refreshed and comforted in
this our annual assembly ; the affairs whereof have been
managed in the uniting spirit of Christian love and concord,
which hath presided therein, and under the influence of
which we communicate to you the following particulars :
The accounts by us received this year from the Quarterly
Meetings of England and Wales, and the Epistles from
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania, and Newr
Jersey, Long-Island, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina,
and Barbadoes, generally give very comfortable relations of
the continuance of a care throughout the churchfis for

251
maintaining love, unity, and good order among us ; and we
understand thereby, that, in many places, sober inquirers
after truth are observed to frequent our public assemblies
for worship, and to demean themselves there, even in times
of silence, with the appearance of sedateness and compo
sure of mind, disposed to the worship of God " in Spirit
and in truth." And that, in several places, there are some
who have been so far convinced, as to join in a public pro
fession of the truth with us ; although, to our great grief, it
also appears, that in some places there is a declension,
through neglect and unfaithful n°ss.
The sufferings of Friends in England and Wales brought
in this year, being generally for tithes and church-rates so
called, amount to three thousand eisht hundred and thir
teen pounds and upwards ; and those of Friends in Ireland,
to above one thousand eight hundred and eighty four
pounds, making together five thousand six hundred ninety-
seven pounds and upwards. There are now four Friends
prisoners for their testimony against paying tithes ; three of
them under the severity of being so, for demands which the
prosecutor might have more easily recovered. We cannot
but renew our exhortations on this occasion, that all who
are convinced in conscience of the contrariety of tithes to
the nature of the Gospel dispensation and ministry, would,
notwithstanding such severities, be careful to keep their
consciences clear from any mean compliances in this affair ;
lest they not only lose that peace of mind, which is the sup
port and comfort of faithful sufferers in a cause truly Chris
tian, but also strengthen the hands of those oppressors,
whose hopes, in the exercise of such severe methods, seem
grounded on an imaginary success of the terrors they may
impress. And, dear Friends, we earnestly and principally recom
mend you in an especial manner to have a continual regard
to the perpetual guide and director, which our Lord Jesus
Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, hath sent in his
name, even tbe Spirit of truth. To this the primitive church,
in the earliest time, was gathered ; by this were both Jews
and Gentiles baptized into one body ; through this one
Spirit the believers had access to God; this gave them a

252
right understanding ofthe things of God ; and it was this that
supported them in their testimony against the corruptions of
the world, and gave them prevalence over the powers of
death and darkness. But, alas ! too soon did a disregard to
this heavenly guide and director creep in amongst those who
professed the Christian name, and gradually introduced a
grievous and almost universal apostacy from the primitive
glory and life of the first professors of that holy and spiri
tual religion 1 Nevertheless it pleased God, after a long and
dark night, to cause the light of the Gospel day again to
dawn, to restor^ paths to walk in, to revive the long ex
ploded doctrine of the guidance of his Holy Spirit ; and to
lead the observers thereof into the practice of the like
purity, plainness and simplicity of the Gospel, by which the
early Christians were distinguished from the men of this
world. By closely attending to the conduct of this Holy
Spirit in yourselves, you shall experience not only wisdom
to know, but power to perform, that which is agreeable to
the mind and will of God. This will lead you out of the
pride and vanities of the world, and enable you to become
followers of Christ Jesus, and subject to his yoke, who was
himself an example to mankind of the greatest meekness
and humility.
And, dear Friends, you that are parents of children, be
careful, by your own e.vamples, to train them up in that
plainness of habit and speech which becomes the professors
of our holy religion, and by which our faithful elders were
eminently distinguished. A frequent reading of the Holy
Scriptures in your families, may tend to enforce upon the
minds of those under your care the imitation of such your
examples, which they will find agreeable to many of the
precepts therein contained : so may they be inured to endure
the cross, and despise the shame, as becometh followers of
our great Lord and master, who "endured such contradiction
of sinners against himself" (Heb. xii. 2, 3.)
And, dear Friends, in all your Meetings appointed for
religious worship, wait with reverence and devotion of
heart and soul for the power and life-giving presence of
God, which is the crown and diadem of our assemblies.
Take care, we beseech you, in this day of ease and liberty.

253
lest a spirit of lukewarmness and indifference prevail over
you, to the stopping up the streams of the water of life,
and rendering you like the barren heath in the desert, which
knoweth not when good cometh. We intreat you to be
especially watchful in this behalf, that an indolent and
sluggish disposition appear not amongst you, to the stum
bling of such serious inquirers as may attend our Meetings,
in expectation of that life and power, which, the observa
tion of your indifference and unconcernedness may give
them too just cause to suspect, that ye yourselves are
strangers to.
And, dear Friends, " let your moderation be known unto
all men." Warn those that are rich in this world, that they
apply not the blessings of God to the indulging their appe
tites in pleasure and vanity ; but that they be ready to do
good, and to communicate to the relief of those who are
in necessity. The principal, if not only, satisfaction a man
of a truly Christian disposition can have, in affluence and the
increase of the things of this world, must arise from the
greater advantages and opportunities put into his hands of
doing good therewith. But, alas ! it is a most melancholy
reflection to observe, that the very superfluities of the
apparel of one person might sometimes be sufficient to
dtothe the nakedness of several fellow creatures.
And, dear Friends, we find a renewed concern upon our
minds to recommend, in much affection, to the youth among
us, to be careful to avoid all such company, as, by a light
and vain conversation, doth tend to alienate their minds
from the love of virtue and sobriety, and to draw them into
the foolish and wicked pastimes with which this age abounds,
as is more particularly expressed in the epistle from our
Yearly Meeting in 1739.
Finally, Brethren, Live in love, " and the God of love
and peace shall be with you. Let us not be weary
in well-doing ; for in due season we shall reap, if we
faint not."
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
SAMUEL BOWNAS,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

254
EPISTLE, 1742.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 7th of the Fourth Month, 1742, to the 12lh of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
Tn a fresh and renewed visitation of the love of Gbd,
graciously manifested in this our annual assembly (the
sense whereof hath humbled our spirits in thankful acknow
ledgements to the God and Father of nil! our mercies,) we
tenderly salute you ; earnestly desiring, that the churches
everywhere, keeping under the government and guidance
of our Heavenly Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, and waiting
for and witnessing the influences of his Holy Spirit, may
be directed in the way of truth and righteousness ; that you
may be as lights in the world ; a city set on a hill, which
cannot be hid ; that others, seeing your good works, may
be brought into Christian fellowship with you ; (Mat. v. 14,
16,) and that you, by walking in the light, may more and
more experience an inward communion with the Lord in
spirit, and become enabled, with the primitive Christians,
to say, " Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with
his Son Jesus Christ." (1 John, i. 3.)
Our Meeting for the affairs of the Church hath been
large, and the business thereof transacted in a solid and
peaceable manner, to our mutual edification and comfort.
( The accounts received this year from the Quarterly
Meetings in England and Wales, and the Epistles from
North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania, Long-
Island, Rhode-Island, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina,
and Barbadoes, give us corafortalile relations of a Christian
care remaining on the minds of Friends for the promotion
of truth and its testimony, that there is a grt at openness in
many to receive the doctrine of the Gospel, and that divers
have been added to the church since last year. We have

255
also to acquaint you, that it has pleased the Lord, by the
inshinings of the divine light, to visit the inhabitants of
some islands, where no settled meetings of Friends have
formerly been, to the bow ing and tendering of some of their
hearts, as in the first breaking forth and morning of our
day ; and to incline them to assemble together, and silently to
wait in spirit and in truth upon the Lord their " Redeemer,
the Holy One of Israel," (Isa. xlviii. 17,) the unerring
Teacher, who teacheth his people to profit, and leadeth them
by the way that they should go. May they continue under his
holy guidance and direction ; and, walking answerably to
the convictions of grace received, become firmly rooted and
established in the truth which they profess.
These accounts of the prosperity of truth minister to us
just occasion of joy and satisfaction. But, with grief, we
must observe the negligence and remissness of too many,
who, while under the profession of the truth, disregarding
the instructions of the divine monitor in themselves, turn
aside into the follies, vanities, and pastimes of the world;
which, under a false shew of innocent amusements, steal
away the mind, and render it unfit for the exercise of
virtue, and the duties of the Christian religion. Where
fore we exhort you, in the love of God, to be watchful one
over another in this respect ; not with an evil eye, or to
expose the failings of any, but, in a Christian spirit, endea
vour to inform, reclaim, and restore those who are led
astray by the allurements of the world, and the deceitful
ness of sin, lest peradventure destruction come upon them
at unawares.
The sufferings of Friends in England and Wales, brought
in this year, being chiefly for tithes and church-rates so
called, amount to three thousand five hundred and four
pounds and upwards ; and those of Friends in Ireland, to
above one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight pounds ;
making together, five thousand two hundred and forty two
pounds and upwards. Ofthe four Friends who were in
prison last year, for their testimony against tithes, three of
them still continue under close confinement, for small
demands, which their prosecutor might have more easily

256
recovered ; and another Friend, for the like demands, is
made prisoner since the last year.
We earnestly exhort you, as frequently heretofore, zea
lously to maintain your conscientious testimony against the
antichristian yoke of tithes ; and to be careful to collect and
bring in an account of your sufferings, sustained by reason
of that, or any other branch of your religious and Christian
testimony.
Dear Friends,
" When the judgments of the Lord are in the earth,"
saith the prophet, " the inhabitants of the world will learn
righteousness." His judgments have of late been, and
still are, very remarkable. Scarcity, even almost to famine,
hath been felt in many places: the sword devours multitudes;
and the world seems to be in great agitation. May the
minds of the faithful be concerned, when under the divine
influence, to implore the Almighty, who alone can turn the
hearts of princes and rulers, to restore peace on earth ; and
may we, who profess to be gathered unto Shiloh, the
prince of peace, to whom the gathering of the nations shall
be, demean ourselves 'as becometh subjects of his peace
able kingdom : who, as the prophet hath foretold, " shall
judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people :
and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and
their spears into pruninghooks ; nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any
more." (Isa. ii. 4.) In all things see that you observe the
precepts of our meek, humble, and patient Lord and
master, who commanded us to love our enemies, to bless
them that curse us, to do good to them that hate us, and to
pray for them that despitefully use and persecute us. (Mat.
V. 44.)
And, dear Friends, we think necessary to renew our
former advices to parents and guardians of youth, that, to
the utmost of their power, they train them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord, and in the frequent reading of
the Holy Scriptures. Let this be more your care than to
gather riches, and heap up wealth for them, which, too often,

257
instead of being a blessing, proves hurtful, and the means
of indulging youth in pride aud luxury : vices to which
they are naturally inclined, and which tend to their ruin
and destruction. Remember the advice of the apostle,
(Rom. xii. 16.) " Mind not high things, but condescend to
men of low estate." An humble and contented disposition
of mind only is capable of the reception of true happiness,
and therein alone are the blessings of God truly enjoyed ;
this will render you, in your several stations and circum
stances, acceptable to God, and exemplary to those who
live in an exalted state of vanity, which hath neither stabi
lity nor true peace in it.
And, dear Friends, let that known maxim, recommended
by the apostle, " Evil communications corrupt good man
ners," be early inculcated into the minds of your children ;
and, as much as in you lies, restrain them from going to
public places of diversion, the frequenting of which is gene
rally an inlet into grosser evils.
We further intreat you, that in all your Religious Meet
ings, appointed for the worship of Almighty God, you wait
in humble reverence, for the influence of the Word of
life : be cautious not to move in acts of devotion in your
own will, set not forward self to work, but patiently attend
and wait for the gift and enlivening power of the divine
Spirit, without which, your performances will be unaccept
able, and like those of old, of which it was said. Who hath
required this at your hand ? (Isaiah, i. 12.)
And, in your meetings for discipline and the affairs of
the church, where different sentiments may sometimes arise,
let all be guided by the Christian spirit of peace and love,
and, in every thing disputable, conduct yourselves with that
calmness of reasoning which tends to convince the under
standings one of another.
Finally, Brethren, we recommend you to God, and the
Word of his grace : let your conversation be coupled with
his fear. As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of
the word, that ye may grow thereby, become established in
the faith, and built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,
to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesiig

Christ. To whom be glory, honour and power ascribed,
now and for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, by
JOSEPH HUNTLEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE, 1743.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment,
From the 23rd of the Third Month, 1743, to the 28th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a fresh remembrance of the gracious visitations of
the Lord, and in a renewed experience of his continued
goodness, we tenderly salute you, earnestly desiring, that,
having our hearts deeply affected with gratitude and love,
we may all unite in thankfulness to the Lord our God, who
hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us ac
cording to our iniquities, but according to the multitude
of his mercies in Christ Jesus, still continueth to be gra
cious, reviving and refreshing with the consolations of his
Spirit the souls of those who are contrite and humble
before him, and extending of his grace even to the rebel
lious, that they may repent and return unto him, and that
he may dwell among them. Oh ! that all were wise to
observe these things, and to understand the loving kindness
of the Lord !
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England and Wales, and by Epistles from North
Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania and New- Jersey,
Long-Island, Virginia, Maryland, New-England and Tor-
tola, we understand, that a fresh spring and visitation of
heavenly love hath of late been manifested in divers places,
to the reaching and convincing of many, and particularly that

259
the Lord is inclining the hearts of some young Friends to
follow the footsteps of the ancients, in Christian purity,
plainness, and selfdenial ; and, that some of their mouths
have been opened to bear testimony to the truth from a
living experience, and, by the constraining power of love,
to call unto others to follow the Lord in the way of his
requirings ; and also, that some, who were not educated in
our way. observing the comely order amongst us, and the
uprightness of life which truth leads its followers into,
have been affected with its beauty, aTid joined themselves
unto us ; and that some of these, from a sense of its living
power and virtue, ave inviting others to come»unto Shiloh,
the peaceable Saviour, in themselves, and to wait in holy
silence to witness him to be their governor and director in
all things ; of whose government and peace there never
shall be end. Wherefore, dear Friends, we earnestly
exhort you, as heretofore, to be fervent and diligent in all
your meetings for worship; that those, who may be inclined
to come to our assemblies, may observe the gravity and
reverence of your deportment to be such as becometh the
worshippers of God in spirit and in truth ; and that, so
waiting, we may witness the reqewings ofthe love of God,
and experience, each of us, the fulfilling of his gracious
promise of the presence of his Holy Spirit in and among
his people.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, being
generally for tithes and church-rates so called, amount in
England and Wales to three thousand one hundred and
ninety five pounds and upwards, and in Ireland to above
one thousand five hundred and thirty two pounds ; making
together four thousand seven hundred twenty 'eight pounds
and upwards. There are yet three Friends remaining pri
soners in York Castle for tithes ; but it hath pleased the
legislature, in Christian compassion to their case, by a
particular clause in a late act, to prescribe a means for their
discharge ; which, we hope, will be effectual.
As the truth, whereunto we have been called, hath led
us into a conscientious concern against the payment of
tithes, and forced maintenance of ministers, as forbidden
bv the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, let all maintain
r2

260
their testimony with Christian innocence and freedom ; and
beware, lest, by any indirect methods, and mean compliances
with their prosecutors, they betray the Christian cause in
which they are engaged, and minister occasion to suspect
their sincerity therein. But in that, and every other branch
of our religious testimony, let your conversation among
men be answerable lo your profession, lest you be stumbling-
blocks in the way of such serious and thinking inquirers as
may come to be convinced of the truth of the principles by
us professed.
Dear Friends,
Beware of th^t wisdom which descendeth not from above,
but is earthly, sensual, and puffeth up the mind ; but be ye,
like our great pattern the Lord Jesus, meek and lowly in
heart, not seeking your own glory, but the honour of him
that hath called you. Be ready to every good office of
love, even to the least of Christ's disciples, and he will
esteem it as done unto himself: delight to encourage those
who are honest and sincere in heart, and to strengthen the
feebleminded under their trials and conflicts : so shall ye
become as nursing fathers and nursing mothers ia the
church of God, and be qualified with wisdom from above
to administer suitably to the conditions of others, to the
comforting of their souls, that they may have cause to bless
the Lord on your behalf.
And, dear Friends, under a consideration of the subtle
and continual assaults of the enemy of our souls, we find it
necessary to put you in mind, that whatever your advance
ment in the work of religion, or your services in the church,
may have been, you have still as great need as ever to
dwell in an humble state of watchfulness. For some,
whom the Lord hath favoured with the influences of his
love, while their hearts remained low and humble in his
sight, have, by giving way to the subtle temptations of the
enemy, iinder the specious pretence of enlargement and
freedom of spirit, become exalted in their minds, gradually
declined from their first love, and from that tender regard
and care which once rested upon their minds towards God ;
and, by an unguarded conduct, haye lost their esteenj and

261
service in the church, and brought dishonour on the blessed
truth which they had long professed ; wherefore let
him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
(1 Cor. X, 12,)
And, in as much as many of our-^faithful elders have been
of late taken from us by death, a concern is upon our
minds that their places and services in the church may be
supplied. Wherefore we advise, as * formerly, that such of
our younger Friends, as are sober and hopeful, may be
invited and encouraged to attend our meetings for the
affairs and business of the church, that they may become
useful and serviceable therein, and instrumental to the con
tinuing that good order and discipline, which the Spirit of
truth led our ancient Friends into the practice of; for the
same Spirit which was their leader must be ours : but if
we depart from its holy guidance, the will and wisdom of
man will be found unable to build upon that foundation
which God hath laid.
Arid, dear Friends, we think it especially necessary at this
time to remind you of the former advices t of this Meeting,
respecting a frequent and diligent reading of the Holy
Scriptures ; the doctrines contained in those inspired
writings, duly attended to, and firmly impressed upon the
minds of our young people, may be a means of preserving
them from the danger and infection of such corrupt and
irreligious principles, as, having a tendency to the exalta
tion of self and human abilities, would lessen their depend
ence on the power and Spirit of God, their only security
and preservation.
And, as the voice of mortality is ever sounding in our
ears, a concern arises in us to exhort all to settle their
worldly affairs according to truth and justice, to set their
houses in order, and to live in a state of preparation for
their departure hence ; ever mindful of the advice of the
apostle, viz. Brethren, the time is short ; it remaineth,
that both they that have wives be as though they had none ;
and they that weep, as though they wept not ; and they that
rejoice, as though they rejoiced not ; and they that buy, as
« Anno 1734 and 1737. i In 1728 and 1735,

262
though they possessed not; and they that use this world,
as not abusing it ; for the fashion of this world passeth
away. (I Cor. vii. 29 to 31.)
Finally, Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you, seasoning your spirits, leavening your conversa
tions with his fear, and enabling you to walk before him in
all humility and lowliness of .mind ; impressing upon your
hearts a just sense of the vanity and uncertainty of all
things here below, and settling your affections on things that
are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.
To whom be glory and dominion ascribed now and for ever.
Amen. Signed in and on behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN WILSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE,. 1744.

From tlie Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment,
From the I4th of the Third Month, 1744, to the 19th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the spirit of Christian love and charity, which, to
our exceeding joy and consolation, hath been witnessed
to preside in this our general assembly, we tenderly salute
you. Blessed be the God and Father of all our mercies, who,
by the influences of his heavenly grace, hath at this time
been with us, enlarging the hearts of the faithful with
earnest desires for the welfare one of another, and with
fervent supplications unto Him, who giveth ability for every
good word and work, and who alone can bless and sanctify
our endeavours for the peace of the church, and the preser
vation of its discipline.

263
By the accounts we have received from the several Quar
terly and Monthly Meetings in England, and by Epistles
from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsyl
vania and New-Jersey, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Mary
land, Virginia, North Carolina, Barbadoes, and Tortola,
we understand, that the churches are generally preserved
in peace and unity ; and, that although in too many places
a declension from our ancient plainness and simplicity doth
appear ; yet, in others the testimony of truth is received
with joy, and embraced with readiness of heart, and many
are added to the church ; so that we have reason to hope
and believe, that the Lord will yet comfort Zion, and
enlarge the borders of her sanctuary.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, being
generally for tithes and church-rates so called, amount in
England and Wales to two thousand eight hundred thirty
seven pounds and upwards; and those from Ireland to
above one thousand four hundred and sixty pounds, making
together four thousand two hundred ninety seven pounds
and upwards. The three Friends we mentioned last
year, then remaining prisoners in York Castle, are since
discharged, pursuant to the means prescribed by an act of
the legislature ; and we have no account of any Friends
committed to prison this year. Several prosecutions are
now depending, and others have been put a stop to by the
favourable interposition of persons of distinction, and some
of them of the priesthood, who have manifested thefr dis
like of such unchristian severities. As Friends continue
faithful to their testimony, with an open and undisguised
plainness and integrity of heart, trusting in the Lord alone,
he is pleased to work for their deliverance, in his own
appointed time, by such ways and instruments as he sees fit.
And, dear Friends, we find it pur concern at this time,
earnestly to intreat and exhort, that the elders in your
several Monthly Meetings be mindful of tJie advice of the
apostle, to watch over the flock of Christ, (Acts, xx.)
within the compass of their respective meetings ; to advise
and assist the weak, and to use their Christian endeavours
for restoring such as may have wandered and gone
astray from the wholesome advices from time to time given

264
forth and recommended by this Meeting ; and to encourage,
with meekness of wisdom, the appearance of good in all ;
and, where they perceive a neglect or remissness, either in
particular persons, or in families, of duly attending meet
ings for worship, that they would visit such in the spirit of
love, that so the hindmost of the flock may be brought for
ward, and none of them be dispersed and lost.
And, dear Friends, in all your religious meetings for the
worship of Almighty God, let your minds be seasoned with
an awful sense of real and true devotion, and be ye exem
plary to the flock of Christ. Let the solemn gravity of
your deportment be such, as may demonstrate to others that
you are in earnest in the great duty of waiting upon and
worshipping God in spirit ; that serious and tenderhearted
inquirers may be encouraged to come and partake, in your
assemblies, of that inward and spiritual consolation and re
freshment, which the Lord is graciously pleased to impart
unto the souls of such as are humbled in his sight, and ap
proach his holy presence with reverence and fear.
And, as it hath pleased the Lord, by the breaking forth of
the glorious light of his Gospel, and the shedding abroad
of his Holy Spirit, to gather us to be a people to his praise,
and to unite us in love, not only one unto another, but to
the whole creation of God, by subjecting us to the govern
ment of his Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the
prince of peace ; it behoveth us to hold forth the ensign of
the Lamb of God, and, by our patience and peaceable
behaviour, to shew that we walk in obedience to the
example and precepts of our Lord and Master, who hath
commanded to love our enemies, and to do good even to
them that hate us. Wherefore we intreat all who profess
themselves members of our society, to be faithful to that
ancient testimony, borne by us ever since we were a people,
against bearing arms and fighting ; that, by a conduct
agreeable to our profession, we may demonstrate ourselves
to be real followers of the Messiah, the peaceable Saviour ;
of the increase of whose government and peace there shall
be no end. (Isa. ix. 6, 7.)
And, in as much as the Lord our God, by his good provi-
dente, hath preserved this nation from intestine war and

265
bloodshed, it is our duty, with humble thanksgiving, to
ascribe our deliverance to his mercy and goodness ; and to
beseech him, that he would be pleased to shorten his judg
ments in the earth, by reconciling the world unto himself,
and one unto another, through Jesus Christ ; that the
general reception of his Gospel in the hearts of men may
enable them to praise the name of the Lord, saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men. (Luke, ii. 14.)
Finally, dearly beloved Brethren, let nothing of rancour,
malice, calumny, detraction, or* backbiting, be knOwn
amongst you ; but live in love, and witness the aboundings
of Christian charity ; which is so far from evil speaking,
that it thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re-
joiceth in the truth. (1 Cor. xiii.) May your minds be
replenished with the wisdom that is from above, which " is
first pure, then peacealile, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without
hypocrisy." And, let the love and life of God rule and
reign in all your hearts, that, at the conclusion and winding
up of your days, your joy and rejoicing may be in the Lord,
and you may be enabled to say with the holy apostle, I
have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing. (2 Tim. iv. 7, 8.)
Signed in and on behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, by
JACOB HAGEN,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.
? See the Yearly Meeting Epistles of 1719, and 1738.

266
EPISTLE, 1745.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment,
From the 2Qd of the Fourth Month, 1745, to the 7th ofthe same,^
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in brotherly love, and in a fresh and
living sense of the continued mercy and loving
kindness ofthe Lord our God; who, bythe gracious in
fluences of his Holy Spirit, is ever present with his church
and people, comforting and refreshing the souls of the
faithful with divine and spiritual consolation-, strengthening
and confirming those who are sensible of their own weak
ness, and administering to the disobedient reproof and
instruction, in order to reclaim and restore such as have
erred and gone astray ; that all of us, as members of one
body under Christ, our holy and heavenly Head, may ex
perience a growth and increase in Christian knowledge and
obedience, and that we may walk in all godliness of conver
sation, to the praise of him who hath called us, that others
seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is
in heaven. To whom be glory and dominion ascribed now
and for ever. Amen.
Tbe affairs of this our annual assembly have been
transacted in Christian love and concord ; and the accounts
received from the several Quarterly and Monthly Meetings
in England, as also Epistles from Wales, North Britain,
Ireland, Holland, Pennsylvania, Rhode-Island, Long-
Island, Maryland, Virginia, and Barbadoes, give us com
fortable relations ofthe prosperity of truth in many places ;
and that the churches are generally preserved in that spirit
of love and unity, which tends to the edification one of
another in the most holy faith ; and that several persons,
in divers places, are convinced ofthe truth, and have joined
themselves in society with us.

267
We have also been particularly comforted and refreshed
by the verbal relations of several ministring Friends, lately
returned from their travels, in the service of truth, and pro
pagation of the Gospel, through most of the British pro
vinces in America ; by wh^ch it appears, that a great and
effectual door is open for ^e preaching of the Glospel in
those parts, many flocking to meetings with an earnest
desire to hear the testimony of truth declared, to the com
fort and encouragement of those concerned ; giving them
great hopes of good success in the work of their ministry,
and a ground of assurance that their labour of love among
them has not been in vain.
Nevertheless, it is with great concern of mind, that,
notwithstanding these comfortable accounts of the general
disposition of the people, we find ourselves under a neces
sity to observe a great declension among too many of the
professors of truth, from that Christian plainness and humble
deportment which our ancient Friends were exemplary in.
This declension, we apprehend, is principally occasioned
through a neglect of an inward and reverent waiting upon
God, for the influences of his Holy Spirit to lead and guide
us in the ways of holiness and truth : this would instruct
us, and only can enable us, to renounce the world, and its
vain and foolish habits and customs, and to persevere in the
good old way of simplicity and selfdenial, the path which
the righteous in all ages have walked in, leaving us an
example that we should follow their steps. It was through
obedience to this holy guidance that the immediate disciples
and followers of our Lord Jesus were enabled to go into
all nations, and preach the Gospel of salvation in the power
and authority or " Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost." It was this which qualified many
of our ancient Friends to travel into divers parts of the
world, to spread the doctrine of truth, and to sow the seed
of the kingdom of God. It is through neglect aud remiss
ness in attending and waiting upon the Lord, that luke
warmness and indifference creep in, gradually introducing
that declension which the faithful among us with sorrow of
heart do see and lament.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year

268
from England and Wales, amount to two thousand eight
hundred and fifty two pounds and upwards ; and those from
Ireland to above one thousand five hundred and fifty pounds,
making together four thousand three hundred fifty seven
pounds and upwards, being mostly for tithes and church-
rates so called. One Friend ham been committed to prison
since last year ; but, after some weeks imprisonment, was
set at liberty. Several prosecutions are now depending,
the issue of which must be left to the Lord, who, by the
secret workings of his Holy Spirit, is exciting a merciful
disposition in the hearts of many of the claimers of tithes,
to make use of the most easy and favourable methods pro
vided by law for the recovery of their demands.
And, seeing the bearing of a faithful testimony against the
payment of tithes, as oppressive and antichristian, is an
acknowledged branch of our Christian dufy, we tenderly
exhort all who profess the truth in that respect, to adorn
their profession by an agreeable practice, and not suffer
any temporal interest to betray them into the use of indirect
methods, by privately contracting with their landlords, or
others ; to evade that testimony which the plainness and
simplicity of truth require them publicly to maintain, and
which our ancient Friends were exemplary in, and constant
sufferers for.
And, dear Friends, though frequent and repeated advices
have been given from this Meeting, respecting the education
of our youth in sobriety, godliness, and all Christian virtues ;
yet this being a matter of very great moment for the welfare
of the present and future generations, we think it our in
cumbent duty again to recommend an especial care therein;
and, that all parents and guardians, during the infancy of
children, endeavour to impress upon their young and tender
minds, a becoming reverence towards Almighty God, their
Creator ; and, as they advance in understanding, to incul
cate into them the principles of justice, temperance, and
other moral duties, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures. We
also recommend to schoolmasters and mistresses, to edu
cate the children committed to their charge, in the frequent
reading of those sacred writings, and such other good books
as tend to their instruction in true Christianity ; and to

269
discourage their reading any books of a contrary tendency,
whereby their minds are in danger to be corrupted, and led
aside from the way of truth and holiness. And we do with
earnestness recommend to all such parents as have expe
rienced the gracious dealings of the Lord with their own
souls, to take all proper opportunities of instilling into the
minds of their children, just sentiments respecting the
vanity and emptiness of fading and transitory enjoyments,
and to direct them to seek after that solid peace and serenity
of mind, which attends the sincere practice of true religion
and virtue, and which only can afford any durable and Solid
satisfaction. Such a godly care in parents is agreeable to
the command of God, by his servant Moses, to the people
of Israel, (Deut. xi. 18.) " Ye shall lay up these my words
in your heart, and in your soul, and bind them for a sign
upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your
eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of
them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou
risest up."
And, dear Friends, we exhort you closely to adhere tp
our first principle, of humbly, sincerely, and diligently wait
ing upon the Lord, that you may witness his Holy Spirit to
influenc'e and direct you in all your words and actions : and
as you attend with a single eye to its holy and unerring-
directions, you will be preserved from looking outward, and
having your expectation from abroad ; always remembering
the saying of our blessed Lord and Saviour, If any man
shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ ; or Lo, he is there ;
believe him not : (Mark, xiii. 21 ;) but let every one of you
in particular closely attend to the voice of the Holy Spirit
in his own soul, which only can secure you from being
drawn aside by the doctrines and traditions of men, and
enable you to say, with Simon Peter, Lord, to whom
shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.
(John, vi. 68.)
And we do recommend to all Friends, to be careful at
the conclusion of our meetings for worship, that an holy
awe and reverence be so impressed upon their mmds, as

270
that the effect thereof may be evidenced by the gravity of
their conversation ; and that they may be particularly
watchful over their words and actions, lest, by their imme
diately entering into discourses about the affairs and con
cerns of this life, they manifest that their minds do not
reinain leavened with that holy sense of divine and heavenly
things, which, through such their religious Meetings, they
should have experienced, and been seasoned with.
And, dear Friends, we desire that your several Monthly
Meetings, where any schoolmasters or mistresses of our
profession may reside, would not be wanting to admonish
them, as much as in them lies, to bring up the children of
Friends, committed to their care, in a plainness of speech
and apparel, agreeable to the profession we make ; and that
such of them as have boarders in their families, would fre
quently call them together, and accustom them to a solemn
reading of the Holy Scriptures, and press and excite them
to the observation of the Christian precepts therein con
tained ; and that they themselves walk before them as
examples of that plainness and simplicity they recom
mend. Finally, dear Friends and Brethren, in all your religious
assemblies wait in a true composure of spirit for the enjoy
ment of the presence of the Lord, which giveth life and
ability to offer up an holy sacrifice of praise and thanks
giving, and that pure incense of a broken and contrite
spirit, which is truly acceptable in his sight. Let the ope
ration of his Spirit have free course and work in all your
hearts ; and be not ashamed of its tendering power, which
subjects the inordinate affections and will of the creature to
the obedience of the cross of Christ. See that none
render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore ; pray without ceasing; in every thing
give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus con
cerning you. Quench not the Spirit ; despise not prophesy-
ings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is .good;
abstain from all appearance of evil ; and the very God of
peace sanctify you wholly. And we pray God your whole

271
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming ofour Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thes. v, 15, to 23.)
Signed in and on behalf of tlje said Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1746.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournment,
Fromthe 19th of the Third Mouth, 1746, to the 24th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in brotherly love, and under a re
newed sense of the merciful dealings of the Lord
our God, in continuing to us the visitations of his Holy
Spirit, and in graciously favouring this our annual assembly
with the enjoyment of his presence ; to the enlarging ofour
hearts in fervent affection one towards another, and raising
earnest desires for the preservation of the whole flock and
family of God, in that holy state of reverence, humility,
and contrition of soul before him, wherein we may expe
rience the consolations of the Lord, who hath promised to
dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to
revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of
the contrite ones. (Isa. Ivii. 15.) Let therefore the lofty
looks of man be humbled, and his haughtiness bowed down ;
that the Lord alone^ and his power, may be exalted.
By accounts from the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings
in England, and by Epistles read in this Meeting from
Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island,
Maryland, North Carolina, and Barbadoes, we have ac
counts of the welfare of our Friends in general, and that
many people resort to our public assemblies for worship,
with a desire of hearing the testimony of truth declared ;

272
and that divers of them have been convinced, and are
joined in profession with us ; and we have cause to hope,
that the seed sown among them, in due season, will yet
further spring up, to the praise of the great Lord of the
harvest, who, though one may plant, and another may water,
alone can give the increase.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings, brought in this year,
being chiefly for tithes and church-rates so called, amount
in England and Wales to two thousand seven hundred and
fourteen pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland, to
one thousand six hundred eighty seven pounds and up
wards ; making together four thousand four hundred and
two pounds and upwards.
And, dear Friends, as every one of us shall come to live
in an holy subjection to the Spirit of truth in himself, he
will clearly discern the weight and necessity of abiding
faithful to its discoveries in every branch of our Christian
testimony. It will instruct us to form a right judgment re
specting ourselves, and shew us what our life is, " even a
vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth."
(James, iv. 14.) It will teach us the knowledge of the
world, and its uncertainty : it will wean us from all depend
ence on earthly things, to place our affections on things that
are above : it will withdraw us from the inordinate love of
temporal enjoyments, to the earnest expectation of eternal
felicity ; from that which perisheth with the using, to the
reward of the righteous, the crown of glory, that fadeth not
away. The great deception of mankind is, that they look for
happiness where it is not, are insnared by the love of the
world, and the deceitfulness of riches, which " while some
have coveted after, they have erred from the faith," have
abused what they should have made good use of, and hurt
themselves with the means given for .the help of others;
the love of money shutting up their hearts from the exercise
of charity, in proportion to the substance bestowed on them.
Wherefore we admonish those, whom God hath blessed
with outward riches, not to trust therein, but to be mindful
of the precept of the apostle. To do good and to com
municate forget not ;' for with such sacrifices God is well
pleased. (Heb. xiii. 16.)

273
And, dear Friends, it is matter of grief to the faithful
among us, to observe a visible declension in too many, from
that fervour, love, dnd zeal, which our ancient Friends
were endued with, for the honour of God and the promotion
of his truth. Too many are departing from that plain and
selfdenying life of Jesus, our Holy Head, in which they were
found. Alas ! how is that pious devotion and reverence of
soul, that brokenness and contrition of spirit, conspicuous
in their religious assemblies, abated ; and how careless and
indifferent do too many nowadays appear, in that most
important concern of worshipping the Lord of life and
glory in an awfiil silence, and with earnest breathings for
the renewings of his living power and presence. Oh ! that
all might be stirred up to follow the steps of our worthy
elders, in an holy contempt of this world, and in that
Christian courage and patience, which supported them
under the reproaches of men, and the opposition they met
with from the spirit of the world. Oh ! that we might
walk after their example, preferring the love of truth to
the love of earthly things, and the honour of God to the
honour of man.
We also beseech you, dear Friends, who are young in
years, early to submit to the operation of the Holy Spirit in
your own hearts ; considering yourselves as always in the
presence of the Lord, who sees and knows all your thoughts,
words and actions. Let his holy fear preside in your
hearts, which can enable you to flee youthful lusts, which
war against the soul ; and can transform you, by the renew
ing of your minds into the likeness of Christ Jesus, " that
ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will
of God." Obedience to the righteous law of God, written
in the heart of man, is the way to true and lasting peace.
Our earnest desire is, that the youth of this generation may
be raised up to supply the place of those who are gone to
rest, that the work of the Lord may be carried on, and we
may be continued a people to his praise, and qualified ear
nestly to " contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the snints."
And, dear Friends, from what we have lately beheld of
the calamities ofthe sword, we have cause to bow in thank-

274
fulness to the Lord ; who by his overruling providence
hath checked its })rogress in this nation. Let us pray, that
the Lord would hasten the promised time, when he shall judge
among the nations, and shall rebuke many people, and they
shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears
into pruninghooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isa. ii. 4.)
And let us also, as the Lord shall open our hearts, and in
fluence our minds, make our supplications and prayers for
kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty : for
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour. (1 Tim. ii. 2, 3.)
And, as it hath pleased the Lord, in his abundant mercy,
to appear for the deliverance of us and the nation in
general, in time of outward distress, and to preserve
the King and his government from the wicked attempts of
those who rose up against them, and to continue unto us
the enjoyment of our civil and religious liberties, it is our
duty to express our thankfulness to the Lord, and to
acknowledge his might, manifested in the day of danger;
not only in words and expressions, but in an awful and
reverent walking in all holy conversation and godliness, to
the praise and honour of his holy name, who is blessed for
ever. Finally, Brethren, we commend you to the grace of God,
and to the guidance of his HcJy Spirit in all your conduct,
and bid you farewell in the Lord. Let a grateful sense of
his mercies make a deep impression on every mind. Be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in
peace ; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
(2 Cor. xiii. 11.)
Signed in and on behalf of the said Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FRY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

275
EPISTLE, 1747.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment,
From the 7th of the Fourth Month, 1747, to theI2thof the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IT hath pleased the Lord our God measurably to favour
this our annual assembly with a renewed visitation of his
love, to the comfort and refreshment ofthe souls of such as in
humility and reverence have been bowed before him ; so
that we have fresh occasion to praise his name, for the con
tinuance of his goodness to us ; and, in a sense of our own
weakness, to magnify his power and might, who hath
hitherto preserved us ; and to acknowledge, with the
Psalmist, Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive ; and
plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psa.
Ixxxvi. 5.) May the sense of his gracious dealings towards us
be a means bf enlarging our hearts in fervency of affection
one towards another, that we may mutually exhort and en
courage each other to a steady perseverance in the path of
truth and righteousness, which, by the guidance of his
grace, he hath directed our feet into.
By the accounts brought in from the several Quarterly
Meetings of Friends in England ; as also by Epistles re
ceived from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, New-
England, Maryland, Long-Island, Pennsylvania and New-
Jersey, Barbadoes, Virginia, and Tortola, we have com
fortable relations of the prosperity of truth, and that love
and unity are preserved in the churches : that there is, in
some places, an addition to the church by convincement ;
and that many there are, who being rightly concerned to
keep to the divine principle of light and life in themselves,
have come to experience a growth and establishment
therein. By following the leadings of this heavenly prin
ciple of divine grace, our worthy ancients were brought to
s 2

276
an inward fellowship and holy communion in the one Lord,
one faith, and one baptism ; by which they became sensible,
not only of their oAvn inward state, but had also a sympa
thy and concern raised in them for the welfare of others ;
watching over one another for good, and in Christian free
dom and plainness of speech exhorting the remiss, reproving
offenders, encouraging the weak, and bringing forward the
hindmost of the flock : which brotherly concern conduced
to the gathering of many, and to their strength and con
firmation in the blessed truth. A practice which, we fear,
is too much neglected, though worthy of our imitation, and
which we earnestly recommend to all who have the truth
at heart.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, being
generally for tithes and church-rates so called, amount in
England and Wales to two thousand seven hundred thirty
three pounds aud upwards; and in Ireland to one thousand
five hundred fifty two pounds and upwards ; making toge
ther four thousand two hundred eighty six pounds and
upwards. One Friend is discharged out of prison since
last year ; and one Friend is detained in prison upon pro
secution in the ecclesiastical court ; for whose discharffe
endeavours have been used, but hitherto without success.
Aud, dear Friends, we find it our concern at this time to
remind you, that, as the original purpose and design of
these our annual assemblies, as also of our Quarterly and
Monthly Meetings, was the exercise of a prudent and
Christian care and oversight of the churches in general,
that peace and good order might be maintained, and that all
of us might adorn our profession of godliness with good
works ; it behoveth us, in all such our assemblies, to have
our minds seasoned with a sense of the weight of the work
we are engaged in, and to exert ourselves with an holy zeal
for the cause of God, and the promotion of his truth ;
carefully watching against an exalted spirit, which would
strive for mastery and dominion ; labouring in love and
meekness of wisdom to be helpful one unto another, that
nothing may be done through strife, or vain glory ; but
in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves. (Phil. ii. 3.)

277
We also think it proper to renew our former exhortations,
and again to excite you to a diligent attending of meetings
for divine worship, both on First days, and other days of
the week; and that you be careful to observe the hour ap
pointed for meeting ; and, when met, to wait in awful
silence for the manifestations of the divine life ; guarding
against a dull and heavy disposition, and labouring to bring
your thoughts into a quiet subjection to the Spirit of Christ;
not having your eye to man, but fixing your expectation on
the Lord alone, who is a rich rewarder of those who dili
gently seek him.
We also tenderly remind you of that Christian simplicity
and selfdenial which our ancient Friends were in the prac
tice of Their plainness in speech and apparel was remark
able ; and the scorn and derision they patiently underwent
on those accounts, did demonstrate that their practice
therein proceeded not from an affectation of singularity, but
was purely conscientious. But, alas ! how are many dege
nerated in these respects, and, by a mean compliance with
the customs and fashions of this present evil world, under
the mistaken notion of rendering themselves agreeable to
others, are indeed become contemptible even in the eyes of
those they seek to please ; the more thinking part of whom
have observed, that a departure from the primitive plainness
of our predecessors frequently opens a door to the practice
of such pleasures, follies, and corruptions of the times as
they were redeemed from, and conscientiously forsook ; it
being a just remark, that a revolting from the form of god
liness is often attended with the loss of the power of it.
And, dear Friends, notwithstanding the repeated and
earnest advices of this Meeting, in respect to the education
of our children, we again see cause to remind you of this
important and necessary duty. For although virtue passes
not by lineal succession, nor piety by inheritance, yet we
trust that the Almighty will have an especial and gracious
regard to the sincere endeavours of those parents, who have
an early and constant care and concern for the welfare of
their offspring ; earnestly labouring to instruct them in the
fear of the Lord, and in an humble waiting for, and feeling
after, those secret and tender visitations of divine love,

278
which the Lord has graciously afforded for the help and
instruction of all. Be ye therefore stirred up to a faithful
discharge of your duty, being examples to them, in meet
ings, in your families, and in your employments, of a dili
gent, humble watchfulness, and steady regard to the guid
ance of that holy principle in yourselves, which you are
recommending unto them. Add to this the frequent read
ing of the Holy Scriptures, and such other books as tend to
inculcate the precepts of a pious and virtuous life on their
tender minds, which may be an effectual preservative
against the infection of such writings as have a contrary
tendency : so shall your endeavours be attended with a
reasonable hope of success, and the continuance of the
blessing of the Most High rest on you and your posterity.
Train up, saith Solomon, a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov.
xxii. 6.)
Finally, dear Brethren, be eloathed with humility ; for
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace unto the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of
God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter, v. 5.)
Always remembering, that the fear of the Lord isa fountain
of life, to depart from the snares of death : (Prov. xiv. 27,)
and that, in the fear of the Lord is strong confidence ; and
his children shall have a place of refuge. (Ver.26.)
We salute you in brotherly love, and in the fellowship
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : to him be
glory now and for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
HENRY BRADFORD,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

279
EPISTLE, 1748.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment.
From the 30th of the Third Month to the 3rd of the Fourth Month,
1748, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the unity of the Spirit, the bond
of peace, earnestly desiring your growth and
establishment in the truth ; and that, through sanctification
of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ, ye may be preserved through faith unto sal
vation, and made partakers of that inheritance which is in
corruptible, and fadeth not away ; a lively hope whereof is
given unto us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such
things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace,
without spot, and blameless. And beware, lest ye also, being
led away by the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness: but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : to him be glory, both
now and for ever. Amen. (2 Pet. iii. 14, 17.)
As to the transactions of this our annual assembly, we
acquaint you, that the business thereof hath been carried on
in a spirit of love, to the great comfort and satisfaction of
all concerned therein.
By the accounts and Epistles read in this Meeting, from
the several counties in England, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey,
Long-Island, Maryland, and North Carolina, we have
comfortable relations of the preservation of love and unity
in the churches, and of a good disposition continuing in
many places, to hear the testimony of truth declared, of
which some have been lately convinced ; whence we have
good reason to believe, that the Lord, by the renewed visi
tations of his blessed Spirit, is still preparing and raising up

280
instruments to bear witness to his truth, and to supply the
places of those faithful elders whom he hath removed from
their labours, and received into the rest prepared for his
people. The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from England and Wales, being chiefly for tithes, those
called church-rates, is two thousand eight hundred and sixty
four pounds and upwards ; and of those from Ireland, one
thousand four hundred thirty nine pounds and upwards ;
making together four thousand three hundred and four
pounds and upwards. The Friend who was last year
detained in prison, in consequence of an excommunication
issued against him from the ecclesiastical court, still continues
under close confinement, where he has remained about two
years and an half.
And, as you cannot but be sensible of the importance of
standing clear in our ancient testimony against the anti
christian yoke of tithes, be not slack to admonish all such
as are found unfaithful therein ; endeavouring in brotherly
love to inform and reclaim them.
And, dear Friends, as we profess to be disciples and fol
lowers of Hira who is the prince of peace, we have long seen
with grief the calamities of war and discord among man
kind, and it is with joy we behold the prospect of
approaching peace, for the perfecting of which, may the
God of love and peace grant success to the endeavours of
our King, the common father of his people, under whose
government we enjoy the inestimable blessings of our civil
and religious liberties ; for whicli it behoveth us still to
demonstrate our gratitude by due returns of fidelity and
affection. And, dear Friends, our advice and exhortation is, that
all masters of families, parents, guardians, and tutors of
children, would frequently put in practice the calling toge
ther of their children and household, to wait upon the Lord
in their families ; that receiving wisdom and counsel from
Him, they may be enabled seasonably to exhort and encou
rage them to walk in tlie way of the Lord ; to exercise
themselves in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in observ
ing the duties and precepts of holy living therein recom-

281
mended ; admonishing them to keep to that plainness and
simplicity, in apparel, speech and behaviour, which the
Spirit of truth led our forefathers into, and which becomes
the humble, selfdenying followers of Holy Jesus. Also
that they would use their endeavours to restrain the youth
committed to tiieir charge, from frequenting playhouses
and other public places of diversion, by shewing them the
evil tendency thereof, and the danger of their minds beino-
drawn aside thereby from a solid and serious attention to
the great duty of life, the practice of true religion and
virtue. We also remind you, to stand upon your guard against
all whispering, backbiting and detracting spirits, who busy
themselves in spreading evil surmisings one of another ;
and to discourage every practice of that nature ; observing
the advice of the apostle, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and
anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from
you, with all malice ; and be ye kind one to another, tender
hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's
sake, hath forgiven you. (Eph. iv. 31, 32.) Always mindful
of the precept of our Lord, Whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them. (Matt.
vii. 12.)
And, in all your assemblies for religious worship, let
your minds be retired, and your thoughts abstracted from
earthly and temporal affairs, and fixed on things that are
above ; that your minds may be seasoned with an holy awe
and reverence, and your affections weaned from earthly
things, and so stayed and settled upon heavenly and holy
concerns, that you will not be apt, as the manner of some
is, at the close of your meetings, hastily to enter into dis
courses about the affairs of this life, much less the vain
amusements thereof; a practice inconsistent with that
Christian gravity, which at such time ought, in an especial
manner, to season the minds of persons so lately assembled
for the worship of God in spirit and in truth.
We also tenderly exhort, that, in all your meetings for
the discipline of the church, you wait in humility to have
your own spirits brought into an holy subj,ection to the
Spirit of Christ, that thereby you may be duly qualified for

283
the work and service conducive to the building up his
church ; in which work, all who are engaged should be
men of upright hearts and clean hands, rightly prepared for
the service they undertake.
And, dear Friends, we earnestly caution and intreat all
such among you, as find themselves concerned in Christian
love to exhort and admonish others, that they be especially
careful of their own conduct ; that, by circumspect walking
in all holiness of life and conversation, they may become
living examples ofthe purity and excellence of the advices
they recommend.
And, in as much as the time of our sojourning here on
earth is short, and very uncertain, a timely preparation for
our departure hence is a necessary point of Christian pru
dence ; wherefore we advise, that Friends everywhere be
careful, not only to settle their temporal affairs while time
and opportunity are afforded them ; but also to endeavour,
through the whole course of their conversation here, to
walk as strangers and pilgrims ; abstaining from fleshly
lusts, which war against the soul ; (1 Pet. ii. 11,) and having
an eye to the recompence of reward, reserved in heaven
for those who continue in faith and patience to the end of
the race that is set before them.
Finally, dear Friends, live under a continual sense of
the mercy and goodness of the Lord our God towards us.
Be not high minded, but fear. Pray without ceasing,
that you may be preserved a people to his praise, abiding
under the government of the Spirit of Christ, that his
name and power, through you, may be magnified and
exalted in the earth ; and that, at last, you may receive
the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(1 Pet. i. 9.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
GILBERT THOMPSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this. Year

283
EPISTLE, 1749.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 15th of the Third Month, 1749, to the 20th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the pure love of the Gospel, and a degree of the
enjoyment of that peace which passeth all understand
ing, we salute you ; earnestiy desiring your steady perseve
rance in the way of truth, and that ye may be preserved, by
the power of God, in all holiness and purity of conversa
tion, adorning the holy profession we make of worshipping
the Father of spirits in spirit and in truth.
It has pleased the Lord, according to his wonted good
ness, to favour this our assembly with the comforts of his
Holy Spirit and presence, preserving us in peace and con
cord, and enabling us to proceed in the business brought
before us, with brotherly love and condescension.
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, Scotland,
Ireland, Holland, Virginia, New- York, New-Jersey and
Pennsylvania, Rhode-Island, Barbadoes, and Tortola, we
are informed of the present state of the churches, of an
addition in some places to the number ofthe convinced, and
of the continuance of an earnest desire for maintaining the
testimony of truth in its several branches, and endeavour
ing, in a spirit of love and meekness, to reclaim those who
have erred and gone astray. May such an holy concern
everywhere increase, that having a sincere love, and fer
vent charity among ourselves, we may cooperate for the
improvement and establishing one of another in the most
holy faith.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from
England and Wales, chiefly for tithes, and those called
church-rates, amount to two thousand eight hundred and

284
six pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland, to one
thousand six hundred and five pounds and upwards. The
Friend mentioned last year to be imprisoned, in conse
quence of an excommunication issued from the ecclesias
tical court, still remains under close confinement, having
continued prisoner about three years and an half There
is also another Friend now in prison for tithes.
The remissness and neglect of many, in observing our
ancient testimony against the antichristian yoke of tithes,
is too obvious ; wherefore we again earnestly recommend
to your several meetings, zealously to exhort and admonish
all such as continue unfaithful, f\nd endeavour to bring
them to a sense of the necessity and importance of their
standing clear in a point so opposite to Christian liberty,
and to the free dispensation of a Gospel ministry.
And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased God to give success
to the endeavours of the King our sovereign, for perfecting
a general peace, we think it our duty to express our gra
titude on that occasion. Let us all walk worthy of so
great a blessing ; and in the enjoyment of our civil and reli
gious liberties, be careful to exercise a conscience void of
offence, both toward God and toward men ; putting up
supplications and prayers for the King, and all that are in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in
all godliness and honesty. (1 Tim. ii. 1, 2.)
We think it needful to remind you, that in all our assem
blies for worship, you humbly wait to know your minds
retired, and abstracted from temporal affairs, that your ex
pectation and dependence may be on the Lord alone. And,
as there are Friends well qualified, who, from a true and
living concern for the spreading of truth among the people,
are induced, in the love of God, to travel to and fro, that
the knowledge of true religion may increase, we recom
mend, that when any such shall visit your respective
meetings. Friends would be industrious in giving notice to
their inquiring neighbours and acquaintance, of such oppor
tunities ; that the service of those faithful labourers may be
the more extensive and effectual.
And, dear Friends, we earnestly advise you, that in your

285
meetings for the discipline of the church, all be careful to
keep under an holy subjection to the Spirit of Christ ; that
so the affairs of truth may be carried on in love and meek
ness ; that nothing be done through strife or vain glory ;
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves : and do all things without murmurings and
disputings. (Phil. ii. 3, 14.) Let the elders that rule well
amongyou, be counted worthy of double honour ; especially
they who labour in the word and doctrine, (1 Tim. v. 17.)
Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder ;
yea all of you be subject one to another, and be eloathed
with humility. (I Pet. v. 5.) So shall God, who " giveth
grace unto the humble," exalt you in due time, and make
you serviceable in the church, to the praise of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light, that
ye may become a peculiar people, redeemed from the cor
ruptions of the world, and preserved in " fervent charity"
one towards another ; that our union aird concord in the
Holy Spirit may be increased, and the good order of the
church of Christ may be upheld on its ancient foundation.
The several advices and exhortations formerly given
forth by this Meeting, and particularly in o-jr Epistle of
the last year, viz. Frequently to wait upon the Lord in
your families ; to exercise yourselves in often reading the
Holy Scriptures, and observing the excellent precepts
therein contained ; to keep to that plainness and simplicity
in apparel, speech, and behaviour, which the Spirit of truth
led our ancestors into ; to restrain the youth under your
charge from playhouses and other public places of diver
sion, the nurseries of vice and immorality ; to stand upon
your guard against all whispering, backbiting,- and detract
ing spirits ; and to discourage every practice of that nature ;
are again earnestly recommended to your serious considera
tion and practice.
And, dear Friends, as our forefathers and predecessors
were led and directed by the Spirit of truth, publicly to
proclaim the sufficiency of the grace of God inwardly
manifested in the hearts of all the children of men ; we
earnestly desire, that above all things the directions of this
heavenly monitor in ourselves may be carefully observed,

286
which will give us the clearest view of our several and re
spective duties, and guide us into all truth. From a
disregard to this heavenly and universal principle of divine
light, and disobedience to its holy guidance, proceed that
ignorance and depravity which have overspread too many
of the professors of Christianity. Let us, therefore, who
are in an especial manner favoured with the knowledge of
the truth inwardly revealed, and, in some degree, made ex
perimental witnesses of its power and efficacy, beware, lest
any of us also fall away, and lose sight of that inward and
unerring guide, which alone is able to keep us stedfast and
unmoveable in the practice of pure and undefiled religion,
preserve us from the spots and pollutions of the world,
make us wise unto salvation, and enable us to perform that
which is good and acceptable in the sight of God : to
whom, for the comfortable influences of his Holy Spirit,
and all other his manifold blessings, both spiritual and
temporal, be glory, dominion, and praise ascribed, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, now, and for ever.
Amen. Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FOTHERGILL,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1750.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 4th of the Fourth Month, 1750, to the Sth of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and eliewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in fervency of affection, ardently
desiring your preservation in stedfastness of the
faith, purity of doctrine, and holiness of life and conversa
tion, to the praise of him who hath called us to bear a tes-

287
timony against the errors and corruptions of the woridj
and to be a peculiar people to himself, zealous of good
works. We have renewed cause to bless the name of the Lord
our God, in that he yet continues to favour us with the
gracious visitations of his Holy Spirit, which we have mea
surably experienced to preside in this our annual assembly,
to the encouragement and consolation of the faithful, and
the enlarging of their hearts one towards another, in a
spirit of love, peace and concord, wherein the affairs and
concerns of the church have been transacted and carried
on, during the whole course of this our Meeting ; in which
we have received many comfortable accounts from the
several Quarterly Meetings in England, and by Epistles
from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Pennsyl
vania and New-Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Caro
lina, Rhode-Island, Long-Island, Barbadoes, and Tortola,
of the preservation of the churches in a state of love and
union ; and of an openness in the hearts of many, in divers
places, to hear the testimony of truth declared; whence we
have cause to hope, that a work of convincement is going
forward, and that many will be gathered to the Spirit of
truth in themselves, and to a faithful obedience to its dic
tates and requirings.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, being
principally for tithes and church-rates so called, amount in
Enffland and Wales to two thousand six hundred and
eighty pounds and upwards ; and those of Ireland to one
thousand five hundred and sixty four pounds and upwards.
Two Friends have been several years imprisoned, and have
continued under close confinement, in consequence of ex
communications issued from the ecclesiastical courts, after
prosecutions commenced there against them for tithes ; one
of whom, we hear, lately died in prison. And, for the same
cause, two others are committed to prison since last year,
by process out of the court of exchequer.
And, dear Friends, we think meet to remind you, that
the several branches of our Christian testimony, which our
worthy elders were called to bear, and for which they
patiently underwent a fight of afflictions, were not taken

288
up in their own will and wisdom, but effectually impressed
upon their minds by the divine operation of the Holy
Spirit of Christ convincing their understandings, and
strengthening them to walk in obedience to the convictions
received. Thus were they enabled to stand faithful for
the truth upon earth, and to leave us a noble and Christian
example, that we might follow their steps. Let us, in this
day of more ease and tranquillity, beware, lest we be drawn
aside to decline from the testimonies they bore ; and,
through the deceiveableness of unrighteousness, with which
the unwearied adversary of souls is laying wait to insnare
us, have our understandings so darkened, as not to discern
the importance of those testimonies which our fathers were
led to a perfect sight of, and steady perseverance in, by the
light of Christ, that unerring guide, which, as we follow,
will direct us in the same path.
We are also concerned to remind you of that holy and
religious exercise of mind, which was conspicuous among
our ancient Friends in their assemblies for the worship of
God ; wherein, by humbly waiting upon him in a devout and
reverent frame, both of body and mind, they experienced a
renewing of their strength in him, and were made partakers
of the joy of his salvation. But, alas! it is matter of ex
ceeding grief to the sincere and wise h'earfed now among
us, to observe that manifest lukewarmness and indifferency,
which too many under our profession discover by their de
portment in our religious assemblies, in a manner void of
that gravity, devotion and reverence, which necessarily
attend the worshippers of God in spirit and in truth ; and
by which their souls are humbled in his holy presence, and
made meet to receive of the heavenly consolations of his
Spirit, who hath respect unto the lowly, but beholdeth
the proud afar off.
And, dear Friends, we earnestly exhort and intreat you
to abide stedfast in the faith of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ; and to take heed lest any of you be seduced by
the craft and subtilty of designing men, some of whom
have published books tending to alienate the minds of men
from the true and saving faith, and to lead them to a dis-
esteem of the Holy Scriptures, and the principles of the

289
Christian religion therein contained. Beware, lest any of
you, who profess to follow the light of Christ, be drawn
aside from the simplicity of his Truth, and diverted from
your obedience to his holy cross, by imbibing such prin
ciples as would promote a disbelief of his Gospel, and of
the important doctrines revealed in the Holy Scriptures,
necessary to be believed, in order to the salvation of those
to whom they are so revealed. And, as the doctrine of
future rewards and punishments is clearly declared of in
holy writ, and is a doctrine of the Christian religion,
tending to excite men to the practice of virtue, and deter
them from vice, beware lest any of you be drawn aside
from the purity ofthe faith in this respect, into a pernicious
and dangerous error : but follow ye the guidance of the
light of Christ, which only can infallibly secure you from
being led away by the error of the wicked, and falling
from your own stedfastness.
And we tenderly exhort, that where Friends, in their
Monthly Meetings, have knowledge of any of their mem
bers who have received, or may be in danger of receiving,
principles destructive either of religion or moralityj they
would deal with all such in a spirit of love, in order to
shew them the dangerous situation they are in, and, if
possible, to convince them of their errors, and reclaim
them therefrom.
And, dearly beloved, as it has pleased the Lord to favour
many amongst us with the outward blessings of this life, in
so plentiful a manner, as that we are placed in a capacity of
doing much good, and of exercising the offices of Christian
love and charity, to the comfort and assistance of the poor
and needy ; we earnestly recommend to the practice of
those whom God hath so favoured, the excellent advice
given by the apostle, (1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19,) " Charge them
that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded ;
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; that they do good ;
that they be rich in good works; ready to distribute,
willing to communicate ; laying up in store for themselves
a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life."

290
We forbear, at this time, the repetition of many advices
heretofore given you, and recommend you to the heavenly
guidance of the Holy Spirit in yourselves, which will
instruct you to avoid every appearance of evil, and is able
to preserve your whole spirit, soul, and body blameless,
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased God, by late
amazing instances of his Almighty and tremendous power
in shaking the earth, to excite in the hearts of men just ap
prehensions of that sudden destruction which their iniquities
had deserved, it behoveth every sensible soul, in the depth
of humility, to admire the wonderful mercy of a gracious
God, who, by hitherto withholding the judgments threat
ened, doth demonstrate that he " is long suffering to us-
ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance." Oh that these instances of the
divine displeasure may produce in all the like effects as in
the Ninevites of old, that they may cry mightily unto
God ; yea, that every one may turn from his evil way, and
from the violence that is in their hands ; the consequence
of which was, that " God saw their works, that they turned
from their evil way," and in his mercy forbore to execute
the judgment denounced by his prophet against them
(Jonah, iii, 8, &c.)
Finally, Brethren, under a devout and humble sense of
the Almighty power of God, and of his abundant mercy
toward the children of men, we take our leave of you ; re
commending you rU to the grace of God, earnestly desiring
that you may be preserved thereby in love and peace, and
in purity of life and conversation ; that the God of peace
may continue to bless you, and be with you, and enable you,
in a grateful acknowledgement of his manifold mercies, to
ascribe unto him thanksgiving, glory, dominion, and praise,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for ever and ever.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Yeer.

291
EPISTLE, 1751.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 27th of the Third Month, 1751, to the 31st ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethreii, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
BEING, through the goodness of God, and continu
ance of his merciful providence over us, met together
again in our annual assembly, we salute you, under a
renewed sense and grateful remembrance of the love of
Christ our Saviour, and of the free extendings of his uni
versal grace, and of the blessed influences of his Holy
Spirit, the teacher and guide of the faithful throughout all
generations ; by which he visited, called, and led our fore
fathers in the way wherein they walked ; teaching them to
forsake the vanities, corruptions, and false worships of the
world, and enabling them to persevere both in holiness of
life, and purity of doctrine ; wherein, having passed the time
of their sojourning here, according to the will of God, they
fell asleep, and were received into his rest ; leaving unto
us, their successors in profession of the same faith, an ex
ample that we also should walk in the same steps, to the
praise of Him who hath hitherto preserved us, and who
alone is able to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle
us ; to whom, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory,
praise and dominion for ever. Amen.
The several affairs and concerns of the churches which
have come before us, have been considered and concluded
in a measure of that spirit of brotherly love and unanimity,
wherein the true fellowship and communion of the saints is
held ; and which we earnestly desire may continually
preside in the churches of Christ everywhere, enabling
each particular member of the one body to perform their
several and respective offices therein, to the preservation of
t2

292
the whole in peace and concord, and to the mutual edifica
tion one of another in the most holy faith.
The intelligences communicated unto us by accounts
from the Quarterly Meetings of Friends in England, and
by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland,
Pennsylvania and New- Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina,
Rhode-Island, Long-Island, and Tortola, furnish us with
comfortable observations of a religious concern subsisting
in many places for the conservation of Christian brother
hood, maintenance of good order and discipline in the
church, and upholding the testimony of truth in its several
branches. That such a necessary care and holy concern
may become general, let us humbly supplicate the Almighty,
that he may be pleased to fill us with the knowledge of his
will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that we
may be made instruments in his hand, fitly qualified for the
service of his church, and promotion of his blessed
truth in the earth.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
being chiefly for tithes and church-rates so called, amount
in England and Wales to the sum of three thousand and
twenty five pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland,
to the sum of one thousand seven hundred and sixty pounds
and upwards. There are four Friends now remaining
prisoners ; two of them in consequence of processes in the
ecclesiastical courts.
Dear Friends,
As the profession by which we are peculiarly distinguish
ed, is that of subjection and obedience to the light and
Spirit of Christ, it is incumbent on us, in an especial
manner, to be found walking therein ; for, saith the beloved
disciple, " If we say that we have fellowship with God,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth : but if
we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow
ship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son, cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John, i. 6, 7.) Wherefore
brethren, let us consider what manner of persons we ought
to be, in all holy conversation and godliness, that through
the sanctifying virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ, cleansine

293
and purging us from the corruptions of the world, We may
be qualified to stand before him with acceptance, and dis
charge the duties of our respective stations in the church
to God's honour, and the comfort of his people. To pro
mote this blessed purpose, suffer, we intreat you, the word
of exhortation ; and receive it in the same spirit of love
wherein it is by us communicated.
Dear Friends,
We having, in this our solemn assembly, the welfare of
our Zion greatly at heart, recommend the appointment
of sensible Friends of unblameable conversation, to visit
the families of their brethren in Christian love, and in the
wisdom and peaceable Spirit of truth to inform, admonish,
and advise, as occasion may be. This exercise of brotherly
love has had a good effect in some places ; we therefore
earnestly intreat Friends, in their respective Monthly
Meetings, to use their best endeavours to bring the same
into general practice : And, as we desire that solid and
judicious Friends, on the one hand, would with a ready
mind give up to this service ; so, on the other hand, we
also advise, that Friends who shall be visited in conse
quence of such appointments, would be freely willing to
afford a brotherly opportunity to such who so visit tiiem, of
discharging the care and duty herein by them loyingly uut
dertaken. And, dear Friends, as temperance and modei'ation ar^
virtues proceeding from true religion, and are of great
benefit and advantage in many respects ; we beseech all to
be careful of their conduct and behaviour, abstaining from
every appearance of evil. (1 Thess. v. 22.) And as an ex
cess in drinking has been too prevaleqt among many of the
inhabitants of these nations, we reconimend to all Friends
a watchful care over themselves, attended with a religious
and prudent zeal against a practice so dishonourable and
pernicious. As to the elders among you, and such whom God, having
endued with knowledge and experience of the cleansing-
operations of his Spirit, hath concerned to minister unto
others, let them adorn the doctrine of the Gospel, by shew-

294
ing, out of a good conversation, their works with meekness
of wisdom. Such as these, being eloathed with humility,
' and exemplary to the flock, whom they feed, not by con
straint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready
mind, (1 Pet. v. 2,) are worthy of double honour, and to be
highly esteemed in the church of Christ.
And you parents, guardians, masters, and all under whose
care and tuition our youth are placed, we tenderly caution,
and in love intreat you, that you be mindful faithfully to
discharge the trust in you reposed ; and, that you would
neither encourage nor permit the youth under your imme
diate direction and care, to take undue liberties in speech,
behaviour, and apparel ; but that you earnestly advise, and,
as much as in you lies, prevent them from conforming to
ihe changeable customs and fashions of the world, which
are vain and empty : by such a timely care and concern,
parents and guardians may keep themselves free from any
just imputation of blame arising from the misconduct of
those committed to their care, and from being accessary to
the ruin which unwary youth too often incur through such
means. Oh that our youth might be prevailed upon to
humble themselves, endeavouring, through the divine as
sistance, to form their minds according to the plain and
simple truths of the Gospel contained in the Holy Scrip
tures, which we recommend as a proper means of preserving
them from the contagion of profane and irreligious books
and writings, tending to alienate and divert men from the
love of virtue, and the practice of true Christian morality.
And as to you, our dearly beloved young Friends, we, in
much affection and tenderness, exhort you, above all things,
to give diligent heed and attention to the voice of the Spirit
of Christ speaking in the secret of your own consciences,
reproving for evil, and speaking peace when you do well ;
for this, as it is closely and reverently regarded, will not
only season your minds with an holy fear aud dread of
offending the great Majesty of heaven and the whole earth,
and thereby be a means of preserving you from the vices,
vanities, and allurements of this world ; but will also influ
ence you to seek after, and pray earnestly for, that Wisdom
yi^hich is from above, in whose right hand is length of days,

295
and in her left are riches and honour. (Prov. iii. 16.)
Happy are the youth who thus give up their names to serve
the living God with full purpose of heart ! How inexpres
sible are the blessings, which those, who are thus early
devoted to serve the Lord, do bring upon themselves ! And
how do they cause the hearts of their parents and friends to
overflow with joy and thanksgiving to the author of all our
mercies, and the church of God to magnify his name, for
the continuance of his goodness to his people from one gene
ration to another ! Whilst the ungodly and disobedient, and
such as, contrary to the tender intreaties and admonitions
of their parents, counsel of their friends, and dictates of
the Spirit of truth in their own hearjts, give the reins to
their unruly passions, and indulge themselves in rioting,
wantonness, and excess, too often wound their parents with
grief and aflliction, become themselves a reproach to their
Christian profession, and render their own lives short and
miserable ; attended with such reflections as these, How have
I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof, and
have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine
ear to them that instructed me ! (Prov. v. 12, 13,) Oh that
all such may return unto the Lord, whilst the day of his
gracious visitation is extended unto them ; who delighteth
not in the death of a sinner, but willeth the salvation of
all who unfeignedly repent, and return unto him.
And, dear Friends, whilst others are putting on the ex
ternal marks of sorrow for the loss which this nation hath
so lately sustained, let us, in humility and reverence of
soul, approach the Most High, and supplicate the continu
ance of his merciful regard and support to those who are
most nearly affected by this dispensation of his providence.
Thus shall we demonstrate the sincerity of our sorrow,
and express our gratitude and duty in a manner becoming
our holy profession ; whilst a conformity in mere exter
nals, not agreeable to our principles, and contrary to the
practice of our worthy ancients, does but expose us to the
observation and pity of wise and discerning men.
And, dear Friends, let us consider one another, to pro
voke unto love and to good works : not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some

296
is ; but exhorting one another to the great and ritecessary
duty of publicly maintaining our religious assemblies, not
only on the First days, but on other days ofthe week, when
appointed, in order to the worshipping of God, who is a
Spirit, in spirit and in truth ; and, when so met, we ten
derly exhort and caution you to beware that your outward
deportment be grave and serious, suitable to that holy awe,
and religious reverence of soul, wherein we ought to ap
proach the divine presence ; and to wait in lowliness and
humility of mind as at his footstool, ardently praying for
the gift of his Holy Spirit, that we may experience the
blessed influences thereof to mollify our hearts, and bring
our spirits into subjection to his Spirit ; in which alone he
is truly worshipped, through which only we have access
to the throne of grace, and whereby alone our religious
services and performances are rendered well pleasing and
acceptable in his sight.
^' Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy ; to the only wise God, our
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and ever. Amen." (Jude, ver. 25.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FRY,
Clerk to tl,e Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1752.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment.
From the 18th of the Fifth Month, 1752, to the 23rd of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of Christ, the foundation of church-com
munion, we tenderly salute you, earnestly desiring

297
your growth and preservation in the truth, and your per
severance in every good word and work.
Blessed be the name of the Lord our God, the gracious
visitations of whose heavenly love, yet continued unto us
in these our annual assemblies, give us renewed occasions
to celebrate his praise, and to say with the psalmist, " How
excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God ! therefore the chil
dren of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."
(Psalm, xxxvi. 7.) Let us with one accord, in the depth
of humility, approach his holy presence with thanksgiving,
and with awful reverence worship at his footstool ; who,
though he inhabiteth eternity, and dwelleth in the high
and holy place, (Isa. Ivii. 15,) mercifully condescendeth
to look down on the low estate of his church and people ;
to comfort the mourners in Zion, to revive the spirits ofthe
humble and of the contrite ones, and to beautify the meek
with his salvation. (Psalm, cxlix. 4.)
The Friends, deputed from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, have brought to this Meeting many com
fortable accounts ; by which it appears, that, in general,
love and concord are maintained, and that Friends in divers
places are under an earnest concern for the promotion of
peace, and for the suppressing and guarding against every
occasion of strife and discord, tending to divide and scatter
the flock of Christ. For strengthening this concern, and
promoting this Christian disposition of love wheresoever it
appears, we remind you ofthe benefits thereof, expressed in
Psalm, cxxxiii. viz. " Behold how good and how pleasant it
is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! As the dew of
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains
of Zion : for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even
life for evermore." Be ye also mindful ofthe saying ofour
blessed Lord himself, (John, xiii. 35,) " By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another." By the several Epistles communicated unto us from
Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for
New-England, Long-Island for New- V ork, Virginia, Penn
sylvania and New-Jersey, Maryl-ind and Barbadoes, as
well ?is by the verbal account ofour Friend Jonah Thomp-

298
son, lately returned from his travels in the service of truth
through several parts of America, we understand that the
testimony of truth is gladly heard and received in many
places; that some are effectually reached thereby, and
enabled to join with us in a public profession of the same.
May as many as have been, or shall be gathered into the
fold of Christ's church, continue obedient to his call, hearken
to his voice, and follow him, who goeth before his sheep,
and leadeth them into the green pastures of life, where he
causeth them to rest and lie down in safety.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from
England and Wales, being principally for tithes and
church-rates so called, amount to two thousand seven hun
dred and seventeen pounds and upwards ; and those from
Ireland, to one thousand seven hundred and forty three
pounds and upwards. Two Friends, who have been a long
time prisoners, in consequence of excommunications from
the ecclesiastical courts, still suffer under that oppression ;
from which we yet humbly hope, that a just and legal en
largement of true Protestant liberty, may, in the Lord's due
time, extend to the perfecting ofour deliverance. There are
also two other Friends prisoners for tithes, by processes
against them in the court of exchequer.
Dear Friends,
When we call to remembrance the fervent zeal, faith,
and constancy of our worthy elders and predecessors in the
truth, who, through manifold suffering*, were enabled to
bear a faithful testimony to the purity and spirituality of
the Gospel dispensation, an earnest desire is raised in us,
that we, who succeed them in the same profession, may be
excited to follow their example : in order whereunto, we
recommend to every particular member of our society, a
strict and serious selfexamination, whether we are really
concerned for the glory of God, and the honour of his
name ? Are our hearts united unto him, and one unto
another ? Do we live answerably to the principles of our
profession ? Do we walk as becometh the followers of
Christ ? Do we not depart from the testimonies of truth,
or the known doctrines of his Gospel, through fear of

299
penalties enacted by human laws ? Do we in our conversa
tion among men, live in the practice of Christian humility
and selfdenial ? Doth our light so shine before men, that
others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father
which is in heaven ? (Mat. v. 16.) Upon such an impartial
inquiry into ourselves, let every particular of us hearken
and " hear what God the Lord will speak : for he will
speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, but let them
not turn again to folly." (Psalm, Ixxxv. 8.) But if, upon
such a solemn search, any of us shall find that we have
declined from the testimonies borne by our faithful prede
cessors ; that we have gone astray, and been too remiss in
our conduct and conversation : that we have been too con
formable to the customs and manners of the world, and
have not walked according to the plainness and purity of
our profession : let us humble ourselves before the Lord,
and turn unto him with all our hearts, who is long suffering
and gracious, and delighteth in mercy; who reconcileth
the penitent, healeth their backslidings, is the repairer of
breaches, and the restorer of paths to walk in. (Isa. Iviii.
12.) Such an holy care and watchfulness in every particular
over himself, will be greatly conducive to a general love
and unity, to the confirming and strengthening our church-
fellowship and communion, and to the making us one
another's joy in the Lord.
And as, in our Epistle of the last year, we were concerned
to recommend to Monthly Meetings the appointment of
solid and judicious Friends to visit the families of their
hrethren in Christian love, and therein to inform, admonish,
and advise, as occasion may be ; we again beseech you, let
the tender advice of such as shall undertake so brotherly an
office, meet with a kind and friendly reception ; that in the
mutual giving and receiving of wholesome counsel and
advice, you may cooperate to the help and furtherance of
each other's faith, the reviving of our ancient testimonies,
and establishing the church on its first and fixed foun
dation. And, dearly beloved Friends, as we become thus united
to God, and one unto another, we shall experience the
attracting power ^ind force of divine love, drawing apd

300
strongly Inclining our hearts to a constant attendance at
the appointed times and places for the public worship of
God, who is Love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in
him. (1 John, iv. 16.) This divine love induced our
worthy elders to maintain their religious assemblies with an
invincible constancy ; for they, following the call of Christ,
their heavenly shepherd, resorted earnestly to those places
of feeding, where he ministered food to the hungry, and
waters of life to those that were athirst ; and filled with
the consolations of his Spirit the souls of those who waited
upon him in sincerity and truth. The same spiritual com
forts and advantages are to this day measurably enjoyed by
those, who with the like ardent desires, and earnest breath
ings of soul, are humbly waiting to receive them. Let us
therefore. Brethren, as many of us as have been remiss in
this great and necessary duty of religiously assembling
together, be excited to double our diligence for the time
to come, and with an holy awe aud reverence bow before
the Lord, and draw near unto the throne of his grace, " that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need." (Heb. iv. 16.)
And, dear Friends, as to your conversation among men,
" that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God
without rebuke," (Phil. ii. 15,) we recommend you to the
light of Christ in your own hearts, and to the precepts of
his Holy Spirit, delivered through the inspired penmen of
the Holy Scriptures. As you shall yield obedience to these
divine and heavenly dictates, you will be made " wise unto
salvation," (2 Tim. iii. 15,) and perfectly instructed to dis
charge the duties of your several stations. By these you
will be taught the rules of temperance and sobriety, and to
" let your moderation be known unto all men." (Phil. iv.
5.) By these you will be directed to " walk in wisdom toward
them that are without, redeeming the time." (Col. iv. 5.)
These will teach you, as much as in you lieth, to live peace
ably with all men. (Rom. xii. 18.) These will instruct
husbands to love their wives, and wives to reverence
their husbands : (Eph. v. S3,) parents to bring up their
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and
children to obey their parents : (Eph. vi. 1, 4,) masters to

SOI
give unto their servants that which is just and equal, and
servants to obey their masters, and count them worthy of
all honour: (Col. iv. 1, 1 Tim. vi. I,) subjects to submit to
principalities and powers ; and magistrates to be just, ruling
in the fear of God. (Tit. iii. 1, 2 Sam. xxiii.) The same
divine instructions will direct you as church members : The
elders to feed the flock, 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 the flock: and the younger to
submit themselves unto the elder ; yea, all of you to be
subject one to another, and be eloathed with humility.
(1 Pet. V. 5.)
And, dear Friends, we think it highly necessary to renew
with earnestness the former advices of this Meeting, that
all Friends do with the utmost care guard against a practice
of talebearing and private slander against persons and
families, as being contrary to the spirit of Christianity, and
highly dishonourable among men.
We also think proper at this time to revive the exhorta
tion given in our Yearly Meeting Epistle of 1727, viz.
" We earnestly desire all Friends to be very careful not to
run into larger trading and business than their capacities
and abilities can well answer. And if, through adverse ac
cidents, any should fail in paying their just debts, and
should, after his or her composition with his or her credi
tors, be so far blessed and prospered in their affairs, as to
be capable of paying their deficiencies ; it is the earnest
desire and advice of this Meeting, that they do not omit
the same ; but that they discharge a good conscience
therein ; the obligations of which are of equal force, whetlier
enjoined by human laws or not."
Finally, Brethren, let us be all " of one mind, having com
passion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be
courteous." (1 Pet. iii. 8.) Labour most affectionately to
recover and restore all such as have erred and gone astray,
that they may now return unto the Shepherd and Bishop of
their souls. And let us all, with humble and grateful
hearts, unite in offering up a sacrifice of praise and thanks
giving to the Lord our God; to whom, for the multitude

302
of his mercies, and plenteous redemption in Christ Jesus
our Lord and Saviour, through the guidance and influence
of his Holy Spirit, be glory and honour^ dominion and
praise ascribed, now and for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM FOWLER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Yea^.

EPISTLE, 1753.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the llth ofthe Sixth Month, 1753, to the 16th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
UNDER a renewed sense and comfortable experience
of the gracious and refreshing influences of that
divine and heavenly principle of light and life, wherein the
members of the true church or body of Christ, however dis
persed here on earth, stand joined and cemented in the unity
of the Spirit, through faith and obedience unto him, their
Holy Head, guide, and leader into all truth, we most ten
derly and affectionately salute you.
It behoveth us, in the depth of humility and reverence, to
consider and remind one another of the merciful dealings
of the Lord our God, who, in the aboundings of his grace,
hath called us out of this present evil world, to bear among
the children of men a public profession of our faith in, and
subjection to, the light and Spirit of His Son, our Saviour,
inwardly revealed. An holy and honourable calling ! Let
us, we beseech you. Brethren, walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith we are called : As obedient children, not fash
ioning ourselves according to the former lusts in our igno
rance ; but, as he that hath called us is holy, so let us bp
holy in all manner of conversation, (1 Pet, i, 14, 15.)

303
The various affairs and concerns of the churches, which
have been laid before this our assembly, have been con
sidered and concluded in a spirit of brotherly love and
Christian condescension ; in the exercise whereof, through
the prevailing power and efficacy of pure love, every thing
centers in an agreeable calmness and serenity.
By accounts brought from the several Quarterly Meetings
in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain,
Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, PeniN
sylvania and New-Jersey, New- York, Virginia, Mary
land, North Carolina, and Tortola, we understand, that
there is, in many places, an openness to hear the testimony
of Truth, and that many are convinced of our principles,
so as to join with us in the public profession of the same.
Our earnest desire and necessary caution is, that we may
conduct ourselves with the utmost care and circumspection,
that no offence or occasion of stumbling be given to reli
gious inquirers, but that our light may so shine before men,
that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father
which is in heaven. (Mat. v. 16.)
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from EnglaRd and Wales, being principally for tithes and
tliose called church-rates, is three thousand and thirty
pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland, one thousand
five hundred and ninety one pounds and upwards. The
two Friends formerly mentioned, who have been long im
prisoned on excommunications, still remain sufferers under
the oppression of the ecclesiastical courts ; from the unne
cessary severity of which, many faithful subjects of this
Protestant government continue to hope for deliverance.
There are also two other Friends in prison, where they have
been near four years, by Exchequer process for tithes ;
against which antichristian yoke of bondage we earnestly
advise you to stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ
hath made you free, and to maintain your testimony, in this
respect, with that fortitude and meekness which ever ac
company and support faithful and conscientious sufferers in
such a righteous and Christian cause.
Dear Friends,
It is matter of exceeding grief and concern to many of

304
the faithful among us, to observe how far that exemplary
plainness of habit, speech, and deportment, which distin
guished our forefathers, and for which they patiently
underwent the reproach and contradiction of sinners, are
now departed from by too many under our name, and who
frequent our religious assemblies. A declension from the
simplicity of truth herein hath been, and we fear is, attended
with pernicious consequences, in opening the way of some,
the more easily and unobserved, to attend the places of
public resort for the exercise of sports, plays, and other
hurtful and destructive diversions of the age, from which
truth taught our faithful elders, and still teaches us, wholly
to refrain. And indeed the Christian gravity of their lives
and actions always carried with it a severe reproof and
manifest opposition to the wantonness and levity of such
dangerous and sinful pastimes : wherefore we beseech
you, be not deceived nor led aside by false notions of ima
ginary pleasures, to partake of the unfruitful works of
darkness: but " watch and be sober;" and, as becometh
children of the light and of the day, " abstain from all
appearance of evil." (1 Thes. v. 6, 22.)
It is with a degree of comfort and satisfaction that we
observe in divers places a commendable zeal and fervency
in some, to cleanse the church from pollutions, to restore
the discipline thereof where decayed or disused, to assist
and bring back the scattered and dispersed of the flock,
and to recover those who have gone astray, and declined
from the testimony of truth and footsteps ofthe faithful; of
which declension too many instances appear among us.
We cannot but earnestly desire, that the truly concerned in
a work of so great importance, may meet with a reception
answerable to the charity of their endeavours therein :
wherefore we intreat Friends, in their several and respec
tive Monthly Meetings, to assist and encourage such of
their members as they apprehend to be rightly concerned
in, and gifted and qualified for, so useful and eminent a
service. And, dear Friends, although the labours of such as are
called forth by the Spirit of Christ, and instructed thereby
rightly to divide the word of truth, are highly serviceable

305
in the church, and the feet of those who publish the glad
tidings of salvation exceeding beautiful ; yet the aim and
design of every true gospel minister, is to direct the minds
of all to the Divine teachings of the Holy Spirit, and to
wait upon, and have their whole trust and expectation on
the Lord alone. And as the religious strength and com
munion both of preachers and hearers, consist in their
united dependence on the power and Spirit of Christ, their
guide and leader ; so where any part of that dependence is
broken off from him, the Holy Head, and placed on any in
strument or member of the body, it hath been sometimes
experienced to become a weight or burden on such instru
ment, and a real impediment to its present service.
Wherefore, Brethren, we beseech you', that, in all your
assemblies for the worship of God, your eye be single
unto him, your expectation fixed on him alone, and your
faith standing in his power and Spirit, that you may grow
and be established therein, and may be made one another's
strength in the Lord.
We also esteem it our duty to remind Friends every
where, that they be careful and exact in performing their
contracts, words, and promises ; that so the reputation and
credit of our society, which our worthy elders obtained
amongst men, by their care and circumspection in those
respects, may be continued. To which end we advise you,
as we have often done, to avoid an inordinate pursuit
after riches, and not to launch into trade or business above
your abilities, so as to subject the honour of your religions
profession to the uncertainty of worldly contingencies ; but
be ye frugal and industrious, ever mindful of the observa
tion ofthe apostle, that " godliness with contentment is great
gain ;" (1 Tim. vi. 6,) and having food and raiment, let us
be therewith content. Strictly regarding the advice of the
beloved disciple, " Love not the world, neither the things
that are in the world." Which he enforces by this remark,
" If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not
in him." (1 John, ii. 15.)
And as it behoveth us, as obedient subjects, religiously to
observe the close connection of those excellent precepts,

306
" Fear God ; Honour the King ;" (1 Pet. ii. 17,) so let us be
mindful not to defraud the King of any of his customs,
duties, or excise, nor to deal in goods suspected to be run ;
nor in anywise to be concerned, for private gain, in any
manner of trade prohibited by law. ,
And let us, in an especial manner, beware, lest any of us,
under the present blessings of outward ease and liberty in
religion, be found using that liberty for a cloak of licentious
ness ; and, instead of serving God, serve ourselves and our
own vicious inclinations. It were certainly a most lament
able abuse of the goodness of God, thus to pervert his
mercies to the corruption of our manners : let us therefore
earnestly watch and pray that we may be always preserved
from such ingratitude.
And, dear Brethren, as many of you as are parents of
children, and have experienced the work of Truth in your
selves, cannot but have strong and ardent desires for the
welfare of your offspring, not only that they may inherit
your temporal estates, and outward enjoyments, but above
all, that they may come, with you, to be made partakers of
the AVord of life, and the glorious hope of a blessed immor
tality : in order whereunto our advice is, that you be careful
to bring them up in the practice of a diligent and constant
attendance of religious Meetings, instructing them to wait
upon God when there, for the guidance and influence of
his Holy Spirit, the only unerring teacher and leader into
all truth. We also recommend unto you the practice of
retiring to wait upon the Lord in arid with your own fami
lies ; wherein, as your minds are rightly exercised, you
may find yourselves qualified to administer such advice and
counsel to them, as may conduce to the building up and
establishing them in the most holy faith ; which, working
by love, purifieth the heart, and cleanseth from all unrigh
teousness. We also tenderly advise you to bring up your
children and families in the frequent reading of the Holy-
Scriptures ; and to use your utmost endeavours to prevent
their haying and reading such books as tend to profaneness
and irreligion, and to alienate their minds from the love of
God, and obedience to his requirings.
Finally, brethren, farewell. " Walk in the Spirit, and

.907
ye shall not fulfil the lust ofthe flesh." Dwell in love, " and
the God of love and peace shall be with you :" to whom,
for the multitude of his mercies vouchsafed to his church
and people, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be all glory,
honour, praise, and thanksgiving rendered and ascribed,
now, henceforth, and for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM DILLWORTH,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1754.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 3rd ofthe Sixth Month, 1754, to the lOtli ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and
under a renewed sense of the continuance of the pre
sence of the Lord our God, the alone giver of life, and the
strength, support, and stability of his church and people,
we tenderly salute you ; earnestly exhorting, that in all
our religious assemblies appointed for the w orship of God,
who is a Spirit, our approaches before him may be in the
depth of humility, and with an awful reverence of soul,
havino- our entire dependence and expectation on Him, and
on the influences of his Holy Spirit, the Comforter, fountain,
and well-spring of all spiritual consolation, and the pre
parer and qualifier of his people to receive the same, by
subjecting their spirits to the obedience of Christ; enabling
them, through the assistance of divine grace, to purge
themselves from all filthiness both " of flesh and spirit, per
fecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Cor. vii. 1.) Where
fore brethren, let every individual of us, who make
profession of the blessed truth, above all things beware,
that we " have no feUowship w ith the unfruitful works of
V 2

308
darkness ;" (Ephes. v. 11,) knowing assuredly that the Holy
Spirit of discipline abhors all manner of wickedness and
impurity, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh
in, nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin. (Wisd.
i. 4, 5.) Let the Spirit of Christ bear rule in your hearts,
and your lives and conversations will be regulated thereby,
to the praise and glory of his name, who is worthy for
ever. Amen.
Thus the real and substantial enjoyment of peace in
creasing in proportion to your progress in obedience, your
assemblies for the worship of Almighty God will become
your chiefest joy ; and your own taste and experience of
the consolations therein received, will attract you to those
places of spiritual feeding and refreshment, with an earnest
ness of desire, even superior to that of a natural man,
when, being hungry, he resorts to the place of receiving his
daily bread. As you attain this excellent disposition of
mind, you will rather come before than after the appointed
time of assembling, and render the repetition of the whole
some advices, often given on that account, less necessary in
time to come.
And, dear Friends, it is with much comfort and satisfac
tion we have to acquaint you, that in the course of consider
ing and determining a variety of weighty affairs laid before
this Meeting, the whole hath been conducted in that spirit
of love, meekness, and condescension, which should ever
preside over all the members of the true church of Christ,
among whom contention, envy, strife, wrath, and discord,
ought not to exist.
By the accounts we have received from the several Quar
terly Meetings in England, and by Epistles from Wales,
North Britain, Holland, Rhode-Island, and New-England,
Long-Island for New- York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mary
land, South Carolina, Barbadoes, and Tortola, we are
informed of the state of our Friends in general ; and that
many people have an ear open to hear the testimony of
truth : whence we have ground to hope, that the seed
sown in maiiy places, may, in some of them, produce fruit,
to the praise of him who is the Lord of the harvest ; and
who, according to his good pleasure, sendeth forth labour-

309
ers into his vineyard, and whose blessing alone can give
the increase. Some convincement hath also appeared since
last year.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from England and Wales, amount to two thousand nine
hundred ninety seven pounds and upwards ; and from Ire
land, fifteen hundred pounds and upwards ; being chiefly
for tithes, and those called church-rates ; against both
which faithful Friends were, and still are, concerned to
maintain their Christian testimony. And it is with much
grief we observe the manifest declension of too many, pro
fessing among us, from the testimony ofour ancients against
that antichristian yoke of tithes ; wherefore a concern hath
been upon Friends to reprint and disperse a new edition of
a book, intituled, " The Great Case of Tithes," formerly
written by Anthony Pearson ; to which are also annexed
several other substantial reasons and arguments against the
payment of them, tending to enlighten the judgments, and
to regulate the sentiments of those, who, either through
misunderstanding, or want of better information, may have
been turned aside, or misled, in this respect : which book we
desire may be spread among Friends through your several
Monthly Meetings, for the general use and service of your
respective members. And, dear Friends, if any shall yet
persist in a practice contrary to our known testimony, or
forsake the assembling themselves together for the worship
of God, we apprehend such are not properly qualified to be
employed by you in the service of the church, nor fit in
struments for the carrying on the concerns thereof.
Of the four persons, whom we mentioned in the last
Year's Epistle, to have been then prisoners, one, who had
long Iain under sentence of excommunication, is since dis
charged ; and we have no account of any Friend com
mitted to prison since last year.
And, dear Friends, when we observe the undue liberties
and disorderly practices of too many under our profession,
and especially of the younger sort of people, we can
do no less than caution all parents' and heads of families,
who have themselves in any measure experienced the
cleansing virtue of the good Word of God, and of the

310
powers of the world to come to purify their own hearts,
and preserve them from the evils which abound among man
kind; to be peculiarly careful of their own conduct, that
they may, by example, as well as precept, excite and encou
rage their children and families to walk in the ways of Truth
and holiness, and to follow them as they follow Christ; that
they be frequently concerned to seek the Lord on behalf of
their offspring and families, that they may come to know the
God of their fathers to be their God, and be enabled to
continue stedfast in their testimony for him, become instru
mental in his hand to celebrate the praises of his holy name,
and to magnify and exalt the power and efficacy of his
Truth from one generation to another.
And, dear Friends, we tenderly exhort and beseech you,
that you look well to your own selves, and watch over your
own spirits, lest any of you lose that sense of life which you
have formerly witnessed, and become slack and remiss in
performing the duties you owe to your children and families,
of frequently calling them together, and waiting upon God
with them, that you may know your spirits tendered, and
engaged in love to administer unto them proper advices re
specting their duties to God, to you, one towards another,
and to the world in general. As this holy care shall rest
upon you, your lives and conversations will shine before
men, and your sobriety, justice, moderation, and integrity
will effectually recommend the testimonies you are called
to maintain. We further find ourselves, dearly beloved brethren,
earnestly concerned to remind you of another token of de
generacy too visible among us ; viz. A negligence of attend
ing our appointed meetings for worship, both on the First
days and other days of the week. A neglect which calls
for seasonable reproof, and a pressing exhortation, that a
religious concern of attending all your meetings, and espe
cially of your Week day Meetings, may grow, increase,
and become more general : this we recommend as tho
proper means of renewing your strength, and as suitable
opportunities of abstracting your thoughts from the hurries
and incumbrances of worldly affairs, and of habituating
your minds to a serious meditation on heavenly things,

311
And, dear Friends, let not the smallness of your numbers
discourage you from constantly attending those Meetings,
in as much as the words of Christ remain unchangeably true
and stedfast, " Where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt, xviii. 20.)
And as your affections come to be set on things that are
above, your delight will be in frequent retirement from
the world, its trade and concerns, and your chiefest care
will be to lay up treasure in heaven, secure from the reach
of corruption and disappointment ; and then, where your
treasure is, there will your hearts be also ; but, on the
contrary, it hath been justly observed, that where remissness
and neglect of attending meetings for worship hath pre
vailed, it hath been too often an inlet to further declension,
and an introducer of such other undue liberties as truth and
its guidance do by no means admit of.
And further, brethren, we caution you against resorting
to places of public diversions, unnecessary frequenting of
taverns and alehouses, and mixing yourselves in such com
pany and conversation, as hath a manifest tendency to cor
rupt your hearts, and draw them aside from that steady and
religious concern, and reverent awe, which continually
dwell upon the minds of true Christians. We also espe
cially warn you to beware of the too frequent use of spiri
tuous liquors, and intemperance of every kind ; but let
your behaviour and conduct in all respects be such, as that
your moderation may be known unto all men. (Phil.
iv. 5.)
And, dear Friends, abide in humility, let neither the ap
parel of your persons, nor the furniture of your houses,
carry with them any appearance of contradiction to the
plainness of your profession ; but let such of you as are
blessed with the affluence of outward things, freely and
liberally administer of your abundance, to the relief and
assistance of your brethren who stand in need, that you
may be " rich in good works," discharge your stewardship
with fidelity," and lay up in store for yourselves " a good
foundation against the time to come." (I Tim. vi. 18, 19.)
But, we beseech you, brethren, stand upon your guard
against the love of this wforld, and the deceitfulness of

312
riches ; the nature of which is to choke the good seed, and
to render men unfruitful. An eager pursuit after the
grandeur of this world, is a certain token of earthly mind-
edness ; and those who mind earthly things, are represented
by the apostle Paul as " enemies of the cross of Christ."
The beloved disciple of our Lord also expresly assures us,
that " if any man love the world, the love of the Father is
not in him." (1 John, ii. 15.) A resolution to be rich hath
destroyed many. " They that will be rich," saith the apostle,
"faU into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdi
tion. For the love of money is the root of all evil ; which
while some have coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
(1 Tim. vi. 9, 10.) This hath been verified in the ruinous
consequences of an earthly ambitious spirit, pushing men
forward, in the pursuit of greatness, upon hazardous at
tempts, which have too often issued in the fall and ruin of
themselves and families, the reproach of the society, and
great loss to others ; some of whom, probably, have placed
the more confidence in them for the sake of their profession
of selfdenial, which, had they really practised, would have
prevented the fatal effects of their covetous and ambitious
undertakings. Wherefore we intreat Friends, in their
Monthly Meetings everywhere, to be properly watchful
one over another, and early to caution all against running
beyond their depth, and entangling themselves in a greater
multiplicity of trade and business than they can extricate
themselves from with honour and reputation. And, where
any shall proceed in opposition to such advice and counsel
of their Brethren, let them in due time be dealt with ac
cording to former advices of this Meeting.
And, dear Brethren, as the accounts We yearly receive of
the removal hence of many of our faithful Friends are
fresh memorials to us, that the time of our pilgrimage in
this world is also of a short continuance, and very uncer
tain, it behoveth us to " pass the time of our Sojourning here
in fear;" (1 Pet. i. 17,) for to every one of us the saying
of the aposUe is justiy applicable, the " end of all things is
at hand ; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.''

313
(1 Pet. V. 7.) Let us humble ourselves under the mighty
hand of God, and, in a deep and lowly sense of our own
frailties and infirmities, ever retain in remembrance that
" all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower
of the grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof
falleth away ; but the word of the Lord endureth for ever.
(1 Pet. i. 24, 25.)
Now, unto the Lord our God, for the continuance of his
gracious visitation unto us, his poor, weak, and unworthy
creatures, let us, in a deep and reverent sense of his un
speakable mercy and ' goodness, unite with humble and
grateful hearts in ascribing glory, thanksgiving, and praise,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In brotherly love we again tenderly salute you, and
heartily bid you farewell.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
, JEREMIAH WARING,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1755.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the I9th of the Fifth Month, 1755, to the 24th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear and well Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE greet you in Christian love, the bond of church
communion, wherein every living member of the
body or church of Christ stands united unto Him, its Holy
Head, and hath fellowship with him, and one with another :
which fellowship, or church communion, is excellently re
presented, by the apostle Paul, under the similitude of a
natural body, when he says, as " we have many members in
one body, and all members have not the same office ; so we,
being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members
pne of another." (Rom. xii. 4, 5.)

314
Wherefore, brethren, we beseech you, as members of
one body, " let brotherly love continue ;" and in the exer
cise thereof, without dissimulation, let everv one, according
to the gift given him of God, and the proportion of faith
received, be found in his proper office in the church of
Christ, following "after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify one another." (Rom. xiv. 19.)
Thus abiding in love, and coming up in our several
places and stations, we may be made instrumental in the
hand of God for the propagation of his Truth on the earth,
and, by an exemplary life and conversation, may manifest
ourselves to be, in deed and in truth, " the children of
light, and the children of the day :" in order whereunto,
we recommend you to a state of continual watchfulness.
Let us, we earnestly intreat you, Brethren, under the
present circumstances of outward ease and liberty in mat
ters of religion, which God in his mercy hath influenced
the King and parliament to continue to these nations,
beware of indulging ourselves, and of sitting down at rest,
or falling asleep, in a state of indolence and carnal secu
rity ; but let us rather consider this day of outward free
dom and tranquillity as a day of imminent danger, wherein
our " adversary the devil," restrained from devouring " as a
roaringlion," is incessantly exercisingliis wiles and subtilety
as a serpent, to beguile and seduce us into a lukewarm and
indifferent condition in matters of religion, and a snpineness
and negligence in that great and most important concern of
our souls' salvation.
The numerous snares of this subtle enemy being adapted
to every age and circumstance of human life, make it every
man's indispensible duty to be always upon his guard ; let
us therefore continually keep in mind the precept of our
Saviour, " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tempta
tion." (Mat. xxvi. 41.)
In this dangerous state of temptation we exhort you,
Brethren, above all things, to give attention to, and have
your dependence on, the Spirit of Christ, the Word of
divine wisdom, the universal teacher, the only searcher of
every secret thought, and discerner of the intents of the
heart,

315
As you come up in faithful obedience to the requirings
of this inward and immediate teacher in yourselves, you
cannot fail of having a due regard to the exhortations and
advices of those, whom the same spirit shall excite in love
to minister unto you. Such as these you will have in esteem,
and regard as coworkers with that universal grace and
good Spirit of God, to the secret dictates of which in your
own hearts, you experience their testimonies to be corres
pondent. And, dear brethren, as at other times, so now again, in
much aflection, we exhort you often to retire inwardly, in
great humility of mind, and selfabasement, to the Lord our
God, the Father and fountain of all our mercies, who gives
strength to his poor depending children, that have no power
nor might of their own.
And, dear Friends, be mindful to attend your religious
meetings at the times appointed, and labour diligently to
have your minds gathered to the gift of divine grace in
your own hearts, that so you may witness a profiting by
your coming together. Wherefore assemble yourselves in
fear, and hold your meetings in an awful, humble, and
reverent frame of spirit, considering yourselves as under
the inspection of His allseeing eye, who penetrates into
the inmost recesses of men's hearts, and from whom nothina:
can be hid.
Thus shall the offerings of broken hearts and contrite
spirits, in your solemn assemblies, ascend as sweet incense,
acceptable to the Lord, who continueth to shew of his sal
vation to all such as are devoted in soul to follow him
faithfully in his holy requirings. But, Brethren, let us
beware, lest, like the ungrateful and degenerate Jews of
old, our offerings, through disobedience and insincerity,
become unsavoury, and rejected of him, who is of " purer
eyes than to behold evil," and who cannot " look on
iniquity" with approbation.
And, dear Friends, as such a solid concern and reverent
awe shall prevail upon and influence your spirits in religious
meetings, you will experience the meditations of your
hearts so far exercised, and fixed on things of a spiritual
nature, as that, on your departure thence, you wiU not be

316
easily nor presently drawn aside into any conversation about
earthly and temporal affairs ; which, to a soUl thus rightly
concerned and influenced, will, at such a time, compara
tively, appear altogether trifling and insignificant.
Moreover, Brethren, we beseech you, in your ordinary
conversation among men, let your words be few and savoury,
and observe the precept of the apostle, " Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth ;" so may your
good example, and the gravity and circumspection of your
conduct and behaviour, minister matter of just rebuke to
those who know not a bridle to their tongues, and who
seem not sufficiently aware, that, " in the multitude of
words, there wanteth not sin." (Prov. x, 19.)
And the youth amongst us, we, in tender love, exhort to
bear the yoke of Christ, and to submit to his cross ; by
which they may come to witness a crucifying of " the flesh,
with the affections and lusts" thereof; and may experience,
through the effectual operations of his Spirit, the blood of
Christ, to purge their " conscience from dead works to serve
the living God." (Heb. ix. 14.)
And, dearly beloved, we earnestly intreat such of you as
are parents, weightily to consider the importance of the
charge committed to your trust, respecting your offspring;
and that it is your incumbent duty to exert your utmost en
deavours to " bring them up in the nurture and admonition
ofthe Lord." (Ephes. vi. 4.) Your first and principal care,
in regard to them, should be to instil into their tender
minds the remembrance of their creator in the days of
their youth ; in order whereto it behoveth you, with all
earnestness of affection, early to instruct them, that " the
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ;" and to
impart unto them such Christian experiences as you have
had of the gracious dealings of the Lord towards you, in
the course of your pilgrimage through the troubles and
afflictions of this short and uncertain life; and that it is
the blessing of God alone which maketh truly rich, and
adds no sorrow with it. (Prov. x. 22.)
This religious method of education was prescribed by
Moses, the man of God, to the people of Israel, when he
isaid, (Deut. vi. 6, 7,) " These 'words which I command thee

317
this day, shall be in thine heart ; and thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the
way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
And, dear Friends, let those amongst you who have sub
stance in this world, endeavour, while in health, to dispose
thereof, and settle it in such manner as may best prevent
strife, contentions, or law suits, after their decease. And
let your bequests of outward riches to your posterity be
accompanied with a due regard to that necessary apostolic
caution, " Charge them that are rich in this world, that they
be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches ; but in the
living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." (1
Tim. vi. 17.)
But, Brethren,beware of "covetousness, whichis idolatry."
(Col. iii. 5.) An eager desire after riches hath ruined many,
by pushing them in the pursuit of it upon dangerous at
tempts, which, when successful, bring at most but an
earthly, fading, transitory, and corruptible enjoyment; but,
when unsuccessful, have been attended with the utter loss
and ruin of many persons and their families ; the numerous
instances of which, have been matter of exceeding grief
and sorrow of heart to the truly religious and conscientious
among us.
And we likewise find a renewed concern upon our minds
to warn you, who have run into the corrupt customs and
vain fashions of the world, in speech, habit, behaviour, or
furniture, to consider how inconsistent they are with the
teachings of that holy principle wherewith you have been
visited, as well as directly opposite to the teachings and
conduct of those, whom divine goodness was pleased to
make instrumental to turn many of our ancestors out ofthe
practice of these things, into a life and behaviour agreeable
to the doctrine and example of a crucified Saviour; which
plainness and selfdenial is yet consistent with the religious
principles of our Society, and is often found to be the con
cern of the true and faithful ministers of this day to call to
the observation of, though too much overlooked and slighted
by many.
And you, who are parents, or masters, be diligent in fre-

318
quently reading the Holy Scriptures, advising and exhort
ing your children and servants to the same : and carefully
keep them from reading corrupt and unprofitable books,
which tend to alienate the mind from true religion, and
from that humble and attentive waiting upon the principle
of life and virtue, by which alone they can be established.
Moreover, brethren, we think it needful to remind you
of standing fast in your ancient and Christian testimony
against the payment of tithes, and all other methods of
contributing to the support of an hireling ministry, lest we
be found in the practice of upholding those things which
the testimony of Truth led our worthy ancients through
manifold sufferings to oppose.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from England and Wales, amount to two thousand nine
hundred and seventy five pounds and upwards ; and those
from Ireland to fifteen hundred and ninety pounds and
upwards, making together above the sum of four thousand
five hundred and sixty five pounds ; which are mostly for
tithes, and those called church-rates. It doth not appear
that any Friend hath been committed to prison for his tes
timony since last year ; nor are any of those, Avho were
then under confinement, yet discharged.
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, Edinburgh,
Aberdeen, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for New-Eng
land, Long-Island for New- York, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
Maryland, North and South Carolina, we are informed of
the welfare of Friends in general, and that there is an
openness yet subsisting among many others for hearing the
testimony of Truth declared ; from whence such of our
Friends in the ministry as shall find a necessity upon them
of visiting those places, have reasonable ground of hope
that their labours therein may have some degree of service
and success.
We have great cause to be bowed in deep humility and
gratitude to the Lord our God, the great master of all our
religious assemblies, for the continuance of his unspeakable
mercy and goodness to us, in that he hath, in a very eminent
inauner, overshadowed this our annual Meeting with his

319
lifegiving presence and power, wherein the great name of
our God hath been adored, and the weighty affairs of the
church transacted in a spirit of true brotherly love and con
descension. Finally, brethren. Live in ]o\e, " and the God of love
and peace shall be with you ;" for, as the beloved disciple
ofour Lord assures us, " God is love; and he that dwelleth
in love, dwelleth in God." (1 John, iv. 16.) To which only
secure habitation of the church and people of God we re
commend you ; ascribing to him, the Father of all our
mercies, for his manifold blessings and favours, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord, the sacrifice of praise and thanks
giving, whereof he alone is worthy, now, henceforth, and
frr evermore. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1756.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 7th of the Sixth Month, 1756, to the 12th of the same, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a reverent and thankful sense ofthe enjoyment ofthe
love of God, which ever abideth with his church and
people, uniting them to Christ their " head, from which all
the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment mi
nistered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of
God," (Colos. ii. 19,) we most tenderly and affectionately
salute you ; with earnest desires and supplications to the
God and Father of all our mercies, that we may be pre
served in integrity of faith, and dependence on him alone,
who is a neverfailing protector of those who put their trust
in him ; a present help in every time of trouble, and an

320
assured safeguard unto all who place their only hope of
refuge under the covert of his wing.
Blessed be the name of the Lord our God, who, in this
our annual assembly, hath mercifully vouchsafed to favour
us with a participation of that peace, which our blessed
Lord and Saviour not only gave for the consolation of his
mournful disciples before his leaving the world ; but where
with, according to his promise, he continueth even to this
day, by his Holy Spirit, to refresh and comfort the panting
souls of the weary and heavy laden ; to support the spirits
of the meek and lowly in heart, under the pressures and
afflictions wherewith he is pleased to prove their faith and
patience, in their passage through this vale of tears ; to con
duct them safely through the dangers, snares, and tempta
tions of this present evil world ; to enable them to live to
the praise ofthe glory of his grace, while here; and, in the
end, to receive them into his heavenly kingdom of everlast
ing rest and peace hereafter.
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Bri
tain, Ireland, Virginia, Rhode-Island for New-England,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New-York, Amsterdam,
and Tortola, and by the verbal relation of a Friend lately
returned from his religious visit to America, we have com
fortable accounts of an openness continuing in many places,
to hear the testimony of Truth declared ; which gives a rea
sonable ground of encouragement for such as are concerned
to travel in the work of the ministry, to be faithful therein ;
and to hope, that, in due time, their labours may be
crowned with success.
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from England and Wales, is two thousand seven hundred
and sixty six pounds and upwards; and of those brought in
from Ireland, one thousand three hundred and eighty seven
pounds and upwards ; making together four thousand one
hundred and fifty three pounds and upwards ; being prin
cipally for non-payment of tithes and those called church-
rates. The two friends who were prisoners last year have
been since discharged.
And, dear Friends, as Ave understand that in some places

321
Friends are remiss in bringing in the accounts of their suf
ferings for tithes, and have reason to believe, that, in others,
some unfaithfulness doth appear, in regard to maintain
ing our ancient testimony against that antichristian yoke;
we earnestly beseech and exhort those who are deficient in
this important point, seriously to consider the doctrine of
the New Testament herein, and how contrary a forced
maintenance is to the nature of the Gospel dispensation,
and to the express precept of our Saviour, " Freely ye have
received, freely give." (Matt, x, 8,)
And, dearly beloved, as the voice of the righteous judg
ments of God is an awakening voice, and as the prophet
hath declared, that, when his "judgments are in the earth,
the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness ;"
(Isa. xxvi, 9,) let every one be thoroughly awakened to a
deep and weighty consideration of their ways, and be seri
ously exercised in self-examination ; and, to assist in so
necessary a work, we earnestly recommend the advices given
in our epistle of the year 1752, viz.
" Dear Friends,
" When we call to remembrance the fervent zeal, faith
and constancy of our worthy elders and predecessors in the
Truth, who, through manifold sufferings, were enabled to
bear a faithful testimony to the purity and spirituality of
the Gospel dispensation, an earnest desire is raised in us,
that we, who succeed them in the same profession, may be
excited to foUow their example : in order whereunto,- we
recommend to every particular member of our Society a
strict and serious self-examination, whether we are really
concerned for the glory of God, and the honour of his
name? Are our hearts united unto him, and one unto
another ? Do we live answerably to the principles of our
profession? Do we walk as becometh the followers
of Christ? Do we not depart from the testimonies of
Truth, or the known doctrines of his Gospel, through
fear of penalties enacted by human laws? Do we, in our
conversation among men, live in the practice of Christian
humility and selfdenial?* Doth our light so shine , before
men, that others, seeing our good works, , may glorify our
Father which is in heaven? (Mat. v. 16.) Upon such an
X

322
impartial inquiry into ourselves, let every particular of us
hearken and " hear what God the Lord will speak ; for he
will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints ; but let
them not turn again to folly." (Psalm, Ixxxv. 8.) But if,
upon such a solemn search, any of us shall find that we
have declined from the testimonies borne by our faithful
predecessors ; that we have gone astray, and been too re
miss in our conduct and conversation ; that we have beeu
top conformable to the customs and manners of the world,
and have not walked according to the plainness and purity
ofour profession ; let us humble ourselves before the Lord,
and turn unto Him with all our hearts, who is longsuffering
and gracious, and delighteth in mercy; who reconcileth the
penitent, healeth their backslidings, is the repairer of the
breach, and the restorer of paths to walk in. (Isa. Iviii. 12.)
Such an holy care and watchfulness in every particular over
himself, will be greatly conducive to a general love and
unity, to the confirming and strengthening our churchfel-
lowship and communion, and to the making us one another's
joy in the Lord."
And, dear Friends, as our worthy elders clearly saw that
Gospel worship could not be limited to any set forms or
times of man's appointment; nor was their fear toward
God " taught by the precept of men ;" so were they consci
entiously concerned in a religious dissent from formal, cere
monious, and customary injunctions of that kind. A devi
ation from their example is cause of grief, as it seems plain
unto us, that the practice of our elders was agreeable to
the doctrine of the Gospel, and to the practice and precepts
of Christ and his apostles. Wherefore we beseech you,
brethren, " let us hold fast the profession of our faith with
out wavering ;" (Heb. x. 23,) " for (saith the apostle) he that
wavereth, is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind
and tossed." (James, i. 6.) But let us, who are made par
takers of Christ, " hold the beginning of our confidence
steadfast unto the end." (Heb. iii. 14.)
Let us, we earnestly beseech you, brethren, constantly
dwell under a truly conscientious and religious concern,^
that, in all our dealings among men, we be strictly just and
honest, and that the whole course of our conduct and con-^

323
versation in this world may demonstrate, that we are indeed
and in truth the sincere and humble followers and disciples
of our Lord and master Jesus Christ, who "suffered for us,
leaving us an example that we should follow his steps ; who
did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth ; who,
when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered,
he threatened not ; but committed himself to him that
judgeth righteously." (1 Pet. ii. 21, 22, 23.) By thus follow
ing the great example of our Lord, in justice, meekness,"
and patience, we may most effectually demonstrate that
we are in him ; and, saith the apostle John, " He that
saith he abideth in hira, ought himself also so to walk,
even as he walked." (1 John, ii. 6.)
" Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind : be sober,
and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought
unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, as obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance ; but, as he which hath called yoU is
holy, so be-ye holy in all manner of conversation." (1 Peter,
i. 13, 14, 15.)
As we profess to be of the flock of Christ, who saith,
" My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow
me ;" (John x. 27,) let us, therefore, by hearing his voice,
and following his call, manifest to others the truth and sin
cerity of our profession ; and that he is indeed our shepr
herd, who hath called us unto glory and virtue : he hath
called us to deny ourselves ; to take up our cross, and fol
low him. He teacheth us, that " denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present worid." (Titus, ii. 12.)
In order whereunto, we recommend you, with ourselves,
to the leading and direction of his grace and good Spirit^
which he hath given to " guide you into all truth." (John,
xvi. IS.)
Blessed be his Holy Name, who, under the gracious guid
ance of his heavenly Spirit, hath enabled us to hold this
our annual assemby in peace and tranquillity, and hath not
suffered the evil spirit of strife, contention, and discord to
have any admission or entrance thereinto.
We condude this epistle with the words of the apostie :

324
" The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal
glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,^
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Pet.
V. 10, 11.)
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FRY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1757.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 30lh of the Fifth Month, 1757, to the 4th of the Sixth Month,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the fellowship of the Gospel of our blessed Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, we most tenderly and affection
ately salute you; desiring that grace, mercy, and peace may
be multiplied amongst the churches of Christ everywhere,
to their mutual comfort and edification.
It is with humble and thankful hearts that we acknow
ledge the gracious regard of the Lord our God continued
to his church and people, of which he has been mercifully
pleased to give evident tokens in the course of this our
solemn meeting, and whereby we have been enabled to
transact the weighty affairs thereof in much brotherly love
and condescension.
By accounts brought in from the several Quarterly Meet
ings, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, Long-Island for
New- York, Pennsylvania and New- Jersey, Maryland, Vir
ginia, North and'South Carolina, and Tortola ; as also by
the verbal account of a Friend lately returned from a reli
gious visit to the churches in America, we have received
many comfortable relations of the prosperity of Truth,

325
through the renewal of our Heavenly Father's visitation,
drawing the spirits of his people, of the rising generation
especially, into an holy conformity to his blessed will.
Some instances of convincement have lately appeared, and
a disposition seems to prevail amongst persons, lof various
professions in religion, to hear the testiuiony of Truth de
clared. The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from Eng
land and Wales, amount to two thousand nine hundred and
ninety three pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland
to one thousand seven hundred and ten pounds and upwards;
being mostiy for tithes and church-rates so called. We
tenderly remind the present generation with what holy zeal
and steady resolution our ancient brethren, in order that
they might preserve a conscience void of offence towards
God, maintained a faithful testimony, even to the loss of
their lives, against antichristian impositions.
We observe, with great satisfaction, from the accounts
received, that Friends are generally careful not to defraud
the King in any branch of his revenue, nor to deal in goods
clandestinely imported. We most earnestly exhort the
same care may be continued with the utmost diligence, and
that Friends keep clear of purchasing any such goods,
either for sale or private use, from motives of gratitude to
the government, and justice to our fellow subjects. For
though we cannot, for conscience sake, actively comply with
some things enjoined by human laws, yet the principles
we profess, as well as the Holy Scriptures, require that we
should " render to Caesar the things that are Cae-ar's," and
be punctual in the payment of every tribute which we can
justly do, without acting in opposition to that sacred illu
mination bestowed upon us by the Father of lights, not
only to teach, but also to enable us to perform every duty
with uprightness and integrity, both to God find lo those
who, in the course of his providence, are placed in autho
rity. It having been weightily under the consideration of this
Meeting to discourage ail under our profession from that
great inconsistency of being concerned in privateers, letters
of marque, or ships armed in a warlike manner, we thinly

326
it necessary very earnestly to recommend to all Quarterly
and Monthly Meetings, to keep a watchful ?ye over their
members in this important branch of our Christian testi
mony ; and where any inclination towards such practices
appears, that timely admonition and suitable counsel be
given in the spirit of love and meekness.
And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased the Almighty to
reveal unto mankind his Son Jesus Christ, the peaceable
Saviour, let it be our steady concern to demonstrate to the
World that we are his followers, by bringing forth the
fruits of the Spirit, " love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentle
ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Gal. v. 22,
23.) And as we are called out of wars and fightings, so let
them be, as seldom as possible, the subjects ofour conversa
tion; but let a holy care rest upon us, to abide in that
power which gives dominion over the hopes and fears that
arise from the concerns of an unstable world ; and tend, as
they are admitted into the mind, to lessen its trust on that
rock which is iraraoveable. Thus, like faithful Abraham,
may we hope for preservation, and be qualified to approach
the throne of mercy in intercession for others, at a time
when the tokens of divine displeasure are manifest. Let
us keep in mind that declaration of our Lord, " My king
dom is not of this world ;" for they whose kingdom is of
this world, will only strive for the things thereof. There
fore, we beseech you, mind your calling, that it may be
evident you are not seeking a city here, but one to come,
which hath everlasting " foundations, whose builder and
maker is God," (Heb. xi. 10.)
We think it incumbent upon us, in this time of severity,
particularly to impress it upon our brethren to open their
hearts and hands freely, for the relief of the poor and
needy of all denominations : those in affluence especially
ought ever to bear in mind, that none are intrusted with
riches that they may indulge themselves in pleasures, or for
the gratification of luxury, ambition, or yain glory ; but to
do good, and to communicate thereof; by which the afflic
tions of the distressed will be mitigated, and even outward
substance rendered a means of laying up a good foundation
against the time to come : for " he that hath pity upon the

327
poor, lendeth to the Lord ; and that which he hath given,
will he pay him again." (Prov. xix. 17.)
As the descendents of our worthy ancestors, who bore the
burden in the heat of the day, are very near and dear to us •
so it is with anxious concern we observe the lamentable
declension and departure of many from that noble simpli
city which dignified their predecessors. We earnestly re
commend to all parents to abide under the cross of Christ
that they may be enabled, both by example and precept, to
manifest a diligent care to bring up their offspring in the
nurture and admonition ofthe Lord> ^nd as it dioth please
the God and Father of all our mercies, often to touqh their
tender minds with a sense of his goodness, and raise desires
in them to become his children, such disposition should be
cherished as much as possible, and nothing promoted in
them by which, submission to the power of the cross pf
Christ will be rendered more difficult ; for this they must
endure, in order to be crucified to the vanities and follies of
this world, if ever they are happily brought into the way
that leads to the kingdom of God. And the time will come,
when it will be very grievous to such parents, whp, by
wrong indulgence, or evil example, have been a means to
burden the souls of their children in this respect.
It is therefore the weighty concern of this Meeting to
intreat all parents and guardians of children, solidly to
consider the importance of the charge committed to them ;
and that it is their indispensible duty, early to direct their
tender minds and affections to the choice of sobriety, virtue,
and true godliness ; and to represent to them the uncer
tainty and emptiness of all temporal delights, as well as the
certain sorrow which will inevitably overtake evil iloers,
and those who forget God.
We salute you in the love ofthe Gospel : Peace be to the
brethren, and love, with faith from God the Father, and
the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with them that love our
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. (Ephes. vi. 24.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FREETH, -
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

328
EPISTLE, 1758.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the I5th of the Fifth Month, 1758, to the 20th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the spring of true Gospel fellowshio, which spreads,
in divine love, to the whole flock and family of God,
wherever scattered, we most tenderly and affectionately
salute you ; with earnest prayers to the Father of mercies
for your preservation and increase in the living and eternal
Truth. We are bound, in deep humility, reverently to acknow
ledge, that we have been eniinently favoured, in this our
annual asserably, with the virtue of that unction from the
Holy One, which is the fundamental principle and life of
our religion, and the crown of our meetings ; by the help
whereof, affairs have been conducted in much brotherly
love and condescension, to our great satisfaction, and to the
praise of our gracious God, who, with the Lord Jesus
Christ, is worthy of dominion and glory, worship and
obedience, for ever and ever.
By advices from the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings in
England, and by Epistles frora Wales, Scotland, Ireland,
Holland, New- York, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina,
Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey; and also by the verbal
relation of two F^riends lately returned from .^raenca., we
have comfortable accounts of the prosperity of Friends in
the Truth in various parts, especially among the youth ; who
we desire may be encouraged to keep their ranks in right
eousness, that they riiay faithfully succeed, and fill the
places of the many valuable Friends whom divine provi
dence hath been pleased to remove from works to rewards.
Some convincement hath appeared since last year.
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year

329
from the counties in England and Wales, being principally
for tithes and church-rates so called, is three thousand two
hundred and sixty seven pounds and upwards ; and those
from Ireland, one thousand six hundred and seventy nine
pounds and upwards.
And, dear Friends, let us ever keep in remembrance, that
it is under the immediate teaching and influence of the
Holy Spirit that all acceptable worship is performed, and all
true Gospel ministry supplied ; that this pure and powerful
influence, in vessels sanctified and prepared by the divine
hand, is the essential qualification to that work ; that as the
gift is divine, the service is freely and faithfully to be dis
charged, without any view to reward from man ; and there
fore, should we voluntarily, either by open or collusive
means, contribute to the maintenance of such as preach for
hire, we should be guilty of inconsistency in practice, bv
supporting, as ministers of Christ, those whom we do not
believe to be sent by him, and upholding them in a conduct
contrary to his command, which is, " Freely ye have received,
freely give." (Mat. x. 8.) And this practical opposition to
his Gospel law we cannot but look upon as denying him
before men, and therefore, in us, antichristian.
As the same occasion continues, we find it our concern to
repeat the following advice from our last Year's Epistle ;
viz. " It having been weightily under the consideration of
this Meeting to discourage all under our profession from
that great inconsistency of being concerned in privateers,
letters of marque, or ships armed in a warlike manner, we
think it necessary very earnestly to recommend to all
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings to keep a watchful eye
over their members, in this important branch of our Chris
tian testimony; and where any inclination towards such
practices appears, that timely admonition and suitable
counsel be given in the spirit of love and meekness.
" And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased the Almighty to
reveal unto mankind his Son Christ Jesus, the peaceable
Saviour, let it lie our steady concern to demonstrate to the
world that we are his followers, by bringing forth the fruits
of the Spirit, ' love, joy, peace, long suffeting, gentleness.

330
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.' (Gal. v. 22, 23.)
" And as we are called out of wars and fightings, so let
them be, as seldom as possible, the subjects of our conver
sation ; but let a holy care rest upon us, 'to abide in that
power which gives dominion over the hopes and fears that
arise from the concerns of an unstable world, and tend, as
they are admitted into the mind, to lessen its trust on that
rock which is immoveable. Thus, like faithful Abraham,
may we hope for preservation, and be qiialified to approach
the throne of mercy in intercession for others, at a time when
the tokens of divine displeasure are manifest. Let us keep
in mind that declaration of our Lord, ' My kingdom is not
of this world ;' (John, xviii. 36,) for they whose kingdom
is of this world, will only strive for the things thereof.
Therefore we beseech you mind your calling, that it
may be evident you are not seeking a city here, but
one to come, which hath everlasting ' foundations, whose
builder and maker is God.' (Heb. xi. 10.)"
We also fervently warn all in profession with us, that
they be careful to avoid being any way concerned in reaping
the unrighteous profits arising from that iniquitous practice
of dealing in negroes and other slaves ; whereby, in the
original purchase, one man selleth another, as he doth the
beast that perishes, without any better pretension to a pro
perty in him, than that of superior force ; in direct violation
ofthe Gospel rule, which teacheth every one to do as
they would be done by, and to " do good" unto all ; being
the reverse of that covetous disposition, which furnishes
encouragement to those poor ignorant people to perpetuate
their savage wars, in order to supply the demands of this
most unnatural traffick, whereby great numbers of mankind,
free by nature, are subjected to inextricable bondage ; and
which hath often been observed, to fill their possessors with
haughtiness, tyranny, luxury, and barbarity, corrupting the
minds, and debasing the morals of their children, to the
unspeakable prejudice of religion and virtue, and the exclu
sion of that Holy Spirit of universal love, meekness, and
charity, which is the unchangeable nature, and the glory,
of true Christiaqily. We therefore can do no less, th<ui.

331
with the greatest earnestness, impress it upon Friends
everywhere, that they endeavour to keep their hands clear
of this unrighteous gain of oppression.
.It has been the frequent concern of this Meeting, bv
former advices, to press all parents, guardians, and heads
of families, to a strict watch over the conduct and behaviour
of their children, servants, and the youth under their care :
and, in order that they themselves may be properly qualified
to discharge' so great and necessary a duty, we earnestly re
commend, that in whatsoever relation they stand to the
rising generation, they be very circumspect and exemplary
in every particular of their own conduct, and be fully given
up in faithful obedience to the manifestations of light and
grace received, whereby they will be enabled to advise and
reprove with proper authority ; and to restrain those under
them from all superfluous and hurtful thing.s, which may
be in their power to prevent. And it is incumbent upon
such parents and others to consider, that if, through inat
tention or unfaithfulness, they indulge, connive at, or tacitly
encourage the deviation of the youth from the paths of
purity and holiness, notwithstanding indifference and ^ke-
warmness may so far prevail as to lull them asleep for a
season ; yet an awakening time will overtake them, wherein
the loss sustained by the youth through their neglect, may,
in a great measure, be charged to their account.
Notwithstanding the frequent and earnest advices of
this Meeting, for promoting the diligent attendance of
meetings for the worship of Almighty God, on the First
and other days, of the week, we sorrowfulfy observe in
divers places, too great a remissness therein, especially in
the latter. We therefore tenderly exhort such as through
fear of neglecting their temporal concerns, or other consi
derations, are kept from a due attendance of these meetings,
seriously to consider that gracious promise left upon record,
" Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ;
and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mat. vi. 33.)
Some of us having to testify, by blessed experience, that
our outward affairs have not suffered by giving up our
time the few hours set apart for religious worship ; but, on

332
the contrary, our minds have been thereby greatly strength
ened to come up with propriety in the duties we owe to
God, to our families, and to all mankind.
Let us call to remembrance the zeal of our honourable
/predecessors, who, when they had great reason to expect
they should be driven into noisome and pestilential prisons,
sent into banishment, or subjected to other grievous suffer
ings, for meeting together on no other account but to
worship God according to their consciences ; yet, in the
strength of that holy faiih and love which supported them
in suffering, they failed not constantly to keep up their
meetings, at the hazard of all, and expence of many of their
lives, liberties, and properties.
In a thankful sense of the goodness of God, we salute
you throughout all the churches; breathing in spirit, that
the holy dew may rest upon your minds, and make you
fi"uitful to every good word and work.
"Grace be unto you, and peace from Him, which is, and
which was, and which is to come ; and from Jesus
Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the prince of
the kings ofthe earth ;" to whom with the Father be
glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Signed in and onbehalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
GILBERT THOMPSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1759.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 4th of the Sixth Month, 1759, to the 9th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear and well Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in our Lord Jesus Christ, with love
unfeigned; earnestly desiring, that iri all your
meetings you may be edified and comforted in a sense of

333
his divine presence, and may be preserved in all holiness of
life, and godliness of conversation, to the praise of Him
who hath called you to glory and virtue.
We have been greatly refreshed under an awful and
tender sense of the goodness of God, communicated to us
in this our large and solemn assembly ; by the assistance
whereof, we have been enabled to transact the weighty
affairs before us in much brotherly love and unity: in con
sideration of which, w,e are deeply bowed in thankfulness
to the God of all grace, to worship and adore him ; who,
with the Lord Jesus Christ, is worthy of praise, dominion,
and glory, for ever and ever.
By the accounts received from the several Quarterly
Meetings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North
Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island and New-Eng
land, New- York, Pennsylvania and New- Jersey, Virginia,
Maryland, North and South Carolina, Barbadoes, and
Tortola ; and also by a Friend lately returned from a reli
gious visit to Friends on the continent of America, we
have comfortable information that love and unity are gene
rally preserved ; that the precious visitation of divine life
continues with freshness amongst many, especially of the
youth ; and that some have been added to the church since
our last account.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from
England and Wales, being chiefly for tithes and those called
church-rates, araount to two thousand eight hundred and
thirty nine pounds and upwards ; and those from Ireland
to one thousand five hundred and sixty five pounds and
upwards. One Friend, in the course of last year, was com
mitted to prison, for his Christian testimony against tithes ;
and although he was discharged by a supersedeas, yet, from
the rough usage he met with by those employed to take him
up, joined to his other bodily weakness and infirmities, he
could not be safely removed, but soon after departed this
IJfe in prison, aged about ninety seven years.
And, dear Friends, it seems incumbent upon us to repeat
our exhortation to faithfulness, in supporting our testimony
against the antichristian yoke of tithes : and we intreat,
that ajl who suffer, either upon that account, or for any

334
other demands inconsistent with the principles of Truth,
may demonstrate, by their whole conduct and conversation,
that they really suffer for conscience sake ; and keep close
to the guidance of that good Spirit, which will preserve in
meekness and quiet resignation under every trial; for if
resentment should arise against those whom you may look
upon as the instruments of your sufferings, it will deprive
you of the reward of faithfulness, give just occasion of of
fence, and bring dishonour to the cause of Truth. Cavilling,
or casting reflections upon any, because ofour sufferings, do
not become the servants of Christ, whose holy example
and footsteps we ought in all things faithfully to follow.
And this Meeting being sorrowfully aftected with the
consideration of a grer.t defection ia some among us from
the practice of justice and morality ; divers of whom, from
negligence, inattention, or ill-grounded hopes, and others
from motives of ambition, and an eager pursuit after the
world, have launched out of their depth, and entered into
various schemes and branches of commerce, beyond their
abilities to manage ; and some of them into scandalous
practices, to uphold a temporary credit, greatly to the
reproach of our society, and in open contradiction to that
principle of universal righteousness we profess ; which
taught our ancestors such conduct, as to extort a confes
sion from their enemies, that, respecting many of theni, they
could not find any occasion, unless concerning the law of
their God ; —
Fresh and lamentable cause hath been offered to renew
former advices on this head, which are well expressed in a
paragraph in our general Epistle of 1754, in these
words :
" We beseech you, brethren, stand upon your guard
against the love of this world, and the deceitfulness of
riches ; the nature of which is to choke the good seed, and
to render men unfruitful. An eager pursuit after the gran
deur of this world is a certain token of earthly-mindedness;
and those who mind earthly things, are represented bythe
apostle Paul as ' enemies of the cross of Christ.' The
beloved disciple of our Lord also expressly assures us, that
' if any man love the world, the love ofthe Father is not in

335
him.' (I John, ii. 15.) A resolution to be rich hath de
stroyed many. ' They that will be rich,' saith the apostle,
' fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For tiie love of money is the root of all evil ; which, while
some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.' (I Tim.
vi: 9, 10.) This hath been verified in the ruinous conse
quences of an earthly ambitious spirit, pushing men for
ward, in the pursuit of greatness, upon hazardous atiempts,
which have too often issued in the fall and ruin of themselves
and families, the reproach of the society, and great loss to
others: some of whom probably have placed the more
confidence in them, for the sake of their profession of self-
denial ; which, had they really practised it, would have pre
vented the fatal effects of their covetous and ambitious
undertakings. Wherefore we intreat Friends, in their
Monthly Meetings everywhere, to be properly watchful
over one another, and early io caution all against running
beyond their depth, and entangling themselves in a greater
multiplicity of trade and business than they can extricate
themselves from with honour and reputation. And, where
any shall proceed in opposition to such advice and counsel
of their brethren, let them in due time be dealt with, ac
cording to former advices of this Meeting."
And it is the sense and judgment of this Meeting, that
if any fall short of paying their just debts, and a composi
tion is made with their creditors to accept of a part, instead
of the whole ; notwithstanding the parties may look upon
themselves legally discharged of any obligation to pay the
remainder, yet the principle we profess enjoins full satisfac
tion to be made, if ever the debtors are of ability. And,
in order that such may the better retrieve their circum
stances, we exhort them to submit to a manner of living In
every respect the most conducive to this purpose, and cct-
respbndent to the state they are reduced to : it being ex
ceedingly dishonourable for any to live in ostentation and
greatness at the expence of others ; which is certainly the
case, where any part ofthe debts, due by the law of eqaity
and strict justice, remains unpaid. And that Friends, in

336
their Monthly Meetings, be cautious how they admit such,
whose debts are unsatisfied, into full unity, or receive their
collections, which cannbt properly be deemed of their own.
And, as ever since we have been a people separate from
others, we have held it to be our indispensible duty fre
quently to meet together, to pay our public acknowledg
ments to the great Author of our beino and wellbein^;, and
to bear open testimony to the purity and spirituality of that
Worship which He requires ; let not any be negligent in
giving due attendance at the time and place appointed for
this necessary duty, both on First days, and other days of
the week. And, as it is an awful thing to approach the pre
sence of the infinite Majesty of heaven and earth, the
Dread of nations, let due reverence possess every mind
upon these solemn occasions ; that no lightness or airiness
appear in their coming in, nor any restless motions or
noises be made, which may disturb the solemnity of the
meeting ; but that all may demonstrate they come not to
gratify the itching ear, or to entertain a vain curiosity, by
that seriousness and gravity in their demeanour, which
become a people truly concerned to wait upon'God in awful
stillness and humility, and to worship him in spirit and
in truth.
And, dear Friends, as the merciful visitations of the God
of all grace ar,e still renewed through Jesus Christ our
Lord, by Him to reconcile all things unto himself, let us
receive with meekness the ingrafted Word, which is able to
save our souls, that we may experience an advancement in
the work of redemption from the lusts of this world, and
our minds be established in peace. And, as we are preserved
in a constant sense of his justice, wibdom, and mercy, we
shall fear always, and therein fast acceptably to the Lord ;
and being enabled to wash our hands in innocencv, may
compass the altar of God ; and, under these necessary
qualifications, pour forth our souls before him, for the en
largement of his kingdom on earth, and the increase of
that righteousness which exalts a nation. An humble and
grateful sense ofthe mercies ofour Heavenly Father, every
way extended, will also reinain w ith us, and fill our hearts
with thankggiviug and praise to himself; a tribute ever due

o

337
to him frora all his people, and acknowledged with the
deepest solemnity ; not with those tumultuous demonstra
tions of joy, which are often attended with rioting and
drunkenness ; and, instead of being acceptable to an holy,
pure God, rather tend to increase the weight of national
transgressions. Let us, therefore, be found worshippers within the
temple, and be cautious how any of us give occasion of
additional suffering to the truly conscientious amongst us,
by any compliance with such observations as our worthy
ancestors were rightly concerned to bear testimony against.
Finally, Tjrethren, we recommend you to the grace of
God, and to a diligent watchfulness in his fear, which, in
Holy Writ, is said to be a fountain of life, preserving from
the snares of death. (Prov. xiv. 27.) And let us " be sober;
putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and, for an
helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed
us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus
Christ;" (1 Thess. V. 8,9,) to whom, with the Father, be
honour, glory, and power, for ever and ever.
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
JEREMIAH WARING,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1760.

From the Yearly Meetings held in London^ hy adjournments^
From the 26th of the Fifth Month, 1760, to the 31st of the same,
inclusive.
f
7b the Quarterly and Monthly Bleeiings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a renewed sense of divine love, at this time com
municated to us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and
in the fellowship of the Gospel, we tenderly and affec
tionately salute you ; earijestly desiring your preservation,
increase and establishment, in the blessed Truth, ivhich is
Y

338
precious above all other enjoyments, and which endureth
throughout all generations.
We have abundant cause, with deep thankfulness to
praise and magnify the name of our God, and humbly to
acknowledge his goodness extended to us, in this our large
and solemn assembly ; the weighty affairs whereof, through
divine assistance, have been transacted in much brotherly
love and Christian condescension ; greatly to the satisfac*
tion and comfort of those who keep Zion in remembrance,
and are truly concerned in spirit, that her righteousness
may " go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a
lamp thatburneth."
By acccounts brought in this year, the sufferings of
Friends, being principally for tithes and those called
church-rates, amount, in England and Wales, to two thou
sand nine hundred and eighty four pounds and upwards ;
and those in Ireland, to one thousand five hundred and sixty
eight pounds and upwards. Great damage hath also been
sustained by Friends, in many places, for not illuminating
their houses on those called rejoicing nights, and a non
compliance with other practices inconsistent with our
profession. By advices received from the several Quarterly Meet-
iiigs in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North
Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island, and New-Eng
land, New-York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Virginia,
Maryland, North and South Carolina, and Tortola ; and by
the relation of a Friend lately returned from visiting the
churches in America, we have satisfactory accounts of some
growth and prosperity in the Truth, in divers parts; not
withstanding we sorrowfully observe a defection in others.
As, in these times, many hearts are measurably awakened
to religious inquiries, and a concern raised to seek the wav
of salvation, many being secretly dissatisfied with the empty
forms in which they have had their education, and are
looking about for help, and remarking the conduct ofthe
various religious societies, with this inquiry in their minds,
Who shall show us any good ? We beseech you, shake your
selves from the dust of the earth, and put on those beautiful
garments of righteousness, purity, and heavenly-minded-

339
ness, wherein our worthy ancestors were eloathed, and
made instrumental to turn many to God. If the ever glo
rious and powerful Truth, which wrought mightily in them
for their salvation, and rendered them as lights in the world,
be by us properly attended to, the same blessed effects will
accompany us, and many humble seeking souls will, by our
fruitfulness, be induced to glorify the Father which is in
heaven. Dear Friends, let us remember this end of our high and
holy calling, and keep it steadily in view ; so shall we be
truly enabled to direct those seeking souls in the way to
peace : on the contrary, if these awakened inquirers,
being induced, by the spirituality of our profession, to look
towards us with hopes of finding what they inquire for,
should observe amongst us, the prevalence of the same
things they are awakened to flee from, and a want of that
substance they are earnestly seeking after ; how lamentable
must their portion be, who furnish occasion of offence to
these little ones ?
And, dear Friends, abide in the love of Christ, which
passeth knowledge, and is the true mark of discipleship ;
this will guard us against listening after, or giving any en
couragement to reports tending to the prejudice one of
another : pertinent to this is that necessary and salutary com
mand, (Exod. xxiii. I,) " Thou shalt not raise [or receive]
a false report;" and also forget not that exhortation of the
apostle, (Gal. vi. 1.) " Brethren, if a man be overtaken in
a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the
spirit of meekness ; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted." As the right education of children, and the nurture of
youth, is of very great consequence to them and to the suc
ceeding generation, we pressingly exhort all parents and
heads of families, to procure such useful learning for their
children, as their abilities will admit ; and encourage them,
as well by example as precept, to the frequent reading of
the Holy Scriptures ; and that they begin, as early as pos
sible, to instil into their tender minds the principles of
Truth and virtue ; instruct them in the nature and necessity
of being born from above; without which, our Lord declared,
Y 2

340
no man shall " see the kingdom of God :" and in order
hereunto, that they labour to bring them acquainted with
the holy seed, which is sown by the divine hand in every
heart, for that gracious end ; that they may, through the
Lord's, blessing upon such pious and paternal endeavours,
be induced to place their affections upon it, and, cleaving
thereto in faithful obedience, come to experience it to be
unto them, Christ within, the hope of their glory.
The importance of an early instruction in the law of
God, is set forth with peculiar strength, clearness and
solemnity, in Deut. vi. 4, &c. " Hear, O 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 thine heart ; and thou shalt teach them dili
gently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou
sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." It is
requisite also, that restraint be added to instruction ; it
being much easier, as well as more prudent, to be exercised
upon the first appearances of an inclination to dangerous or
hurtful liberties, than afterwards ; for where children,
through the prevalence of fond affection, have been accus
tomed to improper indulgences, when they are grown to
such a dangerous degree of ripeness, that the exertion of
authority hath become absolutely necessary, the strength of
their passions, so habituated, hath often proved unconquer
able, or very difficult to overcome ; to the great hurt ofthe
unhappy youth, and the unspeakable grief of the impru
dently indulgent parents.
We therefore earnestly intreat, that it may be the con
stant care of all parents, guardians, masters and mistresses,
properly to teach, restrain and example those whom Provi
dence hath placed under them, for their help, direction and
preservation, and for whom an account must be rendered ;
bringing them up in the fear of the Lord, and in that
sobriety, moderation and plainness in speech, apparel and
deportment, which become a people professing to be the fol
lowers of our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect pattern of humi
lity and selfdenial, " who made himself of no reputation,"

341
but " took upon him the form of a servant ;" (Phil. ii. 7,) yet
is styled in the " Holy Scriptures, the blessed and only Poten
tate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; who only hath
immortality, dwelling in the light." (1 Tim. vi. 15, 16.)*
And, as it hath pleased the Lord to preserve us in the
times of imminent danger, and disappoint the designs of
those who sought to involve us in confusion and distress,
and to grant us hitherto the enjoyment of the comfortable
fruits of peace ; Oh ! that an awful sense of his unmerited
favour, and the deep obligations it lays upon us, to fear
always before him, may have due impression upon all our
minds ! Then will a constant care be maintained, so to live
and walk before God and man, as to carry evident convic
tion that, though we concur not with others in the exterior
demonstrations of thanksgivings, or fasting for public
events, we are not insensible of the instruction they convey,
and that we are seekhig, in good earnest, the proper end of
the Lord's judgments in the earth ; that " the inhabitants"
thereof may " learn righteousness."
And, dear Friends, being influenced by the sentiments of
humanity, still more inforced by the tender compassion and
sympathy which the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord
imparts, we bewail the dreadful desolation and ravages of
war, in various parts of the world, wherein many of our
fellow subjects and others deeply partake ; and we are
engaged humbly to supplicate the Most High, to put an end
to the tumultuous rage of nations, and exalt the sceptre of
the Prince of peace.
We earnestly pray the Lord of all power, effectually to
bless his gracious visitations, to the help of his church and
people, that we may thereby be stirred up to diligence to
discharge the duty of our day, and be enabled to look, with
humble confidence, to the recompense of reward ; suitably
improving every manifestation of divine counsel, and at
tentive how we hear that word that goeth out of his mouth,
and shall not return to him void. Thus shall we be
[ * On the text here referred to, a note occurs in J. G. Sevan's Life of the
Apostle Paul (p, 162, 2nd Edit,) to the following effect: " This verse would
be ije^rer the original, and I think clearer, thus : ' Which [i.e. the appearing
of our Lord Jesus Christ] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings
and Lprd of lords, shall shew iu his own times,' " ]

342
gathered to him, in whom the mediation and acceptance
with the Father stand; and, being enriched with the
durable treasures that are hid in Christ Jesus, be experi
mentally united to those who " are come unto Mount Zion,
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusa
lem, and to an innumerable company of angels ; to the
general assembly and church of the first born, which are
written in heaven, and to God the judge of all :" to whom,
with Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, be all honour
and glory for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting- this Year,

EPISTLE, 1761.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the llth of the Fifth Month, 1761, to the 18th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
UNDER a sense of that ancient love and life, whereby
we were gathered to be a people, we tenderly salute
you; earnestly desiring that grace, mercy and peace,
through the knowledge of God the Father, and his beloved
Son, may abound amongst you.
We have renewed cause, humbly to acknowledge the
gracious condescension of the God of all our mercies, mani
fested to us in this our annual assembly, whereby our souls
have been comforted in his presence, our hope in his salva
tion renewed, and the bond of true fellowship ao-ain con
firmed, under a fresh sense that it is his good pleasure we
should be continued a people, to the praise of his great
and ever worthy name. In a degree of this uniting virtue
and holy influence, we have been enabled to transact the
affairs, which have come before us, in much brotherly

343
kindness and condescension, and strengthened to pursue the
great object of the church's care, the promotion of spiritual
health and vigour in every member of the body, that it may
be presented holy and acceptable to Hira, who hath called
us to glory and virtue.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and
Wales, brought in this year, being chiefly for tithes and
those called church-rates, is three thousand two hun
dred and twenty five pounds and upwards ; and those
from Ireland, one thousand six hundred and seventy nine
pounds and upwards. Against these and other demands,
inconsistent with the Gospel dispensation, the testimony of
Truth seems to spread, tb the opening ofthe understandings
of many, heretofore ignorant of our religious principles.
The accounts received this year from the Quarterly
Meetings in England, and the Epistles from Wales, Scot
land, Ireland, Holland, New- York, Pennsylvania and New-
Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina and Tortola,
have aiforded us some comfortable observations, that har
mony and concord subsist, in a good degree, throughout
the churches ; that a lively concern is maintained in many
places, for the support of discipline, and for the promotion
of Truth and righteousness. ,
It likewise appears from these accounts, that divers are
convinced of that Truth in which we have most surely
believed, and have joined theraselvesto our religious com
munity since last year. We thereforiG earnestly intreat
Friends everywhere, to walk in the light, and manifest by
a circumspect conversation in godly fear, that our testi
mony to the power and sufficiency of the Divine Spirit, is
founded on the everlasting Gospel. Thus, no occasion of
stumbling will be administered to the weak, but many, be
holding amongst us the fruits of righteousness, may have
cause with us to glorify our Father who is in heaven.
When it pleased the Lord to visit our predecessors in
the Truth, they were as sheep without a shepherd, without a
place of feeding, or a fold of rest ; scattered, as many are
at this day, on the barren mountains of forms and tradi
tions ; yet inwardly hungering after substance, which they
saw not how to obtain, it pleased the Author of these secret

344
strong desires, in his own time, to open to their under
standings the nature of his kingdom, the spirituality of
that worship which was acceptable to Him, and the blessed
advantages of his Gospel when received, not in word only,
but in power.
As their minds were thus enlightened, an awful sense of
the Lord Almighty, the allseeing Father of spirits, pre
vailed therein, and led them from a dependence on outward
performances, to a silent, solemn adoration in simplicity of
heart, humbly waiting for that help, without which none
can worship with acceptance.
In this frame of mind they were made sensible of the
accomplishment of his promise, that those who wait upon
Him, should renew their strength; (Isa. xl. 31,) hereby
they were enabled to endure a fight of afflictions, to which
they were exposed for the sake of their Christian testi
mony ; for against them, it may be truly said, no occasion
was found, but concerning the law of their God. (Dan.
vi. 5.)
And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased divine goodness
clearly to manifest among.st us the way of life and salvation,
and to instruct us where and how to wait for Him, prize,
we beseech you, these precious privileges ; keep all your
meetings in the name of the Lord, and let your minds be
established in an humble waiting upon Him with reverence
and fear ; so shall strength be added to your strength, and
being more closely united to Him, you will experience the
indwelling of his blessed Spirit : and as an increase of
access tp the fountain of mercies is experienced, our advices
to the constant attendance of meetings for religious wor
ship, both on the First and other days of the week,
will become less necessary : our resort to them will be with
diligence, and a careful observance of the hour appointed ;
our demeanour in them will manifest an humble and single
trust in that power which is a covert from the storms, a
shelter from the tempest, and as rivers of water in dry
places. So shall wfe be enabled, as watchful, circumspect
servants, to stand fast in our several stations, beino-
preachers of righteousness to the world ; and, as good
stewards in the household of God, instruct, reprove -and

345
restrain those under our care, with wisdom, longsuffering,
meekness, yet authority.
The neglect of this most important concern, of waiting
upon the Lord for the renewal of strength to discharge
every duty, hath been one great cause of declension,
amongst many of us as a people, from that lively zeal
and uniform piety, which are now, and ever have been,
the fruits of the Holy Spirit : the sense whereof having
deeply affected our minds, hath induced us to enlarge
upon this subject.
And here we find it our concern, to revive a truth which
is worthy of general remembrance ; that no affectation of
singularity was the cause of a demeanour, both civil and
religious, in our forefathers, (or in the faithful of this day,)
different in many respects from the conduct of those among
whom we dwell. They beholding the vanity, unprofitable
ness, and insincerity ofthe salutations, customs and fashions
ofthe world; observing the examples of our blessed Saviour
and his followers, with the frequent testimonies recorded in
Holy Writ, to the necessity of a selfdenying life and conver
sation, together with the law, and the testimony revealed in
theirhearts, retained in view the injunction of the apostle,
not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed,
by the renewing of the mind, that we " may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Rom.
xii. 2.) May an uprightness of heart, as in the sight of
God, ever attend this simplicity of appearance ; that none,
by a conduct inconsistent therewith, may furnish occasion
for the testimony to be evil spoken of or despised.
We conclude with an earnest recommendation of the
apostle's advice to the primitive believers ; " Finally, bre
thren, 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, if there be any praise,
think on these things." (Phil. iv. 8.)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,
Amen. Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM FRY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

346

EPISTLE, 1762.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 31st of the Fifth Month, 1762, to the 7th of the Sixth
Month, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear and well Beloved Friends,
OUR hearts being renewedly affected with a lively sense
of the continuation of the Father's love in Christ
Jesus, to his church and people, we tenderly _and affec
tionately salute you, with fervent desires that grace and
love, through faith and obedience, may increase and abound
amongst you.
With reverent thankfulness to the God of all our mercies,
we have to acknowledge, that he hath favoured this assem
bly with his enlivening and comforting presence, both in
our meetings for worship, and in those for transacting the
weighty concerns ofthe Society : the minds of many having
been deeply engaged in these solemnities, to promote purity
of faith, and holiness of life, that the church may shine
forth in her ancient beauty.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, being
principally for tithes and those called church-rates, amount,
in England and Wales, to two thousand seven hundred and
ninety six pounds and upwards ; and those in Ireland, to
one thousand seven hundred and two pounds and upwards.
And it seems to us expedient to renew our exhortation, that
Friends everywhere be stirred up to faithfulness in our
Christian testimony against such demands ; being firmly
persuaded, that a forced maintenance, and contributions on
religious accounts exacted by compulsion, are inconsistent
with the spirit and precepts of the Gospel.
We earnestly desire likewise, that all collusive and indi
rect methods of satisfying these demands may be guarded
against, as all temporizing compliances tend to cloud the
understanding, weaken the faith, and destroy the service of

347
individuals, as well as to obstruct the progress of Truth, and
increase the sufferings of the faithful.
And, dear Friends, as we are religiously engaged to
render unto God the things that are His, in bearing our
testimony to the free ministry, and peaceable Spirit of his
Son, we shall find it our indispensible duty, to continue
stedfast in our principle against defrauding the King in any
part of his customs, duties or excise ; respecting which, to
our great satisfaction, we find Friends are generally clear :
yet, as in maritime counties especially, some may be exposed
to the temptation of buying run goods for private use, we
desire it may be impressed upon all to be conscientiously
concerned, in obedience to the law of God, gratitude to the
King, and justice to our fellow subjects, to avoid and dis
countenance a practice so iniquitous in itself, injurious
to the fair trader, and not supported but by fraud and vio
lence, in direct opposition to the laws and good order of
civil society.
By advices from the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings
in England, and by Episties from Wales, North Britain,
Ireland, Holland, New- York, Pennsylvania and New-
Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, we have
satisfactory accounts of the preservation of love and unity
in general, the prosperity of Truth in the minds of many,
and some convincement in divers places. And though we
have abundant confirmation, that the Lord's presence is
still with us, yet too many, for want of due watchfulness
and circumspection, have erred frora the Truth, and by de
parting from the footsteps ofthe flock of Christ, and giving
way to the spirit of the world, have followed after lying
vanities, and forsaken their own mercies.
And, dear Friends, under a weighty sense of the perni
cious effects of this prevailing worldly spirit, the tendency
whereof is to hinder the growth and prosperity of Truth in
the hearts of mankind, we have, at this time, been sorrow
fully affected : and are engaged to beseech all, in the love
ofthe Gospel, and by the mercies of the living God,
seriously to consider the gracious visitation yet evidently
extended to us : and that, as our calling is high and holy,
we may demonstrate to those who are looking upon us,

348
that our affections are not fixed on uncertain riches, that we
are redeemed from the inordinate pursuit of earthly enjoy
ments, and seek " a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God." (Heb. xi. 10.)
We therefore entreat you, to be awakened in soul, to
watch against the spirit of the world, and the ensnaring
approaches of its temptations : be not deceived, for it re
mains an unchangeable truth, that " if any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in hira." (John, ii. 15.)
Let us therefore be wise in that wisdom which is frora
above, and, being loosened frora the pursuit of perishing
things, we may more and uiore experience the glorious
liberty of the Truth, and be enabled to adorn the doctrine
of our Lord and master, by a life conformed to his example.
And, as many of our worthy elders have of late years
been removed from us by death, we tenderly intreat, that
an holy concern may prevail on your minds, who are ofthe
rising generation, to fill up their places ; first taking heed
to yourselves, seeking " the kingdom of God and his
righteousness," (Mat. vi. 33,) that so you maybe preserved
through the temptations, and from all the delusions in this
life, and may become instruments in the hand of God, to '
promote his honour, the good of his church, and the uni
versal advancement of piety and virtue. And, dearly
beloved youth, call to reraerabrance the exaraples of
Joseph, Moses, Samuel, and raany other instances of early
piety ; consider the preservation they were favoured with
through every trial, and the nature of that dignity where
with their names have been transmitted through many
generations. lie, who raised and supported them, and hath,
from age to age, formed a people to testify to His salva
tion, and stand faithful in the cause of righteousness, hath:
ever rewarded them with serenity of mind, and the enjoy
ment of that peace, which is as a river, the strearas
whereof raake glad the city of God. (Psa. xlvi. 4.) Let
not the amusements, the gaieties, and other delusive follies,
which too many earnestly pursue, take up your minds, and
thereby prevent your offering the early tribute of love and
obedience, so justly due to the Author of your being, and
the fountain of every blessing.

349
And, ye parents, guardians, and heads of families, con
sider, we beseech you, how much depends upon your pro
moting this holy engagement among the youth, and labour
to discharge your duty, as in the sight of God ; watch over
them in love, and train them up early in the way wherein
they should go, by information and example; seeking daily
for a renewal of wisdom and strength to walk before them
in holiness and godly fear. Let it be your care to instruct
them early in the Holy Scriptures, and teach them to delight
therein ; that, being seasoned with the sacred truths in
them recorded, they may be preserved from the corrupting
influence of such books as tend to leaven the mind into
vanity, prophaneness, and infidelity ; and also kept in inno
cency of life, sobriety of manners, plainness of habit, and
soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. And, in
order that the tender mind may be more effectually guarded
and preserved pure, we earnestly recoramend it to parents
and others, to consider the disadvantage of placing them
out, for education or business, where they must be unavoid
ably subjected to the dangers of mixt and improper com
pany and conversation, by which the good and salutary im
pressions, heretofore made on their minds, may be effaced,
the effect of present visitations prevented, to their great, if
not irretrievable, loss.
And, dear Friends, let us, in all our conduct and con
versation, manifest that simplicity and godly sincerity which
were in former times, and still remain to be, the proper fruits
of the Christian religion, that by well doing, we may be
enabled to confute gainsayers, and " put to silence the
ignorance of foolish men;" (1 Pet. ii. 15,) ever remerabering,
the strongest testimony v/e can give of the excellency of
our religious principles, is their efficacy on our lives, to
redeem us from the corruptions that are in the world,
and purify us unto God a peculiar people, zealous of
good works.
" Now the God of peace, that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you
perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you

350
that which is weil pleasing in his sight, through Jesus
Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
(Heb. xiii. 20, 21.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
EDWARD GULSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1763.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 23rd ofthe Fifth Month, 1763, to the 3Ist of the same,
inclusive.
To ihe Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE have renewed cause, in deep thankfulness, to
acknowledge the continuance of divine regard,
manifested to us in this large assembly ; and in a sense of
the refreshing influences of that love, which first gathered
and united us into an heavenly fellowship in our Lord Jesus
Christ, we tenderly salute you.
In a good degree of this pure and precious love, we
have been enabled to transact the affairs of this Meeting,
in brotherly condescention and concord, to our mutual edi
fication and comfort.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and
Wales, brought in this year, being chiefly for tithes
and those called church-rates, is two thousand six hundred
and sixty nine pounds and upwards ; and from Ireland, one
thousand seven hundred and sixty one pounds and upwards.
By the accounts received from the Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North
Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England,
New- York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; and by the

351
verbal relation of a Friend lately returned from a religious
visit to some parts of America, we are informed, that the
churches are generally preserved in peace and unity ; that
a lively zeal is revived for the maintenance of discipline
and good order ; that there is a good disposition and great
opienness amongst the people in many places ; and divers
have been convinced of the blessed Truth.
As it is apparent that many, through the flowings forth
of infinite goodness, are under a powerful visitation from
on high, into whose hearts the divine light hath so clearly
shined, as to discover the insufficiency of the strictest ob
servation of ceremonies and human traditions, which cannot
make the comers thereunto perfect, as pertaining to the
conscience : —
These, being engaged in an earnest pursuit after never- ,
failing substance, are seeking that bread the world knows
not of, and looking out for a people, whose affections are
set on things above, with whom they may unite in spirit,
and join in worship to the Most High : — The eyes of many
being turned towards us with this view, let us gird up the
loins of our minds, be sober, and hope to the end, for the
grace which is to be revealed, walking in godliness and
honesty in the sight of all men ; that by the circumspection,
innocency and purity of our lives and conversations, we
may demonstrate we are not of the world, but are re
deemed from its spirit; and having put on Christ, the
righteousness of saints, are not making provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof: so shall we be examples to
those who are enquiring the way to true rest and peace.
And, dear young people, as some of you, in many
places, have embraced the renewed visitations of divine
love in your hearts, and have, in degree, entered into
covenant with your Creator ; strong is the engagement we
feel for your preservation and advancement in the path of
the just ; that, through the power of divine grace, and your
faithful obedience thereunto, you may become useful mem
bers in the body, and fill up the various stations in the
cjiurch, to its edification, and your own lasting advantage.
And the youth in general we entreat, that a constant care
be upon all your minds, to press after the power and virtue

35a
of that heavenly principle, in the profession whereof most
of you have had your education : if you keep your places
therein, it will preserve you ; but if, through disobedience,
ye depart therefrom, ye forsake your own mercies, and
others will take your crown. Remember, the children of
Abraham, by, deviating from the steps of their fathers,
lost the privileges and blessings they would otherwise have
been entitled to.
And we beseech you, who are engaging in the affairs of
this life, that in the first place, you seek carefully after His
favour, whose is the earth and the fulness thereof; and hath
promised to be found of those that seek Hira early. Endea
vour to build your houses in His wisdom, who alone can
give duration and stability to every blessing, and direct
how to use them to his own praise, and the solid benefit of
the favoured receiver. As ye abide in his fear, you will
have an eye to a glorious inheritance, and be kept from
high expensive living, and evil emulation of others who
may affect a splendid appearance, and be preserved from
the many snares which are laid to increase the afflicting
instances of folly and misconduct.
May the holy principle of Truth prevail in your minds,
whom Providence hath intrusted with affluence, that your
inclinations and affections may be rightly bounded, and
not carried away, by a perversion of the divine bounty, into
pride, indolence, or extravagance ; which have led raany to
exceed their ability, whereby they have brought ruin upon
themselves, damage to those with whom they have been
concerned, and great affliction and reproach to our society.
We think it seasonable, at this time, to renew our exhor
tation, that Friends everywhere be especially careful to
keep their hands clear of giving encouragement, in any
shape, to the Slave Trade, it being evidently destructive to
the natural rights of mankind ; who are all ransomed by
one Saviour, and visited by one divine light, in order to
salvation : a traffick calculated to enrich and aggrandize
some, upon the misery of others ; in its nature abhorrent to
everyjust and tender sentiment, and contrary to the whole
tenor of the Gospel.
And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased the Most High, who

353
ruleth in the kingdoms of men, so to influence human
affairs, that peace is again restored ; we earnestly desire,
that an humble sense of so great mercy, inay rest upon all
our minds : that, in a grateful commemoration of His won
derful kindness, who hath preserved these kingdoms from
the desolation and distress which attended divers other
countries, we may reverently acknowledge it is the Lord's
doing, and ought to be marvellous in our eyes : and, as the
best return for favours received, let us, through divine as
sistance, bring forth fruits of an holy and blameless con
versation ; endeavouring to advance his righteous kingdom
amongst mankind, that his salvation may become our walls
and bulwarks, in every trial permitted to come upon us, by
that God who judgeth the earth.
And, although the favour of princes hath never been the
rule of our dutiful submission and fidelity to them, being
bound by our religious principles to a quiet and peaceable
conduct, even when under severe sufferings ; yet in as much
as the obligations of gratitude, for the enjoyment of our
religious and civil liberties, are added to those of duty, let
their united impressions engage all our minds, to walk with
great circumspection and integrity, evidencing an humble
thankfulness to the wise and gracious Disposer of events ;
and to the King, the just returns of loyalty and obedience,
in every part of our conduct and converse, carefully avoid
ing any instance of indecent freedom, either in language or
behaviour. And, dear brethren, we recomraend to every individual, a
sincere and soleran inquiry into the state of your own minds ;
and we beseech you, strive to enter in at the strait gate,
and live under the yoke of Christ, walking in reverence and
godly fear at all times ; ever feeling after the virtue and
power of Truth to season your spirits, and keep you in
stillness of mind, which will wean you from the love of
this world : herein you will feel drawings to meet with
your brethren for the worship of God ; and, when you pre
sent your bodies before the Lord, labour diligently after
inward silence, and abstraction of thought from all
worldly objects, that so you may feel the gentle operation
of the holy seed, the light and leaven of the kingdom :
z

354
this will manifest the ground from whence every thought
and motion in the mind proceeds, and make a separation
between the precious and the vile, that which serveth God,
and that which serveth him not ; and ye will clearly discern,
that the promise is to the one seed, Christ, our light and
life ; who, as he prevails, bringeth all things into due sub
jection to himself. Thus shall you be enabled to see into
the mystery of redemption by Him, who worketh all in all;
and to worship the God of the spirits of all flesh, in awful
silence, and in the beauty of holiness ; and the Lord, the
messenger of the covenant, being come to his temple, an
holy sabbath is kept. And as you partake, time after time,
of the divine sweetness, you will find your minds engaged
to seek a further advancement in wisdom and virtue, and
the necessity of daily walking with God, will evidently
appear. We are jealous with a godly jealousy, that many who are
favoured with tender visitations from above, relax their
care and watchfulness when absent from religious meetings,
and thereby slide from under the humbling power of Truth,
which would preserve in meekness, stability, and holy inward
quiet, araidst the various engagements and provocations of
this life, and guard the mind against wandering imagina
tions, irregular desires and affections.
When those who have grieved the Holy Spirit, through
inattention thereto, again retire with their brethren to seek
the Lord, they find their minds clouded, their thoughts
roving, and no true center or solid peace: hence meetings
appear to them heavy and unpleasant ; the time of silence
seems long and tedious ; the eye is out after instrumental
help, and instead of trusting in God with all the heart, their
dependance is turned upon man : this provokes the Holy
One of Israel, who is jealous of his honour, to withhold his
favours and blessings from such ; and this we fear is one
great cause of the loss which many have sustained : for
whose recovery, and the restoration of ancient beauty to the
churches everywhere, we are fervently engaged.
Were the eyes of all truly turned towards the Lord, in
humble dependance upon him alone for help, many useful
instruments would doubtless be raised to fill up every

355
station in the church with propriety. Then the cause of
mourning and complaint would cease, and the repetition of
particular advices become less necessary ; as the holy
unction, being received and rightly attended to, would
teach us all things that we ought to believe and practice. ,
" Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things
before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error
of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow
in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ : to Him be glory both now and for ever.
Amen." (2 Pet. iii. 17, 18.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by "
ISAAC WILSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1764.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the llth ofthe Sixth Month, 1764, to the 16th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To ihe Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE tenderly salute you in our Lord Jesus Christ,
who laid down his life, that all might witness re
demption through his precious blood, and is now come in
spirit and power to those that truly believe in, and look for
him, the second time without sin unto salvation.
In a sense of his continued mercy and kindness renewed
to us at this time, we have to acquaint you, that the affairs
of this Meeting have been transacted in much brotherly
love and concord.
The account of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
being principally for tithes and those called church-rates,
amount, in England and Wales, to three thousand three
hundred and eighty nine pounds and upwards ; and in
z2

356
Ireland, to upwards of one thousand six hundred anfl,
eighty three pounds.
In conformity to the righteous principle we profess,
which leads to deny the receiving, as well as the payment of
tithes, we have information, that two Friends, in different
parts, who are entitled by law to claims of that nature,
refuse, as others have heretofore done, to receive them.
The accounts brought in from the several counties, and
the Epistles from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Holland,
Rhode-Island for New-England, New- York, Pennsylvania
and the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tortola, give us to understand, that some
convincement hath appeared in divers parts since last year ;
and that a living concern seems to increase amongst Friends
in many places, that all may experience preservation and
advancement in the life and wisdom of Truth, and that the
necessary fence of our Christian discipline may be rightly
maintained. We find it our concern at this time, briefly to revive in
your remerabrance, the Lord's gracious dealings with our
predecessors, and the fruits of their obedience, that the
careless and indolent may be stirred up, and the faithful
encouraged. When, by the perraission of Divine Providence, about the
middle of the last century, these nations were raade as a
field of blood, and terror and distress filled every corner of
the land ; the Lord Almighty having secretly wrought, by
the Spirit of his Son, in the hearts of the people, to pre
pare them for ftirther manifestations of his light and Truth,
many were shaken from all earthly dependences, and en
gaged to look, for succour and support, to that Arm of
power which made and sustains all things. In this day of
general distress, a cry arose in many minds on this wise ;
Lord, who shall shew us any good ? and a longing desire
was raised after the way to rest and peace.
High and specious professions of religion and godliness,
were often rendered subservient to temporal advantages,
and the interests of ambition ; and many were crying, Lo
here is Christ, and lo there ; to the turning aside of the feet
of the simple, and leading them astray from the alone help.

357
Wearied in the multitude of professions, and having com
passed a mountain in the wilderness, they sat down in
sorrow unprofited, having unavailably sought the living
amongst the dead.
In this day of humiliation, anxiety, and godly sorrow, it
pleased the Lord to visit raany of their souls, by the mani
festation of a divine principle in their own minds, which
discovered to them their states, and gradually revealed the
rock of strength and salvation, on which they might build
with security, and obtain durable riches and righteousness,
which they had vainly sought in the multiplicity of forms
and traditions.
Through the Word of his power in their hearts, the Lord
begat in them an hunger and thirst after substantial virtue,
and raised the language of a life, whereof he is the imme
diate author, and which ever seeks a food correspondent to
its own nature, which is heavenly.
Being, through the light of the dayspring from on high,
raade truly sensible wherein allsufficient help and wisdom
consisted, and where it was revealed, they were inwardly
gathered to wait for, and feel after its holy influence upon
their minds, as a lively, powerful manifestation and searcher
of the heart, whence they knew it to be the light of life;
and dividing asunder between the precious and the vile,
betwixt the son of the bondwoman, and the son of the free,
they also experienced it to be the Word of Truth.
Under the blessed influence of this most glorious power
ful Word, they witnessed victory over their spiritual
enemies, and a gradual advancement in the saving know
ledge of Christ, as delivered for their offences, and raised
again for their justification; becoming also, in their expe
rience, the author of eternal salvation, made of God unto
thera, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemp
tion ; and, in them, the hope of glory.
Being thus favoured to partake of the hidden manna
from his hand, whom God the Father had sealed as the
feeder and shepherd of his flock, they withdrew themselves
from the formality of outward profession, which their expe
rience had taught them to be vain and fruitless, aud assemr
hied together in his name, to wait for his power who had

358
called them, and to know the fresh renewings of that life
which was their strength.
Being thus engaged, He who had mercifully regarded
them in the day of their distress, when they cried to him
in the bitterness of their captivity, graciously extended the
joy of his salvation to their souls ; having brought them
out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, he set their feet
upon a rock, he established their goings, and put a new
song into their mouths.
This heavenly virtue of the Word of eternal life, thus
wrought to the sanctification of individuals, and prepared
many of thera, as chosen vessels, to bear the Lord's name,
and publish, from living experience, the power and allsuffi-
ciency of that Truth, in which they had most surely believed.
They were sent forth, in the demonstration of the Spirit
and with power, to call to others who were asking the way
to Zion ; to preach good tidings to the meek, to bind up
the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and
the opening of the prison to thera that were bound. Thou
sands who were waiting for the consolation of the Israel of
God, heard and received the glad tidings of the Gospel,
and were, through their effectual ministry, turned from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.
Not only to , the poor, the humbled enquirer, was the
visitation of heaven extended ; but it became also a day of
the trumpet, and ofthe alarm against the strong towers and
fenced cities of many, who at first despised the simplicity
of a message they could not comprehend in their natural
wisdom. The principal tondency of their ministry, was to
gather the minds of mankind into an inward dependence
upon, and feeling after the quickening Spirit, the second
Adam, the Lord from heaven ; that they might thereby
receive power to become the sons of God, serve him in
newness of life, and worship him in the beauty of holiness.
Under this engagement of mind they assembled together
in solemn silence, to wait for the manifestation of divine
light and life, which often was gloriously revealed to their
inexpressible joy, the enlargement of their number, and
their support under the trials of a stormy day of grievous
persecution, which was raispd against them on account of

359
the exercise of a good conscience towards God, and for
assembling to worship him in spirit and truth.
With abundant evidence, that they had not followed cun
ningly devised fables, but in the holy certainty of the power
and prevalence of this ever blessed gift, our worthy ances
tors in the Truth finished their course, having overcome
through sufferings, and died in the Lord.
It hath pleased Hira, whose cause these worthy instru
ments were concerneil to promote in their day, to raise up
a succeeding generation to testify, from experience, to his
saving powerful Truth, by which our forefathers were sup
ported ; and a remnant are made living witnesses of the
virtue and sufficiency thereof.
As many whom the Lord our God hath called by his
grace, who through the obedience of faith have been
brought to fellowship and coraraunion with us, have been
made to eat of this spiritual bread, and drink of the same
fountain which is opened for sanctification and refreshment.
Dearly beloved Friends, descendants of an highly
fhvoured and faithful people, we find it weightily upon us
to revive in your minds, and on those who, by convince
ment, have been brought into coraraunion with us, what it
was by which we were raised up to be a people, and have
hitherto been preserved ; even the inward raanifestation
of grace and truth, which carae by Jesus Christ for effectual
redemption ; the stay, strength, and succour of the true
Christian ; the foundation God hath laid fof all ages to
build upon, as a rock against which the gates of hell can
never prevail.
The immediate extendings of power and wisdom from
on high; the instrumental ministry established by the
Master of our assemblies ; the Christian labour exercised
amongst us in administering line upon line, precept upon
precept ; the deep and anxious concern of many amongst
us yet preserved alive to God, and zealous for his honour,
even travailing as in birth for the formation of Christ in
many souls, are all united to recommend and enforce this
principal object, that we may be gathered to God, and to
the Word of his grace, spiritually revealed as the bruiser of
the head of the serpent, a light to enlighten, a saving help

360
to deliver, and unchangeable truth to direct, in our pil
grimage through this life, to an everlasting rest in glory.
Having thus briefly reminded you, by what means and
for what end we were first raised up to be a people, we
earnestly recommend it to your serious attention, and
beseech you, beloved Friends, to dwell near to the Word of
life, by which you will be enabled to adorn the Gospel of
Christ, and to shew forth his salvation to those in whom an
inquiry after the way to the kingdom is raised ; thus the
necessity of more particular advices may be prevented, and,
by and through you, the testimony of the everlasting Gospel
be exalted to the honour of God, and the spreading of his
saving health to others ; that walking in his pure wisdom,
you may shine as the brightness of the firmament, and,
having been instrumental to turn many to righteousness, as
stars for ever and ever.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FOTHERGILL,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1765.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 27th of the Fifth Month, 1765, to the 1st of the Sixth
Month, inclusive.
yTo the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear and well beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE have repeated cause, in humble thankfulness to the
God and Father of all our mercies, to acknowledge
the continuation of his gracious regard to us, in this our
large asserably ; by the fresh manifestation whereof, we have
been comforted, united, and enabled to transact the affairs
before us, in the love of the Gospel ; wherein we tenderly
and affectionately salute you.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and

361
Wales, brought in this year, being principally for tithes
and those called church-rates, is three thousand eight hun
dred and ninety seven pounds and upwards; and those
from Ireland, one thousand five hundred and ninety two
pounds and upwards.
By accounts received this year, from the Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, Scotland,
Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, New-
York and Long-Island, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,
Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina and Barbadoes, we are
informed, that sorae convinced persons have joined our re
ligious community, in divers places ; and that, notwith
standing the apparent declension of raany, a godly concern
remains amongst the churches in general, for the support of
good order, upright walking, and the promotion of purity
and virtue.
Happy would it be, were this the principal engagement of
all amongst us ; but alas, we have too much cause to lament
the state of those who, resting under the shadow of profes
sion, seem regardless of their real happiness, the prosperity
of the church, or the honour of God, who created them for
a purpose of his own glory.
Many are the objects of our solemn and affectionate
counsel and advice at this time ; but nothing claims our
earnest attention at present, more than the deficiency that
appears, in that essential duty of meeting at the times set
apart for the worship of Almighty God, on the Week days
especially. It is matter of much concern, that sorae in profession
with us, are scarcely ever seen at those meetings ; others
but seldom, and too many, who cannot in general plead
cases of absolute necessity, or insurmountable obstacles, are
far from giving timely and constant attendance : hence
those meetings are often tedious in gathering, and appear
disreputably small when assembled ; whereby, instead of
being helps and encouragements to such as have their eyes
upon us for good, they are frequently rendered occasions of
stumbling to them.
To what is this obvious deficiency to be imputed ? Is it to
the want of numbers sufficient to support our meetings with

reputation and to advantage ? In many places this is by no
means the case ; the multitudes which assemble on particu
lar occasions demonstrate the contrary. If we look honestly
for the true cause, shall we not find it in our own breasts ?
Have not raany entertained a lukewarm spirit, a coolness
of heart towards religious exercise, instead of that fer
vency of love, that ardency of concern, for their own growth,
and for the good of all, which were so conspicuous in our
faithful predecessors ?
The due and constant support of their public assemblies
appeared to them of such consequence, -that neither the
severity of human laws, the violence of misled raagistrates,
nor the insults of an ignorant unthinking populace, could
deter them from meeting together, at their usual times and
places, for the maintenance of their Christian testimony.
And now, it hath pleased Divine Providence to favour us
with the removal of those cruel obstructiOrls, is it less than
an ungrateful abuse of such mercy and goodness, for any of
us to suffer the ensnaring profits, the vain delights, the
flattering friendships of a delusive world, or an indolent
disposition of mind, to deprive us of these opportunities of
improvement in things of eternal importance ? It is not
enough for us, to meet in order for public worship, when
we find little or nothing else to do. The Lord Almighty
requires the first fruits, the prime of our service, and will
not accept the refuse, either of our time or talents. If we
prefer worldly pursuits, or idle amusements, at such times
when we ought to be solemnly engaged in this great duty,
may it not justly be said, that we follow after lying vanities,
and forsake our own mercies?
" Where two or three," saith our Lord, " are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Mat.
xviii. 20.) In these words he, by implication, invites us, not
only to meet one with another, but in so doing, with himself
also. Shall the King of kings and Lord of lords, condes
cend to offer his divine presence for our good, and shall we,
his dependent creatures, set so light by his inestimable
kindness, as, either wilfully or negligently, to let slip those
precious seasons wherein we might receive his blessed as-
gijjtance, so necessary tp our help and salyatioij ?

363
Shall the poor perishing gratifications of sense and self-
love, or any inconveniences of a trivial nature, be suffered
to prevent our dutiful attendance upon Him, in whom alone
•tands our everlasting interest ? Shall a cloudy sky, a little
wet, a little cold, a little ease to the flesh, a view to a little
earthly gain, or any common incident, furnish an excuse for
declining this duty, aud thereby depriving ourselves of the
blessed advantage, often vouchsafed to the faithful, of en
joying heavenly communion together in spirit with the Lord
of life and glory ?
Vain diversions and carnal indulgences are very dan
gerous. Every repetition adds weakness to weakness ; a
languid indifference ensues, a disinclination to duty, the
desire after heavenly things becomes gradually enfeebled,
and in time may be utterly extinguished. Let every one
therefore, in whora such injurious deceptions have prevailed,
be roused and awakened ; lest continuing therein, the Lord,
whose Spirit will not always strive with the disobedient,
should withhold the renewals of his gracious visitations
from them, and leave thera to rest in their beds of ease, till
they sleep the sleep of death.
Much of the remissness abovementioned hath appeared
in some heads of families, upon whom it is undoubtedly
incumbent so to order their affairs, if possible, that they
may not interfere with their meetings ; and not only to be
exemplary in attending themselves, but also to make way
for their children and servants, as much as may be. It is
therefore earnestly desired, that a zealous care may take
place in such, faithfully to discharge the trust committed to
them. The portion of time allatted us in this life is daily dimi
nishing; the most awful period approaching towards us
with unavoidable certainty ; and it is altogether unknown
to us, how soon, and how suddenly it may surprize us :
It therefore highly behoves all, to make a right improve
ment of every opportunity in mercy afforded.
Let us not think lightly of that just regard due from every
individual, to the salutary advices and establishments ofthe
Society we profi^ss ourselves members of, nor suffer the re
peated exhortations and intreaties of concerned brethren

364
and sisters to pass by us without impression. The mercies
bestowed upon us must be accounted for; and the manner
in which we treat them, will be of consequence to us, not
only in time, but also in eternity. The sentence of " Well
done," cannot be expected by those who omit what they
ought to do ; nor the appellation of "good and faithful ser
vant," by those who are negligent in the practice of their
known duty.
May every one of us be prevailed upon, for the honour
of that great name we take upon us, for the sake of our
own souls, and for the reputation of those particular meet
ings we are immediately connected with, as well as that of
the Society in general, to endeavour zealously to come up
in our respective duties, and to animate each other, both by
word and practice, to a diligent attendance of our Week
day and First day meetings. Let us also be careful to as-
ssemble in due time and manner, that the service of our
meetings may not be interrupted through our dilatory
coming, nor the solemnity of them injured, either by giving ¦
way to a light wandering mind, or by indulging a drowsy
disposition ; which is greatly burdensorae to the liying, and
scandalous in the view of all.
And, that we may have the true benefit of our meetings,
which is to witness the Lord's power to arise in our hearts,
to the refreshing of our spirits, and invigorating us to make
advances in the necessary work of regeneration, which leads
to the kingdom, let us abide under the holy yoke of
Christ, by which the mind is kept inward out of meetings,
and preserved in a state of preparation for worship in them.
Suffering the mind to wander when about our ordinary
affairs, introduces, and accustoais it to such an habit of
roving, that it has not power to recollect itself in meetings,
and to retire in that singleness and fervency, which is es
sential to true spiritual worship. And, when we sit down
in our religious assemblies, let a weighty sense of our own
frailty and necessity, and of the greatness and goodness of
God, engage us to approach him in spirit with the most
humble reverence ; watching to the light, and turning away
from every thought and imagination, as they arise, which
have the least tendency to divert our minds from simplicity of

365
desire after the Father of spirits, and fountain of all good.
Thus pressing forward in spirit, and persevering therein,
we shall, in due time, feel the strength of his life, and the
comforts of his love, which doth enable the quickened and
freely resigned soul to acknowledge, " The Lord is good
unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
(Lam. iii. 25.)
Let us therefore, according to the apostolic exhortation,
" consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good
works ; not forsaking the assemblings of ourselves together,
as the manner of sorae is ; but exhorting one another, and
so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb.
X. 24, 25.)
Another point of duty, we find in our minds to press
upon all at this time is, that you be frequently conversant
with the Holy Scriptures, by the good providence of God
preserved down to our time, which contain the most excel
lent declarations of his love to men, our duty to him, and
one to another, and most certainly, through faith in Christ
Jesus, tend to our instruction in righteousness. As your
minds come into an humble teachable frame, secretly breath
ing after divine information and guidance, you will often
experience the comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to open the
doctrines of Christ, and of his primitive servants unto you.
Hence shall ye be instructed, to " let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven." (Mat. v. 16.) If you abide
under this holy teaching, you will not fail to know your
practice brought into conformity thereto, so as truly to be
enabled, to " shew forth the praises of Him who hath called
you out of darkness, into his marvellous light." (1 Peter,
ii. 9.)
And, dear Friends, as our union and fellowship stands in
the divine light, let us give all diligence continually to
walk in it. Herein we shall feel the powerful sustaining
influence of the life of the Son of God. By this we shall
discover the wiles of Satan, the common enemy to our hap
piness, and be enabled to guard against every appearance,^
of evil in ourselves, and against every thing, though ever
so specious in outward appearance, tending to l)reak in

366
upon that near and dear affection which the flock and
family of God dwell in, who are concerned to abide in the
light, according to that evangelical observation, " if we
walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son,
cleanseth us frora all sin." (1 John, i. 7.) Therefore, bre
thren, " see that ye love one another with a pure heart, fer
vently : being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, bythe Word of God, which liveth and abideth
for ever." (1 Pet. i. 22, 23.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1766.

From ihe Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 19th ofthe Fifth Month, 1766, to the24thof the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE have renewed cause in deep reverence and thank
fulness to the God of all grace, the Father and
fountain of raercies, to acknowledge the continuation of his
goodness to us, throughout the several sittings of this our
annual assembly, instituted for the promotion of piety and
virtue, and the preservation of peace and order ; wherein
brotherly love and Christian condescension have eminently
prevailed, to our comfort and edification.
With hearts united in the love ofthe Gospel, we tenderly
salute you, and hereby signify, that, by accounts received
from the Quarterly Meetings in England, and by Epistles
from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Is
land for New-England, New- York and Long-Island, Penn
sylvania and New-Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina,

367
we have acceptable information of the continuance of
Christian love and unity in the general. Happy would it
be, was it the constant, invariable engagement of every in
dividual, diligently to follow those things that make for
peace and concord. The Lord our God is one : He hath
called us to be baptized by one Spirit into one body ; and
this will render us one in faith, in charity, in principle, and
in practice.
The araount of Friends' sufferings, brought in this year
from the several counties in England, and from Wales, is
three thousand five hundred and ten pounds and upwards ;
and -those from Ireland, one thousand five hundred and
forty three pounds and upwards, being principally for tithes
and those called church-rates.
And, dear Friends, we think it seasonable to remind you,
that it hath ever been our principle to yield obedience to
magistrates in all things, not inconsistent with our religious
duty ; making " supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks for all men ; for Kings, and for all that are in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in
all godliness and honesty." These remain to be the duty of
Christians everywhere, and have always been our practice,
even in the time of deepest sufferings : Ave therefore strongly
desire, that Friends in all places may continue faithfully to
support this our ancient principle ; the violation whereof
would be in us both unchristian and ungfrateful.
The doctrine of the cross of Christ, and the necessity of
coming under the power thereof, have been constantly held
forth amongst us, ever since we have been distinguished as
a religious society ; and we, in an especial manner, press it
at this time, that we raay not only have it in profession, but
that all raay truly witness a being inwardly crucified to the
world, and the world to thera ; that during the time of
their sojourning here, they may be preserved from the evils
that abound therein.
It is exceedingly afflicting to those who, through the
mercy of God in Jesus Christ, have escaped the corruptions
that are in the world, and who have known the terrors of
the Lord for sin, to see their fellow creatures carried away
with the love of those things which are not of the Father,

368
but of the world. Sensuality in a high degree, evidently
prevails amonst the professors of the Christian narae, who
take liberty to indulge themselves in pride, luxury, and
avarice, and in many other evil and hurtful things : the
reins of the 'mind being thus let loose, it knoweth no
bounds, the eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear
with hearing. But, dear Friends, there is a state abun
dantly better, happier, and safer, to be attained, which the
goodness of God hath made our duty to seek after, and
which is inexpressibly desirable to all who willingly deny
themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow the Lord
Jesus in the regeneration.
And we intreat all parents, seriously to lay to heart the
great and lasting importance of a religious education to
their offspring ; and to be more solicitous that their tender
minds may be impressed with virtuous principles, and early
directed into the path of purity, by which they may obtain
the pearl of great price, than to provide for them super
fluous and uncertain riches, frequently the sorrowful means
of their declension and ruin. And let your good precepts
be enforced by a prudent restraint and authority, discourag
ing in them every appearEi,nce of evil. And, to all masters
and tutors of children, we affectionately address ourselves,
that in a particular manner it may be your care to caution,
and, as much as in you lies, to guard the youth committed
to your charge, against the dangers and allurements of evil
communications, and the reading of prophane and immoral
writings, those powerful engines of Satan, whether they be
such as directly tend to defile the affections, or with a more
specious appearance, to subvert the doctrines of Christianity
by a presumptuous abuse of human reason, and by vain and
subtle disputations, after the rudiments of the world, and
not after Christ.
As it appears from the accounts brought to this Meeting,
that the great and gracious shepherd is at work in many
places, to draw the rainds of the people from the barren
mountains of empty profession, and is raising in their
hearts living desires, after that substantial good which alone
can nourish the soul to eternal life, and giving to many who
have wandered in uncertainty, vanity and sorrow, the like

369
joyful experience with that of the royal Psalmist, " He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me
beside the still waters." (Psa. xxiii. 2.) Let it be a means
to awaken greater care and zeal in us, with vigilance and
deep attention, to feel after the enlivening, strengthening
influence of that holy, powerful principle we have pro
fessed ; and unto which is the resort, and in which are the
resources ofthe strength and wisdom, of all whora the Lord
our God hath called ; that we may be made truly sensible
of our great and incumbent duty, of being as waymarksand
instructors to those who are asking the way to Zion, with
their faces thitherward.
Great would be the benefit of each in their own particu
lar experience, was this holy engagement of mind more
prevalent ; as qualifications would be thereby attained, to
become workers together with Christ, to the enlargement of
his flock, the advancement of his glorious name and cause,
and the lifting up his standard to the nations.
If, on the contrary, a lukewarm spirit prevails, and draws
from our proper places in the heavenly body ; if our minds
relax from the pursuit of durable riches and righteousness,
and, centering in the pleasures and fading enjoyments of this
world, we forget our high and holy vocation ; instead of
being helpers to the weak, and eyes to the blind, we shall
become stumbling blocks in the way, and an obstruction to
the progress of that glorious reformation, which is the
Lord's work in the earth.
Let such therefore be excited to diligence, who may
have satisfied themselves with a profession ofthe principles
of Truth, and a name amongst men ; without the effectual
operation of that Spirit and power, which redeeras from
the dominion of sin and death.
Our spirits worship, in deep reverence, before the Lord
of power and preservation, that, notwithstanding the de
clension of many from a perfect following ofthe Lord their
God, living praises are amongst us, and a large body remain
who have kept their first love ; and that, amongst the rising
generation, there is at work the hand which fashioneth
vessels to the Lord's praise. May each of those who
have kept their garments clean, be en(?ouraged to persevere
A A

370
for their own everlasting establishment in righteousness,
and the instruction, encouragement, and confirmation of
others, whom the Lord our God hath called, to be parta
kers with us in the like precious faith.
And, dear Friends, in all your meetings for the worship
of Almighty God, let an holy reverence possess your spirits
before him who is allseeing; who requires the sacrifice of a
broken heart, and a contrite spirit, and is only acceptably
worshipped in spirit and in truth. As your minds are in
wardly exercised in a spiritual approach to the Father of
lights and spirits, you will cease from eyery human depen
dence ; and the birth of that pure life will gather strength
and holy stability, which calls no man master upon earth ;
but whose master, father, and feeder, is the great and ever
lasting minister of the sanctuary.
May grace, mercy and peace, be multiplied amongst you;
and that the very God of peace may sanctify you wholly,
in spirit;, soul and body, and preserve you blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the fervent sup
plication of your Friends and brethren.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM FRY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1767.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the Sth of the Sixth Month, 1767, to the 13th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
UNDER an humbling sense of divine condescen
sion and goodness, vouchsafed to us in this our
annual assembly, wherein we have been refreshed together,
and enabled to transact divers weighty concerns of the

371
church, to our mutual comfort and edification, we tenderly
salute you ; fervently desiring, that all may become heirs
together, and daily partakers of the grace of life, in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
By accounts brought from the several Quarterly Meetings
in England, and by Epistles frora Wales, North Britain,
Ireland, Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, Flush
ing in the province of New-York, Pennsylvania and New-
Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina,
we have information that a religious concern for the main
tenance of Christian brotherhood, the preservation of piety,
peace and good order, and the support of our ancient testi
mony in its several branches, happily subsists ; also that
great openness, and considerable convincement hath ap
peared ; which hath bowed our hearts in thankfulness to
the Father and fountain of all grace, mercy and goodness :
yet, we are sorrowfully affected, in consideration of the
unwary scattering and defection, both in spirit and practice,
which appears amongst too many professing with us.
The amount of Friends' sufferings -brought in from the
several counties in England, and from Wales, being chiefly
on account of tithes and those called church-rates, is three
thousand nine hundred and forty five pounds and upwards ;
and those frora Ireland, one thousand nine hundred and
eleven pounds and upwards.
As divers of those worthy confessors of the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Protestant martyrs and reformers, were inspired
with an upright zeal and concern for the revival of the
virtue, life and power of Truth, in the hearts of Christian
professors, and with great integrity and nobility of spirit,
began the work of reformation ; so we as a people have in
the light of Truth, found it our place and duty to endeavour,
not without success, the carrying of it forward, according
to the ability afforded us, to further degrees of purity and
perfection. Thus were our faithful predecessors, and the faithful
amongst us now are, concerned to bear testimony, both in
doctrine and practice, not only against the numerous inno
vations and superstitions, invented in the times of apostacy,
whereby darkness, in a great measure, covered the earth,
A a2

372
and gross darkness the people ; but also against their con*
tinuance amongst Protestant communities ; such as an hired
and coercively supported ministry, ceremonial performances
in worship, with their various appurtenances. As we can
not join in the practice of these things, neither can we
actively contribute towards their support : for as we are
plainly assured in the sacred writings, so we firmly believe,
that the right qualification for true Gospel ministry is freely
given by Christ, and by hira the Gospel is commanded to
be freely administered ; acceptable worship being only
that which is performed in spirit and in truth.
It is neither from obstinacy, nor, as it hath been errone
ously alleged by some, from views to self interest, but
purely to preserve a conscience void of offence, by sup
porting the testimony we believe to be given us of God to
bear, that we refuse an active compliance with demands of
this kind : and, from the same conscientious ground, we
are induced patiently to submit, in a spirit of meekness, to
the penalties annexed by the legislature to the refusal. We
are sensible likewise of the candour with which, of late
years especially, we have been generally treated, in the
execution thereof, by many both in civil and ecclesiastical
offices. And, dear Friends, we find it necessary to remind you
that our worthy ancestors, having their eye directed towards
an enduring inheritance, and their affections established
upon things above, sought not after greatness in this world,
but passed the time of their sojourning here, in fear, and in
great simplicity of heart, as well as of outward ^lemeanor;
endeavouring thereby to reach the divine witness in every
mind, and promote the love of truth and righteousness
amongst mankind. In minds thus bent upon seeking a
more glorious inheritance than temporals can afford, the
love of this world had little influence: they were shining
examples of temperance, justice and truth. A defection
from this simplicity of heart, and heavenly-mindedness, into
the love and pursuit of this fading world, hath obviously
prevailed with too many amongst us, and produced the
fruits of pride and ambition : these have brought in many
wants, which the simplicity and integrity of our ancestors

373
preserved them from : to satisfy these wants, divers have
been excited to enter into a larger extension of trade, and
commerce, than they had stock and ability to conduct.
Vain ambition and evil emulation have led into higher
living and greater expences than their income would admit.
Reduced by these means in their circumstances, yet unwil
ling to lessen their appearance in the world, they have
made use of indirect methods to procure a temporary sup
port, which have ended in failures and bankruptcies ; un- '
known among us in the days of our temperate and lowly-
minded predecessors.
This lamentable defection in some under our name, hath
occasioned great reproach, and grievous suffering in the
properties of many ; almost to the ruin of particulars, who
placed more confidence in those on account of the self-
denying profession they made to the world.
These causes of affliction have been lately renewed, not
withstanding the many repeated advices, and brotherly
exhortations which have been heretofore affectionately com
municated. We therefore earnestly beseech and intreat,
that a godly care may more and more spread amongst us,
early and tenderly to watch over such as may appear to be
in danger of miscarriage in their temporal concerns; admo
nishing the highminded of the danger of a fall, and using
every endeavour to prevent these scandalous and pernicious
occasions of sorrow and suffering : and, where they break
out, that Monthly Meetings fail not to clear our holy pro
fession of the reproach cast upon it, by publicly testifying
against such, from whose iniquitous conduct the offence
comes. And, dear Friends, we beseech you, throughout the whole
of your conduct towards one another, both as raembers of
our religious community, and in private life, let it be your
especial care to keep that excellent commandment of our
Lord inviolable ; " A new commandraent I give unto you,
that ye love one another." (John, xiii. 34.) Shew forth in
the kindness and tenderness of your spirits, that you are
under the true and effectual baptism, that ofthe inward and
spiritual grace ; wherein alone stands the communion of
saints. " For," saith the apostle, " by one Spirit are we all

374
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to
drink into one Spirit." (I Cor. xii. 13.) Thus the real mem
bers of the church, or body of Christ, are all, less or more,
in one Spirit, and therefore in unity, having fervent charity
towards one another ; and by this Spirit are preserved in
that love which demonstrates the verity of their disciple
ship : " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another." (John, xiii. 35.) Suffer not
therefore, brethren, any infringement of brotherly love,
nor any root of bitterness to arise, without earnestly and
affectionately endeavouring to remove the cause ; and be
careful timely to prevent the growth of differences in their
very first appearance, that all breach of harmony, strife and
discord may be kept down, and excluded. And let all de
traction and defamation, whispering and talebearing be
immediately discountenanced and reproved ; for, " a whis
perer separateth chief friends," and " the words of a tale?
bearer are as wounds." (Prov. xvi. 28, and xxvi. 22.)
We think it seasonable at this time also, to repeat the
ftillowing advices formerly given, viz. " It is matter of ex
ceeding grief and concern to the faithful amongst us, to
observe how far that exemplary plainness of habit, speech
and deportment, which distinguished our forefathers, and
for vyliich they patiently underwent the reproach and con
tradiction of sinners, are now departed from by too many
under our name, and who frequent our religious assemblies.
A declension from the simplicity of Truth herein hath been,
and we fear is, attended with pernicious consequences, in
opening the way of some, the more easily and unobserved,
to attend the places of public resort for the exercise of
sports, plays, and other hurtful and destructive diversions
of the age, from which Truth taught our faithful elders,
and still teaches us to refrain. And indeed, the Christian
gravity of their lives and actions always carried with it a
severe reproof, and manifest opposition to the wantonness
and levity of such dangerous and sinful pastimes. Where
fore, we beseech you, be not deceived nor led aside by false
notions of imaginary pleasures, to partake with the un
fruitful works of darkness : but ' watch and be sob^r ;' and,

375
as becometh children of the light and of the day, ' abstain
from all appearance of evil.' " *
And, dear Friends, as next to our own souls, our offspring
are the most immediate objects of our care and concern, it
is earnestly recommended to all parents and guardians of
children, that the most early opportunities may be taken, in
their tender years, to impress upon them a sense of the
Divine Being, his wisdom, power, and omnipresence, so as
to beget a reverent awe and fear of him in their hearts ;
and, as their capacities enlarge, to acquaint them with the
Holy Scriptures, by frequent and dUigent reading therein ;
instructing them in the great love of God to mankind
through Jesus Christ, the work of salvation by him, and
sanctification, through his blessed Spirit. For though virtue
descendeth not by lineal succession, nor piety by inheritance,
yet we trust, the Almighty doth graciously regard the sin
cere endeavours of those parents, whose early and constant
care is over their offspring, for their good ; who labour to
instruct them in the fear of the Lord, and in an humble
waiting for, and feeling after those secret and tender visita
tions of divine Iqve, which are afforded for the help and
direction of all. Be ye therefore excited to a faithful dis
charge of your duty. Be examples to them in your meet
ings, your families, and your employments, of a diligent
humble watchfiilness, and steady regard to that holy prin
ciple in yourselves which you recommend to their obser
vance. Be careful not to indulge them in any thing of aij
evil tendency. Keep them whUe young, out of the vain
fashions, the corrupt customs, and unprofitable conversation
of the world ; training them up in that commendable sim
plicity and plainness of speech, habit and manners, practised
by our Lord, and his faithful followers : and, as they ripen
in age, guard them against the reading of plays, romances,
and other licentious publications, of a nature prejudicial to
the promotion of true Christianity ; likewise against the
public pastimes, and pernicious diversions of the age : all
which are the inventions of degenerate and corrupt spirits,
and strongly tend to draw the incautious mind from a sense
* Epistle 1753.

376
of religious duty; to bring it into a state of alienation from
the life of God, and to deprive it of that inexpressible
comfort and delight which attends the daily exercise of
religion arid virtue.
In the love of the Gospel, we now recommend you to
God, and to the Word of his grace, earnestly desiring, that
the youth may not suffer themselves to be intangled with
the allurements of perishing delights, nor those of more
advanced years be ensnared by the love of the world, or
the deceitfulness of riches ; but that all maybe impressed
with a just sense of the vanity and uncertainty of sublunary
enjoyments, and constantly concerned to seek those plea
sures which are at God's right hand, and that enduring sub
stance which shall never fade away.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
THOMAS SQUIRE,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1768.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, by adjournments^
From the 23rd of the Fifth Month, 1768, to the 28th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren, in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN the love and fellowship of the Gospel, which we
have renewed occasion thankfully to acknowledge has
been witnessed amongst us, both in our meetings for worship,
and in those for transacting the important concerns of our
religious Society, we salute you ; humbly beseeching the
God and Father of all our mercies, who hath called us by
his grace, so to continue his merciful visitations to us, that
the scattered may be brought back and restored, the weak
strengthened, and the faithful preserved to his praise fo
ever.

377
Our Meetings have been large and comfortable, and the
business thereof conducted in a spirit of love and con
descension. The sufferings of Friends, brought in this year, being
chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates, in England
and Wales, amount to three thousand four hundred and
sixty nine pounds and upwards ; and those in Ireland to
one thousand five hundred and sixty pounds and upwards.
By accounts from the several Quarterly Meetings in
England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ire
land, Holland, New-York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,
and from Maryland, we are advised, that several have
joined the Society, through convincement, in divers places ;
and that considerable openness appears in many parts
towards the testimony of 'Truth. We fervently desire, that
Friends, everywhere, may be weightily concerned to live in
that heavenly principle which is manifested in the hearts of
all men, that walking according thereunto, every occasion
of stumbling may be removed, and we may be wayraarks in
our conversation and conduct to those who have their eyes
upon us, to direct and lead them to Christ, " the true light
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
(John, i. 9.)
And, dear Friends, suffer the word of exhortation. With
deep concern of spirit we behold the great hurt, which hath
been brought upon our Society, from a desire and pursuit
after the riches and splendour of this uncertain world ; and
therefore, in brotherly affection, we intreat those who are
entrusted with earthly riches, that it may be the sincere en
gagement of their hearts, to be good stewards of their tem
poral possessions, and not use them to the gratification and
indulgence of the flesh ; but to the glory of God, their
own lasting advantage, and the benefit of their fellow
creatures. And, in consideration of the difficulties which the labo
rious poor have to struggle with, in this time of scarcity,
let us impress it especially upon Friends in affluent circum
stances, to submit to a becoming frugality in their manner
of living, in order to relieve the wants of the needy of all
denominations with a liberal hand, which cannot but be

378
acceptable to the Author of our being, who, through his ser
vants, hath declared, " Blessed is he that considereth the
poor ;" and " he that hath pity upon the poor, lendelh unto
the Lord, and that which he hath given, will he pay him
again." (Psa. xii. 1. Prov. xix. 17.)
It is afflicting to the faithful to observe how pride and
highmindedness abound in many, whereby the way of Truth
is evil spoken of We therefore earnestly desire, that all
parents and heads of families may seek daily, in humility
and fear, after that power which alone is able to preserve
us in a life of selfdenial, and to raise our affections above
earthly things, and establish them on durable riches ; that
the youth may not be misled by wrong example, nor relaxed
by indulgences injurious to their progress in religion ; but
may be enabled to perceive, by the holy zeal of their
elders, that they are in good measure redeeraed frora the
world, its gratifications and friendships, which are, and
ever were, at enmity with the Spirit of God.
We affectionately request the youth amongst us, who are
favoured with pious and exemplary parents, to pay all duti
ful regard to their instruction and example ; and that they
be very cautious of bringing grief and dishonour upon them
by departing from the safe and commendable simplicity of
the Truth, the moderation and plainness it leads to, both in
dress and address, and in every other part of their conduct
and behaviour. " Honour thy father and mother," the
apostle observes, " is the first comraandment with pro
mise." (Eph. vi. 2.) Such therefore, who reject the advice
of godly parents, and set light by their example and autho
rity, both bring dishonour on their parents, and forfeit their
own title to the holy promise of God. We therefore most
fervently beseech our rising youth to buy the Truth and sell
it not ; not to fashion themselves after the practice of those
who manifestly deviate from the pattern of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, and his humble and selfdenying fol
lowers ; but that they may tread in the footsteps of th^
flocks of his companions, become servants to (jrod, and
have their fruit unto holiness, that their end may be ever
lasting life. (Rom. vi. 22.)
The advice of divine wisdom is, " Buy the Truth and sell

379
it not." (Prov. xxiii. 23.) But those who prefer the gaiety,
the vain customs, and fluctuating fashions of this world,
renounce wisdom for folly, duty for disobedience, and the
reality of enduring substance for the flattering delusion of
transitory enjoyments.
Under an afflicting sense of the lukewarmness of many,
we intreat, that a solemn -examination may take place in
every individual, whilst the merciful visitation of our Hea
venly Father's love is continued to them, that they raay
beconie truly acquainted with the state of their own souls.
You are not insensible, brethren, that mere profession is
altogether empty and in vain ; let it therefore be your earnest
endeavour, to live in the life of true religion, and effectu
ally to experience the work of regeneration, and perfect
conversion of heart unto God ; walking before hira in a
daily exercise of spirit, for the renewal of his divine power
upon your rainds, by which alone his people are quickened
and preserved alive, and enabled to every good word and
work. Let close and weighty attention be given to the in-
speaking Word, and seek after those things which make for
eternal peace. Awake from all indifferency of heart in the
momentous concerns of eternity ; for the time hasteneth,
when every pretence and form of religion w ill prove insuf
ficient, and woe will be the portion of those who seek to
cover themselves, and not with the Spirit of the Lord.
And, dear brethren, as it is abundantly evident, that evil
communications corrupt good manners, we earnestly exhort
all in profession with us, against the unnecessary frequent
ing of public houses, and those places of resort which are
too often used as occasions of intemperance, dissipation,
animosity, and the baneful spirit of party ; all which mani
festly tend to lead away, and alienate the unwary mind
from the moderation, peace and purity of true religion ; and
frequently terminate in the unspeakable hurt of soul, body,
and estate.
The great end of divine grace being afforded to us is,
that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this
present world; and that, by attending to its purifying
power, we should be rendered a peculiar people, zealous of

380
good works ; throughout all our conduct shewing forth the
praise of Him who hath called us to glory and virtue.
Finally, brethren, let us keep out of the inquietudes
and distractions of this unstable world, and not concern
ourselves with them, but to dwell in the Spirit and power
of God, which is above all ; that we may experience it to
be " as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from
the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the
shadow of a great rock in a weary land." (Isa. xxxii. 2.)
Signed in and on behalf of our Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN HUSTLER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1769.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,
From the 15th of the Fifth Month, 1769, to the 20th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IT calls for our humble and thankful acknowledgement
to the Father and fountain of all our mercies, that a
manifestation of divine regard has been graciously conti
nued to us at this time, wherein we have been enabled to
conduct the affairs of the church in a spirit of love and
Christian condescension : in a fresh and living sense
whereof, we tenderly salute you.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year, chiefly on
account of tithes and those called church-rates, amount, in
England and Wales, to three thousand four hundred and
thirty six pounds ; and in Ireland to one thousand six hun
dred and ninety one pounds.
By accounts from the several Quarterly Meetings in
England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ire-

381
land, and places abroad, we are informed, that a godly con
cern for the promotion of virtue and holiness, and the
support of our Christian testimony is generally maintained,
and love and unity in a good degree preserved in the
churches ; that great openness continues in many places,
and that the power of Truth hath so far prevailed in the
hearts of divers, as to induce them to join with us in public
profession. Let a constant care rest upon all our spirits,
so to order our conversation, that the nobility and excel
lency of the divine principle of light and grace manifested
in the hearts of all men, for their sanctification and redemp
tion, to which we as a people have ever born public testi
mony, may be more and more shewn forth to the world by
our virtuous lives and conversation.
And, in order to this, let us ever keep in mind, that of
ourselves we can do nothing to the glory of God, or our
own preservation ; but as we abide under the immediate
guidance of his Holy Spirit, which is near to all, for their
instruction, help and comfort. Wait diligently therefore
upon God ; for they that wait upon him shall renew their
strength, and those who trust in him shall never be con
founded. And, dearFriends, as many of you have had the singular
advantage of being made early acquainted with this great
truth and gospel principle, and have measurably experienced
its effects in your hearts, cleave to it firmly, we beseech
you, that you may thereby be preserved out of the spirit of
the world, and from the many inordinate desires and pur
suits it suggests ; as well as from the dangers and inquietudes
to which they are ever exposed, who anxiously interest
themselves in the profits, pleasures, and mutable concerns
of this transitory life.
And, though we trust it is unnecessary to remind any
amongst us of the duty and affection we owe to the King,
who, by Divine Providence, is placed in the sovereignty of
these dominions; nevertheless we think it incumbent upon us
to exhort aU Friends, in every place, not only to demean
themselves as becomes good and faithful subjects, both in
word and conduct, but also to promote the like sentiments
of duty and affection among those over whom their influ-

382
ence may extend ; and that they avoid being ensnared by
the animosities of contending parties, or any thing, unbe
coming the stability and uprightness of our profession, and
incompatible with the pure and peaceable Spirit of our
Holy Head the Lord Jesus Christ.
We think it likewise expedient to advise you, to continue
a watchful care over one another, to prevent any among us
from dealing with such as are suspected to be guilty
of fraudulent practices respecting the revenue ; for though
we have received very satisfactory accounts of Friends
being generalfy clear of such misconduct, yet it must be al
lowed, that those who knowingly contribute to the iniquity,
partake in the guilt, and are encouragers of the primary
actors ; and subject themselves to the charge of dishonesty,
by evading the payraent of customs and duties, in an equal
degree with those who withhold from their neighbours their
just rights ; since, in proportion to such frauds, the revenue
must fall short, and the honest and upright subject be re
quired to pay more than otherways need be demanded of
him. There having been for many years past, a great circula
tion of vain, idle and irreligious books and pamphlets,
tending to lead the mind away from sober and serious duty,
to infect the inexperienced and unwary with notions which
promote infidelity and corruption, and to alienate their at
tention from the Spirit of God, under whose influence and
holy keeping alone is safety ; we earnestly request, that
parents and all others who have youth under their tuition,
will keep a constant eye over them, and, as much as pos
sible, guard them against, and prevent them from wasting
their precious time upon such unprofitable and pernicious
reading ; that they inure them to the frequent and diligent
reading of the sacred writings, which, through divine good
ness, are afforded to us,for our "instruction in righteousness,"
and " that we, through patience and comfort ofthe Scripture^^
might have hope." (2 Tim. iii. 16, Rom. xv. 4.)
It is matter of concern to us to be informed, that some
who formerly fell short of giving full satisfaction to their
creditors, now make a similar appearance to, and live in
like manner with people of affluent circumstances. We

383
recommend the following paragraph from our Epistle of
1759, to the serious attention of such^ viz.
" It is the sense and judgment of this Meeting, that if
any fall short of paying their just debts, and a com
position is made with their creditors to accept of a part,
instead ofthe whole ; notwithstanding the parties may look
upon themselves as legally discharged of any obligation to
pay the remainder, yet the principle we profess enjoins full
satisfaction to be made ; if ever the debtors are of ability.
And, in order that such raay the better retrieve their circum
stances, we exhort to submit to a manner of living in every
respect the most conducive to this purpose, and correspon
dent to the state they are reduced to ; it being exceedingly
dishonourable for any to live in ostentation and greatness
at the expence of others ; which is certainly the case, where
any part of the debts, due by the law of equity and strict
justice, remains unpaid. And, that Friends, in their
Monthly Meetings, be cautious how they admit such whose
debts are unsatisfied into full unity, or receive their collec
tions, which cannot properly be deemed of their own."
We much desire also, that a deep and thankful sense of
the divine mercy and goodness may be impressed upon every
heai;t, in consideration of the late plenteous increase, so
providentially afforded to the generality of this nation,
after a time of scarcity. When we reflect upon the distress
of that season, especially to the poor labouring people, and
how threatening the prospect appeared for some continuance
of time, can we be otherwise than humbly affected with a
sense of the divine bounty towards us herein ? Let the con
sideration thereof excite all to walk answerably to the
favours received ; anrl let the sovereign kindness that be
stowed them be a pressing inducement to us to make a right
and grateful use of them ; and by no means, let any take
occcision therefrom, to gratify an insensible, an haughty, or
a luxurious mind, or to walk in forgetfulness of Him from
whom every blessing flows. Let us remember the goodness
of our universal benefactor, who " maketh his sun to rise
on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just
and on the unjust," (Mat. v. 45,) and kindly administer to
the necessities of the poor and needy, even to those of the

384
inconsiderate and improvident, whose conduct may not
have been such as might recommend them. Then may we,
with an humble confidence, put up our addresses to the
throne of divine grace, for a continuation of these mercies ;
for, " Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will
deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve
him and keep hira alive ; and he shall be blessed upon the
earth." (Psa. xii. 1, 2.)
You are not ignorant, brethren, that the divine principle
we profess, is unchangeably one in all, and brings all that
obey it into one way, the way of huraility, purity, truth
and riffhteousness. It doth not lead one faithful follower
in contradiction to another faithful follower thereof. It is
ever consistent in itself, and leads all who are led by it into
consistency one with another. Such as act in opposition to
those who are led by it, raanifest they are led by something
else, and not by the Spirit of Truth ; therefore, those who
walk in the light of Truth cannot have unity with the con
duct of such. Their own carnal wills, passions, prejudices,
interests and connexions, bias their minds, and eclipse the
light of Truth unto thera. Hence they erroneously wander
into by-ways and crooked paths to their own great hurt,
and the exercise of those who, abiding in the light, behold
their raistake and the danger they are in. Let all there
fore be adraonished, as they regard their own felicity, the
peace and order of the church, and the prosperity of this
heavenly principle amongst men, to lay aside all self will,
high conceit and forwardness of spirit, and to come down
into huraility and resignation, that they may be fitted to
receive with meekness the ingrafted Word, which is able
to save the soul. (James, i. 21.)
Finally brethren, may the power and peace of God rule in
all your hearts, and engage every one to an hurable walking
before hira, and in fervent supplication and travail of soul,
each for himself, that you " may grow up into him in all
things, which is the head even Christ ; from whom the whole
body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which
every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in
the raeasure of every part, raaketh increase of the body, unto
the edifying of itself in love." (Eph. iv. 15, 16.)

385
Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and
the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of our Yearly Meeting, by
JEREMIAH WARING,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1770.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 4th of the Sixth Month, 1770, to the 9th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
UNDER an awful sense of the renewal of divine love
in this our annual assembly, both in our meetings
for worship, and those for transacting the weighty concerns
of the church, we affectionately salute you, earnestly desi
ring your preservation, and increase in righteousness and
true godliness, through the effectual operation of the Spirit
and power of Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have great cause thankfully to acknowledge the
continuance of divine goodness towards us, throughout the
several sittings of this large and solemn Meeting; wherein
the affairs brought before us have been conducted in much
brotherly love and condescension, to our mutual help and
edification. The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in from the
several counties in England, and from Wales, principally
on account of tithes and those called church-rates, is three
thousand six hundred and forty three pounds ; and those
from Ireland, one thousand six hundred and ninety nine
pounds. The accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and the Epistles from Wales, North
Britain, Ireland, Holland, and various parts of America,
afford comfortable information of a godly concern being
B B

386
continued in the churches, for the advancement of Truth,
and the preservation of Friends therein ; and that, through
the merciful visitation of divine providence, great openness
appears amongst the people to hear the testimony of Truth,
and divers have been added to the church by convincement
since last year. We fervently desire, that all who have had
their education amongst us, may be prevailed upon, whilst
the day of mercy, and the renewed offers of divine grace
are continued to them, to look well to their own standing ;
for the sandy foundation of traditional profession will not
abide, nor support what is built upon it, in the day of trial.
And " other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. iii. 11.) This is " the foun
dation of God," which " standeth sur^, having this seal, the
Lord knoweth them that are his." (2 Tim. ii. 19.)
Great and manifold have been the tender visitations of
divine love to us as a people, and frequent, the earnest and
wholesome advices communicated from this Meeting ; yet,
it is too obvious, there is a want of coming up in the foot
steps of the flocks of Christ's companions, who, through all
generations, walked in holy fear, circumspection, humility,
exemplariness of life and conversation; and, in that living,
upright zeal for the cause of God, and the promotion of
his Truth in the hearts of mankind, which render? those in
whom it prevails as lights in the world, and as a city set on
an hill, which cannot be hid. Such are daily concerned to
avoid all false liberty, and sinful ease in the flesh, and to
walk in the simplicity of the Truth, and the purity of the
Gospel. And, dear Friends, where the signs of defection from the
holy commandment appear, it cannot be justly imputed
either to the want of conviction, or the means of restoration
being withheld; but to a deficiency in attending to the
divine principle manifested in every conscience. For " the
manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal." (1 Cor. xii. 7.) The way to profit by it, is often
diligeiitly to retire unto it. As it appears inwardly, it calls
for inward retirement, and an abstraction from earthly ob-
jectsj imaginations, and attachments. For, in the silence of
all that is of the flesh, the still small voice of Truth, the

387
divine Word nigh in the heart, is heard ; and by hearing,
with due observance, true faith is produced. For " faith
comes by hearing, and hearing by [Christ] theWordof God."
(Rom. X. 17.) He is the author, as well as the finisher
of the true Christian's faith ; the faith of the operation of
God, which works by love, to the purifying of the heart,
and overcoming of the world. (Heb. xii. 2, Col. ii. 12,
Gal. V. 6, 1 John, v. 4.) This engages to frequent waiting
in stillness upon the Lord for the renewal of strength.
This keeps the mind at home, in its own proper place and
dirty, and out of all unprofitable association and converse,
whether amongst those of our own, or other professions.
Much hurt may accrue to the religious mind by long and
frequent conversation upon temporal matters, and especially
by interesting ourselves too much in them ; for there is a
leaven therein, which being suffered to prevail, indisposes
and benurabs the soul, and prevents its frequent ascending
in living aspirations towards the fountain of eternal life.
If we suffer our minds to wander from the pure and holy
witness of Truth, that is placed in every heart, we slide in
sensibly into the spirit of the world, and the corrupt man
ners and practices thereof: hence proceed those light and
airy appearances, fantastic dresses, unsound language, un
profitable converse, and inconsistent conduct, which too
plainly denote a lamentable declension. "Lord," saith the
man of God, " thou hast been our dwelling place in all gene
rations ;" (Psa. xc. 1.) He hath indeed ever been the habi
tation of the righteous, who seek daily for the renewed in
fluence of the Spirit and power of God ; in which are the
safety and preservation of his people.
And, dear Friends, let it be weightily considered, that
whatever the Lord requires ought to be observed, in small
things as well as great : it is no light matter to disobey him
in the least of his requirings : it wiU be a sure obstacle to
our religious progress ; for, if the day, or dispensation of
small things be despised and rejected, great things will not
be obtained. Those only, who are faithful in the little,
shall receive more ; those that continue to do the wiil of
God shall know of his doctrine, and be further illuminated,
B B 2

388
enlarged, and brought to experience his great salvation.
(Luke, xix. 17, John, vii, 17.)
May every soul that is sincerely concerned for its own
eternal welfare, be encouraged to persevere unto an esta
blishment in truth and righteousness ; and may the negli
gent, who, like the foolish virgins, have slept as on beds of
ease, be awakened to a serious consideration of their state
and danger. Lukewarmness in religion, and indifference
towards worship, are manifest indications that the true love
of God is either totally wanting, or much neglected. In
waiting upon the Lord, strength is renewed, and by a dis
regard of this great duty, or a coolness and relaxation of
spirit therein, weakness and indisposition increase, drowsi
ness overtakes, and the mind becomes in time, like the heath
in the desart, that knoweth not when ^ood cometh : there
fore be not backward to attend, nor late in coming to your
meetings, nor sit therein under an indolent disposition of
mind, waiting for words, and depending upon others ; hut
seek, in spirit and truth, to worship Him who made heaven
and earth, the sea, and the fountains of water. Under a
diligent care to attend meetings for worship, and a right
exercise therein, the power of Truth is felt, the soul is re
freshed and seasoned, and strength experienced ; by which
we are enabled to come up in a faithful discharge of the
several duties ofour stations, both towards God and man.
And, dear Friends, let us not only be concerned each
one for our own particulars, but also for mankind in gene
ral. Let us be earnest with the God of infinite compassion,
that he may vouchsafe to open the blind eyes, and unstop
the deaf ears of men, to their best and most lasting interest,
bend their minds to Christian humility, and dispose them
to the blessed unity and harmony of the Gospel, which
breathes glory to God on high, peace on earth, and good
will to men.
Let the peace of God rule in all your hearts : this will
preserve you in peace amongst yourselves, and engage you,
as much as in you lies, to follow peace with all men.
" May the God of peace, that brought again from the dead
our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through

389
the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in
every good work to do his will, working in you that which
is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to
whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Heb. xiii.
20, 21.) Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
HENRY GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1771.

I
From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 20th of the Fifth Month, 1771, to the 25th of the same,
inclusive.
To ihe Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland,' and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
UNDER a thankful sense of the divine power and
goodness, which hath been graciously extended to
us in this our solemn assembly, held for the support of
good order, the preservation of unity, and the promotion
of equity, piety and charity, throughout all the churches,
we affectionately salute you ; and acquaint you, that we
have been enabled to conduct the affairs before us in
peace and concord, to our mutual consolation.
It appears from accounts brought in this year, that the
sufferings of Friends, chiefly for tithes and those called
church-rates, in England and Wales, amount to three
thousand three hundred and eighty nine pounds ; and in
Ireland to one thousand seven hundred and thirty six
pounds. And, as we are fully persuaded that the ministry of the
Gospel is not received of man, but by the revelation of
Jesus Christ, according to that apostolic direction, " as
every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same
one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of

390
God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of
God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability
which God giveth : that God in all things may be glorified."
(1 Pet. iv. JO, 11.) And as this ministry is divine, the
motives and inducements thereunto are perfectly disinter
ested, and no way mercenary and lucrative, but concurrent
with the precept Christ gave to his apostles and immediate
followers, " Freely ye have received, freely give." (Mat,
X.8.) .
A ministry acting contrary to the unalterable precepts of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is the head of his church,
may justly be deemed antichristian, and the oppressive
burden pf their support an antichristian yoke. And, being
persuaded that we ought not actively to support, by our
voluntary contribution, a ministry which we believe to be
upon a different foundation from that which God hath laid
by Christ Jesus ; we earnestly intreat all Friends to main
tain our testimony to his doctrine and ministry steadily and
uprightly, yet with the patience and meekness becoming
his followers ; that by the consistency of our practice we
may answer the pressing advices of the apostle, " I beseech
you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions
among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Cor. i. 10.)
" Let us walk by the, same rule, let us mind the same
thing." (Phil. iii. 16.)
The advices received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England and Wales, North Britain, Holland, and
the Colonies, import, that notwithstanding some occasions of
sorrow have appeared, yet a considerable number have been
added to the church, who have come in by convincementj
since last year, and that a godly care is generally main
tained for the promotion of Truth, and the preservation of
love and unity.
Notwithstanding the many weighty cautions, and whole
some advices given forth against all injurious and disreput
able conduct in trade and business, divers instances of
scandalous failures have of late appeared amongst some in
profession with us; the consideration of which hath

391
brought a fresh concern upon the minds of Friends, to
warn all against a most pernicious practice, too much pre
vailing amongst the trading part of mankind, which hath
often issued in the utter ruin of those concerned therein,
viz. That of raising and circulating a fictitious kind of paper
credit, with indorsements and acceptances, to give it an ap
pearance of value without an intrinsic reality : a practice
highly unbecoming that uprightness which ought to appear
in every member of our religious Society 5 and of which
therefore we think it our incumbent duty, to declare our
disapprobation, and disunity therewith, as absolutely incon»'
sistent with that Truth we make profession of. We are also
engaged to caution every individual against imprudently
entering into joint securities with others : for by these
practices, many innocent wives and children have been inevi
tably and unexpectedly involved in ruinous and deplorable
circumstances. We therefore earnestly desire Friends to
keep strictly on their guard, that none through any specious
pretences of rendering acts of friendship to others, with
safety to themselves, may risque their own peace and repu
tation, and the security of *their families : in order hereunto,
we recoramend this salutary advice ofthe wise man to their
especial notice and regard, " Be not thou one of them that
strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If
thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy
bed from under thee ?" (Prov. xxii. 26, 27.)
And, dear young Friends, we fervenfly and affectionately
intreat you, keep your hearts with all diligence. Guard
against every act of unfaithfulness to the divine witness,
and especiaUy beware of closing in with the first temptations
thereunto. Keep within the bounds of known duty, and
the tender restrictions of Truth. In this state of vigilance
and humble care, preservation, peace and safety will accom
pany your steps. Your minds, being circumscribed within
the bounds of truth and righteousness, will be properly ex
ercised in your respective duties, in the sight of God and
man, and employed usefully in your several vocations ; ab
horring idleness, for of idleness springs folly, vice ensues,
dishonour, wretchedness, and ruin are its fruits, which bring
affliction on families, and undeserved reproach oq our holy

392
profession. Keep close therefore to the heavenly principle
m yourselves : this will preserve your feet from evil. Shun
all those who would lead you into the broad way, as your
most dangerous enemies. Deviate not fromthe strait and
narrow path which leads to life, into the pernicious amuse
ments, and ensnaring vanities of a licentious age. Be
strong, and quit yourselves like men, in the too much
neglected cause of morality and religion. Endeavour to
put on strength in the name ofthe Lord, to stop, if possible,
the torrent of vice and prophaneness, which, with violence
and impetuosity, seems to deluge this highly favoured
nation, and break through the obligations and ties of laws
human and divine.
We beseech you, by the mercies of God, by all that is dear
and near to you in every relation, domestic, social and reli
gious, to stand fast in the faith, in purity, in all manner of
godly conversation, that you may be happily instrumental
in awakening many to proper consideration ; and to inter
cede with the God of all grace, for mercy and forbearance
to a wicked and adulterous generation, wherein too many
appear to make a boast of their impiety, and glory in their
shame : " wherefore, come out from among them, and be
ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto
you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty." (2 Cor. vi. 17, 18.)
Dear brethren, let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
that you may be preserved out of all enmity, strife, and
party ; which arise not from the Spirit of the Prince of
peace, but are the fruits of the flesh, in the corrupt and
carnal will of ipan. Live in love, and unite with one
accord, as you feel ability, in supplications, prayers, inter
cessions, and giving of thanks " for all men ; for Kings, and
for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (1 Tim. ii.
h 2.)
And, dear Friends, you who have happily received a
clear convincement of the heavenly principle of Truth in
your hearts, and are joined in external fellowship with the
inward and experienced people of God ; sit not down at

393
ease therein, nor take up with any false or polluted rest by
the way. Press earnestly forward towards the mark, for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Labour to attain a growth in the virtue and simplicity of
his Truth. Seek to be sanctified wholly, throughout body,
soul, and spirit ; that you raay no longer live to yourselves,
but unto Him " who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from aU iniquity, and purify unto himself a pecu
liar people, zealous of good works." (Titus, ii. 14.)
We also find, brethren, that the spring of divine love and
mercy reaches forth towards the very hindermostof the flock,
the most distant of the visited of our God, who have long
lyandered from the Father's house, and have too long spent
the portions of time and talents afforded them, in pursuit of
the delusive pleasures or momentary acquisitions of a tran
sitory world. We beseech you, whilst time is afforded, and
the door of mercy stands open, turn your eyes towards Him
who was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for
our iniquities ; that by his light ye may discover the delu
sion of ensnaring folly, feel your own captivity, and cry for
deliverance. Let the most humble contrition take place in
you, and seek earnestly to be baptized by the one Spirit into
the one body ; which brings to the communion of the bread
of life, and the new wine of the kingdom. Herein is true
fellowship witnessed with the Holy Head, Christ Jesus, and
with his people, whose daily concern is, to follow him in
the regeneration : " For in Christ Jesus neither circumci
sion availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new
creature : and as many as walk according to this rule, peace
be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."
(Gal. vi. 15, 16.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM FRY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

394
EPISTLE, 1772.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournmentsi,
From the Sth of the Sixth Month, 1772, to the 13th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN a thankful sense of that divine goodness, which we
have experienced to be again renewed to us, in this
our large and solemn assembly, held for the promotionof
virtue and godliness in life and practice, and the preserva
tion of good order, peace and unity, throughout the
churches, we tenderly salute you ; and give you to under
stand, that the affairs before us have been conducted in
much love and condescension, to our mutual comfort and
edification. The accounts brought from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and the Epistles from Wales, North Bri-.
tain, Ireland, Holland, and the American Colonies, afford us
comfortable information, that love and concord generally
subsist ; that a lively concern prevails in many for the sup
port of our wholesome discipline, and the advancement of
truth and righteousness ; and that divers have been added
to the church by convincement. It likewise appears, that
the practice of holding Negroes in oppressive and unna
tural bondage, hath been so successfully discouraged, by
Friends in some of the colonies, as to be considerably les
sened. We cannot but approve of these salutary endea
vours, and earnestly intreat they may be continued, that,
through the favour of divine providence, a traffick so un
merciful and unjust in its nature, to a part of our own spe
cies made equally with ourselves for immortality, may come
to be considered by all in its proper light ; and be utterly
abolished, as a reproach to the Christian profession.
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in from the
several counties in England, and from Wales, principally

395
on account of tithes and those called church-rates, is three
thousand five hundred and twenty six pounds ; and those
from Ireland one thousand four hundred and seventy nine
pounds. Seeing we verily believe, that the Spirit of Truth hath
led us to bear a conscientious testimony against the receiv
ing of tithes, when any of us have, by impropriate inheri-
ances, been intitied by law to demand them; as well as to
refuse the payment of them when demanded of us, lest we
should actively contribute to the support of a ministry not
according to the doctrine of Christ, it appears to us incum
bent upon all in profession with us, faithfully to uphold this
important testimony : and we recomraend it to those
Monthly Meetings, who find any of their members in a con
trary practice, that with a becoming zeal, and in the meek
ness of wisdom, they exert their Christian endeavours, suf
ficiently to inform and admonish them ; that they may be
brought to such a right and proper sense of their remissness,
as may engage them to stand clear in future, both of open
and collusive compliances, in a point so opposite to the dis
pensation of a free Gospel ministry.
And, dear brethren, it is our earnest desire, that the love
and life of Truth may be so deeply rooted in every heart,
that our Christian testimony may he faithfully maintained
in all its branches. You are not unacquainted what the prin
ciple is, which many of our ancestors laboured in, and suf
fered for, with an upright and disinterested zeal, for the
glory of God, and the good of their fellow creatures ; and
which ever since we have been a people distinguished from
others, we have held forth to the world : it ia the Spirit of
life in Christ Jesus ; the sure foundation which God hath
laid in Sion, and other foundation can no man lay. Let it
be every one's care individually to build upon it, and closely
to examine what they build : " for," saith the apostie, " if
any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, stubble; evefy man's work shall be
made manifest ; for the day shall declare it, because it shall
be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work,
pf what sort it is." (1 Cor. iii. 12, 13.)
Qreat ought to be the concern of every mind, daily to

396
seek and press after a renewed sense of this fundamental
principle, and so to cleave to it, as to obtain an abiding
therein ; for in that is our help and salvation. A declen
sion from this hath opened a door for the enemy to enter
and make great inroads amongst the unwatchful. When
he is suffered to catch the good seed out of the heart ; or,
in other words, when the mind is led away from due atten
tion thereto, it is drawn almost insensibly into the bondage
of corruption; and those who are so overcome, are too often
made use of, by the envier of our happiness, to ensnare
others to their destruction. Thus the comparatively inno
cent, through the conversation and conduct of unsuspected
acquaintance or associates, are often prevailed upon to
their hurt ; and, by imbibing their notions, and being lea
vened into their spirit, they become indisposed to their
duty, gradually darkened with respect to a right sense of
it, and easily slide into the dangerous and destructive
friendships, follies, and pleasures of a dissipated world.
We therefore fervently desire to impress it upon all who
are intrusted with the care of youth, that they be especially
vigilant, and cautious in their own conversation and con
duct, both before and towards thera. Keep to the power
of Truth in your hearts, and the bridle of truth will be
upon your tongues, and upon all your ways : then will a
true concern possess your souls, to nurture them in sobriety,
modesty, and the fear of the Lord ; and to furnish them
with useful and commendable eraployraents, and prevent
them from' spending the precious time afforded for better
purposes, in amusing themselves with the pernicious works
of stage-authors, and romances ; which strongly tend to
excite irregular passions, and to introduce them into the
giddy pursuits and pollutions of a degenerate age ; which,
in a little time, must terminate in disappointment and great
distress. Renewedly sensible of the gracious extension of divine
regard towards our youth, we affectionately exhort the
rising generation to dwell in the fear of the Lord, which
is the beginning of wisdom ; (Psa. cxi. 10,) recommending
at the same time the soleran paternal injunction of the royal
psalmist to their serious consideration ; " And thou, Solo*

397
mon, my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve
him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: — if thou
seek him, he will be found of thee ; but if thou forsake
him, he will cast thee off for ever." (I Chron. xxviii. 9.)
And, in a particular manner, we entreat such, whose tender
minds are sensible of the holy influence of the dayspring
from on high, to close in with the visitation ofour Heavenly
Father's love, and walk in all humility and reverence before
him ; so will they grow in wisdom and strength, advance
from one degree of grace to another, and be enabled to
come up in the footsteps of those who are removed from
works to rewards.
And, dear Friends, we beseech you, depend not upon the
labours and services of others, but diligently and daily wait
in private, as well as in your public assemblies, for the re
newal of divine strength in your own hearts. Prize such
opportunities as inestimable mercies, and guard against
every ensnaring entanglement, or a disposition that would
lead to carelessness or indifference, for God is not mocked ;
nor can you be profited if dulness or heaviness be suffered
to prevail. Keep strictly to the time appointed, and
patiently wait, that you may be favoured with a renewed
sense of the heavenly presence of the Minister of the sanc
tuary, the great Master of our assemblies.
Self indulgence, either in matters of temporal interest,
the carnal gratifications of sense, or lukewarmness respect
ing religion, is a state of false security, and great danger.
Life is short, and judgment certain ; let the indolent, there
fore, be awakened to an inward search, and just inspection
of their own conditions, by an iraraediate application to
the light of Truth in their own hearts. Such as every man
sows, he must reap. " If ye live after the flesh, ye shall
die ; but if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of
the body, ye shall live." (Rom. viii. 13.) We ought to be
as lights in the world, but unless we walk in the light our
selves, we cannot be as lights unto others. Except we
abide in the way to Sion, we cannot be waymarks towards
it. Finally, brethren, we fervently desire, that you who are,
in any measure, favoured with a living sense of the redeem

398
ing and saving power of God, may so prize his great good
ness, and tender mercies, as faithfully to abide under the
sense thereof. Be quiet in your own spirits, inoffensive in
conversation, and exemplary in conduct, ever watchful to
prevent the rise, and stop the progress of whatever hath a
tendency to contention and discord, or is inconsistent with
inward peace, the honour of Truth, and the advancement
thereof in the hearts of mankind ; and, in order to your
present and future happiness, thirst daily after the life of
righteousness, and seek holiness for your habitation whilst
in this world, that eternal glory may be your crown in that
which is to come.
In the love and fellowship of the Gospel, we commit you
to the guidance and protection of our Holy Head and high
priest the Lord Jesus Christ, and remain
Your Friends and Brethhen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOSHUA STRANGMAN,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1773.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 31st ofthe Fifth Month, to the Sth ofthe Sixth Month, 1773,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
THE salutation of our sincere and tender love, in the
Lord Jesus Christ, reaches towards you, wherever,
in the course of divine providence, your respective allot
ments may be, fervently desiring your preservation from the
evils that abound in the world, and an increase of the wis
dom and virtue of the precious Truth in and amongst you.
We have fresh cause, in deep thankfulness, reverently to
acknowledge the renewed goodness of oui^ gracious Lord

399
and lawgiver, in this our large and solemn assembly, by
^hich we have been enabled to consider, and conclude the
important affairs before us in much brotherly love, to our
edification and comfort.
The araount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from the counties in England and Wales, chiefly for tithes
and those called church-rates, is three thousand eight hun
dred ninety seven pounds ; and those frora Ireland, one
thousand five hundred and thirteen pounds.
By advices from the Quarterly Meetings in England, and
by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland,
New-England, New-York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,
Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, we are
given to understand that Friends are generally preserved
in love and unity ; that, in divers places, some have been
added to the church by convincement ; and that a godly
care rests upon many for the maintenance of probity, piety,
and charity, and the promotion of Truth amongst mankind.
And, dear Friends, feeling a concern renewed in our
minds, that your offspring may be brought up, and preserved
a generation to the praise of their Creator, we intreat you
in particular, who are parents, and all entrusted with the tui
tion of children, weightily to consider your calling, and the
charge committed to you ; and, that whilst you are solici
tous to provide for their bodies, the welfare of their souls
may not be neglected, but constantly engage the principal
part of your care and diligence. Seeing the earliest im
pressions generally last the longest, as soon as you find
children capable of receiving instruction, let it be your
earnest endeavour, properly to improve their understandings
in things that may conduce to their lasting welfare. " The
fear ofthe Lord is the beginning of wisdom ;" (Psa. cxi. 10.)
labour therefore to impress it upon them, and to bring them
acquainted with the living principle of the Spirit of Truth
in themselves. Educate them in a just and reverent regard
thereunto, and be careful to inforce your endeavours by
your own exemplary conduct. This, with the frequent
practice of reading the Holy Scriptures, will assist in form
ing their tender minds to piety and virtue ; and be a means

400
of preserving them from the dangerous influence of such
conversation and writings, as tend either to excite inordi
nate affections, or to instil those irreligious principles which
corrupt the mind, and alienate it from the Spirit and power
of God, wherein alone is the happiness and security of his
people. A " manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal." (1 Cor. xii. 7.) The seed of the kingdom
is sown in every heart, whether it prove as the highway
side, the thorny, the stony, or the good ground. (Mat.
xiii.) In the growth of this spiritual internal seed stand
our preservation and progress heavenward : as it takes
root and spreads in our hearts, it gradually expels the un
fruitful works of darkness, and brings forth the fruits of the
Spirit, which the apostle experimentally declared to be " in
all goodness, righteousness, and truth." (Ephes. v. 9.) By
the increase of this heavenly seed, that necessary change is
accomplished in us, of putting off the old man, which is
corrupt, according to the deceitful lusts, and of being so
renewed in the spirit of our rainds, as to " put on the new
man, which, after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness." (Ephes. iv. 22, 23, 24.)
When we consider the luxury, dissipation, and volup
tuousness which abound in the present age, debasing man
below his rank, enervating his mind, and unfitting him to
pursue the paths of virtue and happiness, we cannot but
ffeel an anxious concern for the preservation of our Society
from the spreading contagion ; knowing that these things
obstruct the advancement of those in whomsoever they have
place, in the way of life and salvation. By disobedience
to the reproofs of instruction in their own hearts, men gra
dually become captives to the power of darkness, and sub
ject to all manner of wickedness ; and as great sins bring
great sorrow, and general corruption introduces general
distress, may we not justly dread the visitation of divine
displeasure, in consequence ofthe general depravity and
licentiousness of the times ? It therefore highly behoves all,
and especially those who profess the Truth as it is in Jesus,
humbly to apply for ability, uprightly to search their own

401
hearts, and to examine their conversation and conduct, to
See that they contribute not to the great and too general
offence, against the omniscient Judge of quick and dead.
We beseech you, brethren, call to remembrance, and
diligently follow the selfdenying example of our faithful
predecessors, who, in obedience to the captain of their sal
vation, were carefully concerned to put in practice his in
dispensable precept : " If any man will come after me, let
hira deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,"
(Mat. xvi. 24.) They were conspicuous examples of self-
denial in dress, in diet, and in furniture, confining them
selves to things necessary, decent and useful, and avoiding
all superfluities, lest their minds should be led from the pure
simplicity of Truth, and their feet insnared and turned from
the paths of peace. Keeping their eye fixed, above seusual
and temporal gratifications, on the heavenly recompence of
reward, they bore a noble testimony against the prevailing
corruptions of their age.
May we constantly keep in mind, that we are most surely
accountable to the great Author of our being, and that we
are every moment the immediate objects of his notice. How
carefully therefore ought every individual to walk, in cir
cumspection and holy fear before him, and in obedience to
him ! Nothing can be hid from him, " neither is there any
creature that is not manifest in his sight : but all things are
naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do;" (Heb. iv. 13,) who also declared by his prophet, " I
the Lord search tbe heart, I try the reins, even to give
every, man according to his ways, and according to the fruit
of his doings." (Jer. isvii. 10.)
" Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart
from iniquity," (2 Tim. ii. 19,) -and carefully resist its
motions in the very root and ground. It is not sufficient to
exert our zeal against the branches only. The Gospel
"axe is laid unto the root ;" (Mat. iii. 10,) and though temp
tations abound in the world and its concerns, the ground of
evil is not to be looked for without us, but within us. Our
Saviour shewed, (Mark, vii. 18 — 23,) that evil thoughts,
evil practices, and whatsoever defiles the man, proceeds
out of the heart : there it is first conceived, and therein is
c c

402
the nature and power of sin, whence sinful words and
actions arise. There the great refiner must sit, to purify us
as silver, in order to fit us for an everlasting inheritance -
with the saints in light. "If I wash thee not," saith our
Lord, " thou hast no part with me." (John xiii. 8.)
Through the laver of regeneration all must pass, who enter
that kingdom qf purity and glory which admits of nothing
unclean. Hence appears the necesssity of closing with the convic
tions, and abiding under the operation of the refining power
of the Spirit of Truth in the first place. " Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness." (Mat. vi. S3.)
And we beseech you, dear Friends, carefully to avoid all
connections, company, and converse, that have a tendency
to entangle you in the spirit of the world, which lieth in
wickedness, (1 John v. 19,) ever remembering, that its wis
dom is foolishness, (1 Cor. i. 20,) its pleasures are vanity and
vexation of spirit, (Eccles. ii. II,) its sorrow works death,
(2 Cor. vii. 10,) and its friendship is enmity with God. (James
iv. 4.) Seek therefore to live in the spirit and nature ofthe
GosJDcl, that ye may be lively examples, "in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (I Tim. iv. 12.)
The more vice and vanity abound, the more strictly ought
we to watch against them, that we may not be insnared and
overcome by them. Numbers will neither be any excuse,
nor alleviation to us in the great day of account ; and if we
see some fail on one hand, and some on another, whilst we
lament their defection, let their harms be our warnings ; and
let us not, by any means, take occasion to lift ourselves up
in our own esteem, by making unwise comparisons between
their state and ours ; but ever hold in due observance the
following apostolic advice : " I say, through the grace given
unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of
himself more highly than he ought to think ; but to think
soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the mea
sure of faith." (Rom. xii. 3.) "Be clothed with hu
mility : for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace
to the humble." "Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seek
ing whora he may devour." (1 Peter v. 5.8.) "Be kindly

403
^ffectioned one to another," (Rom. xii. 10,) watching ovei?
one another for good ; and seeing "the servant ofthe Lord
must not strive, but be gentle unto all men," (2 Tim. ii.24,)
"let nothing be done through strife, or vain-glory ;" (Phil.
ii.3,) but seek peace and pursue it, that good order, union
and concord may be preserved. Be not apt to take offence,
and let each in his own particular, be more assiduous to guard
against his own weaknesses and imperfections, than to
pry into, or expose those of others. Let mutual forbearance
and forgiveness have due place among you ; "For," saith
our Lord, "if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Hea
venly I'ather will also forgive you : but if ye forgive not
men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses." (Mat. vi. 14, 15.)
In all your conceft-ns and conduct, keep an eye to the
guidance of Divine Wisdom, and your hearts open to its
influence ; that ye raay be preserved upright in all your
transactions, faithful in every branch of our Christian tes-
tiraony, and in a state of fitness to approach the Divine
Presence in your religious meetings. Then may you, with
reverent and humble confidence, wait and apply for thp re
newings of that quickening and consolating life and virtue,
which qualifies for the practice of pure religion and ac
ceptable worship, and is a rock of strength to the Lord's
people, the joy of their souls, and the crown of their as
semblies. Finally, dear Friends, we exhort you, that the fresh
remembrance of our beloved brethren, lately, as well as
formerly, removed from time to eternity, who were exem
plary in life, and eminent in service, may humbly and ear
nestly engage all our minds to follow them as they followed
Christ ; that, when the most sure and solemn period shall
draw near to us, being redeeraed from death -and the power of
the grave, we, with the like blessed assurance which appeared
in them, may have experimentally to say, " O death, where
is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory ?" (1 Cor. xv.
55.) All the interests, honours and enjoyments of this
mutable world, are not worthy to be placed in the least
degree of comparison with such an excellent state. Seek it
whilst, and where, it is to be found, in the living principle
cc2

404
of eternal Truth, tbe Spirit of life in Christ Jesus the
grace of God that bringeth salvation. Watch and wait for
it, cleave to it, and abide in it ; that when the end of all
things to you here shall approach, you may be prepared to
join the just of all generations, "the general assembly and
church of the firstborn, written in heaven," (Heb. xii. 23,)
to ascribe "blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, unto
Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for
ever and ever." — (Rev. v. 13.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM DILLWORTH,
Cierk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1774.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 2.3rd of the Fifth Blonth, 1774, to the 38lh of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends,
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE salute you in the fellowship of the Gospel, fer
vently desiring, that grace, mercy and peace may
be with you ; and that, through the eftectual operation of
the Holy Spirit, every Christian virtue may be implanted
in your hearts, and manifested in your lives, to your own
comfort, and the praise of God, who hath called us to right
eousness and holiness.
We have had fresh cause to renew our grateful acknow
ledgments to the Father of mercies, whose goodness hath
been comfortably experienced in this large and solemn
assembly, to our help and refreshment, both in meetings
for worship, and those for the preservation of order, and the
due maintenance of discipline ; wherein the affairs before us
have been conducted in a spirit Of brotherly love and Chris
tian condescension.

405
The sufferings of friends brought in this year from the
counties in England, and from VV"ales, principally on ac
count of tithes and those called church-rates, amount to
fbur thousand one hundred and forty two pounds; and those
from Ireland to one thousand five hundred ninety one
pounds. One Friend is a prisoner by a process in the Ex
chequer on account of tithes.
By advices from the Quarterly Meetings in England, and
by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Holland,
North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsyl
vania, New-York and New-England, we have information
that the churclies are generally preserved in love and unity,
that a godly care is maintained for the promotion of Truth
and virtue, that great willingness appears in many parts to
hear the truths of the Gospel, that divers have been joined
tons by convincement; and that, amongst our brethren in
the American colonies, our testimony against the inhuman
practice of slave-keeping gains ground, and hath had some
happy influence on the minds of considerate people of other
denominations ; in opposition to that flagrant injustice to our
fellow-creatures, for whom our Saviour shed his precious
blood, as well as for others, and to whora he dispenseth
.a measure of his grace in common with the rest of
mankind. It hath often deeply affected our spirits, in these our an
nual solemnities, when we have considered the excellence
of that divine principle, the manifestation of God's Holy
Spirit in the heart and conscience, repeatedly inculcated in
the Holy Scriptures, and held forth by us to the world ; and
at the same time have reflected upon the conduct of many
in profession with us, who, for want of due regard there
unto, have become darkened in their minds, lukewarm to
wards religion, and in divers cases obviously defective in
duty, to their own hurt, and the disreputation of our Chris
tian Society. Yet we have sufficient ground to believe, that
a considerable number are preserved, who are honestly
concerned to abide under the blessed guidance ofthe Spirit
of Truth, to grow in grace, and in the saving knowledge
of our I^ord Jesus Christ, and to walk as becometh the
Gospel.

406
We earnestly intreat that all may be stirred up to em»
brace that needful exhortation of the prophet, "Turn thou
to thy God : keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy
God continually." (Hosea, xii. 6.) This duly put in pract
tice, would, by divine assistance, greatly conduce to the
good of all. Be it therefore, brethren and sisters, who are
parents of children, or heads of families, your constant en
deavour, not to indulge any under your care in the leaven
ing friendships of those who have not a living sense of the
Truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and therefore abide in, the
modish vanities and pleasures of this world. Restrain them,
as much as may be, from any thing that hath a tendency to
divert them from the true watch-tower of inward retire-i
ment ; and, for your own sakes as well as theirs, neglect no
opportunities of encouraging them thereunto by your
example. " What I say unto you," saith our Saviour, " I say unto
all, watch." (Mark xiii. 37.) Be prevailed with there
fore [to make it your constant practice daily, before you
enter upon affairs of a temporal nature, to wait reverently
and patiently upon the gracious Helper of Israel, to feel
the arising of his pure influence over your minds, which
you will find the best preparative for a proper discharge of
duty in all your engagements ; and be careful, whatever
your concerns may be in the course of the day, to keep
your attention towards him, and to do nothing that raay
offend and cause hira to withdraw his preserving power
from you, and leave you to your own weakness ; so shall
you be guarded against the inroads of evil, and not live as
without God in the world, but under an awful sense of his
heavenly presence, and the conduct of his good Spirit,
which leadeth in the way everlasting ; and "blessed" saith
the Psalmist, " are the undefiled in the way, who walk iu
the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his tes
timonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Thev
also do no iniquity." (Psal. cxix. 1, &c.)
^ We beseech you, dear young people, who are sensible of
the visitation froni on high, and have tasted the power of
its love, suffer nothing to draw you from it. " See that ye
refuse pot him that speaketh; for if they escaped not

407
who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not
we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from
heaven." (Heb. xii. 25.) This inward speaker is the Spirit
of your Redeemer. Esteem his reproofs above the world's
caresses, and prize his cross before all its enjoyments ; for
these w ill soon terminate in disappointment and sorrow, but
that will lead to enduring substance. The way to the
crown is strait to flesh and blood, and there is no other by
which it can be obtained. Be neither afraid nor ashamed
of it. Enter it in the days of your youth ; and whether you
reach to old age or not, as you steadily persevere therein,
you will have cause to rejoice in that peace which passeth
the understanding of the carnal mind. Great is the advan
tage you possess above those in more advanced years, who
have long suffered themselves to be insnared into negli
gence and delays ; and who being again mercifully awakened
to behold their danger, deeply deplore the loss they have
sustained, and the difficulty they find in their return from
the many entanglements and inconveniencies their former
remissness hath subjected thera to. Improve the precious
opportunity put into your hands. " Seek ye the Lord while
he may bp fo-and : call ye upon him while he is near." It will
be highly beneficial to you, and contribute much to your
strength and consolation, if you employ that time in attend
ing upon God, and seeking to advance in divine life and
virtue, which so many of our fellow-creatures inconsi
derately lavish away in idle and unprofitable discourse; in
conversing with the numerous publications calculated to
divert their attention from the sacred writings, and from a
virtuous and godly life, by gratifying the passions, exciting
levity, or instilling the pernicious principles of infidelity
and licentiousness; and also in the pursuit of various kinds
of dissipating and ruinous entertainments, — those dan
gerous snares of Satan, which corrupt and captivate un
guarded minds, whilst they pass upon them under the de
ceitful colour of innocent amuseraents. Give due regard to
that apostolic advice, " flee also youthful lusts ; but foUow
righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on
the Lord with a pure heart." (2 Tira. ii. 22.)
We are sensible, that many of you have experienced the

408
work of Truth begun, and in measure carried on in your
hearts, to whora our exhortation is, -stand always open
thereunto. Set no bound in your minds to the operation
of the Holy Spirit, either from inclinations to self-induU
gence, or from the fear or favour of men. It is not for man
to say to his Maker, Hitherto I will follow thee, and no fur
ther : I must allow myself this and the other liberty, in
speech, in dress, in behaviour, in converse, in commerce, or
in any kind of self-gratification. You can never obtain
divine approbation by this means, but will surely incur the
displeasure of Him you were created to obey, minister
cause for him to withdraw the sense of his preserving
presence from you, and leave you to the painful fruits of
your own devices. Remember, " The way of man is not
in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." (Jer.
X. 23. Psal. xxxvii. 23.)
Dear Friends of every age and station, in all your assem
blies for divine worship look inward, and seek the Lord
with fervency. Rest not satisfied with barely sitting
amongst those who are engaged in spirit to dig for the
wellspring of life and wisdom, that they may have bread
in their own houses, and water in their own cisterns. Con
tent not yourselves with an expectation or desire only, to
hear the doctrines ofthe Gospel declared, like those in the
time of the prophet Ezekiel, concerning whom it was said, by
way of reproof, "They come unto thee as the people
cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they
hear thy words, but they will not do them." (Ezek.
xxxiii, 31.)
Let us pass the time of our sojourning here in the fear
of God : for time is to all equally uncertain, and most
surely diminisheth to us every day. It therefore highly be
hoves us to make the best use of the present portion of
time, and measure of grace afforded, that we may be found
in a state of readiness when the solemn hour of final se
paration shall approach. ^' For we must all appear before
tbe judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive
the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
ivhether it be good or bad." (2 Cor, v. 10.)

409
May the infinite Author of all good vouchsafe to quicken
us to stricter watchfulness, and more diligence in the dis
charge of our respective duties ; that through a reverent
attention to his iuvStruetion, and obedience to his requir
ings, we may grow from one degree of grace and faith to
another, and be so replenished with the virtue of his Holy
Spirit, as to become fruitful unto every good word and wOrk ;
that the end of our creation may be answered, which is to
glorify our Father who is in heaven, and to enjoy everlast
ing blessedness in him, who alone is worthy of all honour,
praise and dominion for ever.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JACOB HAGEN,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1775,

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London^by adjournments.
From the 5th of the Sixth Month, 1775, to the 10th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly 3Ieetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a renewed sense of the love of God shed abroad in
our hearts, we affectionately salute you, aud give you
to understand, that our annual assembly hath been mea
surably attended with that ancient power and goodness
which is the strength and comfort of the living in Israel :
by the help whereof, the iraportant concerns of the Society
have been transacted in a spirit of love, condescension, and
concord. The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from the
counties in England, and from Wales, principally for tithes
and those called church-rates, amount to four thousand
Jlhree hundred and forty four pounds ; and those from Ire-

410
land to one thousand four hundred and thirty four pounds.
The Friend mentioned in our last Epistle as a prisoner, by
a process in the Exchequer on account of tithes, hath been
since set at liberty, in consequence of a sequestration and
sale of his goods.
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, 'North Bri
tain, Ireland, Flolland, Rhode-Island, and New-England,
Long-Island for New- York, Pennsylvania and New- Jersey,
Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, we are in
formed, that, notwithstanding the apparent deviation of too
many, a godly concern for the maintenance of upright walk
ing, brotherly love, unity and order, subsists in the
churches ; that several, through convincement, have been
joined to our religious community in divers places ; also,
that the body of Friends in America, as well as here, are
generally preserved from concerning themselves as parties
in the present heats and comraotions ; and we intreat all in
membership with us, to enter as little into conversation re
specting them as possible, and daily to seek for, and abide
under, the influence of that heavenly principle which leads
to " follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which
no raan shall see the Lord."
We trust that we are called to shew 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 but it
will proceed till it attain, in due time, its completion in the
earth, when, according to the prophecies of Isaiah and
Mieah, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nei
ther shall they learn war any more."
Influenced by these principles, we cannot consistently
join with such as form combinations of a hostile nature
against any, much less, in opposition to those providentially
placed either in sovereign or subordinate authority; nor
can we unite with, or encourage such as indecently asperse
or revile them : " for it is written. Thou shalt not speak
evil ofthe ruler of thy people." (Acts xxiii. 5.)
And, dear Friends, seeing the Spirit of Truth, which ma-
nifesteth itself in the heart and conscience, is given for a
leader into all truth ; by the assistance whereof, we may.

411
through obedience, be enabled to demean ourselves with
propriety, throughout the various transactions and trials in
cident to this life of probation : we beseech you, have an
eye to its guidance in all your concerns, carefully avoiding
all improper pursuits, and misleading amuseraents. En
deavour to iraprove the precious moments afforded, to your
lasting advantage. Take frequent opportunities of retiring
to wait in humility and reverence upon the Lord; and, in all
seasons of worship, whether public or private, let your
attention be fixed singly upon hira, guarding against every
thought and imagination that might obstruct your desires,
and the strict adherence of your minds to the Father of
spirits, and Fountain of immortal good.
If, on such occasions, we sit in an unwatchful and uncon
cerned frame, indolence of mind will introduce heaviness of
body ; and where drowsiness appears in meetings, it is a
grief and burden to the sensibly concerned, an ill example
to others, and reproachful to our holy profession.
Let every one therefore, who professeth to worship the
omnipresent Lord in spirit and truth, give diligent attenr
dance both on [thej first and other days ofthe week, and be
neither careless in coming together, nor slack in exercise
when assembled. Let all affairs of an inferior nature give
place to this great and profitable duty; for true worship is
both acceptable to God and beneficial to our own souls.
" The Lord," saith the prophet, "is good unto thera that
wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." This ought
to encourage, and strongly induce us, often to renew the
practice of humble retirement before the bountiful re-
warder of those who diligently seek him. The more it is
followed, the comforts of divine grace are the more experi
enced, faith increased, and ability received to "live accord
ing to God in the spirit ;" aud the apostle exhorts, " If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (1 Pet.
iv. 6. Gal. V. 25.)
Whoever would be truly a disciple of Christ, must know
not only a beginning, but an abiding in the Spirit. It is
not sufficient for any, that they have once known the Truth,
and for a time followed its leadings. If they are since be
come indifferent and cool in tiieir minds towards it, they

arc fallen from their first love, their first faith, and their
first works. " 1 have somewhat against thee," said the
Spirit to the church of Ephesus, " because thou hast left
thy first love. Remember therefore from whepce thou art
fallen, and repent, and do the first works ; or else I will
come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick
out of his place." (Rev. ii. 4. 5.)
Our Saviour, alluding to the day of gracious visitation
afforded us, saith, " Yet a little while is the light with you.
Walk while ye have light, lest darkness come upon you ;
for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he
goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye
may be the children of light." (John xii. 35, 36.) ,
Truly to believe, and steadily to walk in the light of
God's Holy Spirit, we must resign ourselves to its gui
dance, and abide in the paths of humility and selfdenial. —
The over anxious cares of the world, and the inordinate
delights thereof, are incompatible with the life of a follower
of Christ, who said, " If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow
me. — " Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after
me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke, ix. 23. and xiv. 27.)
"The preaching of the cross," saith the apostle, " is to
them that perish, foolishness ; but unto us who are saved
it is the power of God." (1 Cor. i. 18.) In the cross the
power is experienced ; out of the cix)ss we want the power,
and necessarily abide in weakness, void of that sense ofthe
divine presence, which is the strength and support of the
faithful. Hence, in gre^t measure, ariseth that mournful
and discouraging complaint of lowness and debility ; and is
it not to be attributed to the lukewarmness, the neglect and
disobedience of individuals, and to the remissness of those
parts of the body which fail in a due exertion of discipline,
and in comraunicating proper and tira.ely admonition ?
From the mixture of pain, trouble, and disappointment,
Avhich in the course of Providence, attends all sublunary
enjoyments, and from the many warnings given forth in
Holy Writ, against resting upon them, or indulging our
selves in them, as well as from the remorse that
ensues upon such indulgence; it is evident, that a life

413
of self-gratification is dangerous to our present and future
happiness. We are therefore called upon to watch continually, and
to pasg the time of our sojourning here in fear. A reverent
regard to this advice is undoubtedly requisite. Time slides
away apace, and must inevitably bring us to that solemn
period when our state will be determined either to happi
ness or misery for ever. How circumspect then ought we
to be, that neither the cares nor comforts, the profits nor
pleasures, of this mutable life, may so prevail as to prevent
the improvement required at our hands, and beguile us of
our reward ! " To be carnally minded is death ; but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. viii. 6.)
" If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."
(2 Cor. V. 17.) Whoever therefore, would be a true chris
tian, must not trust in a name, or a profession of Christianity
but be inwardly engaged to experience the effectual work
of regeneration, to put off the old man which is corrupt, ac
cording to the deceitful lusts, and to be renewed in the
spirit of his mind, by putting "on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness and true holiness." For
this end, let neither the levity of a vain mind, nor the dark
ness of a carnal understanding hold any of us in bondage
to earthly things, and objects of a perishing nature ; but
let us be fervently concerned to seek the accomplishment of
this great and necessary work in us, that we may be found*
In a state of preparation for that awful moment, when
the dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit
unto God who gave it. Then may we hope that when
Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear
with him in glory. (Eccles. xii. 7. — Colos. iii. 4.)
Signed in aud onbehalf of our Yearly Meeting, by
JOSEPH DOCWRA,
Clerk to the Meeting this Vfai,

414
EPISTLE, 1776.

From this Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments^
From the 27th of the Fifth Month, to the 1st of the Sixth
Month, 1776, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends and
Brethren in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the love and fellowship of the Gospel we tenderly
salute you, as 'partakers of the like precious faith with
us, and hereby acquaint you, that we have renewed occa
sion to acknowledge the gracious extension of divine good
ness to us in this our large and solemn assembly ; by which
the souls of many have been refreshed and edified, and abi
lity received to transact the affairs of the church in much
brotherly love and concord.
The amount of friends' sufferings brought in this year,
from the counties in England and Wales, being principally
for tithes and those called church-rates, is three thousand
nine hundred and ninety nine pounds ; and those from
Ireland, one thousand three hundred and eighty seven
pounds. By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Bri
tain, Ireland and Holland, we have information that love
and unity are generally preserved; that the merciful visita
tions of divine grace are still continued, and appear emi
nently extended to the youth amongst us, as well as to
many of other professions in several parts, divers of whora
have been admitted into membership with us through cqh-
vinceraent. By Epistles received from several of the provinces in
America, we have affecting information of the state of
friends in those parts ; and deeply sympathize with the
faithful, wheresoever they are situated, under their afflic
tions, and fervently desire, that this season of outward pro
bation may be sanctified to all. We are sensible it must

415
try the foundations of many, and we trust it may bring
again to the fold some, who, during a long enjoyment of ease
and tranquillity in those once happy and flourishing coun
tries, have incautiously wandered till they have almost for
gotten the true shepherd of the flock, Christ Jesus.
It is worthy of the serious consideration of all, whether
the calamities now deeply affecting this great empire, may
not have been permitted by Divine Providence in displea
sure, on account of the accumulated transgressions of the
people : let all, therefore, honestly and strictly enquire,
how far they have individually contributed thereto.
And, dear Friends, we earnestly recomraend it to all,
humbly to bow themselves before the Lord of the universe,
craving his divine assistance, and the preservation of the
faithful of every denomination ; fervently desiring that he
may grant repentance and forgiveness to those who have
long lived iu forgetfulness of the God who formed them
for a purpose of his glory, and of Christ their Holy Re
deemer. Let us humbly retire to that blessed principle of strength
and w isdom, the grace of God manifested in our hearts ;
that, through a strict adherence thereunto, we may be fa
voured to experience it to be as a munition of rocks, and a
sure hiding place, to which the righteous fly and are safe
in every time of trial ; that, in like manner with the evan
gelical prophet, we may be enabled truly to say, " 1 will
trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is ray
strength and my song, he also is become my salvation." —
(Isa. xii. 2.)
Finally, brethren, keep in singleness of heart and resig
nation of soul to the Almighty, that he may bless and re
plenish you with that perfect love which casteth out all
fear. Then shall ye be at peace in yourselves, and one
with another, and " the peace of God, which passeth all un
derstanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus." (Phil. iv. 7.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
THOMAS RUTTER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

416
EPISTLE, 1777.

From the Yearly Meeting, in London, held hy adjournment^f
Frbm the 19th ofthe Fifth Moilth, 1777> to the 24th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends iri
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
TTNDER an awful sense of that divine love and mercy,
\^ which have been graciously renewed to us in this our
annual assembly, we tenderly salute you, and thankfully ac
knowledge the goodness of God to us, both in our meetings
for worship, and those for transacting the necessary affairs
of the Church; which have been well attended, and the bu
siness conducted in a solid and weighty manner, to our edi
fication and comfort.
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
from the counties in England and Wales, being chiefly for
tithes and those palled church-rates, is three thousand eight
hundred and seventy one pounds ; and those from Ireland,
one thousand four hundred and forty five pounds.
By accounts from the several Quarterly Meetings in Eng
land, and by Epistles frora Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
HollandjRhode-Island for New-England, New-York, Penn
sylvania, and New-Jersey, we have received information,
that, notwithstanding the instability and deviation of some
amonost us, the divine visitations of Truth have so happily
prevailed upon others, that many appear to have been con
vinced of our religious principles, and divers have joined
in merabership with us since last year.
We have also, with ranch satisfaction, to acquaint you,
that the general body of Friends in America, under all the
trials and difficulties they are exposed to in these times of
confusion and peril, have been preserved in a conduct con
sistent with our peaceable principles. United in brotherly
love, and in the same precious faith, we truly sympathize
with them, verily believing it to be our indispensable duty

417
to promote the Gospel of peace in life and practice, and to
approve ourselves followers of the Lamb of God, who, when
upon earth, overcarae through suffering, and left us an
exaraple that we should follow his steps. (1 Pet, ii, 21,)
For, according to Holy Writ, " He that saith he abideth in
him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
(1 John ii. 6.)
We are likewise agreeably informed of the unremitting
concern, and great labour used by our friepds in the colo
nies, to obtain the freedom of those poor Africans who are
still held in a state of bondage ; and also of their especial
care to prevent all professing with us, from any way minis
tering encouragement to such as carry on that inhuman
traffick, of dealing in mankind, and forcibly enslaving their
fellow-creatures, for the sake of a perishing interest. The
Christian endeavours and example of our brethren in
this respect, afford an additional satisfactiort, as they have
induced many of other professions to restore numbers of
these injured people to their liberty. And it is our earnest
desire, that friends in these kingdoms may carefully avoid
every temptation to assist in, or promote, a business so
cruel, iniquitous, and unchristian.
And, dear Friends, amongst the raany hurtful things those
are liable to, who live not in due subjection to the light of
God's Holy Spirit in their own consciences, let us revive in
your view at this time, that of mixing in marriage with those
of different persuasions in religion.
Marriage, being a divine ordinance, and a solemn engage
ment for term of life, is of great importance to our peace
and wellbeing in this world, and raay prove of no small
consequence respecting our state in that which is to come ;
yet it is often too inconsiderately entered into, upon mo
tives inconsistent with the evident intention of that unerring
Wisdom by which it was priraarily ordained ; which was for
the mutual assistance and comfort of both sexes, that they
might be meet-helps to each other, both in spirituals and
temporals, and that their endeavours might be united for
the pious and proper education of their children, in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, and for suitably qua-
D D

418
lifying them to discharge their duty in their various allot
ments in the world.
Marriage implies union and concurrence, as well in spi
ritual as temporal concerns. Whilst the parties differ in
religion, they stand disunited in the main point ; even that
which should increase and confirm their mutual happiness,
and render them meet-helps and blessings to each other. — ¦
Where it is otherwise, the reciprocal obligation they have
entered into becomes their burden, and the more so, as it
may not be of a short and -transient duration : whatever
felicity they might expect or flatter themselves with in the
beginning, they have found themselves disappointed of, by
the daily uneasiness accorapanying their minds, and imbit-
tering their enjoyments.
The perplexed situation of the offspring of such alliances
is likewise to be lamented. Attached by nature to both
parents, the confusion they are in often renders them un
fixed in principle, and unsettled in practice ; or if, as it is
usual, the sons go with the father, and the daughters with
the mother, brothers and sisters are trained up in lines of
conduct diverse from, and, in some cases, opposite to each
other. Thus, differing in principle, they are frequently di
vided in affection, and, though so nearly related, are some
times at the greatest distance from that love and harmony
which ought continually to subsist between them.
To prevent falling into these disagreeable and disorderly
engagements, it is requisite to beware of the paths that lead
to them — the sordid interests, and ensnaring friendships of
the world, the contaminating pleasures and idle pastimes of
earthly minds ; also the various solicitations and incentives
to festivity and dissipation. Let them likewise especially
avoid too frequent and too familiar converse with those
from whom may arise a danger of entanglement, by
their alluring the passions, and drawing the affections after
them. For want of due watchfulness, and obedience to the con
victions of divine grace in their consciences, many amongst
us, as well as others, have wounded their own souls, dis
tressed their friends, injured their families, and done great

419
disservice to the church, by these unequal connections ;
which have proved an inlet to much degeneracy, and
mournfully affected the minds of those who labour under a
living concern for the good of all, and the prosperity of
Truth upon earth.
Finally, brethren, that ye may be of those concerning
whom the Lord said formerly, by his prophet, " This peo
ple have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my
praise," (Isa. xliii. 21,) we beseech you, cleave to him
with full purpose of heart ; trust in him, be willingly sub
ject to the reproofs of instruction, and the guidance of
divine grace ; that ye may be kept in brotherly love, and
walk in wisdom towards those that are without, giving no
occasion of stumbling or offence to any, either in word or
deed ; but by a circumspect and savoury conversation, mi
nistering to the help of those whose eyes are upon you, to
observe how your conduct answers the holy principle of
your profession.
May the God of all grace sanctify your hearts by the
effectual operation of his Holy Spirit, that, in the conclusion,
he may receive you into his kingdom of unchangeable purity,
peace, and glory.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
SAMPSON LLOYD, Jun.
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1778.

From ihe Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments,
From the 8tb ofthe Sixth Month, 1778, to the I3th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
E salute you in a sense of that pure and powerful
love which, through our Lord Jesus Christ, hath
d d2

w

420
been mercifully renewed to us in this our large and solemn
assembly, to the help and refreshment of our spirits in
transacting the affairs of the Church ; which have been eon-
ducted in the fellowship of the Gospel, and under a deep
engagement of mind for the whole flock and faraily; that all
may be sincerely concerned, and truly enabled, to walk
worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, in " lowli
ness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one ano
ther in love," and " endeavouring to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephes. iv. 3.)
The amount of friends' sufferings brought in this year
from the counties iri England and Wales, being principally
for tithes and those called church-rates, is four thousand
five hundred and ninety one pounds ; and those from Ire
land, one thousand six hundred and seventy seven pounds.
By accounts received frora the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Bri
tain, Ireland, Holland, New-England, New- York, Pennsyl
vania, Maryland, and Virginia, we are acquainted that love
and unity are generally preserved in the churches ; and that
a considerable number hath been added to the Society, by
convincement, in various parts. We are also informed, that
the difficulties and distresses of our friends in America have
been, and still continue to be, great in divers provinces.
^'Affliction," it is said, "cometh not forth ofthe dust,
neither doth trouble spring out of the ground." (Job. v. 6.)
Let the present calamities, therefore, awfully impress every
mind, and lead us seriously to reflect, both on the many
mercies we, with our fellow-subjects, have long and largely
enjoyed, and the distressing prospect now before us ; tha)t
all may individually turn to the Lord with full purpose of
heart, and, in a sense of our own nothingness and unwor
thiness, abide in humble prostration of spirit before him,
that he raay vouchsafe to forgive our offences, to renew his
covenant of peace with us, and enable us to walk as lights
in the world ; and by our savoury conversation and exem
plary conduct, to lead the tender inquirer into the life of
righteousness and true holiness.
We also tenderly intreat, that none who have received a
sense of divine visitation may either rest contented with a

421
bare convincement, or satisfy themselves with having been
enabled to make some advances in the way to life and salva
tion, concluding they have sufficiently attained, that they
are already made whole, and that all is safe and well with
them ; for such may be assured, they have suffered loss,
though they see it not ; and if they so continue, will, at best,
settle in a state of weakness, dwarfishness, and danger.
Let not any therefore sit as at ease in Zion ; but let all
arise, and w ith zeal and fervency press daily forward, fol
lowing on to know the Lord, and acknowledging him in all
their ways, that he may direct their paths ; lest, like the
backsliders in Israel, they fall in the wilderness, and never
obtain an inheritance in the promised land.
Had every one in profession with us been duly careful to
live in subjection to the principle of Truth, those afflicting
occasions of sorrow and of censure, which arise from an in
ordinate pursuit of the profits, the pleasures of the world,
and the pride of life, might have been prevented. An ex
tension of trade and business beyond the bounds of pru
dence, justice, and propriety, and the limitations of God's
holy witness in the conscience, cannot obtain that divine
blessing which alone maketh truly rich, and adds no sor
row : therefore it is not to be wondered at, if the hazardous
adventures ofthe covetous and imprudent should terminate
in their failure, the grief of their friends, the hurt of their
connexions, and reproach of their profession.
Experience hath abundantly verified that just and
striking reflection in Holy Writ : " They that will be rich
fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil ; which while
some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim.
vi, 9. 10.)
Being painfully affected with some recent instances of this
nature, we earnestly exhort, that Friends, in the districts of
their respective Monthly Meetings, be watchful over one
another in love ; and particularly caution such as appear in
danger of launching beyond their depth, by entering into
concerns too extensive, or too numerous for their abilities

422
to discharge with punctuality and honour ; and where deal
ing with any such is found requisite, we intreat you, bre
thren, have no respect to persons in judgment ; yet, as the
apostle Jude directs, On "some have compassion, making
a difference," (Jude, ver 22,) according to the diversity of
cases. But if any wilfully proceed against the advice or
admonition of Friends, let them in due time be dealt with as
the discipline ofthe Society requires.
And we further most tenderly exhort, that all be warned
against spending their time, and the substance in their hands,
unprofitably, by resorting to places of vain, irreligious, and
dissipating entertainraent ; also, against high and expensive
living, or an affectation of pomp and figure : by which un
warrantable and unbecoming practices, many have been re
duced to the want of a piece of bread ; beside the loss they
have sustained in credit and character, and the distress and
anxiety of mind which are the certain consequences of such
misconduct. The sacred writings inform us, Christ "died for all, that
they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for them." (2 Cor. v. 15.) To live
unto him, we must live and walk in his Spirit, observe his
precepts, and follow his example in the way of humility,
moderation, and self-denial ; otherwise, we cannot be his
followers. " If any man," saith he, " will come after me,
let hira deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow
me." (Luke ix. 23.)
A professional belief in Christ, and of the doctrines of
the Gospel, may denominate us Christians ; but to be Chris
tians indeed, we must be indued with the spirit and nature
of Christianity. " He is not a Jew," saith the apostle,
"which is one outwardly:" (Rom. ii. 28,) neither is he a true
Christian who is only one outwardly ; "for, in Christ Jesus,
neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision,
but a new creature." (Gal.vi. 15.) " If any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature." (2 Cor. v. 17.) Consequently, no
man is in reality any further a Christian, than as he is
created anew in Christ Jesus. " It is the Spirit that quick
eneth ; the flesh profiteth nothing." (John vi. 63.)
Seeing therefore, that essential and acceptable religion is

423
only produced and maintained in us, through a renovation
of heart by the Spirit, the more frequently we wait for its
powerful influence, and the more fervently we seek it, the
oftener we shall find it renewed to us : for, " they that wait
upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa. xl. 31.)
Finally, brethren, as the present season is a time of deep
exercise and trial, let every one be weightily impressed
with a living concern, to look steadily to him who is able
to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.
If we live in his fear, we shall have just ground to confide
in his protection ; and that he will preserve us through all
the vicissitudes of this mutable state, in the safe munition
of his own Spirit and power, where the instability of things
without will not be suffered improperly or immoderately
to affect us. The things of the world are in continual
fluctuation and uncertainty, and in proportion to the hope
and dependence that any place upon them, will be their
loss and disappointment : but " they that trust in the
Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be moved" —
For, " as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so
the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for
ever." (Psal. cxxv.)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen. Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
ISAAC WILSON,
Clerk lo the Meeting this Year.

424

EPISTLE, 1779.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournments,
From the 24th of the Fifth Month, 1779, to the 29th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly beloved Friends and Brethren,
IN the love of God, and the fellowship of the Gospel,
which we have, with' deep thankfulness of heart, in a good
degree experienced to attend us, both in our meetings for
worship, and those for transacting the affairs of the Church,
we affectionately salute you ; with fervent desires that bro^
therly love, peace, and concord, may continue and increase
amongst us, and, that a tender and Christian concern may
come upon all, in their respective stations, for the mainte
nance of good order, and the promotion of truth and right
eousness upon earth.
By accounts received from the several Quarterly Meet
ings in England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Bri
tain, Ireland, Holland, New-England, New-York, Penn
sylvania, New-Jersey, Maryland, North and South Caro
lina, and Georgia, we are informed that love and unity are
generally preserved in the churches, to many of which
divers have been joined through convincement ; and that
a considerable number of well-disposed youth appears in va
rious parts.
The sufferings of our brethren in America have been
great in many places, especially in Pennsylvania, the Jer
seys, Long-Island, Rhode-Island, and Nantucket. These
sufferings have principally arisen from that confusion and
distress which are inseparable frora war, from the laws en
acted for promoting military services, and from acts enforcing
declarations of allegiance to those in power.
The Friends who were banished frora Philadelphia have
been permitted to return to their habitations, excepting

425
two, who died in exile ; and some of those who were impri
soned have been set at liberty.
It is with satisfaction we understand, that their meetings
for worship and discipline are duly kept up, and that, not
withstanding the difficulties and dangers which surround
them, friends attend them with diligence, and many from re
mote places ; their minds are often tendered therein, and
united in love one to another, and in deep sympathy with
the sufferers amongst them. And it evidently appears that
the turning ofthe mighty hand ofthe Lord upon them hath
not been in vain ; but that, having learned by the things
they have suffered, and from the apprehension of future pro
bations, they are engaged to wait for that divine help, pro
tection, and support, which alone can enable them to en
dure with patience and holy resignation the trials that are
permitted to attend thera.
Our brethren in those parts gratefully acknowledge the
kindness and regard of Friends in England and Ireland, in
so early and liberally contributing to the relief of their dis
tresses. Many, frora easy circumstances, have been reduced
to great hardships and necessities, but have been measura
bly kept in a state of contentment : these have shared the
benevolence of those who have been preserved from the
like sufferings. It appears, that their afflictions, though
grievous in divers places, have tended to awaken many to a
proper sense of their condition, and to increase a watch
fulness and care, that they may walk answerable to the mer
cies received, and stand faithful in the testimonies commit
ted to their charge, against wars and other antichristian
practices. May a deep sympathy with our afflicted brethren affect
every mind; and may we all watch unto prayer, that it
may please the divine Majesty to shorten the day of their
distress. The sufferings of Friends brought in this year from Eng
land and Wales, being chiefly for tithes and those called
church-rates, araount to three thousand seven hundred and
sixty three pounds : and those from Ireland to One thousand
two hundred and fifty four pounds.
In as much as we have sufficient ground to believe that the

426
true gospel ministry is freely received from the Holy Head
and unchangeable High Priest of the Christian Church, and
by him commanded to be freely given; (Mat. x. 8) we
cannot esteem the laws of men, made in the apostatized
state of the professing, churches, as of any force to controul
and supersede his divine law, or to warrant us to act in vio
lation thereof: we therefore exhort you, brethren, be true
and stedfast in the faith once delivered to the saints, and
deeply suffered for by divers of the Protestant martyrs, as
well as by our own faithful predecessors. However any
aniongst us, to whom blindness in part hath happened,
may swerve from the law, and from the testimony ; suffer
it not, to fall as in the streets, through your weakness, or
the want of your example ; lest, for your denial of Christ
before men, he deny you before his Father, and the holy
angels. Let us also remind such as may be remiss in attention to
the teachings of the grace of God in theii' own hearts, that
the kingdom of Christ is a peaceable kingdom ; and though
his servants walk in the flesh, they do not war after the
flesh. (2 Cor. x. 3.) He commands them to love their
enemies ; (Mat. v. 44,) and mahy who have followed him
in the regeneration, and abode under his government, have
found thenfiselves restrained from all wars and fightings ;
which are not of the Spirit ofthe Saviour, but that of the
destroyer of mankind : believing this, we cannot consist*
ently take any part therein ; nor be concerned as owners of
armed vessels, in letters of marque, or as purchasers of
prize goods ; neither can we assist in the sale of thera : for
whoever amongst us so confederate with the captors, afford
evident tokens that they either prefer the gain of a corrupt
interest to the convictions of divine light in their own con
sciences, or that they are become insensible of them ; both
which must tend to their condemnation.
Now, dearFriends, seeing our time is ever silently upon
the wing, and the opportunity afforded us for the important
work of preparation daily shortening ; knowing also, that the
solemn period [approaches], wherein every individual, how-'
ever occupied in this transient mode of being, must soon be
called hence, and may, in a moment unexpected, be broken

427
oft' from every temporal connexion, by that awful com
mand, " Give an account of thy stewardship ; for thou
mayest be no longer steward:" let us be vigilant, and
in earnest so to iraprove the precious time allotted us,
that when this awakening call approaches, our consciences
may not accuse us ; but our faith may be firm, and an admit
tance granted us into thatcity which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God !
" See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but
as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evU.
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them
that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." (Eph. v. 15.
vi. 23, 24.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN FOTHERGILL.
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1780.

^From the Yearly Meeting in Londori, held hy adjournments.
From the 15th of the Fifth Month, 1780, to the 20th of the sarxie,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE feel our rainds engaged, in deep reverence and
thankfulness, to acknowledge the eminent tokens of
divine regard, both immediately and instrumentally vouch
safed to us at this season ; by which we have been much re
freshed, and enabled to transact the affairs of the Church,
in unity, harmony, and brotherly love, wherein we affec
tionately salute you ; fervently desiring, that in all your
respective meetings, your spirits may be united in an earnest
travail for the arising of that quickening spring of heavenly
power and virtue, which is the life and crown of our so
lemnities.

428
The amount of Friends' sufferings brought in this year
from the counties of England and Wales, being principally
for tithes and those called church-rates, is three thousand
eight hundred and eleven pounds ; and those from Ireland,
one thousand two hundred and eighty one pounds.
By accounts fi-om the several Quarterly Meetings in
England, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ire
land, Holland, New-England, New-York, Pennsylvania,
and New-Jersey, we are informed, that a considerable con
vincement appears in divers places, and many have joined
in merabership with us, both in these parts and Araerica;
and also, that the just and charitable endeavours of Friends
on that continent have so happily succeeded, that the
slavery ofthe poor negroes is nearly put an end to amongst
theiA, and has greatly decreased amongst those of other pro
fessions. Advice hath been often communicated from this Meeting
on the subject of education, the effects of which are so ma
nifestly interesting and important to mankind : for though
it is the grace and good Spirit of God, through Christ, that
bringeth salvation, yet, the earlier young minds are in
structed, and the better they are prepared to receive the
seed ofthe kingdom, the more likely they will be to retain
its virtue, and profit thereby.
Youth are very liable to form intimacies with those who
suit their natural inclinations and passions, and to imbibe
their spirit and manners, which too often lead them from a
due attention to the manifestations of Truth in their own
hearts, and to disregard the salutary advice of their friends,
till they become entangled in disagreeable and hurtful con
nexions ; out of which, it may not be in the power of their
friends to extricate them. We therefore intreat you, bre
thren and sisters, who are placed over them, as parents,
guardians, or teachers, to keep those under your charge, as
much as possible, out of the way of temptation, both by
timely caution, and proper restraint. Train them up in use
ful learning, and to suitable employments. Inure them to
the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, and the reli
gious writings of those who have been concerned and expe
rienced in the work and power of Truth. Guard them

429
against all publications which have a tendency to affect and
heighten their passions, to excite lightness and vanity, or to
instil principles of infidelity and licentiousness : minister
not to their hurt by improper indulgence, nor suffer them to
fall into evil through connivance, or neglecting to apprize
them of the dangers that surround them.
And, dear young people, we tenderly beseech you, receive
witii all due regard, the wholesome counsel of those who
are honestly concerned for you, and the labours of love both
publicly and privately bestowed upon you ; and, above all,
adhere to the Spirit of Christ in your own hearts ; which, if
ye wait for, and diligently seek after, ye will feel to move
livingly in your minds against all manner of evil, and,
through daily submission to its divine guidance, ye will ex
perience the blessed operation thereof, till ye are favoured
with a participation of its heavenly nature, and, enabled to
abide under its preserving power ; the safe munition of the
watchful and obedient.
Let not any thing divert your attention from this divine
principle, nor draw you to join with temptation ; for not
withstanding the corruptions of the world may appear dis
pleasing, or even disgustful to you, on their first presenta
tion, if ye fly not frora, but tamper or amuse yourselves with
them, they will soon become familiar, and at length de
sirable. Thus many have gradually fallen into bondage to
things they once held in abhorrence.
And, dear Friends, let a tender and Christian concern
come upon you all, in your several stations, to walk as be
cometh the Gospel, and to watch over one another for good ;
and we especially intreat those appointed as elders and
overseers to be diligent in the discharge of their extensive
and important duties; that the ignorant maybe informed,
the weak strengthened, the tender encoupaged, the scattered
sought out, the unwary cautioned, the unruly warned ; and
that such as act in opposition to the testimonies required of
us bythe Spirit and doctrines of Truth, maybe treated with
in love and meekness, yet with an holy firmness ; that the
cause of Truth may not be suffered to fall, through the re
missness of those who are placed as watchmen on the walls
of Sion.

430
It is much to be lamented, that any who have descended
frora pious ancestors, should fail of coming up in the steps
of their forefathers, who stood firm in their integrity to the
Truth manifested unto thera, through all the violence of per
secution and outrage they met with, that they might keep a
conscience void of offence to Hira who graciously supported
thera in exemplary faith and patience.
The Christian principle they with so much zeal and con
stancy maintained, and so deeply suffered for, ought cer
tainly to be of no light estimation with us in this day of
ease, wherein we enjoy the freedom publicly to worship the
great Author of our being, and well-being, according to
our consciences, and to hold forth the several branches of
our religious duty to him,, without enduring the like severi
ties with our predecessors. They nobly kept their ground
in the stormy season, and shall any of us, their successors,
who reap the advantage of their faithfulness, take our flight
in a time of calmness and serenity? We are under the
same obligation they were, to testify to the Truth both in
profession and practice, to walk in self-denial, and to follow
Christ in the regeneration. Let none, therefore, deny him
by disobedience to his requirings, or be ashamed of him
before men, lest he deny them before his Father who is ia
heaven. We are not under a necessity of applying to others, that
we may learn how the case stands betwixt God and our own
souls. Experience concurs with Holy Writ in teaching us,
that his witness is within us, either excusing or accusing,
according to our faithfulness, or unfaithfulness thereunto.
To this internal witness let all be intreated to give strict
and reverent observance ; not suff'ering the momentary ac
quisitions, or the fleeting enjoyments, of this world,
to steal away the precious time mercifully allowed them,
wherein to prepare for higher and more enduring fruitions.
Now, though we think it needful thus to stir you up to
duty, we are well satisfied that many of you are sincerely
concerned to dwell in subjection to the gift of God in your
own hearts ; and we fervently desire the preservaiSon and
establishment of such in the blessed Truth. May the num
ber of these abundantly increase throughout the churches ;

431
that the refreshing showers of divine favour may be fre
quently renewed, and fall upon them " as the dew of Her
mon, and as the dew that descended upon. the mountains of
Zion : for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even
life for evermore." (Psalm, cxxxiii. 3.)
" Now unto hira that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
(Eph. iii. 20. 21.)
Signed in, on behalf, and by order ofour Meeting afore
said, by
WILLIAM BLECKLY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Y^ar.

EPISTLE, 1781.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held hy adjournments.
From the 4th of the Sixth Month, 1781, to the 9th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE have abundant cause thankfully to acknowledge
the gracious condescension of the Lord our God,
in favouring this large and soleran assembly with the re
newal of his ancient power and goodness ; under a sense
whereof his high and holy name hath been reverentiy wor
shipped, and the affairs before us conducted in much
brotherly love and concord, wherein we tenderly salute you,
with fervent desires that all in profession with us may sin
cerely seek to be gathered into, and united together in, the
one Spirit of the one true living Head of the Churchj the
Lord Jesus Christ, and may become strepgthened and esta
blished in him for ever.
The amount of Friends' sufferings in England and
Wales brought in this year, being chiefly Jbr tithes and

432
thoge called church-rates, is four thousand and seventy one'
pounds ; and those from Ireland, one thousand four hun
dred and forty seven pounds.
By accounts from the Quarterly Meetings in England,
and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland, Hol
land, New-England, New- York, Pennsylvania and New-
Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina and
Georgia, we have information, that lov6 and unity are ge
nerally preserved in the churches ; to which, in divers
parts, considerable additions have been made by convince
ment. We have also to observe, respecting our brethren
on the continent of Araerica, that their sufferings on ac
count of our peaceable testiraony appear to increase, through
the adverse occurrences arising from the continuance of the
present unhappy commotions ; yet they have gratefully to
acknowledge, that through the superintending goodness of
divine Providence, they have been generally favoured to
hold their religious meetings without molestation ; and, not
withstanding their numerous losses and various distresses,
we find they have so far proceeded in the restoration of their
captive negroes to their just liberty, that the completion of
that humane and charitable work appears to be at no great
distance. And, dear Friends, as occasion calls upon us, from some
maritime parts of this nation, to revive in your remem
brance the following advice in our Epistle of the year
1757, we here recommend it to your serious observance.
" It having been weightily under the consideration of
this Meeting, to discourage all under our profession from
that great inconsistency of being concerned in privateers,
letters of marque, or ships armed in a warlike manner, we
think it necessary very earnestly to recoramend to all Quar
terly and Monthly Meetings, to keep a watchful eye over
their members in this important branch of our Christian
testimony ; and where any inclination towards such prac
tices appears, that timely admonition and suitable counsel
be given in the spirit of love and meekness."
" And, dear Friends, as it hath pleased the Almighty to
reveal unto mankind his Son Jesus Christ, the peaceable
S^vionr, let it be our steady concern to demonstrate to

433
the world that we are his followers, by bringing fortti the
fruits of the spirit, 'love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentle
ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.' (Gal. v. 22,
23.) And, as we are called out of wars and fightings, so
let thera be as seldora as possible the subjects ofour conver
sation ; but let a holy cate rest upon us, to abide in that
power which gives dominion over the hopes and fears that
arise from the concerns of an unstable world and tend, as
they are admitted into the mind, tb lessen the trUst upim
that rock which is immoveable."
And, being fervently engaged in spirit that our Christian
testiraony against wars and fighting may increase and pre
vail in the earth, we are constrained to intreat friends every
where, to keep clear of touching in any respect, or dealing
in, those things which tend to promote the dreadful calamity
of war. Let not the love of gain be put in competition
with the welfare and happiness of mankind. Beware, lest
blood-guiltiness be found in the skirts of any. Beware, lest
the profits accumulated by such means should prove a snare
and a curse instead of a blessing. And, in order to take
away the reproach brought upon us by the inconsistent con
duct of some in profession with us, we earnestly recommend
that such may be laboured with, in a spirit of love and teu-
dtflPness, to convince them of their error.
Seeing also that some have not been sufficiently concerned
to keep themselves clear of unadvised and imprudent adven
tures in trade and business, but have unwarrantably sought
to support an appearance in the world above their circum
stances, to the ruin of themselves, and the hurt of others
who placed a confidence in thera ; we think it requisite to
renew our advice upon that head, as expressed in our
Epistle of 1754, viz.
" We beseech you, brethren, stand upon your guard
a<^ainst the love of this world, and the deceitfulness of
riches ; the nature of which is to choke the good seed, and
to render raen unfruitful. An eager pursuit after the
grandeur of this world, is a certain token of earthly rainded-
ness ; and those who mind earthly things, are represented
by the apostle Paul, as enemies of the cross of Christ : the
beloved disciple of our Lord also expressly assures us,
e e

434
that ' if any man love the world, the love of the Father is
not in him.' (1 John,ii. 15.) "A resolution to be rich
hath destroyed many." ' They that will be rich, (saith the
apostle,) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction
and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all
evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred
from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.' (1 Tim, vi. 9, 10.) " This hath been verified in
the ruinous consequences of an earthly ambitious spirit^
pushing men forward, in the pursuit of greatness, upon
hazardous attempts, which have often issued in the fall and
ruin of themselves and families, the reproach ofthe Society,
and great loss to others ; some of whom, probably, have
placed the more confidence in them, for the sake of their
profession of selfdenjal, which, had they really practised,
would have prevented the fatal effects of their covetous
and ambitious undertakings. Wherefore we intreat Friends,
in their Monthly Meetings everywhere, to be properly
watchful one over another, and early to caution all against
running beyond their depth, and intangling themselves in a
greater multiplicity of trade and business than they can
extricate themselves from, with honour and reputation, and
where any shall proceed in opposition to such advice aiid
counsel of their brethren, let them in due time be dealt
with, according to former advices of this Meeting."
And, dear Friends, in order to the proper discharge of
every duty, both to God and man, let an especial regard be
constantly had to the manifestation of the Spirit given to
every man to profit withal. (1 Cor. xii. 7.) If we live
inattentive to this divine principle, graciously afforded us
for our guide, leaning upon our own understandings, pur
suing our own wills, and resting in the form and profession
which it led our pious predecessors into, without a sincere
and fervent concern daily to experience the life and virtue
of it in our own hearts, we must find in the time of soleran
awakening, that we have only followed after lying vanities,
and forsaken our own mercies ; and that the things wherein
we have placed our delight and trust, wiU terminate in dis
appointment, vanity, and vexation of spirit.

435
What then will avail all the lucrative acquisitions, tbe
flattering connexions, and dissipating pleasures of the
world, with all its friendships, fashions, and follies, the
direct tendency whereof is to draw away the mind, and
alienate it from the love and fear of God, and centre it at
last in his deep displeasure ?
Seek day by day for that spiritual bread that perisheth
not, that your strength may be frequently renewed, and
your souls invigorated to pursue the paths of piety and
virtue ; and We earnestly intreat you, be diligent in the at
tendance of your meetings, both on First days and other
days of the week : for slackness in this respect not only
denotes weakness, but increaseth it, indisposeth the mind
towards, and enfeebles it for, religious duty. And when you
are assembled for the purpose of divine worship, be inwardly
and reverently attentive to the great and awful object of
adoration, the omnipresent and allsearching God. Let not
your eyes be abroad upon others, and give not way to
wandeping thoughts. Sit not idle and unconcerned in time
of silence, in expectation of instrumental help; but let your
minds be singly exercised towards the Lord. Jehovah, in
whom is everlasting strength. Wait to receive a touch
of the live coal from the holy altar, that your
offerings may ascend as sweet incense. " Quicken us,"
said the Psalmist, " and we will call upon thy name !"
(Psalm, Ixxx. 18.) And the wise man testified, " The prepa
ration of the heart in man, and the answer ofthe tongue, is
from the Lord." (Prov. xvi. 1.)
And you, dear brethren, whose constant care it is not to
live unto yourselves, but unto him who died for you ; let
nothing abate your concern, nor prevail to move you from
your stedfastness. Though some fall by one temptation,
and some by another, yet be not ye discouraged, but abide
in faith, and press earnestly forward " toward the mark,
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus :"
(Phil. iii. 14,) for amidst all fluctuations, storms, and tem
pests, the foundation of God standeth sure. Those who
keep the word of his patience, shall be kept in the hour of
temptation ; and he that is faithful unto death, shall inherit
a crown of life. E E 2

436
" Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour,
be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and
ever. Amen." (Jude, 24, 25.)
Signed in, on behalf, and by order of our Meeting
aforesaid, by
ROBERT DAVIS,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1782.

jFVoot the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournmentsi,
From the 20th of the Fifth Month, 1782, to the 25th of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN a good degree of that ancient love, and godly con
cern for the welfare of the Church, which, from the
beginning, have accompanied these our annual assemblies,
we affectionately salute you ; and have, with deep reverence
and humble thankfulness, to acknowledge the gracious help
divinely afforded usin this large and solemn meeting; where
by we have been enabled to transact the important affairs
before us, in brotherly kindness and Christian condescension.
By accounts brought in this year, the sufferings of Friends'^
being chiefly for tithes, those called church-rates, and the
militia, amount, in England and Wales, to three thousand
seven hundred and twelve pounds ; and those in Ireland,
to one thousand two hundred and twenty seven pounds.
By advices from the several Quarterly Meetings in En
gland, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, New- York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Mary
land, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia,
we are informed that love and unity are generally preserved

437
in the churches, to which some additions have been made in
divers places by convincement, both in these parts and on
the American continent ; where the sufferings of Friends,
on account of their adherence to our peaceable principles,
appear to have increased ; yet Friends are mercifully fa
voured to hold their religious meetings without interruption,
and are also enabled to proceed in their charitable endea
vours for the liberty of the African captives with success.
Now, dear Friends, you who are sensible ofthe manifesta
tions of divine grace in your hearts, yet remain unresigned
to its salutarv guidance, be intreated no longer to resist or
avoid its convictions. Say not, with Felix, " Go thy way
for this time ; when I have a convenient seaiion, I will call
for thee." (.\cts, xxiv. 25.) The longer you put it off, the
more indisposed, it is to be feared, ye will be to attend
thereunto, and the more unable to embrace its offers. None
can assure themselves of another visitation, nor even of a
future day ; let the Lord's time, therefore, in all things, be
yours, and expect not that he should wait your leisure.
We are in duty bound to love, honour, and obey him above
all. The first and great comraandraent is, " Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind." (Matt. xxii. 37.) Can any,
who are properly concerned to discharge this first and great
duty, prefer the gratification of their own wills, or inclina
tions, to the requirings of God's Holy Spirit ; or put a
sUght upon his gracious calls, upon whom all our felicity,
both in time and in eternity, depends ? Though he may, in
mercy, vouchsafe to renew his visitations to us, we ought
not to presume upon it, but to remember he hath declared,
'^My Spirit shall not always strive with man." (Gen. vi.
3.) Notwithstanding a season is afforded, w herein back
sliders may return, and be healed of their backslidings ; yet,
by unwisely persisting in delays, the time raay overtake
them, when no more calls may be afforded, nor any place of
repentance shall be found : let us, therefore, lay hold of
the present opportunity ; " Seek ye the Lord, while he may
be found, call ye upon him while he is near." (Isaiah,
Iv. 6.)
We may likewise observe, it is but too probable, that

438
many, who, in time past, received the Truth in a degree of
the faith and love of it, and made some progress in the
necessary work of regeneration, yet, for want of keeping
their eye in due singleness to the leadings ofthe Holy Spirit,
have suffered the allurements of a deceitful world to steal
in upon them, whereby they have been retarded in their
course, and at length prevailed with to take up a rest short of
what they might otherwise have attained ; and though such
may think well of their own state, yet, as they come not up
in that liveliness of faith, and brightness of example, requi
site to render them true waymarks to serious inquirers and
inexperienced travellers towards the heavenly Canaan,
they cannot be deemed clear of contributing to that lament
able declension, which too obviously appears amongst us.
Let every one, therefore, be excited to a diligent search
how the case stands betwixt God and their own souls, and
apply to him with fervency of heart, for the removal of
every obstruction to their advancement in the way of life,
and the important work of their salvation.
It is incumbent upon all to work out their own salvation
whilst the day of divine visitation is continued to them, for
therein the Lord waits to be gracious ; who, as we yield to
his operation, worketh in us both fo vrill and to do of his
good pleasure. We beseech you, suffer not the precious
opportunity to pass over your heads, but use all diligence
to make your calling and election sure. Neglect no season
of spiritual improvement. Be not remiss in the attendance
of your meetings, either on First days, or on other days of
the week, and therein watch and wait humbly with a single
eye to the springing up of the well of life in your own
hearts ; which is as a refreshing brook to the rightly exercised
in their travel Sion-ward. The sensible reception of this
internal heavenly life, whether immediately or instrumen
tally conveyed, is that which strengthens the weak hands,
confirms the feeble knees^ and enables the wrestling seed to
hold on their way. The best of words without this, are
but as the tinkling of a cymbal, unsubstantial and unprofit
able. The itching ear may find a transient amusement in
them, but unless testimonies arise frora the life, and are ac-
pompanied therewith, they administer no true feeding tq

439
the soul that hungers and thirsts after the righteousness
of God.
And, dear brethren, as nothing can make us alive to God,
but the Spirit of God, let us inwardly seek unto him day by
day, for the lively ministration thereof to our souls, by our
Lord Jesus Christ, the great minister ofthe sanctuary, who
said, "Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you." (Luke, xi. 9.) Be neither satisfied
with the vain hopes, nor the delusive enjoyments of this
world : for this is not our rest ; it is only a state of passage
and probation, ever attended w ith fluctuations and trials :
consequentiy our principal business here, is to endeavour
after preparation for an infinitely better, and more enduring
state hereafter, with the general assembly of the just, and
church of the first-born written in heaven.
In order to attain this happy conclusion, let all, in every
station of life, be careful to avoid every thing that may
have a tendency to lead their minds from that divine prin
ciple, which God hath placed in the heart of every indivi
dual, as a swift and sure witness against all unrighteousness
and ungodlinesss, and for a justifier and comforter to the
believing and obedient. Receive with meekness this en
grafted Word, which is able to save your souls. Touch not,
ye beloved youth, with those corruptrpublications which are
calculated to excite and inflame the passions ; nor give ear
to those subtle reasonings, and plausible discourses, which
artfully instil the poisonous leaven of infidelity. As much
as possible shun all converse and coirespondence with the
licentious ; and haye no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness, but rather reprove them. Abhor that which is
evil; cleave to that which is good.
And, dear Friends, seeing that the various distresses of
the present day are very trying to many, we affectionately
exhort every individual, under a sense of their own insuffi
ciency and unworthiness, humbly to look unto the Lord
omniscient, with stedfast resignation to him, the Father of
mercies, and sure support of all that yield obedience to
him, and trust in him. Let us not murmur at his dispensa
tions, nor seek our own wills, but that his i-ighteous will
raay be done, who faileth not to sanctify every kind of

440
trouble to those who love and fear him: if He bring sufr
fering upon us, it is for our refinement, that we may not
become castaways. "When we are judged," saith the
apostle, " we are chastened of the Lord, that we should
not be condemned with the world." (1 Cor. xi. 32.) In
the midst of judgment the Lord remembers mercy ; let all
therefore, who may be under affliction of any kind, wait in
submission the time of his graciojis deliverance : for " It is
good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the
salvation of the Lord." (Lam. iii. 26.)
" Now, unto him that is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presenpe of his
glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour^
be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now
and ever." Amen. (Judg, 24, 25.)
Signed in, on behalf, and by order ofour Meeting
aforesaid, by
SAMPSON LLOYD,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE, 1783.

From the Yearly Meeting in London, held by adjournment^.
From the 9th of the Sixth Month, 1783, to the lOth of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
WE liave renewed cause of humble thankfulness to
the God and Father of all our mercies, for the
gracious assistance he hath vouchsafed to afford us, in
transacting the weighty concerns of this large and solemn
assembly, whereby we have been preserved in much bro
therly love and condescension ; and, under a comfortable
sense of the love of the Gospel, we dearly salute you,
earnestly desiring that it may be the constant care of every

441
individual, in lowliness and meekness, daily to seek an in
crease in the knowledge of God, and of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, whom to know is life eternal.
By accounts brought in this year, the sufferings of
Friends, being principally for tithes, those called church-
rates, and the militia, amount, in England and Wales, to
four thousand three hundred and forty one pounds ; and
those in Ireland, to one thousand three hundred and seventy
seven pounds.
By advices from the several Quarterly Meetings in En
gland, and by Epistles from Wales, NorthBritain, Ireland,
New-England, New- York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,
Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina and
Georgia, we understand that Friends appear to be gene
rally preserved iu love and unity.; that divers have been
added to our Society in various parts by convincement,
more especially on the continent of Araerica, where many
have been conscientiously led to unite in religious fellow
ship with us : and, though deep have been the exercises,
and painful the sufferings, of our faithful brethren on that
continent since the commencement of the late troubles, yet
it yields a considerable degree of comfort to find, that
many amongst them have been thereby induced to a
stricter adherence to the living principle of true piety and
virtue, manifested in every heart and conscience, in order
to their help and salvation.
We also find, that notwithstanding the sufferings of
Friends there, in divers respects, still remain to be very
exercising, yet that they have been favoured to attend their
annual and other meetings, without much interruption;
that a lively concern increaseth amongst them for the per
formance of every religious and moral duty, and the sup
port of our Christian testiraony in its several branches ; and
that their fervent labour for the restoration of the poor
enslaved Africans to their due liberty, is still conti
nued ; which we cannot but highly approve, and concur
with them in, as it is for the removal of an oppression sup
ported by cruelty for the sake of a corrupt interest, in
direct opposition to the spirit and precepts of the 'Gospel,
and even repugnant to humanity.

442
Now, dear brethren, seeing it hath pleased the Supreme
Disposer of events, mercifully to incline the powers lately
at war to put a stop to the effusion of human blood, let us
thankfully receive the return of peace ; and, in all our con
versation and conduct, demean ourselves as becomes the
followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace; labouring to pro
mote the good of all, aud, as much as in us lies, putting in
practice that comprehensive exhortation ofthe Apostle, " I
exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ;
for kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty:
for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and to come
unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. ii.)
The will of God being thus universally gracious towards
mankind, it is much to be lamented, that any should fail of
giving due attention to the law he writes in the heart, and
the Spirit he puts in the inward parts, or-consciences of all,
for their guidance in the way of life and salvation : and we
cannot but be deeply concerned to observe the manifest de
ficiency that appears in many professing with us, in coming
up in faithful obedience to this divine, inspeaking Word ;
which, if duly regarded, would unquestionably both lead
and enable them to shew forth the faith of the Gospel, by
works answerable thereunto. But, alas ! it is apparent,
that the selfdenial to which this principle of conviction leads,
is a stone of sturabling, and a rock of offence to the carnal
inclinations of those who either seek to avoid, or who resist,
its salutary admonitions and reproofs. But let us consider,
that whatsoever modes of faith we profess, or whatever acts
of religion we exercise ourselves in, we can never be true
Christians without submission to the cross : for, said our
Lord, " If any man will come after me, let him deny him
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me : — whosoever
doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my
disciple." (Luke, ix. 23.— xiv. 27.)
A due subjection to the cross, would have timely pre
vented many frora bringing great trouble and reproach upon
themselves and their friends, by entering into concerns

443
which they either have not properly understood, or had not
sufficient property of their own to enable them to discharge
themselves in, with good reputation : it would also lead
those under wasting and deficient circumstances, to ' avoid
all indirect measures for a temporary support ; and rather
to give up their effects in due time, than to go on enlarging
their debts by disreputable artifices, until they are stopped
by unavoidable necessity, and plunged at once into ruin,
sorrow, and disgrace ; with the painful addition of bringing
their just creditors into grievous inconveniences, and some
in great danger of sinking with them in the wreck of their
affaii-s. Let none amongst us, therefore, indulge an evil covet
ousness, nor vainlv seek to vie in appearance with those of
greater ability ; but wisely submit to the cross, which will
dispose all to be content with a manner of living within
their own compass, agreeable to the doctrine of our Holy
Head ; an honest conformity whereunto, will be conducive
to inward peace and tranquillity here, and to everlasting
felicity hereafter.
Finally, dear Friends, we affectionately intreat you, who
have been sincerely concerned to follow Christ in the rege
neration, whereby ye have been enabled to walk as good
exaraples to others, hold fast that which you have, and still
press forward, with a single eye to the Spirit of Truth; that
nothing may be suffered to prevent your attainment of that
blessed promise, " To him that overcometh will I give to
eat of the tree of life, which is in the raidst ofthe paradise
of God." (Rev. ii.7.)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be w ith you all.
Amen. Signed in, and on behalf ofthe said Meeting, by
WILLIAM TUKE,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

444
EPISTLE, 1784.

Fr9m the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 31st of the Fifth Month, 1784, to the Sth of the Sixth
Month, inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
UNDER a renewed sense of the continuation of divine
regard, freely dispensed from the Father and fountain
of all our mercies, a living remnant hath been bowed in
humility and thankfulness of heart in this our solemn as
sembly ; wherein the affairs that have come before us have
been considered and concluded in harmony and brotherly
condescension, and our hearts enlarged in love to our Holy
Head and High Priest, and one unto another : in the fresh
sense whereof we affectionately salute you, desiring you may
be so preserved through life, that you may receive the re
ward ofthe righteous at the end of your days.
By accounts brought in this year, the sufferings of
Friends, being chiefly for tithes and those called church-
rates, amount in England and Wales to four thousand three
hundred and twenty pounds ; and those in Ireland to one
thousand three hundred and forty nine pounds.
By advices from the several Quarterly Meetings in Eng
land, and by Epistles from Wales, North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, Long-Island for
New- York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland, Vir
ginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, we are in
formed that Friends are generally preserved in love and
unity, and that some addition is made to the Church by
convincement. And, being impressed with a comfortable
hope that the beneficent Creator, notwithstanding the pre
vailing dissipation of a degenerate age, is looking do wit
upon the noblest part of his visible creation with a gracious
eye, and by the influence of his Holy Spirit exciting in
many hearts the serious inquiry, " Who will shew us any

445
good ?" (Psalm, iv. 6,) an ardent desire is revived in our
minds on behalf of our dear brethren and sisters in the
profession of an inward and spiritual religion ; that the
pure influence ofthe Spirit of Truth may become the object
of their constant attention, and the rule of their conduct.
If ye believe in the light, walk in the light, that ye may be
the children of the light, and so be instrumental in drawing
many who are seeking rest to their souls, from unprofitable
outward observations, to an acquaintance with the kingdom
of -God as revealed within them. But will not such as are
secretly revolting from this divine law, and whose conver
sation discovers a manifest opposition to our holy profession,
become stumbling blocks to serious inquirers after the way
to the kingdom, and be the means of turning them aside
with the discouraging reflection, " Where is their God ?"
(Psalm, Ixxix. 10.)
The Christian religion being designed to regulate and
refine the natural affections of man, and to exalt benevo
lence into that charity which promotes peace on earth, and
good will towards all ranks and classes of mankind the
world over ; uuder the influence thereof, our minds have
been renewedly affected in sympathy with the poor enslaved
Africans ; whom avarice hath taught some men, laying
claim to the character of Christians, to consider as the
refuse of the human race, and not entitled to the common
privileges of mankind. The contempt in which they are
held, and the remoteness of their sufferings from the notice
of disinterested observers, have occasioned few advocates
to plead their cause. The consideration of their case
being brought weightily before the last Yearly Meeting,
Friends were engaged to recommend endeavours for putting
a stop to a traffick so disgraceful to humanity, and so repug
nant to the precepts of the Gospel. The report of the
measures adopted in execution thereof, hath afforded com
fort and satisfaction to this Meeting ; and it hath been our
concern to recommend to our Friends, to whose care this
business is committed, to persevere in all prudent exertions
for attaining the desirable end. And it is our earnest
desire, that none under our name may weaken or counter-

446
act our endeavours by eontribufing, in any way, to the sup»
port of this iniquitous commerce.
Although the advices from this Meeting upon the weighty
subject of education, and the religious care which ought to
rest on the minds of Friends for the training up of their
children and families in the way of Truth, have been mani
fold and iraportant (which we wish may be closely attended
to in proporticJn to the interesting nature of the subject,)
yet we feel it our present concern to caution Friends, to be
very circumspect how they remove themselves and families
from the places of their residence ; it having been observed
that the dissolving of old and the forming of new connex-i
ions, have in many instances been attended with effects pre
judicial to a growth in the Truth, and the service thereof,
both in the heads and younger branches of families, especi
ally where the inclination to such removals hath originated
in worldly motives. And as the growth and establishment
of children in a religious conversation, being the most in
teresting, ought to be the principal engagement of the minda
of parents, we desire that in putting them forward in a way
of life, the probable effect it raay have on their minds be
the chief object in view. For where parents, from a desire
of advancing their children in the world, have encouraged
them, or the youth, from the flattering prospect of greater
opportunities of accumulating wealth, have incautiously
been induced, to quit their quiet habitations in country
places, to croud to cities and great towns, it, hath been fre
quently of pernicious consequence : for although no situa
tion in life be exempt from temptation, yet examples of
folly, dissipation, and libertinism, are so generally preva
lent in places of opulence and luxury, that it hath caused
deep anxiety to judicious observers, to remark the numerous
instances of youth soberly educated, and of promising dis
positions, who, losing the traces of their sober education,
have been hurried into the paths of vanity and licentiousness,
and have thereby lost that capacity for usefulness in civil
and religious society, of which their earlier conduct had
furnished promising hopes. We therefore recommend
Friends, both young and old, in these cases, to give close

447
attention to the pointings of divine Wisdom, according to
former advice, and also timely to consult experienced
Friends of the Monthly Meeting to which they belong, pre
viously to their fixing a resolution of changing their
situation. Dear Friends, let us frequently call to mind, that we
have no continuing city here; and let the reflection,
through divine influence, awaken us from every degree of
spiritual indolence, to use all diligence to make our calling
and election sure, before we go hence, and be seen of man
no more. Few and fleeting are the days we have to spend
ill this transitory world ; yet how inconceivably important
the consequence of the use we make of them, and of the
manner in which we suffer them to pass over 1 Whilst we
believe in a future state, and in the distribution of ever
lasting rewards and punishments, according as our deeds
have been, by that awful Judge of quick and dead, who
even now standeth at the door, whose penetrating eye is
ever beholding the ways of the sons of men ; may we not
be justly deemed dead to all rational reflection, if, unawed
by these awakening considerations, we do not feel ourselves
powerfully incited to lay aside every weight and burden,
and the sin that most easily besets us, to address ourselves
in good earnest to the race that is set before us, running s^
as to obtain the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus
our Lord ? We beseech you, in the bowels of tender com
passion, and that strength of true affection, which makes
your greatest happiness the lively concern of our minds at
this time, to arise and shake yourselves, to examine deeply
the state of your hearts, and ponder the path of your feet,
whilst the day of your visitation is mercifully lengthened
out, and you are favoured with the opportunity, by join
ing in with the offers of divine grace, to work out your sal
vation : put not off this most netessary work, till ihe
dreadful sound, time shall be no longer, awaken you to the
distressing reflection, " The harvest is past, the summer is
ended, and we are not saved." (Jer. viii. 20.)
It remains an everlasting truth, that " There is none
other narae under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved," (Acts, iv. 12,) but the name of Jesus.

448
This is the strong tower to which the righteous in all ages
have fled and found safety : we entreat you therefore to
live daily under the fresh influence thereof, experiencing
your conversation to be thereby ordered aright : and, in an
especial manner, we desire that in all your religious assem
blies, for discipline as well as worship, you may be engaged
to gather in this holy name ; waiting for renewed qualifica
tion to worship the Lord with acceptance, and to act in the
Church for his honour, and the health and benefit of the
body. It was in the divine Wisdom thus received, that the
salutary discipline of the Society was first established, and
under the influence of the same Wisdom, it can only be
maintained to real edification.
And no\*^, brethren and sisters, we " commend you to
God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build
you up, and to give you an inheritance amongst all them
which are sanctified ;" (Acts, xx. 32,) and bid you farewell.
Signed in and onbehalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
RICHARD CHESTER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1785.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 18lh of the Fifth Month, 1785, to the 23rd of the same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
HAVING been favoured in this our solemn assembly
with the renewed influence of the power of Truth,
which nearly unites the living members of the spiritual
household, however outwardly separated, we affectionately
salute you. We have been comforted together under a re
newed engagement of heart, for the welfare ofour religious
Society, and for the preservation of its raembers, from those

449
things that tend to obscure the brightness of our holy
profession. Our deliberations on these important subjects
have been conducted in much brotherly condescension, and
we desire they may be blessed to your edification in righte
ousness. By accounts brought in this year, the sufferings of
Friends, being chiefly for tithes and those called church-
rates, amount in England and Wales to fbur thousand four
hundred and forty eight pounds ; and those in Ireland to
one thousand four hundred and eighty three pounds.
By advices from the several Quarteriy Meetings in En
gland, and by Epistles from North Britain, Ireland, Hol
land, Rhode-Island for New-England, Long-Island for
New-York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, and Maryland,
we have received comfortable intelligence that love and
unity are generally preserved amongst friends, and that
divers have joined us by convincement in sundry places
since last year.
The late accounts from our brethren in North America
inform us, that our Christian testimony against holding our
fellow-creatures in bondage, not only continues to prevail
and spread among those in religious profession with us, but
that some of the governments have gone so far, as to pass
laws for the discouragement and gradual abolition of slavery.
We therefore find our minds renewedly engaged to refer
you to our former advices on this subject ; and as the slave
trade, whereby such multitudes ofthe human race are vio
lently subjected to a state so abject and deplorable, is ex
tensively carried on by persons resident in these kingdoms,
we earnestly exhort all in profession with us, not to defile
themselves by having any concern whatever in this un
righteous traffick ; from which, if persisted in, very distress
ing consequences to this nation and its dependencies mav
be justly apprehended. We trust that a faithful conscien
tious discharge of the duties, which a serious consideration
of the subject must necessarily suggest to every well dis
posed mind, may prove the means, under the divine blessing,
of exciting those, who have it in their power, to remove an
evil so evidently repugnant to every principle of humanity
and justice. F F

450
We feel at this time a renewed concern to address the
elder brethren, and others who take an active part in the
discipline, and, by the stations they occupy in the Church,
are placed in a conspicuous point of view, that we may stir
up the pure mind in them, by way of remembrance ; consi
dering how important it is to the Society in general, that
they walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are
called, in diligent circumspection and godly fear, keeping
their own hearts and hands clean from the spots of the
world : that so they may not administer cause of stumbling
to any, but enforce the counsel they find necessary to impart
to others, by their own example, that they may be enabled
to say with the apostle, " Those things which ye have both
earned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do : and
the God of peace shall be with you." (Philip, iv. 9.)
And we beseech you, beloved youth, chuse the Lord for
your portion, and the God of Jacob for the lot of your in
heritance. We are comforted on your behalf, under a lively
sense, that a merciful visitation of divine love is graciously
extended to you, which we desire may prove effectual to
your growth and establishment in the Truth ; and therefore,
in much affection, we earnestly exhort you, render faithful
obedience to the convictions of the Spirit of Christ in the
secret of your own hearts ; that you may experience pre
servation from the evils that are in the world, receive
wisdom to discern, and strength steadily to pursue, those
things which make for your present and everlasting peace.
Despise not the day of small things, but watchfully regard
every manifestation of the light in your consciences : by
this the righteous in all ages have been safely guided to
glory ; and by this alone can you attain real ad-t^ancement
in the path that leads thereunto. Be on your guard against
every thing that tends to draw the mind outward ; by either
too much depending on instrumental help, or imprudentlv
disclosing your religious feelings in fruitless or unseasonable
conversation. " It is good for a man that he bear the yoke
in his youth. He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because
he hath borne it upon hira. He putteth his mouth in the
dust, if so be there may be hope." (Lam. iii. 27.) The
rightly awakened, amongst our early predecessors, were

451
much drawn to solitude and inward retirement, and therein
were favoured to experience judgment brought forth unto
victory, and admitted to " eat of the hidden manna." On
the contrary, for want of patient submission to the turning
of the Lord's hand upon them, even those who, in their
tender years, afforded hope of becoming useful members in
the church, may lose the dew of their youth, and become
but withered branches, having received the grace of God
in vain.
And, as we cannot but feel deeply for the rising youth in
general, amidst the dangers and temptations to which they
are exposed, in an age so addicted to licentiousness both in
principle and practice, and wherein much precious time is
spent in a round of dissipation and excess ; we are engaged,
dear young friends, earnestly to entreat you to live in the,
fear of the Lord, which will, preserve you frora delighting.
in the company and conversation of those who are estranged
from this holy fear ; froni whom you may receive irr^cover,-i
able loss, by being gradually drawn into the paths of folly
and destruction. Frequent and earnest have been the-
advices of former Yearly Meetings, that all under our
name may avoid the attendance of vain sports, and places of
amuseraent, which divert the mind from "serious reflexion,
and incline it to wantonness and vanity. Understanding
that diversions of this kind are spreading, and playhouses
increasing in various places, we are concerned to renew a
caution on this subject : being clearly convinced ofthe per
nicious effects of these evil practices, the inventions of de
generate men, tending to stifle the convictions ofthe divine
Witness in the conscience, and set men at ease in a state of
alienatiSn from God. " Wherefore come out from among
thera, and be ye separate ; — touch not the unclean thing,"
(2 Cor. vi. 17,) ever bearing in mind, that although the
young man may rejoice in his youth, and let his heart chear
him in the days of his youth, walking in the ways of his
heart, and in the sight of his eyes, yet for all these things
God will bring into judgment. (Eccles. xi. 9.)
Signed in and on.behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
THOMAS BLAND,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.
F F 2

452

EPISTLE, 1786.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London,hy adjournments.
From the 5th of the Sixth Month, 1786, to the ISth of the same,
inclusive.
To ihe Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dearly Beloved Friends and Brethren,
WE have the satisfaction to inform you, that this our
annual assembly hath been large ; and, with reve
rence and gratitude, we acknowledge that it hath been
favoured with the overshadowings of that divine power and
goodness which first gathered us to be a people ; under the
humbling influence whereof, the weighty affairs which carae
before us have been considered and issued in much brotherly
love and concord.
The account of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
being chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates,
amount in England and Wales to four thousand one hun
dred pounds ; and those in Ireland to one thousand two
hundred and forty three pounds.
By accounts from the Quarterly Meetings in England
and Wales, and by Epistles from North Britain, Ireland,
Holland, Rhode-Island for New-England, Long-Island
for New- York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland,
Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, we are
informed that Friends are generally preserved in love and
unity ; and that divers have been added to our religious
Society by convincement since last year. We fervently
desire all such may maintain a steady adherence to the
dictates of that light and Truth which first visited them,
and thereby experience an establishment in righteousness.
Thus will they be enabled to guard against settling down in
a lifeless profession, as well as against those inconsistencies
in conduct and appearance, whereby too many of the pro
fessors of Truth have become as stumbling blocks to honest

453
inquirers, who have been asking the way to Zion, with
their faces thitherward.
We have received intelligence from various quarters,
that the testimony which we have borne against slavery,
continues to gain ground ; and we have great encourage
ment to persevere in our endeavours to excite a general
abhorrence of that oppressive practice.
We observe with satisfaction, from the accounts received,
thai Friends are generally careful not to defraud the go
vernment in any branch of the revenue, nor to deal in
goods clandestinely imported. In order to promote an in
creasing care in these respects, we entreat all duly to con
sider, that by being accessary, in any degree, to the
continuance of such unlawful practices, even by buying for
private use only, encouragement is given to perjury and
bloodshed ; the frequent attendants of srauggling : the
fair trader is thereby injured, and the revenue dirainished,
which occasions additional burthens to be laid on the
public. We judge it expedient at this time to revive the follow
ing advice, contained in the Epistle of 1759, viz. " This
Meeting being sorrowfully affected with the consideration
of a great defection in some among us, from the practice
of justice and morality, divers of whom, from negligence,
inattention, or ill-grounded hopes, and others from motives
of ambition, and an eager pursuit after the world, have
launched out of their depth, and entered into various
schemes and branches of comraerce beyond their abilities
to manage, and some of them into scandalous practices to
uphold a temporary credit ; greatly to the reproach of our
Society, and in open contradiction to that principle of uni
versal righteousness we profess, which taught our ancestors
such conduct, as to extort a confession from their enemies,
that respecting raany of them, they could not find any occa
sion, unless concerning the law of their God: —
¦" It is the sense and judgment of this Meeting, that
if any fall short of paying their just debts, and a composi
tion is made with their creditors to accept of a part instead
of the whole, notwithstanding the parties may look upon
themselves legally discharged of any obligation to pay the

454
remainder, j'et the principle we profess enjoins full satis
faction to be raade, if ever the debtors are of ability'. And,
in order that such raay the better retrieve their circum
stances, we exhort them to submit to a manner of living in
every respect the most conducive to this purpose, and cor
respondent to the state they are reduced to. It being
exceedingly dishonourable for any to live in ostentation and
greatness at the expence of others ; which is certainly the
case, where any part of the debts due by the law of equity
and strict justice remains unpaid."
Many are the snares which the enemy of man's happi
ness is secretly laying to betray the unwary, and to obstruct
the work of divine grace in, the heart : we feel a religious
concern for our fellow professors, that they may be pre
served from every hurtful thing. And, as this age of dissi
pation and of curious unprofitable inquiry, abounds with
publications injurious to the cause of true religion, tending
to fill the mind with vain notions and fruitless speculations,
and to draw it from the plain discoveries of Truth in the
heart, and from an attention to the excellent truths and
precepts of the Gospel ; we affectionately caution all, and
particularly those who have in any degree experienced the
operation of the Divine Word, to live under its holy influ
ence ; depending solely thereon, and not leaning to their
own understandings : ever bearing in mind, that " the
natural raan receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,
for they are foolishness unto hira : neither can he know
thera, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Cor.
ii. 14.)
As the Lord hath been graciously pleased to renew the
visitations of his love unto the inhabitants of this land, and
to awaken, in the minds of many, a sense of the want
of his saving help, raising in them an inquiry after the
knowledge ofthe Truth ; we beseech all in profession with
us, carefully to examine whether they are concerned to im
prove by the abundant labour bestowed, so as to bring forth
fruit answerable thereunto.
May the elders, and heads of families, consider the im
portance of the trust reposed in them, and by a watchful
care over their own conduct, be qualified to instruct the

455
beloved youth in the way of piety and virtue ; that, being
good examples to them herein, they may, with authority,
rebuke and exhort the unruly and disorderly walkers, and
tenderly encourage every appearance of.good.
Although a sorrowful deviation appears in raany from
that plainness in dress, and simplicity of life and manners,
into which Truth led our ancestors, and still leads all who
follow it with unreserved obedience ; yet we are comforted
in the prospect of a return from this Babylonish captivity,
and that raany of the youth are learning of hira, who said,
" I am meek and lowly in heart." We entreat all these to
dwell in the patience, remembering, that he that believeth
shall not make haste. Thus vviU they know a growth in
the root of life, and experience a gradual increase in spiri
tual knowledge, and an establishment upon Christ Jesus,
the rock of ages, and by his power be formed a people to
his praise !
And, dear Friends, that your true happiness raay increase
throiigh faithfulne,ss to divine requirings, and you be thereby
made more useful in the Lord's hand to promote the cause
of Truth in the earth ; we recoramend to all a diligent at
tendance of our religious raeetings : it being necessary to
our advancement in true religion and virtue, to be frequent
in the exercise of waiting upon God, that our strength may
be renewed iu him, who is alone the sufficient help of his
people. And, as we daily stand in need of that wisdom
which is profitable to direct, of whom should we ask it, but
of God ? and how can we ask aright, but by that assistance
of his good Spirit, which is to be obtained by waiting upon
him in humility and fear, with minds abstracted from the
incumbering concerns of this life ? Let not the smallness of
numbers, nor the want of outward ministry, discourage any :
place not your dependance on man, but on the Lord alone,
who never fails to help those who put their trust in him,
and who hath graciously assured us, that where two or
three are gathered together in his name, there he is in the
midst of thera. (Mat. xviii. 20.)
We apprehend, that the want of a right concern to dis
charge this iraportant duty, hath been one great cause of
the declension which appears in divers places, and of the

456
falling away of many ; concerning whom it may be said, as
of Demas formerly, they have loved this present world.
But be ye more and more engaged to seek a better inheri
tance, not labouring for an increase of outward riches,
which cannot be long enjoyed, but to lay up treasure ih
heaven, where the moth cannot corrupt, nor thieves break
through and steal.
In much brotherly love we affectionately salute you, and
remain your Friends and Brethren.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
RICHARD REYNOLDS,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1787,

Fr'om the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjoummentt.
From the 28th oi the Fifth Month, to the 4th of the Sixth Month, 1787,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
UNDER the enlivening influence of the love of Christ,
our Holy Head and High Priest, renewedly mani
fested in this our annual assembly, we dearly salute you ;
wishing an increase of spiritual blessings to his Church and
people, wherever scattered abroad, in all their various
stations and allotments. We have with reverent thankful
ness to acknowledge, that, accordingto his wonted goodness,
he hath at this time afforded us a comfortable season toge
ther, and hath strengthened us to conduct the affairs which
have come before us, in much harmony and concord, to our
mutual edification and encouragement. And we fervently
desire, that the influence of his unerring Spirit may be more
and more waitedforinallourassen^blies ; that, under the reli
gious concern proceeding therefrom, our several endeavours
for the promotion of his cause, may, through his blessing^
l^e rendered effectual. ,

457
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
being chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates,
amount, in England and Wales, to four thousand eight hun
dred and sixty five pounds ; and those in Ireland, to one
thousand three hundred and seventy six pounds. It is with
satisfaction we observe, that notwithstanding the inattention
manifested by some under our name to this important
branch of our Christian testimony, it has gained consider
able ground in North America ; where our brethren, in
common with others, have mostly been released from eccle
siastical impositions.
We have also thankfully to believe, there is a growing
attention in many, not of our religious Society, to the sub
ject of negro slavery ; and that the rainds ofthe people are
more and more enlarged to consider it as an aggregate of
every species of evil, and to see the utter inconsistency of
upholding it by the authority of any nation whatever; es
pecially of such as punish, with loss of life, crimes whose
magnitude bears scarce any proportion to this complicated
iniquity. By accounts received from our several Quarterly Meet
ings, and by Epistles from Ireland, Holland, New-England,
New-York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland, and
Virginia, we are informed that there is a revival of religious
zeal in many places ; and that a considerable number have
joined the Society by convincement since last year.
These accounts, together with some others which have
been received, have afforded us comfort ; yet we are sor
rowfully affected in perceiving so great a declension in
some, from that simplicity and uprightness by which our
predecessors were so eminently distinguished; and also
with the worldly mindedness, carnal ease, and security, in
which others appear to be settled ; who, contenting them
selves with a nominal profession of membership, or a form
of godliness, are not solicitous for an acquaintance with its
living virtue and saving power : forgetting that if we truly
succeed those sons of the morning, as witnesses for the
Truth on earth, the same Spirit which influenced their rainds
must actuate ours, and fit us to support the testimonies
givemis to be^tr. Without this, our profession will degene-

458
rate into formality, or be openly sacrificed to the mammon
of unrighteousness : and then, of however high account
our works may be in our own estimation or that of others,
at the houf- of awful decision, and in the unerring balance
of the sanctuary, we shall assuredly be found wanting.
We therefore feel our minds deeply engaged, in the bowels
of fervent charity, to entreat such to enter, with humility
and self-abasement, into an intimate acquaintance with the
state of their own hearts, by attending to the testiraony of
the faithful witness which God hath placed in every man's
conscience, that, by earnestly applying to him, on whom
effectual help is laid, the end of their faith may be received,
even the salvation of tiieir souls. Suppress not then, dear
Friends, the smallest intimation from this precious gift,
designed by its blessed Author, to steer us through the
dangers of time, to an unfading inheritance in a blissful
eternity ; but stand open to its convictions, and patiently
wait therein, to receive strength to subject your wills to its
manifestations. So will your faith in its operation and in
fluence be increased ; and as you are obedient to its disco
veries, and therein follow on to know the Lord, you will
have, with his gathered flock, to acknowledge, that the
intelligence of this inward Monitor is more safely to be
depended upon than any outward instruction ; and thereby
be preserved from the many snares and stratagems of the
enemy, by which he is attempting to draw aside the inex
perienced and unwary ; suggesting to their minds, that there
is an easier way to the kingdom than bythe cross of Christ.
Great, we fear, hath been the loss which many, who have
been visited by the day-spring from on high, have sustained
through their reasoning against these secret convictions of
divine grace; counting them, with Ephraira, " as a strange
thing," (Hos. viii. 12,) and seeking more to increase know
ledge than to have tbe will of the creature subjected to the
will of God. Hence they have gradually swerved from the
divine government, laid themselves open to the subtle in
sinuations ofthe enemy, mistaken imagination for revelation,
and at length frustrated the gracious purposes of the
Almighty concerning them. Whereas, had they abode in
patience and humility under the forming hand, depending.

459
in childlike simplicity, on the heavenly Instructor, for the
gradual unfoldings of his counsel, they might have been
instrumental in gathering others to the participation of sub
stantial good. Earnest are our desires for the beloved
youth, that they may receive caution frora these mis-step-
pings of others ; and, by watchfully attending to the voice
of pure wisdom, not only be preserved themselves, but be
wayraarks to others in the new and living way, which of
God is cast up for the redeemed to walk in. And it is our
renewed concern to advise Friends to be vigilant in pre
venting the introduction of such books into their families,
as, by vitiating the taste and polluting the mind, either
incline it to folly and licentiousness, or tend to fill it with
airy notions ; shaking its belief in the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and lessening that regard to his blessed pre
cepts, which their unspeakable importance requires.
Of the Lord's people formerly it was said, they should
dwell alone, and not mix v, ith the surrounding nations; so
we are persuaded our safety and prosperity in spiritual ex
perience, under this last and highest dispensation of Gospel
light, depends much on refraining from such connections
and engajjements in the world, as divert the mind from a
state of lowliness and Avatchful dependance (against w hich,
as against Israel abiding in their tents, neither divination
nor enchantmeni is suffered to prevail) ; and lead also from
that simplicity of life and conversation, in which, our
w ants being few and our desires bounded, we may be pre
served from the temptation, into which sorae in profession
with us have so disgracefully fallen, of supporting a vaia
shew of aflluence and grandeur, at the expence, and to the
certain injury, of others.
Our advices on the subject of a religious education have
been frequent ; yet as it is so extensively important, we
.still feel it the weighty concern ofour minds, to endeavour
to stir up the attention of Friends to this great object ; and
we beseecli all parents and heads of families, to watch with
a godly jealoui-y over themselves, a..d, in Gospel love, over
their dependants, as stewards to whom is intrusted the care
of iraraortal souls. In order then, dear Friends, that your
accounts of this trust may be rendered with reverent hope

460
of divine acceptance, we counsel you to take every suitable
opportunity of cultivating, in the tender minds of your
offspring, the plant which our Heavenly Father hath
planted, and to suppress, as far as in you lies, whatever you
are sensible springs from the root of evil : avoiding in your
own conduct and appearance, every thing which may be
hurtful for them to imitate, or cause them to stumble.
And, dear youth, as we have cause to believe a consider
able number among you are sensible, that the visitation of
our Heavenly Father's love is afresh extended, and in a
particular manner to those of your rank, we tenderly exhort
ypu to give diligent attention to it. Many are the dangers
to which you are exposed ; and much depends on the con
nexions you form in the early stages of life : the irapres-
sions you then receive may grow into habits of good or
evil, by which your future peace and comfort may be much
increased or lessened. Let perfect obedience then be your
aim ; and although, as you labour after it, the Lord raay
see raeet to exercise you in sraall things, despise them not :
for, as his will is there most clearly revealed, where that of
the creature is most fully subjected, our submission in small
things may often be a more acceptable sacrifice in his sight
than in matters which, to our own wisdom, may appear
greater. Finally, brethren, in the words of the apostle, "we beseech
you, by the coming' of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our
gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in
mind." (2 Thess. ii. 1,2.) But"as ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him : rooted and built
up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware, lest any
man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not
after Christ : for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the
Godhead bodily." (Col. ii. 6, 7, 8, 9.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOSEPH STORRS,
Clerk to tbe Meeting this Year.

461
EPISTLE, 1788.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 12th ofthe Fifth Month, 1788, to the 19th ofthe same,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends and Brethren.
IN that love which is not subject to change, we affecti
onately salute you. We have abundant cause to ac
knowledge the renewal of divine help and counsel to us, in
this our large annual assembly ; through the virtue and in
fluence whereof we have been enabled to attend to the
weighty concerns which have come before us, in much
brotherly love and concord.
The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
for tithes, those called church-rates, and other demands with
which we conscientiously scruple to comply, amount, in
Great Britain, to upwards of five thousand one hundred
pounds, and in Ireland, to one thousand five hundred
pounds. By accounts received from our several Quarterly Meet
ings, and by Epistles from Ireland, New-England, New-
York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland, Virginia,
and North and South Carolina and Georgia, we have the
comfortable intelligence of fresh additions to our religious
Society, by convinced persons ; and in these kingdoms more
than at some former periods. For the religious progress
of these we are warmly solicitous, that, by abiding closely
under the forming hand, they may effectually experience an
advancement in the weighty work of conversion ; which
gradually leads the believing and obedient soul into that
child-like state, which is meet for the kingdom. May those
who have had the privilege of birthright amongst us, be
watchful ; lest, by swerving from the simplicity in which
Truth leads its faithful followers, they become cause of
offence to such as are thus brought into our religious com-

462
munity. O friends ! rest not contented with having beeH
educated in a profession even of the Truth itself, but wait to
know the power, which regenerates and quickens the soul,
and qualifies to see the things which pertain to the kingdom
of God ; that power which awakened the spiritual senses
of our forefathers, which disturbed their rest in outward
forms, and which caused them to be dissatisfied with every
thing short of the substance of Christianity. Let us, their
successors in the profes.sion of the same living faith, not
degenerate into formality, taking up our residence as in the
outward court ; but let us seek after an entrance into that
spiritual temple, v/here true prayer is wont to be mad^;
and humbly and deeply wait for ability to worship the
Father of spirits, in spirit and in truth. Cherish, we be
seech you, the inward manifestations, and the tender im
pressions of divine grace, and walk therein : so shall ye
experience preservation from the defilements and corrup
tions of the world. Deplorable hath been the consequence
of living above the simple discoveries of the pure Word of
life in the heart; even darkness, error, and unbelief
And, dear Friends, as we are convinced that pure and
spiritual worship only is acceptable to God, so wo are also
firmly persuaded, that the wholesome discipline established
amongst us, can only be rightly and effectually exercised in
the wisdom and power of the Spirit. Wait therefore in all
your meetings of discipline for the renewings of divine
life, and to be clothed with the Spirit of Christ : the fruits
of which are meekness, longsuffering, and love unfeigned.
The religious concern of this Meeting hath been abun
dantly manifested in our epistolary communications from
year to year, in order to excite our brethren in profession
to seek after durable riches and righteousness. We there
fore earnestly intreat that this consideration may take place
in every mind : What spiritual advantage havel experienced
from these Gospel labours of the Church lor the promotion
of true piety and self-denial? If such a consideration be
attended to, it will not be necessary to communicate much ;
nor do we feel our minds under an engagement at this time
to enlarge ; but we refer to the many profitable and
weighty advices in former Epistles. Nevertheless, dt'ar

463
Friends, the continuance of covetousness and of earthly-
mindedness in many, calls upon us to endeavour to awaken
such as are infected with it, to a sense of what they are pur
suing, and at what price. The great Master hath shewn
the unprofitableness ofthe whole world, compared with one
immortal soul, and yet many are pursuing a delusive por
tion of it, at the expense of their souls' interests. But were
all thus awakened, what place would be found for extensive
schemes in trade, and fictitious credit to support them? To
mix with the spirit of the world in the pursuit of gain,
would then be a subject of dread ; and contentment, under
the allotment of Providence, a sure means of preservation.
The increasing solicitude for the suppression of the slave
trade, which appears among all ranks of people, is cause of
thankfulness to the comraon Father of mankind ; and en
courages us to hope, that the time is approaching when this
nation will be cleansed from that defilement. Let us, in
the mean time, continue, with unabating ardour, to be in
tercessors for the greatly injured Africans.
We conclude with expressing our corafort, that notwith
standing the many weaknesses whicli prevail, numbers of
our beloved youth are preserved in faithfulness ; to whom
the gracious Lord hath extended, and is continuing to
extend, the visitations of his light and love ; whereby there
is reason to hope that they will grow up in usefulness, and
become a succession of testimony bearers to the Truth.
That they may, in all humility, receive the saving help, and,
by obedience to the pointing of the divine hand, continue
stedfast to the end, where the prize inestimable is to be
obtained, is the fervent travail of our spirits.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM JEPSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

464
EPISTLE, 1789.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournmerAs,
From the 1st to the 9th of the Sixth Month, 1789,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
UNDER the continued extension of heavenly regard,
with which this our large and solemn assembly hath
been favoured, we affectionately salute you ; wishing grace,
mercy, and peace, from God the Father, through our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, may increase and abound in the
churches. The accounts of Friends' sufferings brought in this year,
principally for tithes and those called church rates, amount
in England and Wales to five thousand one hundred
pounds, and in Ireland to one thousand two hundred and
forty seven pounds. Two Friends were last year imprison
ed for refusing to find substitutes in the militia; and one
Friend hath beeh this year committed to prison, by process
in the ecclesiastical court on account of tithes, and still
remains a prisoner.
We earnestly desire that this branch of our Christian
testimony may continue to be maintained in such meekness
and consistency of conduct, as may evince to others that we
wre not actuated by selfish motives ; but, by a sense of our
duty to Christ our Lord, are made willing to suffer for his
cause; believing that those, who profess to be his ministers
and servants, are bound to the observance of the command
delivered by him to his disciples formerly, " Freely ye have
received, freely give ;" (Mat. x. 8,) to which a forced main
tenance, on any pretence whatsoever, is plainly contradic
tory ; as well as utterly inconsistent with the benevolence
and dignity of the Gospel, which holds forth the mercy and
salvation of God to our acceptance, without money and
without price.

465
By accounts from our several Quarterly Meetings, and
by Epistles from Ireland, New-England, New-York, Penn
sylvania and New-Jersey, Virginia, and North and South
Carolina and Georgia, we are informed, that love and unHy
generally subsist among Friends ; and that divers persons
have been joined to the Society by convincement.
We are concerned at this time to press upon your consi
deration the awful duty of pure and spiritual worship. It
is not enough that,after the example of our forefathers, we
meet together in one place, in outward silence ; rejecting
those forms and ceremonies whicli were invented by the
wisdom, as well as that worship which is performed only in
the will, of man ; it is not enough that, with a commend
able diligence, we attend all our religious meetings; unless
also, like them, we wait in hurable reverence, for spiritual
ability to worship acceptably the Lord of heaven and
earth. Wait therefore, dear Friends, humbly and dili
gently wait in the spirit of your minds, for the coming of
Him who told his disciples " Without rae ye can do nothing;"
(John, XV. 5,) that ye may happily experience the influence
of his Spirit to enlighten and quicken the soul to a true
sight and sense of its condition ; that, feeling the spirit of
supplication, ye may approach the throne of grace, and,
under 9. renewed sense of the Father's mercy and goodness,
may be enabled to offer the sacrifice of praise, , This living
and spiritual worship is ever acceptable, and draws down
his favour on those who are thus humbly exercised before
him. Being thus qualified to worship together the Feather of
spirits, to eat of the same spiritual meat, and drink the
same spiritual drink, our love to the pure Truth, and to
each other, will increase. The preservation of love is a
duty in everv state of religious attainment, and did we
faithfully observe the great Master's precept of doing to
others as we would they should do to us, its practice would
be easy : detraction and enmity would then be destroyed in
the seed, and that excellent Christian charity, recommended
by the apostle, prevail over all. " A new commandraent,"
said our Lord, " I give unto you, that ye love one another;
q.s I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By
G G

466
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have
love one to another."
We exhort all parents, and those who have youth under
their care, deeply to seek the Lord for themselves, and feel
after his baptizing power ; that their own spirits being
rightly leavened, may, through divine help, be made instru
mental to leaven the minds of their tender connexions, and
the branches of their families ; whereby there may be a
growth in the spiritual life, and a succession of living,
baptized members in our religious Society.
Such merabers as have the spiritual welfare of the pro
fessors of the blessed Truth at heart, are pained in behold
ing the deviation of« raany araongst us, from that purity of
life and conversation, and that plainness and simplicity of
manners, into which the holy principle that we profess ever
leads its followers. This deviation is apparent not only in
the dress, but in the address and deportment of too raany
of our youth and others. O that our beloved youth would
happily subrait to the tender impressions of divine grace
often made on their minds in the early part of life ; and
that they would, by inward retirement, cherish and cultivate
the precious and heavenly visitations, graciously renewed
to their spirits, as they advance in age ; so would that
eye be kept open in them, which discerns the beauty and
excellency of the Gospel of Christ, and that a possession
in his saving Truth infinitely excels all the profits and
honours, the favour and friendship, of a fading and de
lusive world.
We earnestly recommend to all, the frequent perusal of
the Holy Scriptures, according to repeated exhortations ; and
we, at this time, also recomraend the writings ofour faithful
predecessors, and the accounts that are published of their
experiences, labours, travels and sufferings in the cause of
Christ. Those hours of leisure would be profitably em
ployed in this raanner, which are often wasted in reading
the light and trivial publications, calculated to gratify the
vain iraagination, and to feed that disposition that is always
hankering after some new thing.
It is with particular satisfaction we observe the spreading
of those principles of justice, which have long bound us to

467
the cause of the injured Africans, and have now engaged
the attention of distinguished persons in this nation, and
not in this nation only; and that the inhuman trade ii
at length manifesting its iniquity to the view of our
legislature. Now unto him that is able to keep us from falling, and
to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with
exceeding joy ; to the only wise God our Saviour, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and
ever. Amen. (Jude, 24.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by*^
JOHN ELIOT,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1790.

From ihe Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 17th to the 25th of the Fifth Month, 1790,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
IN the tender love of our most gracious and Holy Helper,
we affectionately salute you; and have, in humble
thankfulness, to inform you, that we have been favoured to
hold this our annual assembly to a good degree of satisfac
tion : having, in the various sittings thereof, often witnessed
a measure of divine love to be the covering of our spirits.
The sufferings of Friends, on account of their religious
principles, brought in this year, being principally for tithes
and those demands called church-rates, in England and
Wales, amount to five thousand six hundred and ninety two
pounds ; and in Ireland, to one thousand five hundred and
sixty eight pounds. The Friend who was imprisoned for
his conscientious testimony against the support of an hire
ling ministry is since released.
gg2

468
By accounts at this time received from the Quarterly
Meetings in England, from North Britain, and from Wales;
and by Epistles from Ireland, New-England, New-York,
Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland and Virginia,
we have information, that love and unity are gener;)l!y pre
served in our religious Society, and that a considerable
number, who were not educated amongst us, have been
admitted into membership with us, through convincement,
since last year.
As the cause of the oppressed Africans is now before the
Legislature, we have no particular advices on that head to
communicate; yet we desire Friends raay continue united
in a fervent concern, that the reproach of a traffick so
iniquitous, raay be done away from the Christian name, and
the day spoken of by the Lord's prophet be happily
hastened, " For frora the rising of the sun even unto the
going down of the same, my name shall be great among the
Gentiles; and in everyplace incense shall be offered unto
my name, and a pure offering." (Malachi, 1. 11.)
Friends ! high and holy is the profession which we are
making to the world. Many who do not openly profess
with us, are yet persuaded in their consciences that the in
ward principle which we, accordingto the holy Scripture,
hold forth to the world, is Truth, though the Cross stands
in the way of their public avowal of it. May none of us
act as enemies to the Cross of Christ, and be stumbling-
blocks in the way of sober and unprejudiced inquirers,
hurting and hindering, by our outward appearance and
practice, the success of that cause which we are called to
esfiouse and promote.
And, as vye have received information of the removal of
many faithful Friends from the field of labour, we greatly
desire that the rising generation may lay it to heart, and
come up with unreserved dedication of soul to the sup
port and promotion of the cause of vital Christianity, ac
cording to their several gifts and rneasures ; not only by
promulgating its salutary and blessed doctrines and precepts,
T)ut by being also living examples of their holy influence on
the whole conduct and conversation : as becomes a people
|jelieving in the inward and spiritual appearance of Christ,

469
, We hold that there is no need, no absolute necessity,
that any man should teach us our religious duties, but as
the same Anointing which taught the primitive believers,
teacheth^ us. We hold that no offering in worship is ac
ceptable to our great Creator, but that which is produced by
the motions of his own Spirit. And though it hath pleased
Christ the Head of the C^hurch, to raise up, qualify, and
send forth, able ministers amongst us, whose labours and
ministration of the free Gospel of Christ have been and are
truly serviceable ; yet the growth and preservation of every
individual in true religion, can only be effected by every
one deriving his spiritual supplies and abilities from tiie
Root of divine life ; as Christ himself, when personally on
earth, declared, " As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine : no more can ye, except ye
abide in me." (John, xv. 4.) Let us therefore evince our
belief in, and dependence upon, this inward instruction,
this source of all right religious qualification, by a diligent
attendance of our meetings for worship, and by a watchful
patient waiting therein for divine succour, not only on the
First, but on other days of the week. And, as there has
been a salutary discipline long established amongst us,
for the preservation and edification of the body in love,
and for the clearing of the reputation of our religious
Society from the scandal, which might arise from the dis
orderly walking of any professing with us ; we intreat you
to consider, that as we all should join in reverent worship
ofour common Father ?ind Creator; so should we all unite
in a religious care and oversight one of another for our
mutual good ; for indeed, " Happy is that people, that isiu
such a case; yea, happy is that people, whose God is the
Lord." Psal. cxliv. 15.)
And, dear Friends, as there are great commotions on the
earth, dissensions and animosities among men, and revolu
tions in states and kingdoms, let none of us be drawn by a
party spirit to meddle with matters, which are unsuitable
for the peaceable followers of the Prince of Peace ; who
declared that his kingdom w.as not of this world ; but let us
all be gratefully sensible of, and thankfully coraraemorate,
the gracious dealings and merciful interposition of ^be Lord

, 470
our God ; who hath extended his protection to us, though
widely separated in our different allotments, and hath pre
served us a religious body, united in faith and principle.
May this precious unity and spiritual fellowship increase
amongst us, by our living and believing in Christ, and by
being justified by him, who is the Author and Finisher of
all true faith.
Many are the different opinions as to religion in the
world : let it not suffice us, dear Friends, that by eduoation
and tradition we are taught to believe that the principles
which we profess, are no other than the doctrines of Christ;
let us shew forth the soundness of our faith by our works :
let us diligently wait for and feel after that divine virtue
which renews the inward strength, and qualifies for every
good word and work.
In the fresh renewing of Gospel love, we commend you
to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the alone preserver
of men ; beseeching you, in the words of the apostle,
*^ That ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are
called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffer
ing, forbearing one another in love ; endeavouring to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. iv. 1.)
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Yearly Meeting, by
WILLIAM, GROVER,
Clerk to the Meeting thfc Year.

EPISTLE, 1791.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in I^ondon, by adjournmenlfy
From the I6th to the 24th of the Fifth Month, 1791,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
IN that love which is the bond of religious felloM^ship,
we affectionately salute you who profess the blessed

471
Truth, wherever scattered in your several allotments, and
wish you health and salvation through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Brethren, we write not to you, as matter of form,
but as having our minds impressed with a renewed sense of
the state of the Church.
We have in humble gratitude to coraraemorate the con
tinued kindness of Divine Providence, in enabling us once
more to meet together, and to hold our annual assembly ;
which hath been large, and in a good degree owned by the
gracious regard of Hira, without whom no religious act can
be acceptably performed. Under a lively sense of the ne
cessity of waiting for this holy help, and we trust, under
some experience of it, the affairs of our religious Society
have been transacted at this time.
The accounts of sufferings brought in this year, princi
pally for tithes and those called church-rates, in Great Bri
tain, amount to five thousand two hundred and eighty four
pounds, and in Ireland, to one thousand four hundred
and ninety one pounds. We greatly desire that all pro
fessing with us, may see the nature and ground of our tes
timony for the free Gospel of Christ, and against the great
evil of endeavouring to make gain thereof ; that so, being
closely and feelingly united in principle and practice, all
may be of the same mind, all speak the same thing.
We have received at this time accounts ofthe state ofour
religious Society in this nation, and Ireland ; and also
Epistles frora New-England, New- York, Pennsylvania and
the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia ;
whereby we are inforraed of the prevalence of love through
out the Society, and that (notwithstanding the sorrowful
declension of many professing with us) divers, from time to
time, join it by convincement.
We find it our concern at this time to remind you, dear
Friends, that though a sound form be requisite, it is essen
tially necessary that we should wait for a divine power to
quicken and animate it. Our forefathers turned away from
such as had a form of godliness, but who denied the power
thereof. Let not us then, their successors in the same faith,
settle down in formality, or rest content with any thing short

472
of feeling the life and power of Truth in our religious
movements. As a Christian Society, we have found it our duty to pro
mote the abolition of the Slave trade ; and although the
Legislature of this country hath not yet done away this
evil, it still remains our steady concern to discourage so
iniquitous a traffick : and, at the present affecting juncture,
we think it particularly incumbent on every individual
deeply to ponder his own particular share in the testimony,
which we have so long believed it to be our duty to bear,
and to be careful not to stifle the sraallest conviction of
duty : raore especially that the prospect of gain raay not
lead any to countenance a trade, of which the immediate and
unavoidable consequence is the miseries of raen.
In as much as we are sensible that the Lord Almighty is
still graciously caring for, and visiting his Church ; and that
his forming, qualifying hand, is preparing, and leading forth,
many of the rising generation into the service of the day ;
it is the earnest travail of our spirits, that these raay be
preserved in watchfulness, fidelity, and obedience. It is
not enough that the eye hath been once opened to see the
beauty and excellence, which are in the Truth; it is not
enough to have walked well for a time, or even to have
been rightly engaged in some religious services : — that eye
may again close, and that capacity for service may decay.
There is a necessity to follow on to know the Lord, and to
experience the renewing of a right spirit, in order to be
preserved in a state of safety, and of ability to labour in
the cause of Christ. And may those who are advanced in
years, and mi religious growth, not trust to their former ex-:
periences of good, and to the sense and understanding
which they have had in spiritual things ; but raay they di
ligently wait for the arising of that power in their hearts,
which reneweth the raind, and preserveth in a freshness
and liveliness of spirit, even in old age; that so they
may have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlast'
ing life. All are called to purity and holiness : " without
which," it is said " no man shall see the Lord." (Heb.
xii. 14.)

473
Let us, beloved Friends, in the strength of Gospel love,
entreat all, both old and young, to walk as becometh our
high and holy profession ; so that our Christian simplicity
of manners, uprightness of conduct, and universal charity,
may answer the just witness in all; and that serious per
sons of other professions, who are thoughtful about a future
state, being induced, by observing our lives and conversa
tion, to inquire into our principles, raay, through the divine
blessing on their honest and impartial search, be brought to
the experience and acknowledgment of the Truth, as it is in
Jesus. Be not discouraged by the smallness of numbers in any
place, frora attending with diligence your week day meet
ings. We need to have our spiritual strength often re
newed; and it was esteemed by our forefathers and elders in
the Truth, to be a profitable as well as necessary duty.
When any then are negligent in this part of our testimony,
let it be the care of those who remain livingly sensible of the
benefit of these opportunities, to stir up such to their duty :
and let the deficient seriously consider, whether, by a ne
glect of this part of our religious duty, they are not in
danger of gradually declining from a life of faith and holi
ness, and falling into evils which at present they may hold
in abhorrence.
Finally brethren, in the fresh feeling of that uniting love
which is the mark of discipleship ; that universal love which
reaches over sea and land, and anxiously desires the welfare
aud happiness of the whole mass of mankind ; in that love,
and in the words of the apostle. We " coraraend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up,
and to give vou an inheritance among all thera which are
sanctified." " (Acts, xx. 32.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, By
PHILIP DEBELL TUCKETT,
Cleik to^the Meeting this Year.

474
EPISTLE, 1792.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 21st to the 29th of the Fifth Month, 1792,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
UNDER a degree of that influence which alone qua
lifies the mind for being engaged in the cause of
Christ, we affectionately salute you ; desiring that you, and
all men, may be saved, and come unto the knowledge of
the Truth. (1 Tim. ii. 4.)
Through the continued mercy and favour of our great
Preserver, we are again met in our annual assembly, to in
quire into the religious state of our Society, to impart such
counsel as may appear necessary, and thereby to endeavour
to promote the good and glorious work of peace and righ
teousness : and, in attending to the subjects which have
come before us, we have been favoured to experience the
prevalence of brotherly love.
The accounts of sufferings received this year, chiefly for
tithes, and other demands of a like nature, amount to five
thousand two hundred and twenty three pounds in Great
Britain ; and to one thousand five hundred and forty four
pounds in Ireland.
By accounts from our Quarterly and other Meetings in
these nations, and by Epistles from New-England, New-
York, Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia,
and the Carolinas and Georgia, we find that a number is
preserved who are concerned for the prosperity of Truth,
and. that our salutary discipline is in a good degree main
tained. We have also accounts of several having joined us
since last year by convincement.
Repeated have been the calls of the Church to the rising
generation, and frequent her exhortations and admonitions :
the elders having no greater joyi, next to the sense of hea-

475
venly communication to their own spirits, than to hear that
tbe "children walk in the Truth." (John, iii. 4.) Letusnow,
dear youth, with renewed solicitude, again expostulate with
you, and entreat you to ponder those things which belong to
your eternal welfare. Why should the transitory gratifica
tions of this life — why should the fading splendour, or false
friendship, of the world — prevail to draw any of you away
" from the simplicity that is in Christ :" (2 Cor. xi. 3,)
leading you " into many foolish and hurtful lusts," (1 Tim.
vi. 9,) and unfitting your minds for the reception of those
divine visitations, and those spiritual refreshments, which
alone are worthy of the aspirations of an immortal soul :
And you, beloved young Friends, who have set your hands
to the plough, look not back. Though the Lord, in uner
ring wisdom, may yet allot you deeper baptisms, and more
humiliating conflicts, flinch not under the operations of his
love. So may ye be purified from every mixture of the
creature, fitted for the work whereunto ye are called, and
enabled to perform his heavenly commands in holy
quietude. Brethren, of every rank, be persuaded that our happi
ness, in time and in eternity, depends on pleasing God ; and
the apostle declares, " They that are in the flesh cannot
please God. — For to be carnally minded is death; but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. viii. 8,6.) Come
therefore, beloved Friends, out of all those things which dim
the prospect of the beauty and excellency which are in the
Trath ; seek a possession in it above all visible enjoyments ;
flatter not yourselves w ith the fallacious expectation of being-
heirs of two kingdoms ; but submit your hearts, with total
surrender, to the government of Him, who declared, " My
kingdom is not of this world." (John, xviii. 36.)
That national evil the Slave Trade, still excites our
Sfjrrow, and calls for our unremitted attention ; but, al
though we have not yet seen the accomplishment of our
ardent desire for its unconditional abolition, let us cherish a
disposition to be thankful to the Father of ALL mankind, that
the prospect opens of a termination to the wrongs of Africa.
Friends, let us bear in mind that " God hath called us t»
peace." (I Cor. vii. 15.) It is a leading principle of our

¦476
holy profession. Let us therefore, on all occasions, evince
that we are what we profess to be. Let us not suffer our
minds to be drawn after that in which it is not our duty to
be engaged ; - much less let us attach ourselves to any
party ; but let us trust in that Arra Of Divine Power which
hath been our only refuge, and without which there is
no safety.
Although we are well aware, that " Except the Lord
build the house, they labour in vain that build it : except
the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain :"
(Psalm, cxxvii. 1,) and though we have repeatedly, and re
cently recommended a diligent attendance of meetings for
worship, on other days as well as on the First day of the
week ; yet as spiritual welfare depends on an experience of
the saving virtue of Tfiith, which alone makes " alive unto
God," (Rom. vi. II,) we renew our earnest exhortation
that ye forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.
O, that the weightiness of our spirits, and the gravity of
our deportment, in religious raeetings, might be such as to
excite an awful sensation in observers ; and that, at their
conclusion, we might avoid trivial or unnecessary conver
sation, our conduct, as well as countenances, bespeaking
that we had been with Jesus !
We conclude with recommending you individually to the
grace and good Spirit in your own hearts (the sure guide to
salvation), and to the diligent perusal of the Holy Scrip
tures, particularly of those in which is recorded an account
ofthe life, doctrines, and sufferings of our blessed Saviour;
beseeching you reverently and humbly to walk according to
that holy pattern, and deeply to bear in remerabrance, that
" The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant
above his Lord." (Matt. x. 24.)
Signed, in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
THOMAS HUNTLEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

477
EPISTLE, 1793.

from the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 20th to the 28th of the Fifth Month, 1793,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE salute you in Gospel love, and in a degree
of that huraility, vvhich a close inspection into the
state of our religious Society at this time, hath produced :
for, although we raay thankfully acknowledge that we have
not found things in so neglected a condition, as in some
former years ; and some increasing concern appears to have
invested the minds of many brethren, for the support of
our testimonies ; yet much remains to be done, and much
laborious exercise of spirit to be patiently endured, before
our Sion can become, so eminently as we trust she is de
signed to be, the praise of nations. Friends ! may every
one of you, who may read or heai- this our tender saluta
tion, closely and effectually consider in what instance, and
to what degree, he obstructs, in his practice, the accomplish
ment of a design so gracious.
Our Meeting hath been large, and, through the mercy
ofour Holy Head arid High Priest, hath been favoured
with the renewed assistance of his Spirit ; and, although
divers matters have occurred which,have been subjects of
considerable discussion, we have afresh experienced the
prevalence of Christian condescension.
The accounts of sufferings brought in this year araount,
in Great Britain, to six thousand and eighty pounds, and
in Ireland, to one thousand six hundred and twenty-nine
pounds. The largest part, as usual, is for those eccle
siastical demands with which we scruple actively to comply,
as being the support of a ministry formed by the will of
man ; and not only inefficacious in combating the desires of
the carnal mind, (which, saith the Holy Scripture, is at

478
enmity with God) but too generally made subservient to
its purposes.
Our correspondence with our brethren in Ireland and on
the Continent of America is maintained, and we have
received Epistles from all the Yearly Meetings, informing
us of their concern for the cause of Truth ; and, in some
of those frora Araerica, of their continued care to be,.
as opportunities offer, the advocates of the oppressed black
people. The slow progress in this country of the cause of
these our fellow-raen we lament, but do not despair of its
success : and we desire Friends may never suffer the cause
to cool on their minds, through the delay, which the oppo
sition of interested men hath occasioned, in this work of
justice and mercy ; but rather be animated to consider, that
the longer the opposition remains, the more necessity there
is, on the side of righteousness and benevolence, for stea
diness, perseverance, and continued breathing of spirit to
the God and Father of all, who formed of one blood all
the families of the earth.
From Philadelphia we learn, that Friends have also had
at heart to be instrumental in promoting a pacification with
the frontier and other Indians, in which benevolent purpose
they are encouraged by the Indians themselves ; who, having
been accustomed, for more than a century, to just and kind
treatment from Friends, have been induced to repose much
confidence in them.
At our last Yearly Meeting, we were engaged to caution
our Members against suffering the voice of party to draw
any of us from the stedfastness which we may possess in
Christ ; and now, when war is making its ravages in the
adjacent nations, we are again concerned to exhort Friends,
that, on all occasions, they evince themselves to be indeed
the followers of the Prince of Peace. As we profess to be
restrained from joining in a practice so desolating to man
kind, let us not indulge the spirit of it in ourselves, or
encourage it in others, by making the events of war a
frequent subject of conversation ; but, so far as we are
truly redeemed from those warring lusts in ourselves,
to which the apostle (James, iv. 1,) ascribes its origin, let
us, as enabled, be frequently engaged in secret supplication

479
to the God of the spirits of all flesh, that it may please
him to break the bow, and cut the spear in sunder;
making wars to cease unto the end of the earth ; (Psal.
xlvi. 9,) and to enlist the nations under his holy banner,
in opposition to those iniquities which are a reproach to the
profession of Christianity.
Many have been of late the overturnings and failures in
the commercial world; and sorae amongst us have not
escaped the disgrace. We desire these things may operate
as a call to all of us, tvho may need the caution, to contract
rather than to enlarge our plans for the acquisition of
wealth. Let us sooner endeavour to secure a competency,
by contracting our wants arid limiting our desires ; recol
lecting, that as Christ, our great example, declared his
kingdom not to be of this world, so neither can his faithful
followers make it the storehouse of their treasure. " Lay
not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal : but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust do corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through nor steal : for where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also." (Matt. vi. 19, 20, 21.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
GEORGE BRAITHWAITE,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1794.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 19th to the 28th ofthe Fifth Month, 1794,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
DEGREE of that love which drew our predecessors
from the various forms of religion, to wait upon the

A

480
Lord, and to serve him in simplicity and holy fear, en
gages us afresh to salute you ; desiring that ye may increase
and abound in every good work ; and that, as lights in the
world, ve may so shine as to glorify our Heavenly Father.
Our present assembly hath been very large; and we
have, as usual, received accounts from the several branches
of this Meeting, and also Epistles from our brethren on
the American continent. — The amount ofsufferings brought
in this year (chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates,)
is six thousand nine hundred and forty pounds in Britain,
and one thousand six hundred and twenty five pounds in
Ireland — Here we may. briefly remark, that as we believe
no genuine minister of Christ can cjare to traffick with the
truths.of the Gospel, we are concerned fervently to exhort
all Friends to be stedfast, in maintaining the testimony
most surely given us to bear against this violation of the
spirit and letter of it,
We have been reminded, in this Meeting, of such of
our Friends as are in lonely situations, and few in number.
We desire these may be concerned not to neglect their little
meetings ; but therein to wait upon the Lord, in whose
presence there is life, and to have their expectations on hiin
alone : considering, that his tender compassion is not only
to the multitude, but descends even to the two or three
gathered in his name. — Let this indeed be encouragement
to all, to persevere in the practice of assembling I'or the
worship of God : and as all are in need of help from
above, to strengthen them in the performance of their
several duties, whether as parents, as heads of families, as
children, or as servants ; let us humbly trust that those who
tiius, in integrity of soul, honour him, and endeavour to
walk before him with acceptance, will by him be honoured
with his gracious assistance and support
We find ourselves also engaged at this time, to, caution
all our fellow professors to watch, with close attention,
against giving way to the unsubjected activity of their own
spirits. Many there are, who, although willing to confess
the irapotency thereof for promoting the spiritual welfare
of men, are yet unwilling to subinit it to the restraint of
Divine Wisdom, in outward engageipents. From this

481
cause such have often failed in plausible pursuits, ofleri
brought reproach on our profession, often distress ort
themselves. Thus also some have been improperly led into
speculative opinions on the affairs of this unstable world,
and the commotions which rend it. very inconsistently with
the purity and simplicity ofour principles, and unbecoming
those who profess to be subjects of the peaceable kingdom
of Christ: Let not such indulge themselves in contention,
even with their tongues. Follow peace with all men.
Study to be quiet and to do your own business : remem
bering that the spiritual Jerusalem is a quiet habitation ;
and that to lead a holy, unblamable life among men,
walking in the fear of the Lord, and according to the di
rection of that light wherewith he favours us, is to con
tribute, in the degree which he approves, to the advance
ment of true reformation in the earth.
Although we are still upable to rejoice in beholding an
end to the sufferings of our African fellow-raen, we con
tinue to cherish a tender concern for their restoration to
their proper rank in society. On the subject of the Slave
Trade being laid before us, a solemn pause ensued : and
though no step appears expedient for us, at this juncture,
to take as a body ; we desire that every one of us raay con
tinue to syrapathize with this afflicted people, and endeavour
to excite, in his respective sphere of acquaintance, a like
compassion for their almost unparalleled sufferings.
Dear Friends, we have not any desire unprofitably to
multiply words ; but Oh, that we might be enabled to rouse
the supine among us, of every age, aud of every appear
ance, to the awful thought that they are not their own !
Surely were this alarm effectually sounded in their ears,
many who now gird themselves, go whither they list, and
absent themselves when they list from an attendance on the
Lord's service, would not only subrait to be restrained by
his fear, but would pray that his hand might not spare, or
his eye pity, until a disposition was produced and esta
blished in them, to serve him in singleness of heart.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting,
JOSEPH GURNEY BEVAN,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.
H H

, 482
EPISTLE, 1795.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 18th to the 27th of the Fifth Month, 1795,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere,
DEAR Friends and Brethren in our common cause^^
the endeavour to promote in our generation the
righteousness of Christ, by obedience to his Spirit ope
rating in the heart — how awful is our profession ; and what
manner of men ought we to be, in all godliness and
honesty, that our practice may correspond with it ! Reli
gion is not a speculative thing, but a practical duty ; and,
at this Yearly Meeting, we have been renewedly made de
sirous that our merabers may be more and more diligent,
in support of the testimonies which we believe ourselves
bound, in our conduct, to bear to the world. Thus im
pressed, we tenderly salute you, and inform you that we
have reason to believe, from the examination that we have
made into the state of our Society, that the cause of Truth
gains ground ; that the visitation of divine love continues to
be extended, by faithfulness to which a growth in the
Truth is experienced ; and, that our Christian discipline is
supported with increasing vigour.
The account of sufferings brought in this year, chiefly
for tithes, priests' demands and those called church-rates,
amounts, in Britain, to six thousand three hundred and
eighty one pounds ; and in Ireland, to one thousand two
hundred and ninety two pounds. Seven members of our
Society are lately committed to prison, by an exchequer
process, on account of our testimony against tithes. We
wish their allotment may prove a call to those among us,
who do not come up with their brethren in this testimony,
afresh to consider the foundation of it : namely, a desire
to be clear in the sight of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls,
from supporting a ministry of human ordination, exercising

483
its functions for lucre, and tending to divert the attention
of the people from the secret instruction oLHis all-suf
ficient Spirit. Divers have been the admonitions of this
Meeting to these unfaithful brethren, and clear, the pro
vision of our discipline against their confirmed neglect :
but, O, Friends of this description, how ranch raore de
sirable is it to gain you by persuasion, and to perceive
your judgments convinced by the light of Truth, than to
treat you as delinquents ! Lay aside therefore your former
prejudices. Suffer not the customs of raen, the prospect of
inconvenience, or the fear of appearing to differ from your
intimates, so to influence your minds, as to raake your de
viations even desirable in your view. Be sure also that
other inconsistencies With the self-denying character of a
Christian, do not keep you at a distance from that point of
view, in which ye may clearly see your duty in this respect.
How do you attend your religious meetings ? What share
have the honour and the gain of the world in your affec
tions ? Is the eye single, that ye can be certain your
judgment is right ? These are iraportant considerations :
suffer thera then to have due place in your minds.
We have this year received Epistles from the Yearly
Meetings of New- York, of Pennsylvania, of Maryland,
and of Virginia, whereby we learn the continued engage
ment of our Friends to be of service to mankind in their
generation. From Pennsylvania we have a fresh account
of the good understanding between our Friends and the
Indian natives ; who have again invited them to a treaty
held for composing the differences on the frontiers. A de
putation of Friends accordingly, with the approbation of
the government, attended, last fall, at a treaty, at which,
besides having the satisfaction of seeing, in some measure,
the good purposes of the conference answered, they had
fresh proof ef the good and permanent effects which kind
treatment produces in the minds even of such as are termed
uncivilized raen, in the respect in which the Indians hold
the raemory of the first founder of Pennsylvania, and in
whose successors in religious profession, they continue to
place a confidence almost unlimited.
In some of the States, we find Friends have been
h h 2

484
anxious to promote an increasing attention to the pro
curing an education for the descendants of the black
people, suited to their station, and which may render them
fit to become useful members of the community : and this,
ou the principle which, in most things undertaken by men,
is a sure guide to doing right, and producing good effects ;
namely, the desire to do to others as we would they should
do to us.
Our Friends of New-England have been engaged in an
application to the general government ofthe United States,
against the Slave Trade ; and have obtained an alteration
of the law, in great raeasure answerable to their expec
tation. We wish the sympathy of Friends here, for the
injured people whose sufferings are more nearly connected
with this our native land, had been by this time raore pro
ductive of benefit. On a case of distress so deep, and
neglect so unfeeling, it is not always easy for the human
mind to reflect, without bitter censure on the authors of
their woes. But, Friends, a feeling hath been Avitnessetl
amongst us at this time, which directs the raind in pity
towards the deplorable state of those raen, who proraote,
procure, and execute, the tearing away of the Africans
frora their parent soil: and seeing we believe that a just
and dreadful retribution awaits the unrepenting and ob
durate oppressor, at that awful tribunal where sophistry
shall not prevail to exculpate, let us, amidst all our sym
pathy for the sufferers, give place in our rainds to a true
concern for the Traders in Negroes — men equally interested
with usin the rewards of futurity — and let us seek for, and
cherish, that disposition of raind, which can pray for these
enemies of humanity, and fervently breathe for their resto
ration to soundness of judgment, and purity of principle.
It hath been often observed, that the desire of acquiring
wealth is an incitement to every evil ; and having, in this in
stance, a proof to what great lengths it will carry those
who give it place in their hearts, let us guard agaiinst the
lieginnings of so great temptation. Circumscribed even as
we are more than many, it is not unusual, in our pursuit
of the things of this life, for our gain and our convenience
to clash w ith our testimony. O then may we be willing to

485
pause, and give time for those passions to subside, which
would hurry us to the accomplishment of the desired pur
pose, ere the still voice of wisdom be distinctly heard to
guide us in the way in which we should go. And, beloved
youth in an especial manner, guard against the first sacri
fices of duty to inclination. If ye curb inordinate desires
in their infancy, your victory over future temptations will
be the more easy; jand, through faith in him that hath
loved us, and hath overcome, ye will in time be raore than
conquerors : but if ye shrink from the conflict, or resign
victory to the tempter, ye will be despoiled of the armour
designed to preserve you in future assaults ; and, it may be,
unable to resist, in your further progress through life,
temptations, which, in the fresh morning of your day, ye
would have held in abhorrence.
We have endeavoured, in the two last years, to caution
our brethren in profession, against suffering the comraotions
of the times to seduce them from the path of blameless sim
plicity, in which it becomes all true followers of Christ to
walk. And, though we desire not to repeat similar advice,
we think it incumbent on us now to bid you beware of being
induced, either inadvertently or for gain, in any manner to
give countenance to the destroying practice of war. Many
are the ways by which the unwary and the covetous may be
caught. But, brethren, look beyond the surface. Behold
the depth of misery into which war plunges mankind. Then,
putting your trust in Him who gives understanding to the
simple, and provides for the sparrows, ye may avoid the
pollution which is theirs, who join hands with this deso
lating evil.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
LAWRENCE CANDLER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

486

EPISTLE, 1796.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 15th to the 25th of the Fifth Month, 1796,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE find our minds again engaged to send you the
salutation of our love in Christ ; desiring that, as
we have been careful not to address you in formality, nor
without a fresh belief that it is our duty, so ye may not
consider this our Epistle as a customary matter, nor read it
in that disposition that is always seeking after some new
thing ; but raay be willing to consider what parts of it are
applicable to your own respective states ; and let the ex
pressions of our concern, for your present and everlasting
welfare, receive, and retain, a sufficient place in your
minds. The accounts of the sufferings which have been sustained
by our Friends in Great Britain, and are now reported to
this Meeting, amount to eight thousand six hundred and
fifty eight pounds ; about one thousand pounds of which
consist of distraints for the late assessment for manning the
navy : the rest, as usual, are chiefly for tithes, and demands
pf a similar nature. The araount of sufferings brought in
from Ireland is two thousand three hundred and three
pounds. And, as we are inforraed that an opinion publicly
prevails, that the purpose of these accounts is in order that
the sufferings raay be reirabursed, we desire Friends every
where, as occasion raay offer, to contradict this opinion,
which hath no foundation in truth.
The Friends raentioned in our last Epistle to be impri
soned on account of our testimony against tithes, still
remain prisoners in the county gaol at York ; objects
themselves, as well as their afflicted families, of the sympar

487
thy of their fellow professors to whose lot it hath not
fallen to experience a treatment so rigorous.
We have this yeai- received Epistles from our Friends of
the Yearly Meetings of North and South Carolina and
Georgia, of Virginia, of Pennsylvania, of New- York, and
of New-England, evincing their continued concern to sup
port our testimonies, and our Christian discipline. The
inhabitants of the Continent, dwelling in fertile regions
once possessed by different tribes ofthe Indian natives, are
doubtiess bound to regard them with benevolence : accord
ingly, we find our Friends engaged in an undertaking to
furnish thera w ith some of the comforts of civilized life.
A fund is raising to supply the expense of instructing them
in agriculture, in mechanic arts, and in some useful branch
es of learning.
On examining into the state of our Society in these
nations, we find cause to believe that, in many parts, the
attention of Friends is gradually fixing, more and raore
closely, on the excellence of the several testimonies which
we are required to bear : and we are persuaded that, were
our members universally more loosened in their affections
from the profits and the friendships of the world, the
standard of Truth would be more conspicuously and avail-
ingly displayed.
Let us consider, brethren, what is the cause of our dis
sent from the prevailing opinions aijd practices of the age.
Is it not that we most surely believe, that our "faith is more
consistent with the evangelical purity of the primitive
times ; and our manners less liable to promote an attach
ment to a world that passeth away ? How then shall we set
the candle, that hath been thus mercifully lighted in any
of us, under the bed or the bushel ; giving up any part of
our testimony, be it ever so small, for the sake of ease, or
of outward advantage?
The beloved apostle declared that " God is light, and in
him is no darkness at all." A manifestation of this divine
light, in infinite mercy, is given to every man, to lead him
out ofthe misery of fallen nature, unto the eternal Fountain
of life and light. In every heart, arid in every society of
people, in which place is given to any kind of unrighteous-

> 488
ness, an eclipse of the light necessarily follows as tar as the
compliance with evil extends ; and, if this state be conti
nued in, spiritual death must ensue. Wherefore, brethren,
in your conduct as individuals, and in the part which ye
take in the exercise of the discipline established amongst us,
be ye animated to resist every appearance of evil ; reraemT
bering that, as our Heavenly Father cannot unite with
darkness, so neither must those unite with it, who desire to
attain fellowship with him : in which fellowship our hap
piness consisteth, both in time and in eternity.
In these tiraes of worldly coramotion,. the concern still
remains with us, that our brethren may be preserved from
joining with any thing, that immediately or remotely con
duces to proraote it. And, although of late we have, from
year to year, testified our desire that Friends may take no
part in that which genders strife ; we still fear all are not
sufficiently cautious, or sensible of the advantage of mixing
as little as possible with the fluctuating politics of the
times. For, truly, were all concerned to work out their
own salvation with fear and trembling, the raind would be
preserved on its proper centre ; and to mix with the multi
tude, in their pursuit of the favourite object of any party,
would be dreaded rather than desired.
Respectingthe Slave Trade, though we have no good tidings
to proclaim, we feel unwilling to pass it over in silence.
As a body, we have been among the foremost to expose its
turpitude ; and, although it doth not appear at present to
be our duty to take any public step as the advocates of this
degraded class ofour fellow creatures, we stiU'continue
to view the comraerce with unremitting abhorrence : and we
much desire that no one, once touched with a sense of their
complicated woe, may suffer its being thus dreadfully pro
tracted, to efface the impression frora his memory, or syra- '
pathy from his heart.
This Meeting hath been very large^ and our minds have
been much exercised in a travail for the cause of Truth.
O, Friends of every description,' how would ye contribute
not only to your own peace as individuals, but to render our
assemblies, under the sanction of the great Master, seasons
pf rejoicing, were ye all to be engaged in earnest, each one

489
for himself, to do away the hurtful and hindering things,
which, ye must be sensible, are yet to be found within
our borders !
Finally, dear Friends, remember the apostolic declara
tion, " The foundation of God standeth sure, having this
seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his." Strive there
fore to become such, by obedience to his holy law. It hath
been our uniform and constant testiraony, that God hath
vouchsafed his grace and good Spirit unto the children of
men universally, as the means of their sanctification. May
ye therefore, in your several degrees of growth, evince and
recoramend your belief in it, by dwelling under its holy
influence. Again, in Gospel affection, we salute you, and bid you
farew.ell. Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
ROBERT FOWLER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1797.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 22nd to the 31sf of the Fifth Month, 1797,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE are sensible that there are among you, who
travail with us in spirit for the advancement of
the cause of Truth ; and we believe that this concern is
increasing in divers places. Nevertheless, as, at these
seasons of general inspection, our minds continue to be im
pressed with a sense, that cautions are still needful in
several particulars, we think it right still to endeavour to
excite you to further degrees of dedication to the service, in
which, according to their measures, all ought to be engaged.
If one be our master, even Christ, remember that in his

490
family there is no place for the slothful. Accept, therefore,
with this our salutation of brotherly love, our exhortation
to be willing individually to inquire, " What lack I yet ?"
We have this year received Epistles from all the Yearly
Meetings of Friends in America ; and also sorae verbal ac
counts given by brethren who have been travelling, in the
service ofthe Gospel, on the Continent of Europe ; in some
parts of which, the same divine Hand which led our prede
cessors out of forms, to the substance of Christianity, ap
pears to be collecting a people, to bear witness to the saving
efficacy of the light of Christ revealed in the heart.
The amount ofsufferings, reported to have been sustained
by our Friends of this island, is eight thousand and twenty
two pounds ^ that in Ireland, one thousand three hundred
and forty seven pounds. These are principally for tithes,
priests' demands and those called church-rates ; and in
creased again this year by distraints on account of the rate
for raising men for the array and navy, and the railitia. On
this last account also, one Friend hath been not long since
committed for three months, to the county gaol at York ;
and another, last suraraer, was detained a like term in that
at Worcester. Of the prisoners at York, on account ofour
testimony against an hireling ministry, one has been released
by death : the rest still remain prisoners.
On considering the state of our Society, several defects
occur: for in a people professing as we do, indeed in all
who assume the Christian name, it is a defect not to avoid
every thing which tends to evil, and to bring reproach on
their profession. Of this kind is the want of punctuality in
the fulfilling of engagements, of which we understand there
are sorae instances : but if all were sufficiently sensible of
the injustice of the practice, of the disgrace with which it
is attended, and what an occasion of stumbling it raay be to
those who are enquiring after the way of Truth, it would
surely preserve them from inadvertently forming engage
ments, which they were not clear that they were able to
fulfil. The same care of preserving our profession from
reproach, might also, if kept in the remerabrance, prevent
another evil of which we have at this time some account ;
namely, the unnecessary frequenting of public-houses. We

491
desire that all under our name may be cautious of remain
ing in them, after the purpose of business, or of refresh
ment, is accomplished : but to make them a resort for any
other purpose, may it never need to be named among a
people who profess the practice of Christian sobriety !
We are not disposed to enter into all the particulars of
deviation, in which those, who will not submit to be bound
by the testimony of Truth in their hearts, may be found ;
but we think we can trace several of them to that comraon,
but destructive cause, the love of worldly things. In sorae
it discovers itself in a desire to be rich and great ; whilst in
others the worldly spirit is as clearly discerned, though the
attention seems to be occupied in smaller concerns : and
though we are clear that very extensive ones are often in
themselves great evils, yet the trafficker in hundreds, unless
the eye be kept single, may be as much buried in the earth
as the trafficker in thousands. But were each honestly to
ask himself the question, " Have I first sought the kingdom
of heaven and its righteousness ?" how might the answer
tend to cover the face with confusion ! Did our Lord utter
any one precept with a clearer address to the reason, and
greater promise of support, than that of which such a
question is the substance ? So that to seek first the world,
is to give up at once our obedience to his comraand with our
trust in his promise, — " All these things shall be added
unto you." " Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have
need of all these things." (Matt. vi. 33, 32.)
We are not about to condemn industry, which we believe
to be not only praise-wprthy, but indispensable. It is the
desire of great things, and the engrossment of the time
and attention, from which we desire that all our dear
Friends raay be redeemed. We doubtless owe duties to
ourselves, and to our families; but we owe them also to
society ; and do we not owe even our ownselves to our
all-wise, all-protecting, and provident Creator ? Should we
therefore suffer the things of this world to prevent our at
tending at the times appointed for his worship ; whether on
the day generally set apart for that purpose, or on other
stated days ofthe week; and ought we to be content, when

' 492
assembled, to perrait our thoughts tO wander into the con
cerns of the present life ?
The situation of the offspring, and of the servants, of
those who neglect the due attendance of our religious
meetings, is greatly to be lamented ; as is that even of some
who, though frequently seen at them, do not, by their con
duct, seem to believe that it is required of them to allow
their dependents also to attend ; but are leaving these still
to pursue the world for them at home. For if any have, in
a greater or a less degree, made gold their hope, or " have
said to the fine gold, thou art ray confidence," (Job, xxxi,
24,) it will be found that, in proportion, they will be slack
in bringing their families to our accustomed opportunities
for public worship.
We feel not inclined, though war yet continues to deso
late the earth, to repeat our advices on that head, or to re
sume the subject further than to remark how thankful we
ought to be, in that we are still permitted to meet together,
as we have done at this time, in brotherly fellowship and
mutual condescension ; whilst the world around us is tossed
with the tempest of discord, O, Friends, may we consider
it as an inciteraent to suffer every thing, which tends to
contention, to be eradicated frora our hearts ; and, under
the influence of the Spirit of Christ, the Heavenly Hus
bandman, to cultivate, with unwearied assiduity and
patience, all those dispositions which make for peace ;
things whereby we may edify one another ; yea, things
by which we raay evince to our fellow raen at large, that
we are really redeeraed from the spirit of contests, and
truly the disciples of a merciful Redeemer : whose holy,
pure, and undefiled religion, is a system of universal love.
Signed in aod on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOSEPH GIBBINS,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

493
EPISTLE, 1798.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 21st to the 29th of the Fifth Month, 1798,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
AMONG other advantages which we find in thus as
sembling ourselves before the Lord, it is none of the
least, that our love for the merabers of his raystical body,
the Church, receives frora tirae to time a renewal of holy
fervour ; with ardent desire that she raay increase in quali
fication to be presented to him a glorious Church, not having
spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. May we. Friends, as a
part thereof, through the grace which is given to us, be
willing to cleanse ourselves from every pollution of flesh
and spirit, and to become holy in all manner of conver
sation. We have no new doctrines to comraunicate. Happy,
yea, blessed should we be, could every raan find a testi
mony in his conscience, that he acted consistently with
those he hath already received : but still it remains our
concern to stir up the pure raind in each other, and to press
the observance of those things which appear to be ne
glected. And how shall we find any subject of greater
moment, whereon to renew the often repeated call to vigi
lance, than that leading duty of public worship, and of
seeking the recruits of strength, and of confidence to per
severe in the way of peace, which the raind raay expe
rience in the hurable perforraance of this solemn obligation ?
None of the negligent can say he has no need of the
support; yet too raany seera, by their conduct, to indicate
that they think so. But, Friends, review the subject; let
not an evil habit prevail ; but suffer yourselves to be
weaned frora it. Make the essay of a better practice, and
you will find, to your comfort, that difficulties will often
sink as you approach.

494
Every step which we gain in the way of obedience to
duty, is not only of advantage to ourselves, but it gives ad
ditional strength and animation to be beneficial to others.
By this means alone can the parent, the guardian, or the
master, hope to discharge his important and awful trust to
the lambs committed to his care, in the wilderness of this
world. And what need there is of seeking all means of
qualification to be helpful to them, the dangers of that
wilderness, and the failure of raany who are entrusted with
the charge, too obviously declare. We fear that, in many
instances, an early and frequent perusal ofthe Scriptures of
Truth, and opportunities of quiet retirement in families,
before the Lord, are neglected; whilst amusements not
suited to the condition of a candidate for immortality, and
writings inimical to the simplicity of the Gospel, are in
dulged, or connived at. We fear also, that some of our
youth are training in habits of expense in attire, furniture,
and attendance, v/hich, growing into custom, are not only
inconsistent with the simplicity of the Gospel, but a con
stant call for much of that property, which would be better
employed in feeding the hungry ; and of that time, which
might be occupied in visiting and cheering the habitations
of human raisery. " The trimming ofthe vain world," said
our worthy elder William Penn, " would clothe the naked
one." It is not however with such only that we plead, on
behalf of the indigent. We wish those who are generally
consistent in appearance and manners with our self-denying
profession, to be clear that a due proportion of their time
and substance is spent in the relief of distress. This is a
day when thousands of our fellow creatures are wanting
the necessaries of the body ; and thousands imbibing with
avidity principles injurious to the mind. Happy will it be,
on a parting retrospect, to believe that we have neither
contributed, by misapplication of our entrusted property,
to the one ; nor omitted to do all in our power to prevent
the baneful spread of the other. Christ is all : in Him are
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ; and the obr
servance of his law written on the heart, would restore
perfect harmony to the universe.
We have at this meeting received, as usual, accounts of

495
the sufferings of our members. The whole amount, in
Great Britain, is upwards of ten thousand three hundred
pounds, chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates ;
but including about two thousand pounds for military pur
poses. The amount of those reported from Ireland is seven
hundred and eighty five pounds. The Friend imprisoned
last year at York, on account of the militia, was released
at the expiration of his term ; and the reraaining prisoners,
on account of tithes, by a special clause for that purpose in
an act of parliament, by virtue of which distraints were
made on their effects. Three other Friends were, near the
end of last year, committed to Huntingdon gaol, by Ex
chequer process, on account of tithes, and afterwards for a
short time to the Fleet prison ; but were released on the
issuing of a writ of sequestration.
We have received Epistles frora the Yearly Meetings of
Virginia, of Maryland, of Pennsylvania, of New-York,
and of New-England. Araong other concerns of Friends
on the Continent, that for the violated rights of our fellow-
men of the African race still continues. Our Meeting fpr
Sufferings here also lately presented, in the name of the
Society, a third petition to the House of Commons, on the
subject of the British traffic in the persons of men. Its
failure of success is well known ; but we see no reason to be
discouraged from again becoming public advocates of the
Africans, when a sense of duty shall open the way.
We desire afresh to press upon all our members, the ne
cessity of a peaceful and innocent demeanour araongst men ;
and especially let all be careful not to seek or accept profit
by any concern in the preparations so extensively making for
war; for how reproachfully inconsistent would it be to
refuse an active compliance with warlike measures ; and, at
the same time, not to hesitate to enrich ourselves by the
comraerce and other circumstances dependent on war.
Finally, dear Friends, let us bear in constant remem
brance that important principle of our profession, a testi
mony to the pure and free ministry ofthe Gospel of Christ :
whose sole prerogative it is, to send and qualify such, as it
pleases him, without respect to worldly rank, or human ac
quirements ; and all his truly devoted servants, whatever

496
may be their gifts and stations in the Church, are brethren i
and hold them under him the only Head, and the universal,
and all-sufficient teacher.
We salute you in Gospel lOve, and remain your affec
tionate friends and brethren.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOSEPH BIRKBECK,
1 Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1799.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 23nd to the 31st of the Fifth Month, 1719,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, and Ireland,
Dear Friends,
AFTER some serious investigation into the present
state of our religious Society, wherein we humbly
trust that the gracious Head of the Church hath not been
wanting to cement our minds in the bond of his love, and
from tirae to tirae to refresh us together, we again salute
you ; and inform you, that at this our large annual asserably,
a concern has been felt, extending to every branch of the
faraily. We desire it raay be bound up in the same precious
cementing union ; that so, not any thing which has a ten
dency to scatter, may be suffered to prevail. To this end,
may it be the chief care of all, to dwell near the Power, by
the assistance of which unsanctified self is reduced and de
nied : then will the wisdom which is from above be exalted,
and brought into dominion.
The accounts of sufferings brought up this year frora the
various parts of this nation, ,araount to seven thousand four
hundred and seventy eight pounds ; and those from Ireland,
to seven hundred and seventy pounds ; chiefly for tithes,
priests' demands and those called church-rates ; and also for
various demands on account of the militia, and other war-

497
like measures, with which, from a conviction that we ought
not to be active in promoting the destruction of the precious,
yea invaluable, lives of raankind, we scruple to coraply.
We have this year received Epistles from four, only, of
the Yearly Meetings on the American continent ; namely,
the Carolinas, &c. Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
The last, having met at the usual tirae of its sitting, during
the prevalence of a contagious and highly mortal fever, ad
journed to the twelfth month last. By this disease thousands
of the inhabitants of Philadelphia were quickly removed
out of tirae. Let us, in reverence of soul, avoid too nice
an inquiry into the moral causes of such dreadful calamities ;
but seek, with unremitting solicitude, an entrance, through
the strait gate, into that narrow, but not untrodden path,
which alike leads to blessedness, through every dispensation
of the Lord's unerring providence.
Friends, we in this land, do not live unsurrounded by
manifold dangers ; nor in an age in which we can dispense
with any part of the whole armour of light. The increase
of mortality in a country brings the body into jeopardy ;
but it often arouses the careless, and drives the awakened
mind into closer communion with God : but it is the pe
culiar property of many of the contagious vices and vanities,
with which these countries abound, that they lull to security
the incautious, even though once aroused ; and point their
infection at the well-being of the soul.
By what means, then, shall we expect preservation ? Our
belief, dear friends, is, that it will depend on a frequent re
currence to our first principle : even to the saving power of
Christ Jesus our Lord, revealed in the heart. "This," said
our Redeemer when personally on earth, " islife eternal, that
they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent." But this, Friends, is no trivial nor
raoraentary acquireraent. Many of you know that it must
be waited for in singleness of heart; and that the important
pursuit of this heavenly knowledge should regulate the
tenor of our lives. Where then, judge ye, would any find
leisure for those amusements, in which some in profession
with us, are reported to waste much of their tirae? This
Meeting has repeatedly testified against vain sports, and
I I

498
places of diversion, as so many allurements tending to
draw the mind from its watch, and to lay it open to further
temptation. The best recreation of a Christian is the
relief of distress ; and his chief delight, to promote the
knowledge, and to exalt the glory, of his Heavenly Master:
and this is most effectually done, under his holy influence,
by a life of faith, purity, and general benevolence. False
principles too, as well as wrong practices, may have their
advocates for a time ; but the unspotted lives of the faith
ful remain to be their best refutation. Let none then start
aside at the magnitude of the object, or be too much dis
mayed because of the little progress they seem to them
selves to make in the way of holiness ; but, trusting in the
Lord, who " giveth power to the faint," let us all press
after ability to coraply with the apostolic advice, " Be ye
holy, in all raanner of conversation."
We have received accounts, this year as well as in pre
ceding years, that divers persons have joined our Society by
Convincement. For you of this description, we feel a
tender care, that, after admittance into membership, you
may not measure yourselves by the standard of others ; nor
take up a rest short of the true rest. Seek rather an in
crease in the heavenly principle which comes by Jesus
Christ, the true and holy pattern for his flock. Thus
only, will your union with us contribute to your advantage;
and thus only, will the increase of numbers produce an,
increase of the joy.
Now, turning our attention to the Church in its more
collected capacity, of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, we
perceive that weakness and languor continue to pervade
the deliberations of sorae of them, on the important con
cerns of the Society ; and often prevent the due and timely
support of that Christian discipline, which we have long
experienced to be, under Providence, as a wall of preserva
tion. Nevertheless, we believe we can also discern that
there is a gradual increase of care in many places ; and that
the quickened sensibility, with which the minds of numbers
of our brethren are graciously endued, has rendered many
things burthensome, which in times of greater neglio-ence
scarcely have been noticed : and to this we attribute many

499
of the complaints now contained in the answers to the que
ries. Our desire therefore is, that such upright minds may
be encouraged to persevere. That which shows the disease
raust be looked to for the reraedy. Hold on, then, your
way, beloved Friends ; and raay the Lord give you all the
discernment, skill, forbearance and fortitude, which are re
quisite for the impartial and seasonable discharge of the
trust which he commits to you.
Finally friends, collectedly and individually, farewell !
May all our meetings be held, with weight, as in the im
mediate presence ofthe Heavenly President. May the aged
among us be examples of every Christian virtue ; and
evince, by the calmness of their evening, that their day has
been blest. May the middle aged not faint in their allotted
stations ; but, together with their elder and younger bre
thren, firmly support, yea exalt, the several testimonies
which we are called to maintain. And, O ! may the be
loved youth, the tender objects of our care, and of our hope,
bend early and chearfully under the forming power of
Truth : that thus, each standing in his allotment, the har
mony of the building raay be preserved, and we may truly
grow up into an holy temple for the Lord.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting,
GEORGE STAGEY,
Clerk.

EPISTLE, 1800.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 2l5t to the 3Ist of the Fifth Month, 1800,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
A RELIGIOUS concern still attends our minds, that
ye, our dear absent brethren, may partake of the
benefit and blessing of our thus assembling together : not
I i2

50O
only by means of such regulations as have been found ex
pedient, but that we may convey to you, through this our
affectionate salutation, the desire which the collected body
feels for you as for itself; that we may all be what we pro
fess : that we may all daily look to our foundations, and be
fervent in our prayers for an establishment upon that rock,
against which every storm will beat in vain. In the renew
ings, therefore, of that love, which knows no abatement
from length of tirae ; but through all ages reraains the
same in the hearts of believers ; in the love ofthe Gospel of
Christ Jesus, our Redeemer, we tenderly salute you.
The accounts of sufferings brought in this year, chiefly
for tithes, priests' demands and those called church-rates,
also for military purposes, araount in Great Britain to
seven thousand five hundred and ninety one pounds, and
in Ireland to six hundred and three pounds.
Epistles have been received this year from all the Yearly
Meetings on the American continent ; and accounts, from
our several Quarterly Meetings, and from Ireland. Having,
in these last raentioned communications a view of the pre
sent state of the Society in these nations, we find cause to
continue to " stir up your pure mind by way of remem
brance, that ye may be mindful of the words which were
spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the comraand
ment of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour." (2 Peter,
iii. 1,2.)
We beseech you, brethren, be watchful. Keep in the
holy inclosure of the preserving fear of God ; and call to
mind the perfect security of Israel, encamped of old under
his never-failing protection ; when the intended curses of
an enemy were converted into blessings. He, with whom
we have to do, is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
Why then are we not kept in his fear, and made perfect in
his love ? Is it not because the visible things of this fading
state, are, in various ways and proportions, drawing away
our attention ? But, Friends, enter, frora time to time, into
the closet : shut to the door. Pray to your Father who
seeth in secret, for daily supplies of strength, to suppress
that iramoderate love of earthly things which prevents you
from giving to him his due preeminence.

501
They who are obedient to this universal injunction of
our Saviour, " Watch," (Mark, xiii. 37,) are prepared for
the due fulfilling of every duty ; and eminently so, for that
most essential one of worship. How many feel themselves
languid when assembled for this solemn purpose, for want
of a previous preparation of heart ! The mind, crowded
with thoughts on outward things, in approaching the place
for public worship, and resuming them with avidity on its
return, is not likely to fill up the interval to profit ; and to
such, their meeting together may prove a form as empty, as
any of those out of which, we believe, Truth called our
forefathers, and still calls us. If we truly succeed them,
as witnesses for the Truth, we must look beyond forms, to
that which is the life of all true religious performances :
so we may become fitted, in our several stations, for the
Lord's service, the promotion of the cause of righteousness
on earth.
Dear Friends, we believe there are many of you, and
especially of the youth, who, in a good degree, have given
up, and are giving up, your hearts to serve the Lord.
May you submit with patience to all the repeated baptisms
necessary for your refinement. The Gospel hath its tribu
lations ; but they are not like the sorrow of the world,
which worketh death. They are intended to disturb the
polluted rest in mere worldly enjoyments ; they unite you
to the living members of Christ's body, in whora the, same
things have been accomplished ; and, if they be accepted as
tokens of his love, and abode under the allotted time
without repining, they will completely unite you to him,
the Holy Head.
Wherefore, ye dearly beloved youth, our treasure, in
whom we sometimes dare to delight, and to hope that you
will one day succeed to the places of those faithful labour
ers, who have passed, and are passing, frorii works to
rewards ; we entreat you, dear children, with tender soli
citude we press it upon you, flee from every thing which
tends to despoil you of your innocence ; and to render your
minds less receptive of that holy influence, which your en
lightened judgment demonstrates to be Truth.
And' ye pa-ents, be ye solicitous to discharge your impor-

502
tant and awful duty, with scrupulous attention. It is often
too late to warn the youthful mind of danger, when
your own negligence, or indulgence, hath suffered your
offspring to deviate frora that path of siraplicity, in which
you have thought yourselves bound to walk, and in which
you have found peace. If you fail to suppress the early
beginnings of undue liberty, how can you expect a blessing
on your endeavours, when further deviations at length
arouse your attention ; and how, having failed to rule your
own houses well, can you expect duly to " take care of the
Church of God;" (1 Tira. iii. 5,) by performing that too
much neglected duty of private admonition therein ? There
were of old those who brought children to Christ, in the
days of his flesh ; and now the religious parent can breathe
no warmer aspiration for them, than when he spiritually
commends his tender offspring to the protection of his Lord.
But see. Friends, that you encourage no propensities in
them which prevent a union with him. Restrain them, we
beseech you, from associating with those whose influence
and example lead away frora his law ; and be especially
careful that you introduce not among thera, publications,
which are either wholly, or in part, repugnant to the faith,
as it is in Jesus. Let it be your own daily care to endea
vour after closer communion with him, and to walk in meek
submission to his commands : so raay you gai^, over the
minds of the youth providentially placed under your care,
that ascendency which arises from the united effects of sound
judgment, truest love, and a good exaraple.
Finally, Friends, of every age, of every rank, we com
mend you to the protection of Hira who died for us, and
who ever liveth to raake intercession for us, who is able
to save thera to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
(Heb. vii. 25.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
WILLIAM ALEXANDER,
Clerls to the Meeting this Year.

603
EPISTLE, 1801.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 20th of the Fifth Month, to the 2nd of the Sixth Month, 1801,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
VARIOUS have been the exercises in which our rainds
have been engaged in this our annual solemnity ; yet
the spiritual welfare of our absent Friends, as our own,
having been the great object to which they tend, we are
disposed afresh thus to greet you in Christ Jesus our Lord :
desiring that in Him, and by Hira, ye may be raade perfect,
established, strengthened, settled. ( 1 Pet. v. 10.) But let us
remember that this holy establishment is not to be attained
but through suffering. The cross still remains the way to the
crown. Nevertheless, as a patient endurance of suffering
works for us the " far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory," (2 Cor. iv. 17,) let us accept it as the discipline of
Christ, designed to make us proficients in his school, partakers
of his baptism, and finally, inheritors of his promise.
The maxims and policy of this fleeting world are still, as
they ever'liave been, opposed to these sacred truths. The
spirit ofthe world, therefore, hath its allurements for draw
ing the incautious of every class from under this holy disci
pline. It captivates sorae with its profits, others with its
pleasures, and others with its prospects of greater ease,
than the way of Truth will adrait. The rich'and the poor,
the wise and the simple, are all within the reach of its baits ;
and if palpable temptations to indulgence are withstood, it
can insinuate itself under the appearance of virtue, and zeal
for the honour of God. Wherefore, dear Friends, we ex
hort you, " Take unto you the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having
done all, to stand." (Eph. vi. 13.) How emphatic the
expression, " Having done all, to stand !" Be willing to be

504
invested, by the Captain ofour salvation, with every article
of his heavenly armoury ; and, as saith the apostle, above
all Take " the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Eph. vi. 16.)
Thus, Friends, accept our warm and cordial salutation,
in Scripture phrase ; but let us all, having surveyed the
standard of righteousness, be willing to be measured by it;
to examine our own states, and to see whether we are doing
all in our power to edify our brethren. It hath pleased our
wise Creator to plant us in society : to know, therefore,
whether we are acting our proper part in it before him, or
not, is a subject worthy ofour serious consideration.
And ye, dear Friends, whose hearts are indeed bound to
the holy testimony, be vigilant, we beseech you. When ye
see the approach of an enemy, be timely in warning of the
danger. There is probably no one, however obscure his
station, whose heart the Lord hath touched, and who hath
bended under the secret convictions, but raay be, in his
hand, an instrument of good to others : faint not, there
fore, nor be weary, even though you should seem to labour
without fruit ; but remember that no service in his vine
yard, and by his direction, goes without its reward ; and
that it is he alone that can give the increase.
To you also who occupy the more conspicuous stations in
our Society, are we concerned to extend the word of exhor
tation. Be ye ensamples to the flock. Such, however, ye
can never be, but by taking heed to your own steps, by the
light wherewith Christ, the chief Shepherd, hath enlight
ened you. But if you suffer the light thai is in you to
become darkness, " how great is that darkness !" (Mat. vi.
23.) If this should unhappily be the case with any, such
may resemble those of whom it was said of old, that they en
tered not in themselves, nor suffered those that were enter
ing to go in. (Mat. xxiii. 13.) But, beloved Friends, let us
add, in words similar to those of the Apostle, we are per
suaded better things of numbers among you, and things
that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. (Heb.
vi. 9.)
And, dear young people, our anxious and constant care,
how shall we express the desire that we feel, that no evil

505
may prevail against you ! And, truly, what thing shall ever
"harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"
(I Pet. iii. 13.) But ye yourselves must cooperate with
the grace, which is from time to time offered for your ac
ceptance. You must watch, and you must pray, to be
preserved from evil ; and if you are in earnest in this exer
cise, you certainly will be careful to avoid the means of
temptation. They are various ; but your guide will not
fail you in discovering thera. See ye therefore to it, and
may the Lord endow you richly with his blessing.
The sufferings of Friends brought in this year are chiefly
for tithes, priests' demands and those called church-rates,
also for divers demands of a military nature. Their
amount is upwards of nine thousand and forty pounds,
from Great Britain and Ireland.
Epistles have been received from all the Yearly Meetings
on the American continent. Our Friends in Pennsylvania
have sorae tirae had it in contemplation to establish a Board
ing School, under the direction of their Yeariy Meeting.
Their undertaking appears prosperous. The school is es
tablished and opened, and upwards of two hundred children
have been admitted. We also learn that the government
of the United States, has made such additions to the law
heretofore passed for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, as
afford a rational prospect that the iniquitous traffick w ill
be done away in those Slates.
Frora an inspection into the state of the Society, as laid
open in the answers to the queries brought to this Meeting,
we think we can discover on the whole, reason for encou
ragement; but the concern truly to labour for the removal
of hurtful things, appears to be less in some places than in
others, and in most quarters too little. Wherefore, dear
Friends, let us renew our exhortation, Be in earnest.
" Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not
unto men; knowing that ofthe Lord ye shall receive the
reward of the inheritance : for ye serve the Lord Christ."
(Col. iii. 23.)
" Iron" saith the wise man, " sharpeneth iron ; so a man
sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Prov. xxvii.
17.) Thus, at these our Yearly Meetings, we are encou-

506
raged by the presence of each other to persevere in the
way which we believe to be cast up for uSj But we are not
unmindful of the different situation of many of you, dear
Friends, whose lots are cast in solitary places, and who
necessarily assemble for worship in small companies. But
seeing, " The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call
upon him," (Rom. x. 12,) we beseech you to be encouraged
in the punctual attendance of your raeetings. This, indeed,
we believe, is incumbent on all who desire to manifest
themselves to be l^is humble dependants ; and is especially
necessary at a time when, under various and specious pre
tences, many are neglecting the due performance of this
leading duty. We therefore are disposed, with respect to
this subject, and some others to which we have adverted in
this our Epistle, to sura up our concern with the language of
the apostle, " Let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering ; for He is faithful that proraised, and let
us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good
works : not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another :
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
(Heb. X. 23 to 25.)
Friends, Farewell in the Lord.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
WILLIAM RAWES, Jun.
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1802.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 19th to the 28th of the Fifth Month, 1802,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewliere.
Dear Friends,
WE are sensible that unless the Lord bless the labours
of the Church, its attempts to edify and to console

507
you must be in vain : but, on examining into the present
state of our religious Society, we apprehend we have felt a
warmth which warrants the continued salutation of our
love ; and we have had our minds directed to divers sub
jects, respecting which we deem that counsel is expedient.
Accept therefore, Friends, our salutation : it is that of bre
thren. Receive, we beseech you, the counsel which we
may be enabled to impart : its object is your increase in
Christ, your establishment in righteousness, your present
wellbeing, your eternal salvation.
This Meeting has not been quite so large as sorae in
former years ; nor have the cases which have claimed our
attention been so numerous ; but the strength arising from
the labour of many minds united in the same cause, has been
in a good degree experienced.
The araount of sufferings brought in this year is upwards
of nine thousand five hundred pounds ; chiefly for tithes,
priests' deraands and those called church-rates, and some
demands of a military nature. One Friend also was impri
soned for a short time on account of tithes.
We have received an Epistle from Ireland, and Epistles
from all the Yearly Meetings of Friends in North America ;
by which we learn, that our brethren in those countries not
only are exercised in various concerns peculiar to their own
situations, but, in common with us, remain engaged to in
quire into the spiritual welfare of the members, to breathe
for the removal of every thing that tends to defile, and to
rejoice at the signs, which they observe, of dedication to
the Lord's cause.
Since our last Yearly Meeting, two signal benefits have
been permitted to our native land : the stop lately put to
the effusion of human blood ; and the plentifid increase of
sustenance, afforded by raeans of tl^e last year's harvest, at
a time when famine seemed approaching, and when want
was severely felt by the poorer classes of the community at
large, We doubt not that there yet remain many who will
long feel the consequences of such deep distress ; and we
believe that we should acceptably show our gratitude to the
common Parent and bountiful Father of mankind, if we yet
sought out and assisted such as the calamities of preceding

508
seasons have bereaved of their necessary comforts : more
especially among the aged and the infirm- On an occasion,
too, of such general satisfaction, as the return of peace to
this nation, it peculiarly behoves us, as we are known to
have a testimony agaist those modes of rejoicing, even for
peace itself, which are generally attended with profusion
and tumult, to evince that we really rejoice at the prospe
rity ofour country, by doing good, according to our ability,
to all.
But, dear Friends, in times of outward prosperity there
are snares to be avoided, as well as duties to be fulfilled.
One of those snares seems to us to be a too eager, and
therefore unlawful, pursuit of lawful things. Such a pursuit
prevents the mind from rising in living aspirations to God,
the giver of every good and perfect gift ; indisposes it for
duly assembling with his devoted servantsi to wait upon him,
and worship him ; and causes " the volume of the book" of
sacred scripture — that record of Truth which was written
aforetime for our instruction — to be but seldora perused.
Such a pursuit also, if general, spreads devastation over
religious society. But, Friends, we entreat you, " Seek ye
first the kingdora of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things," said our blessed Redeeraer, speaking of
necessary things, " shall be added unto you." (Mat. vi. 33.)
Then would your assemblings together be seasons of hea
venly consolation ; your hearts would be enlarged in that
Gospel love, that knows no bounds to its desire of human
happiness; ye would covet that others might partake with
you of the enriching joy ; and ye would be careful that not
any trifling impediment prevented the due attendance of
your own families. " Come" would ye say by your exam
ple if not in w'ords, " Come and let us go up to the moun
tain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob ;
and he will teach us of his ways, aud we will walk in his
paths." (Mic. iv. 2.) " Come and let us join ourselves to
the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be for
gotten." (Jer. 1.5.)
Now, dear Friends, who stand in the tender relation, and
in the awful and important station, of parents, such of you
more particularly as have bought the Truth, let us again

509
remind you ofthe danger of indulging your inexperienced
offspring in worldly liberties, from which the Truth re
strains you.* Let not any false and specious reasoning-
prevail on you to suppose, that it will be sufficiently soon
for their wills to be subjected, when they shall have attained
maturity of judgment. Then, alas! the practice of self-
gratification raay be so confirmed, that the way of self-denial
may seem to them much narrower than it really is; and you
will have contributed to increase the difficulties of those,
whora it was your indispensable duty to protect, to guard
from all danger, and to train up in the way they should go.
It is still a precept sanctioned by reason and by revelation,
" Train up a child in the way he should go ;" (Prov. xxii.
6,) and this was imputed to Abraham, as a thing well-
pleasing to the Almighty. " For I know hira," said the
Lord, " that he will coraraand his children, and his house
hold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord."
(Gen. xviii. 19.)
And, beloved young Friends, submit, we beseech you,
with readiness to the restraints of your religious parents.
As you accustom yourselves to bend in due subjection to the
power of Truth in your own hearts, such restraint will be
come less irksome, as also it will be less necessary. Many
of you, we are persuaded, are no strangers to the voice of
Wisdom speaking in secret, and saying, when you are dis
posed to turn to the right, or to the left hand, " This is the
way, walk ye in it," (Isa. xxx. 21.) Many inconveniences,
evils, and occasions for sorrow of heart, may be avoided,
by hearing and consulting the holy witness in yourselves.
It will sometimes gently arrest you in the prosecution of
your purpose, when you may not distinctly see the cause.
But it is wiser than we, proceeding frora that pure Intelli
gence to which all things and all events are known. O !
then, mind its secret checks : and we are at this time par
ticularly engaged to recommend you to consult the witness,
ere you venture upon the perusal of the specious publica
tions with which this age abounds. In this way, dear
children, keep your hearts " with all diligence ;" (Prov.
iv. 23,) lest ye enter into teraptation.
* See Epistle 1800.

510
And for you, whatever be your age or station, who have
the burthen of the cause resting as on your shoulders, in
this exercising day, our desires are strong, that you may be
pi-eserved in humility and patience, arid steadily persevere
in the path of duty. " Unto you it is given in the behalf
of Christ, not only to believe on hira, but also to suffer
for his sake." (Phil. i. 29.) Thiis, dear Friends, as you
persevere, having your trust and your dependence on the
invincible, though sometimes invisible, arm of Almighty
Power, the Lord will become your shield, and your exceed
ing great reward.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOSEPH GIBBINS,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1803.

I

From ihe Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 18th to the 26th of the Fifth Month, 1803,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
T hath seemed good to this Meeting, to send you a fresh
memorial of its love ; and of its continuing travail, that
you may be more and more purified frora every defilement
of flesh and spirit : that thus you may show forth in your
lives the efficacy ofthe grace of pur blessed Redeemer; and
at the solemn final close, and in the day of righteous deci
sion, be of the number whom he will own in the presence
of his Alraighty Father. Ah ! Friends, is not this the raark
at which all of us ought to aira ? Is not this the prize
without which all other acquisitions are " less than nothing,
and vanity ?" Seek ittherefore with a solicitude propor
tioned to its infinite importance ; suffer not the things of
time to have an undue share of your affections; and look

511
with faith and reliance on the Captain of our salvation.
Out of him we can do nothing ; in him is life, and that life
is the light of men.
Epistles have been received from New-England, New-
York, Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Maryland, Virginia,
and the Carolinas ; also an Epistle from Ireland. The
unity of religious concern, discoverable in these testimo
nials of the remembrance of our distant brethren, is truly
acceptable. The amount of sufferings brought in this year is upwards
of nine thousand five hundred and thirty pounds : they are
chiefly, as heretofore, for tithes and other ecclesiastical
demands ; with a proportion for the railitia. One Friend
has been iraprisoned on this latter account.
Though we have not for sorae years thought it necessary
always to announce the additions to our Society by con-
vinceraent, it may be proper now to remark, that it has not
been because the number of such as are frora tirae to time
led so to join us, has been less. This year also we have an
account of several : and we believe the nearer we ourselves
approach to the standard of Truth, the more will our con
duct invite others to repair to it.
On examining the present state of our religious Society,
we have found several things to lament, because we believe
them to be the consequence of a neglect of the holy light
of which we have been speaking ; but no one hath engaged
more of our attention, or occasioned a deeper exercise of
mind, than to observe that some of our merabers are more
or less deficient in duly attending the opportunities for
public worship. And though we have often, and even
lately, expressed our concern on this account ; yet the con
tinued need of admonition, the succession of persons to
whom our advice may reach, and the warmth we feel in
contemplating the subject — all induce us to open it some
what further for your serious consideration.
That the assembling of ourselves for the purpose of ex
pressing our sense of dependence on our great Creator is a
duty, most, if not all, of us acknowledge, by stated or occa
sional attendance at some of the times appointed for wor-

512
ship. But too many content themselves with an attendance
once in the week, on the day when business is suspended ;
and even of that day, the greater part is devoted to what is
called relaxation. Thus, little as it is which is meant for
sacrifice, that little has cost them nothing. And how many, —
how many even of those who are far removed above indigence
— seldom if ever, leave their outward pursuits, to join with
their brethren, on other days of the week ! The want of
a due and diligent attendance at the usual times, is produc
tive of many evils. It often deprives the mind of opportu
nities of instruction and, consolation ; and thus leaves it
more liable to be drawn aside from the right way, by the
spirit of the world ; it leads naturally to the neglect of
other religious duties; and it tends to occasion indifference
in those to whom the influence reaches, by its baneful ex
ample. But the habitual neglect of religious meetings, in
any of our members, as it is thus the cause of raany evils,
hath also itself a cause. This, dear Friends, we should
search out, if we wish to have the remedy applied. And to
what cause can we ascribe it, but to a want of hunger and
thirst for that spiritual refreshment, which is yet, blessed be
the Lord, to be known in the meetings of his humble and
dependent servants ? Now if we feel not this hunger and
thirst, is there not reason for us to be alarmed; and may
we not justly fear, that we are spiritually sick ? And truly,
notwithstanding- *he excuses of such as yet acknowledge
public worship to be essential, and the specious semblances
of reasoning of such as attempt to set aside a constant obli
gation to it, experience has taught us, that a neglect of
meetings both indicates and produces indisposition of
mind; and tends to lay waste religious society. Where
fore, we once more beseech the remiss of the present day,
to lay these things to heart, and strive for amendment;
and we again press it upon such as are themselves diligent,
that they do not neglect any gentle intimation of duty, to
admonish a brother or a sister for whose remissness they
may feel concern.
But although we are thus particular on a subject, which
we believe concerns not us alone, but every professor of the

513
Christian name; we have not been unmindful of several
testimonies which we believe to be, as yet, raore peculiarly
our own, to bear for the honour of the great Head of the
Church, and against the spirit which leads into conformity
with the world. Such is our testimony for the free teach
ings ofthe light of Christ revealed in the soul, and through
such instruments as he raay immediately prepare, call, and
qualify ; in contradistinction to a ministry formed by raan,
and undertaken for temporal rewards : this testimony re
mains as incumbent upon us as ever, and although our ac
counts indicate it rather to gain ground than to decline, yet
a concern hath been witnessed at this time that it raay still
further prevail, and be borne in a disposition which raay
show to observers, that our motive is singly to promote the
cause of Christ.
The deviations from our ancient simplicity of' manners,
of speech, and of attire, however some may affect to term
them small things, are notwithstanding causes of great grief
to the faithful among us : because we are persuaded that
they demonstrate a mind averse from the self-denial which
the Gospel enjoins, and lead to liberties of a hurtful ten
dency. In our last Epistle, we cautioned such as have the
care of youth, against an indulgence in these respects that
wounds their own rainds, and lamentably injures the tender
objects of their care. We renew the caution, and we press
it upon Friends, who themselves are clear, to be early and
earnest in advising parents against the beginnings of con
nivance at the vain propensities of their children. But,
Friends, what shall we say to such as lead them, almost in
infancy, into fashions which they themselvcSj in their own
practice, appear to disapprove ?
Now for you, tender youth, arises, before we conclude,
the salutation of love, and the word of encouragement.
We have often addressed you also with counsel and caution,
because we have often felt you, as we now feel, very near
to us in Gospel affection ; and we pray that nothing may
unfit you to be presented and united'to Christ. Even now,
in early life, if you seek an acquaintance with him, as
outwardly revealed in the Scriptures of Truth, and inwardly
in your hearts ; and if you become his friends by obedience
li K

514
to his voice ; even now you will contribute to the advancing
of his cause of righteousness ; and as you follow on under
the guidance of his meek and lowly Spirit, you will be
enabled more conspicuously to espouse his cause, when
the faithful labourers of the present day shall have entered
into rest.
May young and old, and all the intermediate classes of
our Society, be aroused to a due sense ofthe one important
purpose of life. Is it not to ivork out their own salvation
with fear and trembling ? And why with fear, but from the
natural infirmity ofthe creature, and the temptations which
siirround ? But, Friends, hold on your way. Help is laid
on One that is mighty. He who died for us will not forsake
those that trust in him.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
ROBERT BARNARD,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1804.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments.
From the 23rd of the Fifth Month, to the 1st of the Sixth Month, 1804,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
IT is not a light matter to undertake to give counsel to
the Society ; nor do we address you merely because it
is a practice sanctioned by usage ; but our minds have been
much engaged in desires for the spiritual welfare of the
family ; and in considering the various means by which that
welfare may be promoted, or obstructed. And, dear
Friends, let us also remind you, that it is not a light matter
to receive counsel. O, that we could fix upon your minds,
that we could livingly implant in your souls, the sense we
trust we are at this time endued with, that it is the master's

515
will that his servants should advance in righteousness ! Do
not therefore read or hear with indifference these our re-*
peated salutations of love; but treasure them in your
hearts ; lay them up as tokens of that charity which en
dureth. Thus will our absent brethren co-operate with
the assembled Church, in carrying on the work of reforma
tion, in promoting the cause of Christ.
We have received at this Meeting Epistles from all the
Yearly Meetings on the American continent, except one,
and the usual accounts from the Quarterly and other Meet
ings in these nations ; whereby we, are inforraed ofthe pre
sent state of our Society. In every quarter there is some
defect in duly supporting the testimonies of Truth, but we
have no cause to believe, that the religious care to adminis
ter help is on the decline ; though often feebly exerted :
and araidst all the sorrow which we feel that it is so, it is
corafort to observe that raany seera convinced of our prin
ciples ; of whom a considerable number have lately joined
the Society. Our brethren in Pennsylvania and Maryland
appear to have prospered much in their benevolent attempts
to introduce amongst the Indians, the comforts and benefits
of civilized life, and of religious instruction.
The amount ofsufferings brought in this year from Great
Britain and Ireland, is twelve thousand six hundred and
thirty pounds, of whicli about nine thousand three hundred
and seventy pounds are for tithes, priests' demands, and
those called church-rates ; and three thousand two hundred
and sixty pounds, for demands of a military nature.*
Several Friends have suffered each three months' imprison
ment on the latter account.
Since we last met together in this city, the dreadful alai-m
of war has increased ; and, seeing we believe no people
have a deeper sense of the calamity which war entails on
mankind, and the reproach it is upon the Christian name,
we may, -without the imputation of viewing it singly as it
concerns ourselves, inform you of our present feelings on
the subject. Our general scruple to bear arms is wellknown ;
and truly we are satisfied that our testimony in this respect
* An error occurred in stating the amount of Sufferings reported last
year : it appears that the sum was actually about if8,900.
K K 2

516
is A testimony for Messiah, of whose reign it is the glory,
that " the wolf and the lamb shall feed together." (Isaiah,
Ixv. 25.) Most, if not all, people admit the transcendent
excellency of peace. All who adopt the petition, " Thy
kingdom come," pray for its universal establishment. Some
people then must begin to fulfil the evangelical promise,
and cease to learn war any more. Now, Friends, seeing
these things cannot be controverted, how do we long that
your whole conversation be as becometh the Gospel ; and
that while any of us are professing to scruple war, they
may not in some parts of their conduct be inconsistent with
that profession ! With this view we are concerned to renew
our caution ofthe year 1798, namely, " We desire afresh to
press upon all our members, the necessity of a peaceful and
innocent demeanour araongst men; and especially, let all
be careful not to seek or accept profit by any concern in the
preparations so extensively making for war : for how re
proachfully inconsistent would it be, to refuse an active
compliance with warlike measures ; and, at the same time,
not to hesitate to enrich ourselves by the comraerce and
other circurastances dependent on war !" Friends, it is an
awful thing to stand forth to the nation as the advocates of
inviolable peace ; and our testiraony loses its efficacy in
proportion to the want of consistency in any. And we
think we are at this time peculiarly called to let our light
shine with clearness, on account of the lenity shown us by
government, and the readiness of magistrates to afford us
all legal relief under suffering. And we can serve our
country in no way more availingly, nor more acceptably to
Hira who holds its prosperity at his disposal, than by con
tributing, all that in us lies, to increase the number of meek,
humble, and self-denying Christians.
Frora the same source, from which naturally springs, not
only our testimony against war, but an unblemished conduct
towards our government and our countrymen, namely, obe
dience to the law of Christ, arises also that stream of love
to the brotherhood, which, if suffered to flow in our hearts
with unobstructed course, would bear away all malice and
guile, and cause all complaints of tale-bearing and detrac
tion to cease in our borders. O, the precious care that at-

517
tends the mind in which Christian charity is become habi
tual ! Charity, saith the apostle, " hopeth all things."
(1 Cor. xiii. 7.) It divulges not the faults of others, because,
in its unbounded hope, it desires their removal without ex
posure. For the mind in which it dwells, ascribes its own
preservation, and the cleansing of its forraer sins, to the un
bounded love of God in Christ Jesu," ; and it prays that all
may partake of the same benefit. How opposite that dis
position, which delights to report evil, and to accuse ! Shun
it, dear Friends, as the poison of asps. Even the sacred
writings emphatically denorainate the grand adversary of
mankind, by the name of accuser ofthe brethren. " Follow,"
therefore, " peace with all men, and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord : looking diligently lest any
man fail of the grace of God ; lest any root of bitterness
springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."
(Heb. xii. 14, 15.)
Now, dear Friends, you who know the Truth, and have
experienced, in good degree, that it hath set you free from
that to which you were by nature in bondage, relax not
your attention to its gentle monitions : lest, whilst you are
" busy here and there," you let any thing escape that is
appointed for destruction. Such are all the practices and
dispositions which prevent you from becoming fully " a
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a pecu
liar people ; that ye should show forth the praises of Him
who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous
light." (1 Peter, ii. 9.) But a jealousy, may we not say a
holy jealousy, hath attended our minds, that sorae, by not
following on to know the Lord, have ceased to preserve
over their children and dependents the prevailing authority
of good exaraple. Sorae also, by continuing to seek in
creasing possessions in this life, have led their descendants
as well as theraselves into closer connexion and fellowship
with the spirit of the world. Thus, frequently, in the
next generation the traces of Christian simplicity and self-
denial are lamentably defaced, and in the succeeding one,
nearly obliterated. To this cause, in a great degree, may
be ascribed the number of families amongst us who retain
little but the name : an evil, of which, as the remedy is

51S
difficult, we fervently desire to prevent the increase. Lay
it therefore (o heart, beloved brethren, lest you should inad-
vertentfy contribute to this already extensive grievance.
And O, that we could awaken some of you, dear youth,
who have been educated in a liberty, which we deplore on
your account, because we believe that the Gospel of Christ
doth not allow it — that we could awaken you to serious re
flection ! If your rest should, for a season, be disturbed by
the sense of sin, of the danger of continuing in it, and of
the future judgment which is its portion, you have no cause
for utter dismay. Help is laid on One that is mighty : the
sense of our transgressions leads to prayer for his secret,
but Almighty help ; and as you are careful to close in with
the inward intimations of his will, which are in fact the
offers of his'mercy, he will give you in due season " the oil
pf joy for mourning," and " the garment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah, Ixi. 3.)
In the narrow corapass of an annual Epistle, we cannot
address all the states in the Society, nor speak to all the
subjects for which we feel concern : but since those sub
jects are not of a transient nature, we recoramend to Friends,
especially to our beloved youth, occasionally to peruse
again the Epistles of former years ; and not to lay by, as
things of temporary concernment, those records of this
Meeting's engagement to promote their present and eternal
well-being, and to hold up a testimony to the Gospel of
Christ Jesus. To him, therefore, wlio died for us that " we
should live together with him," (1 Thess. v. 10,) we desire,
dear Friends, to commend you. " Farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one hiind, live in peace ; and
the God of love and peace shall be with you." (2 Cor.
xiii. 11.) '
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN MERRYWEATHER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

619
EPISTLE, 1805.

From the Yearly Meeting, held- in London, by adjournments.
From the 22nd to the 31st of the Fifth Month, 1805,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly 3Ieetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE trust that, through the continued mercy and as
sistance of the Head of the Church, we have not
met in vain in this our annual assembly ; because, in con
templating the present state of our religious Society, we
have been enabled to attend to various subjects in which its
welfare is involved, with calm deliberation, with the warmth
of love, and with much harmony of mind. Some of the
views which have at this time opened before us, we shall
briefly attempt to unfold to you ; saluting you, as we cor
dially do, in the love of our gracious and holy Redeemer
and Preserver. Friends, on all occasions, in every strait, in
heights and in depths, seek to him, retire to him ; let the
advancement of his cause be your primary pursuit; and
count it as a privilege inestimable, to be numbered araong
his lowly minded followers.
We have received Epistles from all the Yearly Meetings
of our North American brethren; also one from Ireland.
On the American continent, our Friends appear, in their
collective capacity, to be steadily pursuing the path of ap
prehended duty, in the cause of righteousness ; and, amidst
all the discouragement which they, as well as we in this
land, have met with, from cruel avarice, in pleading the cause
of the oppressed Africans, it still lies near to their hearts,
and a firm, forcible, yet cool remonstrance on behalf of that
people, has been not long since presented to the general
legislative body of the American States. The dismal sub
ject of the Slave Trade, the source of accumulating misery
to Afi-ica, of accumulating guilt to Britain, and of con
tinued reproach to the holy religion, which, in common

530
with our countrymen, we profess, has also claimed our
sympathy in this Meeting : and we desire our Friends raay
be individually prompt to entertain for these our fellow-men
the sensations of pity, which on various occasions raay arise.
Where, Friends, shall we find a juster cause of regret,
than to see a nation professing Christianity, pouring forth
frora her harbours numerous equipments, not designed to
iraprove and exalt, but to degrade, enslave, and consign to
misery, those very nations, to which, in recompense for ages
of injury and insult, she owes the benefits of brotherly
kindness, and Christian example.
The usual accounts which we have received from the
several Quarterly Meetings in Great Britain, denote that
all are not steadily concerned to walk as becomes the sim
plicity of our profession. We have been introduced into
eoncern of mind on this account, and have endeavoured to
administer some reraedy for the complaint; but we desire
also to acknowledge, that we find room for encourageraent
in the nuraber of lively and judicious friends still preserved
and qualified for labour, and of others (thanks to the Shep
herd and Bishop of souls) still arising from among our
beloved youth. To both these we would say. Hold on
your way, and may your hands be strong, as your reward
is sure.
The amount of sufferings this year in Great Britain and
Ireland is ten thousand eight hundred and eleven pounds.
Demands of a military nature have occasioned about six
teen hundred pounds of it ; and one Friend has borne his
testiraony by suffering three months' imprisonment.
Now, dear Friends, hear, we beseech you, the word of
exhortation. What hinders the advancement of our Society
in its Christian progress ; seeing the holy High Priest of
our profession is willing to lead us to complete sanctifica
tion ? What, but the carnal mind, operating in various,
and in specious forras ? We do not tax all who embark in
large concerns in trade, with an undue desire after riches;
but we much fear that the effect, which their schemes are
likely to have upon themselves and their connexions, as
affecting their condition both religious and civil, is not duly
f;egarded. The love of money is said in Scripture to be

521
the root of all evil ; and we believe it may be shown, that
honest industry and moderation of desire are roots of in
calculable benefit to the humble Christian, We feel for
many of our Friends in limited circumstances, in this day
of increased, and possibly increasing expense ; but we
would caution such, and particularly those who are setting
out in life, against imitating the raanner of living of those
whose means are more abundant. We wish. Friends, to
call you, not to penuriousness but to economy ; and we par
ticularly desire that all such as have families of children,
even if in raore affluent circurastances, would inure them to
early industry, and not to habits of depending too much on
the services of domestics. For this latter and useful class,
we also desire to plead, and to request those who have the
privilege of ability to employ thera, to syrapathize with
them in their labours, to delight to render them happy, and
even to seek for that disposition that can lead them along
as fellow-travellers in the road to the city of God. Various
are the means by which this may be attempted : the prin
cipal one certainly is, the keeping of the mind attentive to
the discoveries of Truth ; but seeing, we doubt not, that a
perusal of the Scriptures is the frequent employ of many
families, we desire that the servants raay be made partakers
of the benefits resulting from the practice, and frora occa
sional opportunities of retireraent in spirit. Indeed we are
afresh engaged to press upon Friends a diligent acquaint
ance with the Sacred Records, and a diligent endeavour to
store the rainds of their tender offspring with the great
truths of Christian rederaption. In so doing, you raay im
plant, in the susceptible and retentive rainds of your chil
dren, principles of preservation against the temptations of
future life ; and resemble those of old time, who, smitten
with the power and goodness of the Lord of life and glory,
when personally on earth, are said to have brought, with
divine approbation, littie children to Christ : Thus imbued
with a knowledge of the wonderful effects of heavenly love
which the evangelists relate, they will be prepared also to
receive his spiritual appearance in their hearts, according
to our holy profession ; as well as duly to appreciate, and

522
delight in the records of the Christian faith and practice of
our pious predecessors. With their history also we think it
important that our youth should be more acquainted, than
we fear many are. It is a history abounding with examples
of what the love of Christ is able to effect, in doing, or in
suffering. It is a practical comment on the words of the
great apostle : " Who shall separate us frora the love of
Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
faraine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ?" " Nay, in all
these things we are raore than conquerors, through him that
loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things pre
sent, nor things to come, nor heighth, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love
of God, which' is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans, viii,
35, 37—39.)
On the calamitous subject of war, we do not feel much
now to say. Friends, you are not ignorant of what adorns
our profession, with respect to this subject. Only this would
we say, Make it not a topic of conversation. Guard
against placing your dependence on fleets and armies ; be
peaceable yourselves, in words and actions ; and pray to
the Father of the universe that he would breathe the spirit
of reconciliation into the hearts of his erring, and contend
ing creatures.
Friends, seek peace and pursue it. Ye are called to love.
O, that the smallest germ of enmity might be eradicated
from our enclosure I And verily there is a soil in whicli it
cannot live ; but naturally withers and dies. This soil i£
Christian humility : a state highly becoming, and indispen
sable, for a being who depends continually on the favour of
his Lord ; a state iu which of all others he can most ac
ceptably approach his presence ; and a state whicli naturally
conducts frail man to love and compassion, for the compa
nions of his frailty and poverty, yet his fellow-partakers of
the offered riches of the, Gospel.
Dear Friends, we believe that the Lord's goodness is still
towards his peogle ; and that his language to them yet re
mains to be similar to that, which of old was conveyed by

523
the prophet, " O tiiat there were such a heart in them that
they would fear me, and keep all my coraraandraents
always, that it might be well with them, and with their
children for ever !" (Deut, v. 29.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOSEPH GURNEY,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1806.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 21st to the 3 1st. of the Fifth Month, 1806,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE find, in meeting in this our annual assembly, a
renewal of lively zeal for promoting the righteous
ness which is of Christ, and for remoying, as far as in us
lies, the causes which obstruct it. We trust that our meet
ing is not only professedly in his narae ; but, as we are
given to derive strength and encourageraent in his cause,
from the mutual communication of our feelings and exer
cises of mind, that he still owns us, however unworthy ;
and grants us, by being at times baptized into thesense of
our own weakness, to seek, with more earnestness, his
everlasting strength. In the desire therefore that ye may
be built up a people truly Christian ; that " righteousness,
andpeace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," (Rom. xiv. 17,) raay
increase and abound ; we again convey to you the saluta
tion of love unfeigned. We beseech you to consider the
holy gradation of righteousness, peace, and joy ; and to
mark that the first step is' that most comprehensive attain
ment, righteousness. — Righteousness is immutable justice.
It leaves no duty unfulfilled. Man has his full share of love
from man ; and God, his due reverence, adoration, and

524
praise. Peace then flows as a river, and joy in the Holy
Spirit completes the gracious purpose of Christian redemp
tion. "Happy is that people, that is in such a case : yea,
happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." (Psalm,
cxliv. 15.)
But, Friends, though we are thus favoured to see, and
to approve things which are excellent, yet when we review
the state of our religious Society, and scrutinize into the
conduct of its members, we are often obliged to observe
that an enemy is at work ; that earth sometimes obtrudes
into the place of heaven ; and that self-love in many is
more conspicuous than self-denial. You know that the
subjects of our inquiry on these occasions are arranged
under different heads ; and that it becomes from time to
time our concern, to remind you of your duty respecting
many of thera. ^yhen we ask the question, " Is there any
growth in the Truth ?" raodesty, were there nothing else,
might occasion a doubtful reply. But nothing needs pre
vent every raan, endued with the light of Christ in himself,
from endeavouring to answer this most important query
pilainly to his own conscience. As the vigorous tree brings
forth its fruit in its season, so if any raan grow in the
Truth, he will bring forth the fruits of Truth, even the
fruit of the Spirit, so well described by the apostle to the
Galatian converts. (Gal. v. 22.) And what obstructs this
growth in any ? We reply, The love of ease : the dread of
conflict. But as winter and storms promote the well-being
ofthe outward creation, so tribulation and conflict improve
the Christian. They have their appropriate and appointed
end, in the work of sanctification ; they arise not out of
the dust, but are sent or permitted in the proper seasons;
and whoever seeks to escape without his share, rejects the
very means of his advancement, and scarcely can hope to
attain his due " measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ:" (Eph. iv. 13,) a state of which the same apostle
speaks, as attainable by all.
Now, beloved brethren, a subject, a deeply interesting
subject, hath intervened among our deliberations on the
state of our Society ; and its long-felt importance induces
us to suffer it here also to interrupt the current of our

525
Christian counsel. No longer since than the last year we
excited your attention afresh to the sufferings of the Afri
cans, and spoke ofthe continuance ofthe cruel Slave Trade
as of an accumulation of misery and of guilt. How then
do we now rejoice in having to proclaim that this torrent of
iniquity is arrested in its progress ; that an important re
striction of the trade has taken place ; that the annual
enslaving of thousands is prevented ; and that the prospect
again opens, with increased brightness, of " a terminatidn
to the wrongs of Africa !"*
Let us therefore thank God, and take courage : and still
persevere in the support of those testimonies and practices,
to which Christian love gives rise, and which Christ requires
of his Church, And, in order that we may be able to do
this, let love, pure, unconquerable love, reign in our hearts.
We have often expatiated on this topic ; but yet we must
riolate our feelings, if we suppress sorae further observa
tions on it at this time. Friends, remember, that to be
made perfect in love, (1 John, iv. 17, 18,) is a high
state of Christian excellence, and not attainable but by the
sacrifice of selfish passions. No degree of resentment can
consist with this state. Some pei-sons are apt to profess
that they can forgive those whom they suppose to have
injured them, when such are brought to know, and acknow
ledge their fault. But that is little else than a disguised
pride, seeking for superiority. The love which Christ
commanded to his Church goes further than that. " This
is my commandraent, that ye love one another, as I have
loved you." (John, xv. 12.) And how did the Lord love
the world ? Let the apostle answer. " God comraendeth
his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us." (Rora. v. 8.) And, Friends, raark
and remember his gracious dying words, when praying for
his very persecutors, he said, " Father, forgive thera ; for
they know not what they do." (Luke, xxiii. 34.) And
shall we expect access for our feeble prayers, at the
throne of grace, if we harbour any ill will to our fellow-
travellers towards iramortality? Let us hear again the
* Yearly Meeting Epistle 1792.

626
Saviour of men : " And when ye stand praying, forgive if
ye have ought against any." (Mark, xi. 25.) He doth
not allow time for seeing the injuring person become sub
missive; but, — Standing, forgive : for "If ye do not forgive,
neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your
trespasses." (Verse 26.) O, the excellence of Christian
love, and the temper of forgiveness ! It is the indispensable
requisite in that spiritual worship to which we as a people
more peculiarly bear testimony : yea, is it not the very
balm of life, and the passport to heaven ?
Thus have we hinted at some of the leading character
istics of the Christian ; we have attempted to hold up the
standard of Truth ; and we tenderly entreat all our Friends
who feel the necessity of measuring themselves by it, and
are in great degree exemplary persons themselves, to be
frequently attending to their respective gifts, in order to be
helpful to others : for we are members one of another, if
we are really merabers of that body of which the Head is
Christ. This mutual care is a fundamental principle of
our Christian discipline : this mutual care hath brought us
toffether at this time.
We have received this year Epistles from all the Meet
ings with which this Meeting usually corresponds. The
most remarkable feature in the intelligence which, from
these and other sources, we receive respecting our brethren
in North America, is the great and successful diligence of
some of their Yearly Meetings in promoting the civilization
of the Indian natives. We find that our Meeting for Suf
ferings has very properly diffused this intelligence among
Friends ; and, impressed with a desire of co-operating in a
work so benevolent, this Meeting has recommended a con
tribution, to assist our American brethren in their very
worthy pursuit : and we doubt not that Friends will cheer
fully embrace this' opportunity of testifying our unity with
their labours.
Although, as we have already remarked, in the accounts
which come up from the several branches of this Meeting,
we are affected with noting various particulars which we
deplore, yet we also are encouraged in observing that the
good cause remains dear to many ; that fresh instances offer

527
themselves to view of zeal in the Lord's service; and that
some serious persons are still seeking to be united to us in
consequence of convincement.
The amount of sufferings brought in this year is about
ten thousand three hundred and fourteen pounds : of which
some part is for deraands of a military nature; but the
chief part, ecclesiastical. And Friends, while we are endea
vouring to bear testimony against war, let us show, by our
inoffensive, quiet demeanour, that we are truly children of
peace ; and while we refuse the claims of a priesthood from
which we conscientiously dissent, let us be diligent in wait
ing on the great Minister of the true tabernacle. This,
you know, Friends, is the purpose of our assembling toge
ther in silence : and though there is among us at tiraes
but little instrumental ministry, or none, let not this pro
duce any abatement of diligence in the duty. Instru
mental ministry, in the life and power of the Gospel, is a
great favour to the Church; but the distinguishing excel
lence ofthe Christian dispensation is the iraraediate commu
nication with our Heavenly Father, through the inward
revelation of the Spirit of Christ. Let us, therefore,
brethren, submit to the baptizing operations of the Holy
Spirit, which purify the soul, and produce the capacity for
communion with God.
Now " The grace ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost^ be with
you all. Amen." (2 Cor. xiii. 14.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
ARNEE FRANK,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

528
EPISTLE, 1807.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 20th to the 39th of the Fifth Month, 1807,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends hi
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
RECEIVE, we beseech you, the salutation of our un
diminished and renewed love : may we not reverently
say, of our love in the Gospel of Christ. For we desire to
be as the messengers of good tidings, to allure you to in
creasing degrees of dedication to the cause of Truth, and
to make you partake of the encouragement which we are
mercifully allowed to feel, by meeting thus together as
with one accord. But though we have again cause to con
fess that there is strength in the union of exercise, in a
joint engagement of spirit, we also entreat you to reraera-
*ber that " the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call
upon him." (Rom. x. 12.) We believe, as a frequent ap
plication of heart to the Lord is the practice of Friends in
their remote allotments, that he will enrich them with due
portions of his wisdom and strength. Thus will he re
strain in thera the dispositions which tend towards the
world, he will invigorate those which have their origin and
accoraplishraent in heaven, and he will even make glad
for them the solitary place. (Isa. xxxv. 1.)
On the particular inspection this year into the state of
our religious Society, various objects tending to its welfare
have engaged our attention ; some of which we shall en
deavour briefly to lay before you. But first we are inclined
to express our thankfulness for an event which concerns not
us only, but incalculable multitudes ofour fellow-creatures
our fellow-possessors of the faculty of reason — our fellow-
objects of the redemption which comes by Christ. We
scarcely need narae the Abolition of the Slave Trade. We
view it as one of the most important acts of public, national

529
righteousness, which ever dignified the councils of any go
vernment; and our minds have been directed in secret
prayer to the Almighty Parent of the universe, that he may
be pleased to regard this kingdom for good ; and direct its
future councils to such further acts of justice and mercy as
may promote his glory, in the harmony of his rational
creation. We may also here mention that we learn by the accounts
which we have received from our brethren in America, that
their attention in assisting sorae of the Indian nations to
attain to the benefits of civilization, is still continued with
vigour and with increasing success. We are gratified with
being informed of the contribution whicli Friends in this
nation have raised in order to participate in this work of
benevolence. Six thousand pounds of it are already put in
train to be remitted to Araerica ; about nine hundred raore
are ready to follow, and we have cordial assurances from
our Friends abroad, that they will readily take upon them
" the administration of this service :" which we trust will
not only prosper, to the advancement of our Indian bre
thren in the scale of civil life ; but, like the gift of old,
mentioned by the apostle, may be " abundant also, by many
thanksgivings unto God." (2 Cor, ix, 12,)
Now, dear Friends, seeing Christian duty is not a complex
system, but consists of a few and simple parts, it cannot be
expected that great variety should be found in the subjects,
on which, from time to tirae, we are induced to address you.
It is a peculiar glory of the Gospel that it reraains the
SAME. Love to God and love to our neighbour are its
grand and priraary divisions ; each harmonizing with the
other; neither subsisting apart : to the latter we imme
diately refer the general care which our Christian discipline
promotes ; and we believe it is also the ground of that
more private, but not less beneficial care, which we long to
see subsisting in vigour in Christian families. You know
our annual inquiry, " Do Friends endeavour, by exaraple
and precept, to train up their children, servants, and those
under their care, in a religious life and conversation, con
sistent with our Christian profession?" The query then
descends to four particulars, all of them indeed important,
h I.

530
but we now hint at them only to observe, that, important
and indispensable as we believe they are for us, they are
not to be made the sole criterion for judging whether reli
gious education has been duly and successfully given.
Consider, dear Friends, what subjection of spirit, what
care of conduct, and what self-restraint go to make up a
good example : tempered, as it should be, with sweetness
of manner, seconded by holy firmness, and recommended
by its being manifest that yourselves are seeking " first the
kingdora of God, and his righteousness." (Mat. vi. 33.)
These are truly great, but they are attainable objects ; and
equally the duty of every one who lays claim to the Chris
tian character : for though all are not called to the same
stations in the militant Church, all are invited to heaven ;
and the general terms of invitation are alike to all. O
Friends, did we all thus seek and attain to the things that
ace excellent, precept, impressive precept, would not be
withheld. Love would inspire it, prudence would direct it,
both as to season and quantity, and what reason have we
not for hoping that the Lord himself would render it avail
ing by his blessing ?
Our query, as we have said, then descends to particulars :
of which we shall only now advert to one, and that, because
it hath renewedly at this tirae occupied our attention, called
forth expressions of the sense of several brethren, and fur
nished our meeting with no inconsiderable subject of conso
lation. We believe there is an increased attention ill
Friends in various parts, not only to promote in their fami
lies the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, but to
make it the employment of a portion of time daily. We
commend this practice, and we believe that if the heads of
drailies are careful in cultivating the seed of Truth in
theraselves, there will be so little danger of the custom be
coming formal, that it will not unfrequently be the means of
quickening the rainds of those concerned in it : more espe
cially if a subsequent pause be allowed ; in order that the
sacred truths which have been read may have time to make
their due impression on the mind ; or that the mind may
have time to rise in secret aspiration after a blessing.
We find, at this as at other times, that several persons

531
have been added to us by convincement. We desire it may
also have been by conversion, from form to power. Such
truly convinced and converted, are a strength to us. They
know the sacrifice which they have made for their present
condition, and value it accordingly. They have bought the
Truth, and are so far from desiring to sell it, that they are
concerned that others should possess the same enjoyment.
But we are sometimes grieved that persons finding their
way, and probably through self-denial, into our Society, do
not always retain their ground. The salt doth not always
retain its savour, (Mat. v, 13.) In tenderness therefore
of heart we entreat the newly convinced not to esteem their
admission as a period of rest frora conflict. It rather re
quires a deeper exercise. And we beseech Friends among
whom such raay dwell, to treat them with great circumspec
tion as well as kindness. Beware of hurting them by any
ill exaraple. They may be offended, and, if they are sincere,
they are in the number of those whom we are cautioned not
to offend, (Mat. xviii. 6.) On the other hand they are
tender and inexperienced, and they may be laden with
the concerns of our discipline faster than their strength
will bear. Thus, Friends, on every occasion we see that
sound judgment and sound practice require depth and soli
dity. Let us then keep in view, and earnestly desire to be
endued with that discernment which is the means, under
direction ofthe holy Head, of edifying the body of Christ.
The amount of the sufferings which have this year been
reported to this Meeting, from our several Quarterly and
other Meetings, and from Ireland, is upwards of ten thou
sand nine hundred pounds : chiefly on account of tithes and
those called church-rates, and also for sundry demands of a
military nature.
Before we conclude, we. are disposed to turn our attention
to you, dear youth, who are rising up to raanhood. To you
we would extend a tender, yet an earnest invitation. We
are interested in your happiness, the Church will have need
of your help, and there is nothing that we desire inore for
vou, than to see you advancing, in ranks of righteousness^
to the Christian warfare. And your qualification will lie
in humility and meekness, seeing it is the meek whom the
ll2

53^
Lord teacheth his way. (Psalm, xxv. 9.) But, dear young
men, in this very Meeting we have been made to lament,
because so many of you evidently prefer the gratifications
of nature which is corrupt, and which tends to corruption,
to the cross of Christ which corrects its hurtful propensities,
and to " the grace of God that bringeth salvation."
(Tit. ii. 11.) Many of you have a degree of love to our
holy cause. Why then will you pursue a line of conduct
which tends to lay it waste ? Do not despise the counsel of
experience. Many have tried the path which some of you
tread, and have found it lead to distress ; and happy are
those whose course is interrupted, and who do not persist in
their progress, before it leads to final distress.
But though we thus speak, there are also many of our
beloved youth, who are rising and risen into a state of ma
turity, of whom " we are persuaded better things, — and
things that accompany salvation." (Heb. vi. 9.) Dear
young Friends of whatever rank, sex, or station, it is cordial
to behold you, it is cordial to salute you in the fellowship
of the Gospel, and to bid you God speed. Hold on your
way, turn not aside to the right hand or the left. You
may have tribulation, but be of good cheer : your holy
Leader hath overcome the world. (John, xvi. 33.) Thus,
when sorae of those who now address you shall be beheld
no more in this scene of conflict, but, if they continue faith
ful, will partake of the joy of their Lord, and of your Lord,
you may stand in their places with holy firmness, be a
blessing to succeeding generations, and " show forth the
praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into
his-marvellous light." (1 Pet. ii. 9.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JAMES BAKER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

533
EPISTLE, 1808.

From tlie Yearly Meeting, held in London, hy adjournmenis,
From the 18th to the 27th of the Fifth Month, 1808,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britah
Dear Friends,

Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.

"¦)

WE are disposed again to pursue the current of Chris
tian good will, which has so often induced us to
furnish you with a written memorial of our concern and
love for our brethren, dispersed in their various allotments
in this kingdora and elsewhere ; and thus to fix, for your
advantage, some traces of those impressions, which, while
reviewing the present state of our Society, have been raade
on our rainds. If we are at all instruments in the hand of
the Lord to " comfort the feeble rainded" araong you, to
" support the weak," (1 Thess. v. 14,) to encourage the up
right, or to arouse the careless ; we pray that he, by his
almighty influence, may firmly establish in your hearts every
good purpose to which our words may excite you ; and bless
every cup of consolation which he may enable us to hand
forth. Thus, dear Friends, again we salute you in love-
in Gospel love. How animating is the ability to consider
ourselves the common children of one benevolent and all-
powerful Parent, to depend upon him for our own preserva
tion, and to implore him for that of our neighbour ! Surely !
shall we not thus draw nigh to the accomplishment of those
eternal commands,- " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
strength, and with all thy raind, and thy neighbour as
thyself?" (Luke, x. 27.)
. The accounts which we have received at this Meeting re
specting the present state of our religious Society, in the
several Quarterly Meetings, continue to affect us with the
relation of divers instances of remissness in religious duty,

534
which do not meet with their due share of admonition :
nevertheless we believe that, in other cases, the diligence
of upright Friends, to give counsel where it is obviously
necessary, has produced effects which should encourage per
severance. The spirit which tends to scatter and destroy,
unless vigilantly withstood, is continually at work ; and
we request you, beloved brethren, to continue vigilant, and
not to be satisfied with any former exertions, whilst the
lamented evils remain. We call upon you, by that love
and compassion which, if you are in your places, you must
feel for the negligent, not to slacken in your endeavours to
stir them up to diligence. Be persevering and patient.
" Stablish your hearts." (James, v. 8.)—^ — This exhorta
tion has been drawn from us by more than a jealousy, that
such as are in the frequent neglect of our religious raeet
ings, are suffered too long to reinain without counsel.
Counsel, we know, may be disregarded ; but blessed is he,
who, under the holy influence of love, having dispensed it
in due season, can feel himself clear of owing any thing to
his brother on this account.
Our concern for the preservation of brotherly love re-
mainS~ strong and unabated. When assembled in this
Meeting we have special cause to know the invigorating,
uniting effects of it. Therefore, were there no other in
ducement, we should still be disposed, from tirae to time, to
renew our earnest and pressing exhortation, that it may
abound and flourish amongst our dear brethren in religious
profession. Enmity, even in a small degree, pollutes the
mind, arid renders it unfit to approach with acceptance that
pure and holy Being, of whom the beloved disciple thus
emphatically testifies, "God is love." (I John, iv. 8.)
Do w^e not peculiarly lament the wide spread of distress,
which the spirit of contention is, even now, occasionino- to
suffering humanity? This, though it differs in deo-ree,
springs from the same root as private 'ill will. Therefore a
people abhorrent of war, if they are consistent, will watch
against the smallest bud of enmity, as it is conceived, on
any occasion, in the heart. And the man who, in the school
pf Christ, hath learned the useful lesson of self-denial, wilj

535
often make a sacrifice of his own w ill and opinion, though
he may esteem them to be right, rather than persist in thera,
at the expence of Christian fellowship.
It is much in the power of those who have the care of
young children, to prepare their minds for the salutary re
straints of the cross of Christ ; and those who thus co-ope
rate with his Holy Spirit, which early visits the tender and
flexible mind, may expect (and what better can they seek?)
his all-sufficient blessing upon themselves and their offspring.
Therefore, ye fathers, and ye mothers, let us entreat you to
consider the earliest subjection of the will as the first step
in education. It w ill generally insure to you that desirable
ascendency over the minds of your children, which will
prevent the need of future severity ; it will enable you to
govern thera by love ; and thus you will be rendering your
own way more easy, at the same time that you are serving
the Lord. And Friends, we beseech you, as their under
standings ripen, to take due opportunities of opening to
them the benefits of the restraints which your duty leads
you to impose. Araong some of the most irksome to the
lively dispositions of youth, are often those which relate to
speech and dress. But as we know that the ground of our
dissent from the world in these things, is Christian simpli
city ; so we know by experience, that they are often the
means of defence against temptation to mingle in the com
pany of such as, not being thus subject to holy restraint,
are unsuitable examples for our youth to observe and to
follow. And when, by the gentle intimations of Truth in
their ripening understandings, they are entered on a course
of self-denial, they will feel you doubly dear to them, for
having led them on the way they slwuld go, and will bless
the Lord on your behalf.
Thus have we again touched upon some of the most im
portant objects of the constant care of this Meeting, and
indeed of all those who desire to see our Society builded up
as a city that is compact together. " Jerusalem," saith the
Psalmist, " is builded as a city that is compact together ;
whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the
testiraony of Israel." (Psalra, cxxii. 3, 4.)
We raay now turn from subjects which concern every

536
state in life ; and direct the cpurse of our Christian counsel
to the states, raore in particular. And first, you who are
not intrusted with ipuch of the possessions of this life, you
are still the objects of our constant care. The Society has
long endeavoured to consult your interests, and to place
within your reach whatever is necessary for your welfare,
and for that of your offspring. And you are equally the
care of Him who provides for the sparrows ; to his ear your
access is as easy as that of any condition amongst men ;
and if, by his holy assistance, and by a conforraity to his
will, you becorae truly poor in spirit, yours is the kingdom.
of heaven. (Mat. v. 3.) But, dear Friends, suffer us to.
remind you, that there is not a passion that can infest the
rich, which may not also, in a degree subversive of your
peace, be fostered in your minds. You raay covet, and
give way to pride and anger, and to all the " foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown raen in destruction and perdi
tion." (1 Tim. vi. 9.) Therefore do you partake of the
universal necessity of paying strict attention to Christ's
sacred injunction, when addressing himself to his immediate
followers, he closed his address with these memorable
words, " What I say unto you, 1 say unto all, Watch."'
(Mark, xiii. 37.)
As for you, dear Friends, who occupy what are termed
the middle stations of life, you have every cause to bles^
the Lord for the sphere in which he hath permitted you to
move. In you, seems fulfilled the wish of Agur : " Give
me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient
for me ; lest I be full, and deny thee, and say. Who is the
Lord ? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the narae of
my God in vain.'' (Prov. xxx. 8, 9.) Among your number
the Society has often found many of its more useful mem
bers, of its more able advocates. Be content therefore
with your stations. Seek not great things for yourselves ;-
yea, " Mind not high things, but condescend to raen of
low estate." (Rora. xii. 16.) But above all things, " Fol
low on to know the Lord ;" (Hosea, vi. 3,) or, if you have
not known hira and served him, fully and faithfully, seek
him " with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind," for
if you seek him, he will be found of you; (1 Chron.

637
xxviii, 9,) and you will remain to be, as many of you have
been, supports of the building, under the protecting provi
dence of the Lord ; who is the sole and true builder of his
spiritual house, the ^^ house of prayer for all people." (See
Isaiah, Ivi. 7.)
And you who are intrusted with much of the good things
©f this life, you who cannot disclaim the tiUe of affluent — we
believe there are among you many good stewards of the
temporal things coraraitted to your trust ; yet we desire that
others may duly consider, whether they are so " rich in
faith," as to be " heirs of the kingdom," (James, ii. 5,)
. being fruitful in those good works which are produced by
faith. Though, Friends, you may not have to labour with
your hands, the cause of Truth has business of importance
for you to do ; and it may be promoted or obstructed by the
right or wrong application of your property. Much res
ponsibility lies on you ; your property is an additional
article in the account ; and we much desire that you may be
so awake to a sense of these things, as to be prepared to
render up your accounts with joy, and to receive the answer
of " Well done." The poor and the rich have their ap
propriate virtues ; and, at the same time that each is
required to be content and to be humble, we believe it may
be truly said, that as contentment is a peculiar ornament of
the poor, so is humility, of the rich. Your station in life
subjects you, more than others, to be tried by associating
with other wealthy persons, araong the people at large,
with whom the cross of Christ is often in too little esteem.
You raay be leavened by their conversation and ex
ample ; and it may operate still more sensibly and rapidly
upon your children. Therefore we tenderly entreat you,
for your own sake, for that of your offspring whom you are
bound to protect, and for the sake of the cause of Truth —
¦^ve entreat you, dear Friends, we beseech you " by
the mercies of God. — Be not conformed to this world,
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your raind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and accept
able, and perfect will of God. For," continues the
apostle, " I say, through the grace given unto me, to every
man that is among you, not to think more— highly than he

538
ought to think ; but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt toevery raan the raeasure of faith." (Rora. xii. 1,2, 3.)
But, how shall we address a state laraentably to be found
in every condition of life ; and frora which few places are
wholly free — that state which despises counsel, and places
itself alraost out of the reach of advice ? Dear, but mistaken
Friends, it is difficult to speak to your state, but we may
pray to the Feather of mercies, that he would in mercy plead
with you. And we beseech you, take time to bo serious.
Be solicitous about your eternal well-being. The restraint
of the Spirit of Truth is the armour that protects the soul ;
and if you will not be invested with it, you are open to the
repeated and increasing assaults of the destroyer ; and how
will you at length be prepared and found worthy " to stand
before the Son of man ?" (Luke, xxi, 36.)
In this Meeting we have received Epistles from our
American brethren in most of the States, showing the con
tinuance of their zeal in the cause of righteousness, and
encouraging us to perseverance ; the particulars of any of
which it does not seem needful now to detail. The amount
of the sufferings of Friends this year in Great Britain and
Ireland, chiefly for tithes, those called church-rates, and
military demands, is upwards of eleven thousand seven
hundred and seventy pounds ; and two Friends have been
imprisoned for not having found substitutes inthe militia.
But we arc by no means inclined to complain ofthe conduct
of magistrates ; on the contrary, we believe in many places
there is a disposition in the hearts of magistrates, which
induces them to protect us from suffering to the utmost limit
of the law : and we desire that Friends may, on their part,
by a meek and peaceable conduct, always insure, and never
forfeit, their good opinion. In so conducting ourselves, we
adorn our profession, and suffer our light to shine.
Now, dear Friends, of every rank, state, and condition,
let us endeavour to be one in the Ijord : that he may shower
down of his mercies, gifts, and grace upon all. This
will keep each in his proper place. The young will be
mild, submissive, and teachable ; and will become early ac
quainted with that power which is their only safe conductor
through life, and their hope in death. These are near to

539
our hearts. The very remembrance of them awakens our
tenderest feeling, and prompts our prayer to the Lord for
their preservation. The middle-aged will stand firm in
their day, as watchmen upon the wall, and as valiants,
having on the armour of light, to w ithstand the attacks of
the enemy. And the aged will have to rejoice both in re
trospective, and prospective view. The past will recall to
their gladdened remerabrance the numberless mercies of
the Lord ; and the future, through the power of an endless
life, and the redeeming virtue of Christ Jesus our Lord,
will open to them the prospect, and satisfy them with the
assurance, of being his for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1809.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournments,
From the 24th ofthe Fifth Month, to the 1st ofthe Sixth Monti), 1809,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friend^ in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
IN turning our attention to you, in your various allot
ments, we are encouraged to offer you this testimonial
of our love ; a love which is felt to be the blessed conse
quence of our endeavour to serve the Lord, from whom it
springs. We desire that you also raay be furnished and
replenished with this greatest of spiritual gifts. It will
contribute to sweeten life ; and, through the efficacy of re
deeming mercy, it will disarm death of its terror. In pur
suit, however, of this " pearl of great price," oppositions
will arise, during your state of probation : yet do not be
dismayed, but be patient. " Behold, the husbandmaa
waiteth for the precious fruit," even " of the earth, and

540
hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and
latter rain. Be ye also patient." (James, v. 7, 8.) Re»
member that the fruit which you seek, is not only peace, iit
sUch proportion as the Lord shall see meet to bestow it, in
time ; but peace, in eternal fulness, with him for ever.
The subjects ofour care, in this Meeting, have been conji
ducted with much of that brotherly love and condescension
which our Christian principles enjoin ; and we have been
permitted fiom time to tirae to experience that refreshraent
of raind, which induces us to believe that our meeting is
still owned by our Holy Head and High Priest, Christ
Jesus. Our present engagements have been similar to those
which have had our attention in preceding Meetings. At
our last, we believed it right, by a special minute, to urge
our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to stir up those to
whora is intrusted the care of children and young people,
to a conscientious discharge of that sacred duty,, We are
now disposed to express our warm desire that the youth
may co-operate w ith our concern, by being willing early
and seriously to watch over their own conduct, by the help
of that " true light" (John, i. 9,) which is not withheld
from the humble mind. Dear young Friends, be not only
willing to submit to the gentle admonition and restraint of
those who desire for you, above every other attainment, a
growth in the holy fear and love of God ; but be watchful
even over your own thoughts : for thought is the spring of
action. Out of the heart, as was observed by our blessed
Lord, proceed those evil practices which defile the man,
And if you should, as yet, be startled at the supposition of
defileraent, let us say, in consonant language, that in the
heart are conceived those evil propensities, which, if unre
strained, will mar the work of sanctification, Above all,
do not forget or neglect to let your souls arise in frequent
supplication to the Preserver of men : who hears the prayer
of the humble, and is well pleased with the dedication of
youth — the sacrifice of the beginning of your strength.
A part of the object of the advice which we have men
tioned as having been the late concern of this Meetio"- to
give to parents, was to train up their families in plainness--

541
a comprehensive word. At this time, on reviewing the
subject, a fear has prevailed among us, that not a few elder
Friends, and even some who take part in our discipline,
have not been sufficiently exemplary ; particularly in the
furniture of their houses. It seeras, therefore, right to
caution all against giving way, in this respect, to the vary
ing, and often costly fashions of the age. Though it is a
weakness which does not seem to savour so much of per
sonal pride, as does vain attire ; yet it bespeaks a mind
engaged with trifles, and a fondness for show which is in
consistent with the Christian character ; and it disqualifies
for duly advising such as may rush into further degrees of
extravagance. The araount of the sufferings of Friends, of which an
account has been this year brought to the Meeting from
Great Britain and Ireland, is upwards of thirteen thousand
pounds. They are principally for tithes, priests' demands
and those called church-ra^es, and a considerable part for
military demands. A few young men have suffered a tem
porary iraprisonraent under the militia laws. We retain
an unabated concern that Friends may be strengthened to
Support, on principle, our testimony against a ministry not
depending on the fresh opening of the Spirit of Christ in
the heart, and supported by pecuniary means. We believe
also, that this testimony to the purity of genuine and free
Gospel ministry, strongly evinces that the formation of our
Society was not an effort of human wisdom : neither is
there any thing more calculated to sap our foundation, and
render us a degenerate church, than a general departure
from this principle.
We are inclined also, dear Friends, to draw your atten
tion to the root of our testimony against war. It is no
other than Christian love, and that righteousness which
produces peace, quietness, and perpetual assurance, as,
its natural fruit. This draws the mind away from
those passions and desires, in which are laid the foun
dations of contest. Let us then frequently examine
Our hearts, yea, let us prove our ownselves, and see
how far the seed of contention withers, and a resigna
tion to suffer is cherished there. And since, as we have

542
mentioned, some ofour young men have suffered, and more
may probably suffer, iraprisonraent, we are deeply desirous
that they raay walk consistently with their testimony in
every respect : showing by their conduct that they truly
follow a Master who was holy, harmless, undefiled, aiid
separate frora sinners.
At this Meeting, as at former ones, we have received
Epistles from our brethren in the several Yearly Meetings
in North America, and one from that of Ireland. On the
continent, these meetings appear generally attentive fo the
important concerns of religious society ; a care to sympa
thize with the oppressed objects of slavery remains, and we
believe will remain as long as the evil exists ; and the more
recent engagement of some of these Yearly Meetings, to
diffuse the benefits of civilization among the native Indian
tribes of Araerica, subsists in unabated vigour. The ac
count from Ireland is encouraging, and induces an animating
hope, not only that the Yearly Meeting there is favoured
with zeal and discernment, but that many individuals are
under a preparation of heart to become advocates of our
Christian testimonies and principles.
In the silent lapse of time, several of those who have
long been endeavouring to support the cause of Truth, and
divers who have been wont to meet with us for that purpose
in this annual assembly, have attained the limit of their
allotted probation, and we humbly trust are safely arrived
beyond the reach of sorrow. Of such events we have again,
at this Meeting, received sorae impressive accounts. We
perceive the apparent chasm which their reraoval occasions ;
but we raay be aniraated in observing their peaceful close —
how, as they approached the confines of that " city which
hath foundations," (Heb, xi. 10,) their hearts were filled
with hope, and their tongues eraployed in praise : — as it
were, the beginning of a song, of which the melody is un
limited and the duration eternal. " The Lord is ray strength
and song, and is become my salvation." (Psalm, cxviii. 14.)
We are also comforted in observing from year to year,
and not often more than the present year, a succession arisen
and arising, of such as appear to be endeavouring to serve
the Lord in uprightness of heart: some in oneway, and

543
some in another. In the Lord's service, there is employ
ment for every talent with which he has endowed^his crea
ture man ; each should be employed in the proper and
allotted department ; and all to his praise. " There are
diversities of gifts," saith the apostle, " but the same.
Spirit." (1 Cor. xii. 4.)
Having therefore no reason to think that the great Head
of the Church hath forsaken us, but that he is still willing,
as our hearts stand open to hira, to qualify for judges and
for counsellors, let us endeavour, by his gracious as.sistance,
and with unceasing prayer to him for that holy help, to
hold on our way. And yon, tender youth, yet in that most
critical time of life, in which men often receive the bias
which forms them into servants of their God, or warps them
away from his fear, and sometimes almost irretrievably, let
us again, in conclusion, press you to ponder the path of
your feet. The earlier you are devoted to his service, the
better servants you will be. And he is served in little
things, and not in those only which appear great, and highly
beneficial to others. But what attainment is greater than
to be able in a pure heart to say, " Thy will be done ?" and
this, by the Spirit of Him who taught his immediate follow
ers after this raanner to pray, may be attained even in
childhood. It will be a most precious morning sacrifice to
the Lord, who hath given you life : who stands ready, as
you faithfully serve hira, to store it with blessings; and who
can finally crown jt with a peaceful immortality.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk lo the Meeting this Year,

544
EPISTLE, 1810.

From the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournmentf,
From the 23rd of the Fifth Month, to the 1st of the Sixth Month, 1810,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
IN turning our minds towards saluting you with an
Epistle, and particularly as the subject came more
closely under attention, an encouragement was felt, which
induces us to believe that in so doing we shall be in the way
of our duty : and when that precious love which binds to
gether the various members of the spiritual body is in
dominion, this duty is freely fulfilled. And as the collected
Church of Christ, gathered into his name, and baptized into
his Spirit, must abide under this powerful influence to guide
its proceedings ; so also the merabers, in their separate al-
lotraents, can find no surer means of being preserved, each
in the way of his own duty, or of contributing, each his
share, to the comraon welfare, than by experiencing " the
Love of God" renewedly " shed abroad" in their hearts.
(Rom. V. 5.) But we know that the love of earthly things
too often prevails, the harmony of even religious society is
' interrupted, yea even many become spiritually " robbed
and spoiled." (Isa. xiii. 22.) Dear Friends, all of you who
may hear or read this our tender salutation, let us address
you in the la,nguage of the evangelical prophet, " Arise,
shine:" (chap, Ix. 1,) you to whose hearts the Lord, in his
never failing mercy, raay direct the words of his servants,
which of you can say that your "light is" not "come?" (ibid.)
Let it then be displayed in conduct. Keep in view the two
great coraraandraents of perpetual obligation : the love of
God, and the love of our neighbour. The latter is the
ground of our Christian discipline ; and the former is the
life of our spiritual worship. And we are persuaded that
if, through the redeeming power of the Lord, and by con-

545
tinning in his fear and under his guidance, we become settled
in these holy dispositions ; — if, to use other words, with
gratitude, watchfulness, and lowliness of mind, we improve
these holy gifts of grace, they will never be taken from us ;
but will remain and expand, when the veil of flesh shall be
removed, and a nearer access be opened to the Fountain of
Love, in a blissful iraraortality.
At these annual assemblies, when we are receiving ac
counts of the state ofthe meetings which this Yearly Meet
ing superintends, we have too often occasion of grief, in
hearing of defects which do not comport with a people pro
fessing to be spiritually minded. Such are from various
quarters reported to us this year. Yet we are not disposed
to enumerate them now ; though we can readily trace their
origin. But let us remind every one amongst us, that it is
better to be willing to trace, each the origin of his own
defect, than to compose his raind by considering it a small
one. The more we can abide under a sense of our own
wants, the readier and the raore earnestly shall we apply
for help to Hira upon whora help is laid. And probably
the natural unwillingness there is in the creature to feel in
itself a testimony to its own unworthiness, is one great
reason why no more are raised up as testiraony bearers to
the Lord's all-sufficiency and goodness. It can scarcely be
denied, that faithful labourers in his vineyard are still
wanting. We noticed, in our last year's Epistle, the re
moval of many who, according to our power of spiritual
perception, might bear that appellation. The information
of the present year has added to the list of the dead, who,
we doubt not, have died in the Lord ; and is a repeated call
to the living, to look well to their foundations. This call
also has additional force, when we consider that other faith
ful servants are verging to the same soleran period : a
period which, though to them it may be unspeakably
blessed, will deprive the Church of their labours, and of
the secret travail, sympathy, and prayer of their spirits.
It is certainly not easy to compress the wants of the
Church in one comprehensive term ; but it seems as if one
of the watch-words, peculiarly worthy of attention in the
present day were, dedication. Remember, dear visited
M M

546
Friends, that when Christ invites you to submit to his
yoke, he declares it to be easy ; while the yoke of disobe
dience is known to be heavy. Thus, while we are inviting
you to faithfulness, by the losses which we are ready to de
plore, in the departure of servants arid of hand-maids ; and by
the joy that opened on their view as they were entering on
that nearer union with their Lord ; with Him " of whom
the whole family in heaven and earth is named ;" (Eph. iii,
15,) we may truly say. Brethren, Sisters, ye are all " called
unto liberty," (Gal. v. 13,) even " the glorious liberty of
the children of God." (Rom. viii. 21.) And it is with
thankfulness that we perceive, as also we hinted last year,
that very many ofour beloved young Friends of both sexes,
seem sensible that the Lord's preparing- hand is upon them.
How then do we desire that these may persevere in the
path of dedication ; yea, that in their love and service, they
raay go on " frora strength to strength ;" (Psalra, Ixxxiv.
7,) until, having fulfilled their due raeasure of suffering,
every one of them may appear with final acceptance,
" before God" in Zion. (Ibid.)
The amount of the sufferings reported this year on ac
count of tithes, priests' deraands and those called church-
rates, and for military demands, is upwards of twelve thou
sand six hundred and seventy eight pounds. In our last
year's Epistle we adverted to the imprisonment of a few
young men, under the militia laws ; and expressed our ap
prehension that more cases of that kind would follow. Our
belief of the attachment of many of our youth to their
peaceable testiraony, induced this apprehension, and it has
been verified bythe confineraent of several more on ac
count of the local militia, and of one for the common
militia. Though these temporary sacrifices of liberty, de
monstrate a disposition which endears them to our hearts ;
nevertheless we cannot forget that they are yet but in the
beginning of their course of devotedness ; and, as is the
case in various ways with many others ofour precious youth,
are now only girding " on the harness." If, dear youth, you
are allowed to receive a peaceful reward for your early
submission to duty, gratitude prompts you still to keep your
eye to your holy Guide, for further manifestations of his will,

547 '
arid for further proofs of his protecting care. And know
assuredly, that if your days are prolonged to a period at
present remote, and you are preserved in the fear of the
Lord, these, and all your morning acts of humble attach
ment to his cause, will be sweet in your rememberance.
We have received at this time Epistles from all the North
American Yearly iMeetings ; in which, besides the general
vigilance over the w-elfare of the Society, we find a conti
nuance of attention to the same objects of raore general
concern, which we mentioned last year: namely, the state
of the black people still held as slaves, and the measures
employed for civilizing the Indian natives. The Epistie
fi-om Ireland has been particularly grateful to us, and we
have not failed to testify our unity with Friends in that
nation by a few affectionate words of reply. Living as we
do under the same government, and above all professing the
same holy and uniting principle, we are inclined at this
tirae to commend our Friends of the sister nation, to the
continued cordial reraemberance of their brethren on this
side the channel.
Now, dear Friends, we would mention one shbject which
at this time has been under our notice; a caution to all, to
use moderation in their raanner of living : and in this way
to seek relief from the increasing expense of the times in
which we live, rather than by engaging in raore extensive,
and often hazardous schemes in trade. By these latter
means the raind becoraes encumbered, and unfitted for reli
gious service, yea, often for religious thought, and for
breathing daily after the spiritual riches, whicli are to be
enjoyed in close coraraunion with God. And let us beseech
you to consider, how distant frora the state which endeavours
to stand resigned to give up all, if required, is that state
which indulges itself in ease to the full extent of its power,
or is endeavouring by multiplied adventures in trade, to ac
quire that power, which it covets for the purpose of worldly
enjoyment. We believe however, and we are glad in be
lieving, that there are numbers who act upon sounder prin
ciples than these; who knowing, as saith the apostle, that
" the fashion of this world passeth away," are really de-
M M 2

548
sirous of using " this world as not abusing it." (1 Cor. vii.
31.) These, we would encourage to hold on in the way
cast up before them, trusting in the Lord, who hath de
clared that all things necessary will be given to those who
seek first his kingdom. Thus trusting, and endeavouring
to apply to him in secret supplication, in the difficulties that
must in a state of probation be the lot of all, we may
humbly hope that, in our several proportions, we shall
" grow in the Truth" individually; and that, coming up iu
our allotments in the Church militant, our various meetings
,will also, whether more or less as to number, experience
among them a " growth in the Truth."
. But, dear Friends, there is one attainment which, at this
time, we are earnest to remind you of; an attainment with
out which, no other gift can be permanent and certain.
We want to press on you the never ceasing duty of humility
and lowliness of raind. Even our blessed Lord declared
liiraself to be " raeek and lowly in heart;" and can any
one, expecting salvation by hira, be exerapt frora the need
of possessing the sarae holy temper ? However great the
talents with which he may have endowed us by nature, or
however he may replenish our souls with the more excel
lent gifts of his Holy Spirit, still we have nothing which
we have not received ; and we can have no sound reason for -
setting at nought the least of our brethren — for whom, let
us reraeraber, equally as for us, Christ died. Let us then,
dear Friends, be willing to exaraine ourselves, and know
whether we are indeed humble followers of a lowly-minded,
though oranipotent Saviour. If we feel a deficiency of
humility, let us pray for an increase, and for assistance to
check the springings up of its dreadful opposite, Pride;
and if we are not without some ground of hope that we are
endowed, in good degree, with an humble heart, we shall
certainly be encouraged still to supplicate for its continu
ance. Finally, dear Friends, whether, with the beloved
disciple, we address you as fathers, or as young raen ; whe
ther, without regard of sex or station, our love in Christ
now salutes the aged or the rising generation ; remember,
that it is " the meek" whom the Lord will " teach his way :"

649
(Psalm, X.XV. 9,) and thus taught, and receiving with unre-
serving heart, the holy doctrine, " Grace and peace" will
be multiplied, " from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus
Christ." (Rom. i. 7.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1811.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 22nd to the 3Ist of the Fifth Month, 1811,
inclusive.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
RENEWEDLY deliberating on the subje(;t of address
ing you, with some account of the exercises, and
engagements of mind, which have occupied us at this
season, we have again felt encourageraent to believe that we
may thus contribute, through the blessing which is permitted
to crown the humble endeavour ofthe disciple, to build you
up " on your most holy faith" (Jude, 20,) in Christ Jesus
our Lord, Receive then our cordial salutation in Hira, the
" living stone," the " chief corner-stone, elect, precious;"
and corae to him, that ye may be " built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood." (1 Peter, ii. 4, 5, 6.) These
are indeed sacred expressions, not lightly to be adopted ;
and the state to which they point is a high attainraent, not
to be reached by human contrivance and skill -.but, remem
ber, it is the glory of the Gospel dispensation, that by it
" every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and
hill shall be made low ; and the crooked shall be made
straight, and the rough places plain ;" (Isaiah, xl. 4.) yea,
even the blind shall be led " by a way that they knew not,"
and darkness shall be made " light before them." " These

550
things," saith the Lord, " will I do unto them, and not
forsake them." (Isaiah, xiii. 16.)
One principal engagement of raind. which has been ma
nifested in this Meeting, has been for our youth : and as the
influences of heavenly love are successively visiting thera,
as they rise from childhood; so the care of the living mera
bers of the Church is successively attracted, to attempt
their preservation from the dangers incident to their state,
and to encourage them to persevere in their attachraent to
their holy and heart-tendering visitant. Thus, dear young
people, though we may seem to repeat fornier advice, our
theme, like the successive touches of good which frora tirae
to time are melting your hearts, is never obsolete. It is a
signal favour, that, in various places, there are continually
fresh proofs of the prevalence of the love of Christ, ope
rating on the mind, and producing its genuine and blessed
effect of conformity to his likeness. Huraility, it is true,
and self-denial raust forra a part of this likeness ; but so
doth, also, the real and fruitful love of God, and of our
neighbour : and " if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also, in the likeness of his
resurrection." (Rom. vi. 5.) Bend, therefore, we beseech
you, early — bend in good earnest and cheerfully, under the
forming hand of the Lord. " The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom," (Psalm, cxi. 10,) yea, the foundation
of true knowledge. There is danger in seeking knowledge
independently of this, for so, as saith the apostle, " know
ledge puffeth up." (1 Cor. viii. I.) But this true know
ledge is life eternal. " This," said our blessed Lord, " is
life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John, xvii. 3.)
O, the favour, the honour, and the eternally blessed effect,
of being taught of the Lord !
Nor have our good desires at this time been confined to
the youth only. We are disposed to write also to you, who
have passed the meridian of life. You have travelled a
long course through the dangers and vicissitudes of time ;
and it will be well for you to reflect, and to know, how far
you have kept yourselves " unspotted from the world."
(Jam, i. 27:) Some of you, also, have been engaged in a

551
long course of profession ; and to some of you we trust it
may be said, "Ye have known Him that is frora the
begirining." (1 John, ii. 13.) We beseech you to pause^
and to ponder the path of your feet. (Prov. iv. 26.) Is
your salvation nearer than when you believed ? (Rora. xiii.
11.) Is your present state answerable to the love with
which you were visited, and attracted in the morning of
your day ? and is your love now, equal to the love of your
espousals ? (Jer. ii. 2.) Fruits of increasing love to God
are manifested in a variety of ways ; and probably not in
any one raore clearly, or raore acceptably to hira, than by
tokens of regard for the plants of his hand, the visited youth
of his Church, It is remarkable, that when our Lord
thrice put the question to his zealous disciple Peter,
"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ?" the only conse
quent injunction was, " Feed my lambs — feed my sheep."
(John, xxi. 15 — 17.) There are various ways, too, in which
this raay be effected : by precept, by sympathy, by assist
ance in their spiritual difficulties ; but above all, by steady,
uniform, circuraspect exaraple. And this, dear Friends, as
you know, cannot be afforded to thera, unless y ou expe
rience fresh supplies of spiritual strength to persevere your
selves in dedication, faithfulness, and the fear of the; Lord,
How fruitful of advantage, then, is an observance of the
comprehensive command of Christ, " I say unto all, Watch!"
(Mark, xiii. 37,) Thus, young and old raay be helps to
each other : for, as " he that watereth, shall be watered
also himself," (Prov. xi. 25,) the disciple who, by the be
nefit of holy exaraple, and sound precept, contributes to
forward others in the path of righteousness and peace, will
receive an increase of ability hiraself to hold on his way ;
and the faithful members ofthe gathered Church will be
come each others' joy in the Lord.
We have received at this Yearly Meeting, an acceptable
Epistle from Ireland, and frora efich ofthe North \inerican
Yearly Meetings. The latter continue steadily occupied in
endeavouring not only to build up our own Society in Chris
tian practice, but to diffuse the benefits of tiieir Christian
charity beyond our limits. Two of them, namely, those of
Maryland and Carolina, have lately again become advocates

552
with their respective legislatures, for their oppressed bre
thren of the African race ; and, though yet m vain, not
with discouragement to further intercession : and three of
them, those of New- York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland,
are still attentive to the benevolent object of attempting to
civilize their Indian neighbours.
The sufferings reported this year amount in all to about
twelve thousand seven hundred pounds. Ecclesiastical de
mands forra the bulk, and railitary ones a considerable
part ; and a few friends have been imprisoned for refusing
to serve in the railitia.
Now Friends, as in our religious refusal to pay tithes,
and to take our part with others in military service, our
•object is to bear testiraony to the freedom of Gospel minis
try, and to the supremacy of Christ, as a Teacher in the
heart ; and also to his reign of peace in the " kingdoms of
this world ;" (Rev. xi. 15,) we desire that in all your con
duct araong men, you may walk worthy of the high profes
sion which you raake : in which truly Christian endeavour
you will continually feel the need of his inward support.
Many are the duties incumbent on the followers of
Christ, and all require the support of his presence for their
due performance. " Without me," (they are his own words,)
" ye can do nothing." (John, xv. 5.) We feel inclined at
this time, ere we close the present salutation of our love, to
remind you of that indispensable duty, the acknowledg
ment of our dependence on his power, by duly assembling
at the seasons appointed for waiting on, and worshipping
God. Deficiencies, indeed, in this respect do not in the
general appear to increase ; and we are aware that
we often renew our tender exhortation on this subject.
Once more, dear Friends, let the exhortation go
forth. Consider the raptives of deficiency, such of you as
may be conscious of it. If, as the Apostle has declared,
the presenting of your bodfes be a " reasonable service,"
(Rom. xii. 1,) we beseech you to exaraine into the cause
that it is too often interraitted. Is it not, that, in a greater
or less degree, you raay still be " conformed to this world?"
(Rora. xii. 2.) But recollect; this conformity will still pre
vent the Christian professor frora being transforraed by the

553
renewing of the mind ; and from proving (as who, at the
solemn approaching close, will not rejoice to have proved?")
" what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of
God." " Now the God of peace, that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you
perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you
that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus
Christ; to whora be glory for ever, and ever. Amen."
(Heb. xiii. 20,21.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1812.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, by adjournments.
From the 20th of the Fifth Month, to the 30th of the same, inclusive,
1812.
To ihe Quarterhj and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
BEING permitted to meet at the present time, to inves
tigate the state of our religious Society, and partici
pating together in that love which, we believe, takes its
origin in the boundless mercy of God through Christ our
Holy Redeemer, through Him who died for us, and who
ever liveth to raake intercession for us_; we have found this
love lo extend to you our Brethren. We have considered
your situation, whether in your larger or sraaller meetings;
and as we have again been impressed with the belief, that in
renewing the written salutation of our love, we shall be
found in the way of our duty ; we have desired to be di
rected to impart to you such information and counsel, as may
tend to your increase in the fear of the Lord, and in the
consolations of his presence.

554
Seeing therefore the infinite value of love, that indis
pensable qualification of a true disciple, we are desirous of
pressing it on every individual, to examine impartially how
far he feels it to flourish in his own raind, and to influence
all his actions, thus inducing others to follow him, as he is
endeavouring to follow Christ. And we believe that
nothino^ will be so, fa vourable to the preservation of this
holy disposition as huraility of heart, a temper in which we
constantly see ourselves unworthy ofthe least ofthe Lord's
mercies, and dependent only on his compassion for our
final acceptance. , Seeing also that no awakened mind can
be without a view to a better and an enduring state, and that
no one knows how soon he may be called to put off muta
bility ; let us bear in perpetual recollection that, in the state
to which we aspire, there is nothing but eternal love, joy,
and adoration, in the presence of Him through whose love
we were first awakened.
In coitempiating this copious subject, though we are not
apprehensive of more symptoms of deficiency than informer
years, we feel, disposed afresh to encourage Friends to be
prompt in undertaking, and prudent in executing, the
blessed office of peace-maker. And we believe the patient
endeavours of faithful Friends will be generally crowned
with success, in proportion as their own minds are seeking
to Jesus, for assistance in performing an office on which he
has pronounced his blessing ; and in endeavouring to lead
the minds of any contending persons, to a sense of the
absolute necessity for all true disciples to live in peace one
with another, and to forgive one another, even as God for
Christ's sake has forgiven them. (Ephes. iv. 32.)
Before we quit the subject of Christian love, let us re
mind you that no limit of name can bound its influence.
In this season of almost unprecedented pressure on some of
the poorer classes of our countrymen, we deem it particu
larly desirable, that our dear Friends everywhere should not
be backward in examining into their distresses ; but liberal
in contributing a due proportion of relief. Many are al
lowed to have temporal possessions sufficient to do this with
comparative ease. Let these therefore reraeraber that they
are but stewards, and let them seek to be good and faithful

555
stewards. And it is probable that others, not equally
abounding in the good things of this life, may find that in
using moderation in their own expenditure, they may have
wherewith to supply the wants of others, arid to make the
heart of the poor man sing for joy. O, the blessing of
clothing the naked and feeding the hungry ! who would not
desire to be entitled to a share in it ?
Moderation in personal and domestic expense, every way
becomes the followers of a lowly-hearted Saviour. We
are therefore engaged to press it upon our young Friends just
setting out in life, to beware of needless expense in the fur
niture of their houses, and in their general domestic habits.
Even those who think their property may entitle thera to
abundance 'or to elegance, by indulging in costly habits are
setting but an ill exaraple to those of more contracted
means ; and as we are but too apt to copy that which coin
cides with our natural disposition, our want of circumspec
tion may prove an incitement to extravagance in others,
and prompt them to use exertions for supporting an appear
ance, which may divert them from the true business of life — ¦
the daily study to be approved in the sight of God.
And, dear youth in general, especially you whose period
of life may not be so advanced as that of those whom we
have just addressed, even you who have left, or are about to
leave, the protection of a parent, and to enter into the busy
scenes of life ; some of you, probably, in populous towns,
far different frora the retireraent of your paternal abodes ;
we beseech you to guard against the new teraptations which
raay now assail you. Oppose the first inciteraent to any
liberty inconsistent with your principles, and be willing to
seek the society of experienced Friends in the places where
you may be situated, and to receive their admonition with
meekness and attention. Never forget that the season of
early youth is a season of peculiar danger ; and if you grow
up under this sense, you will from time to time be led to
cry for preservation to Hira, who has said, (and his words
are Araen for ever,) " Him that coraeth to rae I will in no
wise cast out." (John, vi. 37.)
The usual accounts of sufferings brought in this year,
chiefly for tithes and those called church-rates, and for mill-

556
tary demands, amount to thirteen thousand six hundred and
forty five pounds. Five young men have been imprisoned
for refusing to serve in the local militia. — Besides these and
other accounts which we have received frora our several
Quarterly Meetings, we have an Epistle frora Ireland, and
one from each of the Yearly Meetings on the American
continent. The Yearly Meetings of our American bre
thren seem vigilant in their attention to the support of our
testimonies, and to purposes of general benevolence. The
due education ofour youth still forms a part ofthe concern
of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania ; which has also,
together with those of Maryland and New-York, continued
to care for the native inhabitants of the wilderness ; and
those of Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, testify in their
Epistles, their unremitting concern for the state ofthe
enslaved Africans in their land. Although in our country,
as well as in theirs, the infamous traffick with Africa in
slaves has been abolished by law, we desire Friends not to
forget that slavery still exists within the British empire,
and to suffer their syrapathy still to flow towards its op
pressed victims.
Thus, dear Friends, we trust we may say that, both abroad
and at home, the Lord is influencing his servants to remain
on the watch. Though the subjects of our concern may be
somewhat various, it is still pleasant to reflect that all are
aiming at the sarae object, and all looking to the sarae Lord
for his gracious assistance. Having the sarae faith, and
being baptized with the sarae baptisra, (even those plunges
into exercise and conflict which wash us from confidence in
our own exertions) how can it be othei-wise than that we
should rely, as we have just hinted, on the same Lord ?
May this unity of travail encourage us all to abide stead
fast in our allegiance to him, that in due season we raay
reap the unfading reward of his holy peace.
Having touched on some of the subjects, which have
warmed our hearts in desire that we may be built up a
spiritual house, we entreat you to consider that it is by
means of individual exertions, under the direction of the
omnipotent Master-builder, that the work is to be effected to
his praise. Be vigilant therefore, we beseech you ; be con-

557
stant, when cases require it, in faithful and tender admoni
tion. Neglect in this point gives countenance to defects
and increases them, whilst the faithful admonisher may hope
to partake of the reward of those who " turn many to
righteousness ;" who, saith the prophet, shine " as the stars
for ever and ever." (Dan. xii. 3.)
Now, dear Friends, in conclusion, let us observe, that
love. Christian love, is the parent of every virtue : it re
strains our immoderate gratification of personal indulgence;
it expands our hearts to every class of Society, and to every
modification of the human species ; it makes us prorapt to
lend a hand of help to such as may stray from the path of
safety ; it leads to universal benevolence : and as it is the
origin of every good work, so through the grace of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it will be the reward of a
life passed in his service, in its native region, the realm of
unmixed love, with hira for ever. Amen.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1813.

From ihe Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments,
From the 19th of the Fifth Month, to the 29th of the same,
inclusive, 1813.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends, »
WE have had cause, at this time, to acknowledge the
condescension of our Heavenly Father, who is still
pleased to own with his presence these our annual assem
blies. ¦ Under this influence, our hearts have been united ;
and we have been animated to crave the assistance of his
Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to serve him w ith
faithfulness, and to uphold, with Christian simplicity, our

558
various religious testimonies. And we believe, that the
constrainiiig love of the Gospel calls upon us to salute our
dear brethren, with the invitation, " O t taste and see that
the Lord is good." (Psalra, xxxiv. 8.)
In the course of the usual proceedings of this Meeting,
we have received from the several Quarterly and other
Meetings of which it is constituted, an account ofthe state
of our religious Society. Whilst we lament that many
amongst us are still too much engrossed with the fading
enjoyments of this life, and are refusing to follow our holy
Pattern, in the path of self-denial, we wish they may not be
deprived of that encouragement to turn into the right way,
which often results from the faithful admonitions of those
who have known the benefits of greater circumspection.
Though, from a sense of their own weakness, some of the
rightly concerned among us may be ready to shrink from the
performance of this duty, we would remind them, that by
thus evincing their love to their Friends, they will receive
additional strength themselves ; and that such acts of dedi
cation will contribute to their own advancement in the
Christian course.
We desire, dear Friends, that such of you as often meet
in small companies for the soleran purjpose of worship, raay
not relax in your diligence. Your situation will at times
appear discouraging ; but although you may be seldom as
sisted by the company and travail of your brethren, never
forget that you are under the continued notice ofthe Lord;
and that his tender regard extends to all those vA\o wait
upon hira in reverence and humility. Many who have
been alike circumstanced, can acknowledge that they have
known their strength renewed, and their confidence in di
vine support increased, by a due attendance of their raeet
ings for religious worship. Your situation, though, trying
to yourselves, is important. If with faithfulness and inte
grity you perform your Christian duties, your example will
prevail with others who have been too negligent of the
concerns of a future life ; and by your consistent conduct,
the Truth which we profess will be exalted — the name of
the Lord glorified.
Our minds have been affected, at this time, by the recent

559
decease of many with whora we have been often associated
in religious labour, and whose memory is precious. We
feel the loss of these ; yet we can with thankfulness ac
knowledge, we have been comforted in reflecting, that the
Almighty Power which was their support, and which has
preserved us since we were first gathered to be a people,
is unchangeably the same. We syrapathize also with those
who are in the decline of life, in whose hearts such afflictive
deprivations may, in their solicitude for the welfare of the
Church, excite many discouraging feelings. To you, our
elder brethren and sisters, we offer the salutation of our
cordial love. We desire that you may partake of our
corafort, in observing the conduct of many, who are now in
the vigour of health and strength, and who, in various ways,
are giving proofs of their attachment to that cause, the
prosperity of which has been your greatest joy. We doubt
not that your endeavours to stand approved in the sight of
God, have met his gracious acceptance ; and that your ex
araple, and labours in the Lord's service, have aniraated
mauy of these your younger brethren to follow you, as you
have been endeavouring to follow Christ. Let us likewise
entreat you, dear Friends, who are of less religious expe
rience, but who have entered upon the active scenes of life,
not to retard your Christian progress, by any unwillingness
to make an entire sdrrender of your hearts to the disposal
of infinite wisdom. The Lord is a rich rewarder of all his
faithful followers ; and happy will it be for you, should you
be permitted to see many days, to reflect, at the close of
life, that you have been devoted to the promotion of his
cause. The amount of sufferings brought in this year, is up
wards of fifteen thousand four hundred and seventy pounds;
a small proportion of this sura has been taken for military
purposes ; but the greater part was incurred in the support
of our ancient Christian testimony against tithes and other
demands of an ecclesiastical nature.
We have receivedan Epistle from our Friends in Ireland,
and one frora each ofthe Yearly Meetings on the continent
of Araerica, except that of Carolina. In consequence of
large eralgrations from other parts of the United States,

560
five Quarterly Meetings of Friends resident on the Western
side of the Alleghany raountains, have been detached from
the Yearly Meeting of Maryland, and formed into a sepa
rate one. Under the influence of that love by which we
are united as brethren, we have addressed an Epistle to
those who are intending to meet on that important occasion,
in the eighth month next, in the State of Ohio. From the
Epistles and other communications from Araerica, we find
that our Friends, besides being attentive to the concerns of
our own Society, are still pursuing their engagements for
the welfare of the African and the Indian race. But the
war, in which that country and this are now sorrowfully in
volved, has presented great obstacles to their efforts towards
civilizing the Indians ; and is likely, for a time, to suspend
in some parts their successful exertions in that important
and interesting cause.
When we consider the continuance and the extension of
war, we cannot but deeply feel, on account of the desola
tions and nuraerous evils which are its inseparable attend
ants : and we earnestly entreat all our merabers, so to
abide within the liraitations of Truth, as in no degree to
violate our Christian testiraony in this respect for the sake
of gain. Let us keep out of,even the spirit of contest ; and
strive for the attainment of a dependence upon Him, whose
kingdom is not of this world.
Amongst the numerous benev'olent undertakings which
now interest the minds of our countrymen, we contemplate
with much satisfaction, the general circulation of the Holy
Scriptures. Our sense of that inestimable treasure has
been frequently acknowledged ; and we feel ourselves en
gaged to call the attention of such of our merabers as may
be eraployed in this salutary work, to the suprerae irapor-
tance of giving heed to that Divine Word, to which the
Scriptures bear testiraony. This Word is Christ; the
« Bread of Life," (John, vi. 48,) and " the Light of njien ;"
that "Light, which lighteth every raan that cometh into the
world." (Ibid. i. 4, 9.) If we are earnest to obey the
teachings of this unerring guide, we shall be led to cry to
the Lord, that he would preserve us from self-exaltation,
from attributing to ourselves or others that honour which is

561
is due to Hira alone. We shall be on our guard lest we should
mistake our proper sphere of usefulness, or sufier any pur
suit, however laudable in itself, to divert us from our true
allotment of labour in the Church. This watchfulness
unto prayer can alone ensure our growth in religious expe
rience, and our establishment in every good word and
work. " Finally, brethren, Farewell ! Be perfect." (2 Cor.
xiii. 11.) Let this attainraent be the principal object in
view: then will you be of good comfort, and of one raind ; you
will live in peace one with another, and " the God of love
and peace" will be with you.*
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1814.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, by adjournments.
From the 18th bf the Fifth Motith, to the 30th of the same,
inclusive, 1814,
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsezehere.
Dear Friends,
OUR hearts have been afresh warmed with the love of
the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, and we feel en
couraged therein to testify our unabated solicitude, for the
preservation and prosperity ofthe members of our religious
Society. We desire that the goodness and mercy of Hira,
from whom we derive every blessing, may excite you to fear,
to love, and to serve him with fervency of soul, and to pray
that under the influence ofthe Spirit of the Son of his love,
you raay, in all things, be enabled to glorify his holy name.
Deeply impressed with gratitude to Alraighty God, that
the sword is again stayed in this quarter of the globe, and
that the spirit of contention which has so long prevailed,
N N

562
has been succeeded by marks of Christian forbearance and
charity, we desire to express our thankfulness for the pros
pect of peace. The judgments of the Lord have indeed
been in the earth ; and many have learned righteousness.
May the nuraber of these increase ; may the peaceable
spirit of the Gospel, the surest pledge of permanent tran
quillity, spread and prevail I We of this island have cause
to be douhly thankful : we have been preserved from wit
nessing the effusion of blood, and the ravages of war, which
have spread over the greatest part of Europe; and we are
now permitted, in common with other nations, to rejoice
thus far in their cessation.
In what way, therefore, beloved Friends, shall we evince
our sense of these unmerited favours ? It is well known
that we regard it as a Christian testimony, to refrain from
uniting in those public demonstrations of joy, which often
prevail on such occasions. We are convinced that fre
quently they lead to practices, inconsistent with that raeek
and quiet spirit which should clothe the disciple of Jesus,
and are an inlet to excesses which estrange the mind from
God, It is not in this way that we should manifest our
grateful feelings ; but by endeavouring, through the iriflu-
ence of redeeming love and power, to live more and more
in the spirit of the Gospel, and thus to becorae exaraples of
genuine Christian conduct.
Public worship is a duty which we owe to our great
Creator. And even in contemplating the recent events to
which we have already alluded, we feel engaged to invite
you to consider them as an additional incentive to diligence
in this respect. Great indeed are, the benefits of a regular
attendance of our religious meetings; and of waiting upon
God in spirit and in truth, when thus assembled. The
mind being then abstracted from temporal concerns, and
fixed on the true object of worship, aspirations for help will
arise ; the union of a travail of spirit will be felt, and we
shall be more and more sensible of the benefit of so em
ploying a due portion of our time. If we become thus
sensible, we shall be earnest that all the branches of our
families may partake with us ; and we shall not rest satis
fied thijt either they or ourselves should, once only in the

563
week, allot a few hours to this duty. Let us then, dear
Friends, entreat you who raay have been deficient, to lay
these things to heart, and deeply to consider whether your
practice is calculated to advance you in the Christian course,
or render you good exaraples to those around you. If the
mind be duly turned to the Lord in raeetings for worship,
the benefits which result w ill not be confined to the hours
that may be thus occupied. We shall, even in the concerns
of this life, be preserved in a degree of the sarae calra and
watchful state of mind, and in frequent retireraent be led to
examine our own hearts. Thus furnished with strength
from above, we may with increasing, yet hurable confidence,
pursue our good resolutions, and proceed with calmness
and safety in the way cast up for the redeemed of the Lord
to walk in. Our desire for the possessions of this world
will be limited within the bounds of Christian moderation :
we shall prefer durable riches and righteousness.
The sufferings of our Friends in this nation and Ireland
amount to upwards of sixteen thousand two hundred
pounds ; of this sum about eleven hundred pounds arose
from military demands ; and the remainder, from the sup
port of our testimony against tithes and other ecclesiastical
claims. Ten of our young raen have been iraprisoned for a
short time on account of the local militia.
The epistolary intercourse with our Friends in Ireland,
and in America, has been maintained in this as in former
years, and has been the means of awakening an interest in
the welfare ofour distant brethren. Whilst we lament that
America should yet remain under the afflicting scourge from
which Europe is in great raeasure freed; we anticipate,
with hope, the event w hich shall extend to that country also
the blessing of peace.
We desire tenderly to remind those who have joined us
upon the ground of convincement of the truth of our
religious principles, that a spiritual profession calls for evi
dent fruits of holiness. May these, therefore, regard their
connexion with us, rather as an opening to fresh duties,
than as the period of cessation and rest.
We have been made sensible, during this Yearly Meeting,
of the continued goodness of Him who has eminently
N N 2

564
blessed our Society. Under a grateful sense of his mercies,
we renewedly invite you to a full surrender to his gracious
disposal, and in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, we
again salute you, and cordially bid you farewell.
Signed in and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, by
JOHN WILKINSON,
' Clerk to the Meeting this Year,

EPISTLE, 18)5.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournmenis,
From the 24th of the Fifth Month, to the 2nd of the Sixth Month,
inclusive, 1815.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
rl offering you the salutation of our love, we believe it
right to acknowledge our thankfulness to the Author
of all good, that we have been perraitted to raeet together.
We have had again to rejoice in a sense of the goodness of
Him who,^ by his presence, owned us in tiraes past ; and,
though sensible of the loss of the labour and counsel of
some, who have recently been removed from the probations
of time, we have felt the consoling assurance that the
Divine Power is both ancient and new. It is from this holy
source that every enjoyment, both spiritual and temporal,
flows ; it is to the Lord Almighty that we are indebted for
the blessing of existence, for the means of redemption, and
for that lively hope of immortality which comes by Jesus
Christ. To his service, then, dear Friends, in obedience
to the manifestation' of his power, let us offer our talents ;
to the glory of his great and excellent name, let us devote
our strength and the residue ofour days.
The state of our religious Society, as transmitted froni
the several bodies which constitute this Yeariy Meeting,
has been ag-ain brought under our view. Accounts of the
sufferings of our members, chiefly for tithes and other eccle-

565
siastical demands, and for claims ofa military nature, to the
amount of fifteen thousand seven hundred and twenty seven
pounds, have been reported ; and we are inforraed that ten
of our young raen have been iraprisoned since last year, for
refusing to serve in the local railitia.
We are encouraged in believing, that our ancient Chris
tian testimony to the inward teaching of the Spirit of
Christ, and to a free Gospel ministry, not only continues to
be precious to many, but is gaining ground araongst us.
The sufferings to which we are exposed, are, through the
lenity of our government, far less severe than were those of
our predecessors. To some, however, we believe that
these operate at tiraes as a trial of their faith and love to
the Truth. We are disposed to remind such, that patience
and meekness on their part will tend both to exalt the testi
mony in the view of others, and to proraote their own ad
vancement in the Christian course.
The Epistle frora our Friends in Ireland, and those from
the several Yearly Meetings on the American continent,
have again convinced us that we are brethren, bound toge
ther by the endearing ties of Christian fellowship, desiring
as fellow-disciples to follow the same Lord ; and we feel,
that there is in the Gospel of Christ a union that is not
dissolved by distance, nor affected by the jarring conten
tions of men.
We are engaged tenderly to caution Friends against an
eager pursuit after the things of this life. We believe that
raany who begin the world with moderate views, raeeting
at first with success in trade, go on extending their commer
cial concerns, until they become involved therein to a
degree prohibited by the precepts of Christ, and incompa
tible with their own safety. 'Thus situated, some raay be
terapted to adopt a line of conduct, dishonourable in itself
and injurious to others. On this subject, we think it right
to repeat sorae advice given by the Yearly Meeting in its
printed Epistle of 1771 : — We " warn all against a most
pernicious practice, too much prevailing amongst the trading
part of mankind, which hath often issued in the utter ruin
of those concerned therein, namely, that of raising and cir-
culatino- a fictitious kind of paper credit, with indorsements

566
and acceptances, to give it an appearance of value without
an intrinsic reality : a practice highly unbecoming that up
rightness which ought to appear in every meraber of our
religious Society, and of which therefore we think it our
incurabent duty to declare our disapprobation, (and disunity
therewith,) as absolutely inconsistent with that Truth we
raake profession of." — Epistle, 1771.
That contentraent which characterizes the pious Chris
tian, is a treasure which we covet for all our raerabers ; and
we especially desire that those who are setting out in life
may so circumscribe their expectations, and limit their
domestic establishments, as not to bring upon themselves
expenses which could only be supported by an imprudent
extension of their trade. Care in this respect will enable
them to allot more of their time to the service of their fel
low-men, and to the promotion of the Lord's cause. We
believe that, were parents to instil into the minds of their
children principles of moderation and oeconoray, suited to
thejr future expectations, itwould,under the divine blessing,
not only conduce to their preservation, but promote their
safety and comfort in life. We are far from wishing to dis
courage honest industry ; and further still from countenan
cing in any degree a spirit of avarice. We are not insen
sible, that the situation of many of our members is such as
renders necessary to them a diligent attention to the con
cerns of this life. Christian siraplicity and self-denial we
would, however, earnestly recoraraend; these attained, the
object which, in this respect, we have at heart for all our
dear Friends, will be accoraplished.
Araongst other deficiencies reported to us at this tirae,
we have been pained in observing,' that raany appear to be
still satisfied with attending raeetings for Divine worship
but once in the week. We laraent in believing that, where
indifference to this primary religious duty prevails in any,
the spirit of the world hath obtained the ascendancy in
their minds ; for these we have often at former tiraes ex
pressed our concern, and now again entreat thera to consider
the privations of good to which they subject theraselves, and
those over whora their exaraple prevails, in oraitting this
most reasonable service. The habit of constant attendance

567
on these occasions, forms an important branch of the reli
gious education of our youth ; we are therefore desirous of
impressing on the minds of those to whom they are entrusted,
and who theraselves may be diligent, to beware how they
deprive their children of such opportunities on the week
day, even for the sake of their attendance at school.
It has afforded us much satisfaction to believe, that the
Christian practice of daily reading in families a portion of
Holy Scripture, with a subsequent pause for retirement and
reflection, is increasing amongst us. We conceive that it is
both the duty and the interest of those who believe in the
doctrines of the Gospel, and who possess the invaluable
treasure of the Sacred Records, frequently to recur to thera
for instruction and consolation. We are desirous that
this wholesorae domestic regulation may be adopted every
where. Heads of families, who have theraselves; expe
rienced the benefit of religious instruction, will do well to
consider whether, in this respect, they have not a duty to
discharge to their servants and others of their household.
Parents, looking sincerely for help to Him of whom these
Scriptures testify, may not unfrequently, on such occasions,
feel themselves enabled and engaged to open to the rainds
of their interesting charge, the great truths of Christian
duty and Christian redemption.
In considering this subject, our younger Friends have
been brought to our remembrance with warm and tender
solicitude. We hope that raany of you, dear youth, are
no strangers to this practice, and to some we trust it has
already been blessed. Hesitate not, (we beseech all of
this class,) to allot a portion of each day to read and medi
tate upon the Sacred Volume in private : steadily direct your
minds to Him who alone can open and apply the Scriptures
to our spiritual benefit. In these seasons of retireraent,
seek for ability to enter into a close examination of the
state of your own hearts ; and, as you may be enabled,
secretly pray to the Almighty for preservation from the
temptations with which you are encompassed. Your ad
vancement in a life of humility, dedication, and dependence
upon Divine aid, is a subject of our most tender concern.
That you might adorn our holy profession, by walking

568
watchfully before the Lord, and upholding our various tes-
tiraonies, was the care of some of our dear Friends, of
whose decease we have been at this time inforraed. They
were concerned in early life to evince their love to the
Truth ; they served the Lord in uprightness and fear in
their generation, and, in their closing moments, were per
mitted to feel an humble trust that, through the mediation
of our Redeemer, they should beconie heirs of a kingdom
that shall never have an end. Let their example encourage
you to offer all your natural powers, and every intellectual
attainraent, to the service of the same Lord, and patiently
to persevere in a course of unremitting obedience to the
Divine will.
Now, dear Friends of every age and of every class, we
bid you affectionately farewell in the Lord Jesus. Let us
ever bear in mind, whether we attempt, under the influence
of Christian love, to maintain our testimonies to the spiritual
and peaceable kingdom of the Lamb ; whether we attempt
to proraote the present and future welfare of our fellow-
members and fellow-men ; — let us ever remember, that if
we obey the divine commandments, we shall do all to the
glory of God ; we shall always acknowledge that it is of
his mercy, if we ever become partakers of the unspeakable
privilege of the true disciples of Hira who " died for all,
that they which live should not henceforth live unto thera
selves, but unto hira who died for thera, and rose again."
(2 Cor. V. 15.)
Signed in and on behalf ofthe Meeting, by
WILLIAM DILLWORTH CREWDSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

569
EPISTLE, 1816.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, by adjournments.
From the 22nd of the Fifth Month, to the 31st of the same,
inclusive, 1816.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings qf Friends
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
WE esteem it a favour which calls for our grateful
acknowledgment, that we have been afresh raade
sensible, on this occasion, of our Heavenly Father's love,
and have felt that it reaches to all our dear Friends, where-
ever they are situated. Our rainds have been humbled in
gratitude to Him, who by his Divine power raised us up to
be a people, who has from one generation to another blessed
our religious Society, and who is still to be felt at times in
great mercy to preside amongst us. We have earnestly
desired that these irapressions raay be an additional raotive
for us to consider, how far we are seeking to be established
on Jesus Christ, the Rock of ages, " the sarae yesterday,
and to-day, and for ever." (Heb. xiii. 8.) To this founda
tion of our predecessors, we desire to direct your raost
serious attention. Let it, dear Friends, be our daily con
cern to seek for his Divine guidance and support. Great
will be the advantages which we shall thence derive. The
bitterness of our conflicts will be sweetened by the reraera
brance, that He unto whom we are seeking, and who is
" not an High Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities," (Heb. iv. 15,) is " able to save thera to
the uttermost that come unto God by him." (Ibid. vii. 25.)
A sense of victory over our evil affections, through his
power and mediation, w ill be a sufficient consolation. It
will, if the watch be maintained, strengthen us to proceed
in the way of allotted duty ; and though new trials and
temptations may await us, and we raay continue sensible of
the dangers with which we are surrounded, the blessing of
true Christian experience, the result of patient perseve-

570
ranee in well doing, will be ours. Thus, fi-om what we have
known and what we have felt, we shall be constrained to
acknowledge, that there is no joy like unto the joy of God's
salvation. We observe with pleasure the increasing desire mani
fested by Friends to obtain a guarded and useful education
for their children. The reports on the schools under the
notice of this Meeting indicate the religious care and good
order prevailing in them, and have yielded us great satis
faction. The improvement of the understanding, and the
communication of that knowledge by which it raay be raore
extensively prepared for the service of Hira to whora we
must all render our account, are duties not to be neglected.
We desire however to impress upon all, whether parents, or
those to whom they entrust their tender offspring, the
supreme importance of inculcating the first of duties, the
love and fear of God.
A watchful parent will at no tirae be raore alive to the
welfare of his children, than when they are passing frora the
age to which we have just adverted, to the succeeding stage
of life. The situations in which they are then placed, and
the companions with whora they associate, raay have a de
cided influence on their future character. We would there
fore encourage both parents and masters not to relax at
this critical period, either in care or counsel, or in proper
restraint tempered with kindness. Here we' would advert
to the importance of good example, and to the great bless
ing which will attend the labours of those whom we are
now addressing, as they seek to become preachers of right
eousness, in life and conduct, to those around thera. How
inviting, how instructive, it is, to behold such as by the^
purity of their lives, by the meekness of their spirits, and
by tho benevolence of their characters are adorning their
profession ! This is a duty which is enjoined by the highest
authority; (Mat. v. 16,) and we earnestly press upon all to
consider whether their moderation, their self-denial, their
habits of life, are such as become the Christian religion.
Our solicitude has at this time been awakened for our
young men employed as travellers in business. The expo
sure of these to the teraptations to which they are often un-

571
avoidably subjected, has tended to draw aside some from
that simplicity, that purity of heart and thought, that strict
morality, which our Christian principles require. We would
submit to the serious consideration of their parents and em
ployers, the extreme danger of sending forth into such ser
vice any young persons whose religious principles are not
fixed, nor their habits formed ; and we would encourage
Friends in different places, where those in this line of em
ployment may travel, to continue and to extend that kind
and hospitable notice which has been already manifested.
The situation of some ofour young Friends in other occu
pations, may deprive them of the advantage of virtuous and
instructive associates ; these also we hope will not be over
looked by those to whom they are known.
We lament that reproach should have been brought on
our Society by the failure of any of our merabers in dis
charging their just debts. We consider it to be the duty of
all, but especially of every person under pecuniary difficul
ties, to inspect narrowly into the state of their affairs ; and
this we conceive raight often prevent such an issue. Let all
Friends be careful to live within their incorae, retrenching
if necessary their expenses ; and we desire that it may be
their uniform endeavour to conduct their business in such a
way as may subject them to the least risk or danger. For
those who, possessing integrity, yet from the pressure of
the times, are, with honest and upright intentions, strug
gling under raany difficulties, we feel near sympathy. Let
these be encouraged : they will not fail, we trust, if they
seek it, to obtain the kind advice of their Friends. Let it
be their earnest concern, under these trials, to hold fast
their confidence in our all-wise and gracious Helper; as
likewise their love to their brethren. This love we believe
is peculiarly endangered, whenever the mind is disturbed
by the perplexing cares arising frora erabarrassed circum
stances. The amount of sufferings reported this year, occasioned
by claims for tithes and other demands of an ecclesiastical
nature, with a few for military purposes, is upwards of fif
teen thousand pounds. Our brethren of all the Yearly
Meetings on the American continent have again given proofs

572
of their love by written communications. The interesting
work of Indian civilization still occupies their atterition.
In some of the tribes, the improvements which, notwith
standing the late commotions, have been gradually going
forward, are truly encouraging. In others, those who are
concerned in this good work, have probably already renewed
their exertions, where the ravages of war had desolated
many of the settlements. The persevering labours of
Friends in Virginia and some other parts, to procure the
freedom of many Negroes illegally as well as unjustly held
in slavery, have, in several instances, been crowned with
success : and it is very gratifying to observe that the rights
of this injured people are still dear to our American bre
thren. We hope that, in this country. Friends will continue
to feel a deep interest in the welfare of the African race,
and not dismiss the subject from their thoughts, until such
wise and prudent measures may be adopted, as shall pro?
mote and finally secure universal emancipation.
So excellent is Christian love in its nature and effects, that
it is deeply painful when we hear of any differences existing
amongst us. How can those who are at variance one with
another, unite acceptably in the perforraance of worship to
Him who is emphatically styled Love ? It is an awful con
sideration, that that disposition which separates man from
man, does at the time estrange hira, and will, if it continue,
eventually separate him, from his Creator, We therefore
earnestly recommend to Friends, to watch the first appear-^
ances of discord; patiently and kindly to endeavour to
assist those who may be thus affected, or whojarein danger of
becoming hardened towards their brethren. Christian cha
rity, and tenderness for the infirmities of our Friends, are
bonds in religious society. These do not preclude that
kind and tender admonition, that exercise of our discipline
in the spirit of the Gospel, which we have, frora time to
tirae, been engaged to recoramend. Although we are not a
numerous Society, yet if we are preserved in love, and
dwell under the government of Christ, we may hope to
fulfil the designs of Divine Providence in having gathered
and established us as a separate religious body : we
may show forth the excellence of the Christian religion

573
by the spirituality of our worship, and by the purity of
our lives.
Dear Friends, we desire, in conclusion, reverently to
acknowledge that this Yearly Meeting has been a time of
the renewal of our strength, and ofthe increase ofour con
fidence in the goodness of Israel's Shepherd. We cordially
bid you farewell. May " the Lord direct your hearts into
the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
(2 Thess. iii. 5.)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
AVILLIAM DILLWORTH CREWDSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

EPISTLE, 1817.

From the Yearly Meeting held in London, hy adjournments.
From the 21st ofthe Fifth Month, to the 30th of the same, inclusive,
1817.
To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends in
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
THE love of our Heavenly Father has prevailed in this
our annual assembly. It has united us in the fellow
ship of the Gospel, and has extended to our dear absent
brethren. Under this influence, our confidence has been
renewed, that the foundation upon which the righteous in
all ages have built their fiiith and their hope, is for ever
immutable. Notwithstanding our own infirmities, and the
discouragements which surround us, we ha%-e felt the con
soling persuasion that the Lord is still mindful of us. He
who hath blessed us and our forefathers with raany tokens
of his Divine regard, is yet waiting to show himself
gracious ; and, by the Spirit of his Son, is calling us to purity
of heart, and to holiness in all raanner of conversation.
May we then consider the sacred duties which devolve upon
us as Christians ; the awful responsibility we are under as

574
to a right use of all those gifts and talents, with which we
have been entrusted ; and the necessity of becoming a more
spiritually minded people.
In turning our attention to the state of the Society as it
has been now laid before us, the proper employment of the
first day of the week, the day more particularly set apart
for public worship, is a subject that has claimed our serious
attention. It is no small privilege to be living in a country
where much regard is paid to this doty, and it highly be
coraes us to be careful that our example in this respect be
consistent with the profession we make to the world. We
desire that heads of families, and our younger Friends also,
may closely examine, whether they are sufficiently solicitous
to iraprove that portion of this day which is not allotted to
the great duty of meeting with their friends for the purpose
of Divine worship. To those who are awakened to a due
sense ofthe eternal interests ofthe soul — and oh ! that this
were the case with all — we believe that these intervals have
often proved times of much religious benefit. Many have
derived great increase of strength both at these and other
times, from retiring to wait upon the Lord ; from reading
the Holy. Scriptures with minds turned to their Divine
Author, in desire that he would bless thera to their comfort
and edification ; and from perusing the pious lives and ex
periences of those who have gone before thera. But we
avoid prescribing any precise line of conduct, believing that
if the attention be sincerely turned unto the Heavenly
Shepherd, his preserving help and guidance will not be
withheld. Those of the class whora we have just been addressing,
may soraetiraes feel that their faith is low, when about to
attend their meetings in the course of the week, it may be,
under great outward difficulties. These sacrifices of time,
and opportunities of withdrawing from worldly cares, have
been blessed to many : they have proved, in seasons of deep
trial and discouragement, times of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord. The waiting, dependent mind has
thus been enabled to put on strength to persevere in the
Christian course ; and under the pressure of many troubles
and perplexities, to experience an increase of faith in the

576
merciful and omnipotent care of our great Creator. Be
encouraged then, dear Friends, not to neglect your
meetings, however small ; but to believe that, by a diligent
attendance of thera, and a right engagement of raind
therein, you will be strengthened to fill up your stations as
faithful and devoted Christians.
Iu a well-ordered family, short opportunities of religious
retireraent frequently occur, in which the mind may be
turned in secret aspiration to the Author of all our bles
sings ; and which have often proved times of raore than
transient benefit. It is our present concern, that no ex
ception to this practice raay be found amongst us ; whether
it take place on the reading of a portion of the Sacred
Volume, or when we are asserabled to partake of the pro
visions with which we are supplied for the sustenance of
the body. On th^se latter occasions, raay the hearts ofour
yonng Friends also, be turned in gratitude to God, who
thus liberally provides for thera. May the experience of
us all be such, that we can adopt the words of thePsalraist,
"Evening, and raorning, and at noon, will I pray." (Ps.
Iv. 17.)
In our last year's Epistle, we had to reraark the failure
of some of our merabers in paying their just debts.
We have been again deeply pained on finding that sorae
disgraceful cases of this kind have since occurred. Whilst
we lament the condition of such as have thus wounded their
own peace, and brought condempation on themselves,
we also feel very tenderly both for the near relatives of
these, and for their creditors who have suffered through
thera. In adverting to these cases, it is our solicitude that
the raisconduct of those to whora we allude may be a
caution to others. At all times, but raore particularly in
the present depressed state of trade and commerce, it will
be very useful for Friends frequently to inspect into the
state of their own property, to keep their concerns within
proper bounds, and so to confine their wants within the
limits of Christian contentment, that should any unforeseen
reverses be experienced, they may look back with feelings
of conscious integrity. And we would especially recomraend
to Friends of discrimination and sound judgment, in

576
kindness and love, to watch over their brethren for good.
Great advantages would result from early, repeated, and
private advice to young tradesmen, who from temporary
success and inexperience may be in danger of exceeding
their capital, and of imprudently extending their business.
Our sympathy is much excited for those, who, after fair
prospects, have, from a sudden depreciation of property,
been subjected to many difliculties. We wish kindly to en
courage such of these as have it still within their power, to
a timely contraction of their domestic expenses. And we
desire that fheir trials maybe lightened, by beholding in their
offspring a disposition to industry and oeconoray, and a
willingness that their expectations should not exceed those
limits which become a Christian character : this We believe
would ultimately tend to their greatest good. Before we
quit this subject, we would remind our Friends of the
former advice of this Meeting, that where any have injured
others in their property, the greatest frugality should be
observed by themselves and their families ; and although
they may have a legal discharge from their creditors, both
equity and our Christian profession demand, that none when
they have it in their power should rest satisfied, until a just
restitution be made to those who have suffered by them.
The amount of sufferings reported this year, for tithes
and other ecclesiastical claims, and a few demands of a
military nature, is upwards of fourteen thousand four
hundred pounds. We have received Epistles from all,
except one, of the Yearly Meetings on the American con
tinent. From these we observe with pleasure, that besides
a watchful care to support the testimonies of our own
Society, our brethren beyond the Atlantic are engaged in
various acts of benevolence for the welfare of their fellow-
men. Dear young Friends, our hearts are warmed with love to
you. We desire that it may be your frequent concern to
seek for an establishment on the only sure foundation, and
to wait in humble watchfulness for the teachings ofthe
Heavenly Instructor. If conflicts of mind should attend
you, and prove painful and humilitating in their nature,
this is no cause for dismay. Those who steadily pursue the

577
path of a true disciple, will, through the goodness of the
Lord, at times be perraitted indubitably to feel that they
are the objects of his paternal regard. Thus they wUl
have cause to acknowledge the great benefit of patient
religious exercise. They will, from their own experience,
know an increase of true faith in the power and perceptible
support of the Holy Spirit. Ascribing this to the free gift
of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, they will become firmly
persuaded that the tendering power of Redeeming Love,
though undervalued by too many, is above all things
precious. AVe are consoled in the belief, that the feet of
many of our beloved young Friends have been turned into
this path. And it is our earnest desire, that neither the
fear of man, the offence of the cross, an aversion to the
simplicity of the Truth, nor the activity of their own wills,
may interrupt their progress ; but that they raay, through
the unfoldings of Divine counsel, corae to know an esta
blishment in that faith which giveth the victory. ( I John,
v. 4.)
And, dear Friends, you who love the Truth, and who
are in the vigour of life ; feeling, as you must, the many
blessings of which you have been partakers, and the pri
vilege it is to be employed in the smallest degree, in the
service of the Lord, let it be your concern to offer your
hearts to his disposal, and under his sacred guidance, to be
come devoted to the support of his cause.
May our dear elder brethren and sisters, though often
depressed on various accounts, be, by continued watch
fulness unto prayer, endued with capacity to trust in God.
May they receive that Divine support which will enable
them acceptably to endure the remaining trials of time ;
and, being preserved in liveliness and raeekness of spirit,
be prepared to enter into rest everlasting. — Farewell.
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
WILLIAM DILLWORTH CREWDSON,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.

FINIS.

ERRATA.

p. 18, I. 19, For owards, r, towards,
64, I. 7. For apers, r. papers.
135, L1&&22. Dele the quotation marks.
194, I. 13, For reverend, r, reverent.
195, I. 24. For unpreparec|, t. prepared.
197, I. '4 from bottom. For ormer, r. formeir,
483, I. 11. Insert the before victory.
The Notes at p. 14 & 74 should have been included between crotchets,
as being added by the Editors.

AN INDEX

SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL MATTERS.

••* In the case of subjects which frequently occur, the references
are confined to the more observable places.

Accommodation Bills, 391,
565.
Affirmation, 71, 80, 174, 181.
Africans — see Slave Trade —
Education of their descen
dants, 484.
Aggrandizement, Cautions
against seeking, 170, 312,
372, 421, 463, 479, 491,536.
Algiers, &c. see Captives.
Apparel, see Plainness.
Appeals, 188.
Arbitration, 69, 82, 169.
Armed Vessels, 77, 325, 426.
Books :
Advice against improper and
pernicious Books, 170,
178, 198, 202, 288, 368,
382, 396, 439, 454, 509.
The Writings and History of
the early Friends recom
mended, 466, 522.
And see Scriptures.

Captives in Algiers, Sallee,
&c. 10, 14, 18, 24, 30, 34,
61, 72, 95, 98, 101, 104,
107, 109.
Children, see Education.
Christ, see Faith &c. also Light
&c.
Church-rates (so called) see
Tithes.
Civil Government, 48, 54, 71,
353, 381.
Commerce, see Trade.
Conduct and conversation,
127, 186, 206, 219, 228,
298, 316, 321, 387, 401 to
403, 447.
Contraband and other run
Goods, 113, 132, 164, 325,
347, 382, 453.
And see Taxes.
Convinced Persons, 138, 206,
461,498, 531.
Covetousness, 96, 169, 249,
317.

00 ^

580

Creditors, Full satisfaction to,
191, 335, 382, 576.
Daily retirement in spirit, 406,
and see 530, 567, 575.
Dantzick, Severe sufferings of
Friends at, 17, 23, 46, 53,
72, &c.
Days, Against the supersti
tious observation of, 60.
Detraction, 47, 70, 90, 166,
215, 237. And see Love
and Unity.
Differences, 69, 102, 189, 654,
572. And see Arbitration,
also Love and Unity.
Discipline, see Meetings for
Discipline.
Disobedient, Calls to the, 393,
437.
Diversions, and Places of Di
version, 236,243, 255, 304,
461, 497.
Education, 68, 105, 114, 123,
133, 137, 157, 178, 185,
205, 210, 217, 222, 268,
270, 277, 294, 310, 327,
339, 349, 375, 396, 399,
494, 502, 508, 621, 529,
535, 570. And see Plain
ness, also Schools.
Elders and Overseers, 429.
Epistles, Occasional re-peru
sal of these Epistles recom
mended, 518, and see 166.
Failures, see Trade, also Cre
ditors.

Faith in our Lord Jesus ChrJstji
12, 13, 143, 149, 178, 194,
210, 230, 502. See also,
amongst other places, p. 123,
134, 167, 291, 320, 328,
355, 362, 456, 569.
Fasts, 336.
First-day of the Week, On the
right employment of, 574.
Fox, Geo., Epistles from, 11,
21, 25, 30, 37, 43, 49, 55,
64. And see 14, also p, xxii.
Funerals, 182.
Furniture, 311, 541, 555.
Government, see Civil Govern
ment.
Humility, 260, 548.
Illuminating, &c. 337, 338,
562.
Indians in North America,
478, 483, 487, 516, 526,
529, 552, 572.
Intemperance, 59, 293, 311,
379, 491.
Liberality to the Poor, 93,
198, 253, 289, 326, 377,
383, 494, 554.
Light .of Christ in the Soul, or.
Measure and manifestation
ofthe Holy Spirit, 223, 228,
247, 261, 286, 300, 434,
458, 468, 469, 509, 560.
Love and Uuity, 120 175
203, 373, 465, 516, 522'
626, 534, 664, 657.

581

Luxury and dissipation ex
horted against, 368, 400.
Marriage, 52, 59, 70, 90, 126,
137, 142, 165, 176, 179,
181,201,417.
Masters and Mistresses, 114,
331, 340, 492, 521.
Meetings for Worship, 39, 48,
178, 244, 247, 252, 264,
269, 284, 288, 295, 305,
310, 331, 344, 353, 354,
465, 469, 501, 511, 513,
534, 568, 562, 567.
Week-day Meetings, in
particular, 119, 361 —
364, 473.
Meetings for Discipline, 81,
105, 112, 116, 123, 158,
176, 189, 219, 224, 238,
276.
Ministers and Ministry, 88,
169, 194, 221, 304, 372,
495, 641.
Mourning Habits, 182, 295.
Negroes, see Slave Trade, and
Slavery.
Oaths, see Affirmation.
(Economy, or Moderation in
Expense, 182, 362, 621,
547, 555, 566.
Parents, see Education.
Pearson's Great Case of Tithes
recommended, 201, 309.
Places of Diversion, see Diver
sions.

Plainness, 39, 40,59,68, 114,
132, 150, 223, 242, 270,
277, 304, 345, 466, 513,
535.
Plays, Romances, &c. advised
against, 170, 198, 396.
Poor, 161, 169,536.
Education of theirChildren,
90, 107, 134. And see
Liberality to the Poor.
Prisoners :
Record to be kept, 2,&c.
Account of, *eeEpist.l690,
1691, 1692, 1694—1729,
1731—1738, 1741—1744,
1745, 1747-1756, 1759,
1774, 1775, 1789, 1790,
1795—1798, 1802—1805,
1808—1812, 1814, 1815.
Privateers, &c. see Armed
Vessels.
Protestant Martyrs and Re
formers, 371, 426.
Records of Sufferings, sec
Sufferings.
Regeneration, 379, 400, 413.
Removals, 446.
Revenue, see Contraband &c.
Goods.
Riches, Cautions respecting,
263, 272, 352, 377, 537.
Rise &c. ofthe Society, Sketch
of the, 356—360.
School-masters and School
mistresses, see Education.
Schools, 52, 60, 89, 96,
160. V

582

Scriptures, 123, 133, 178,
194, 202, 210, 248, 365,
476, 560.
Reading the Scriptures in
Families, 206, 217, 222,
270, 521, 530, 567.
Servants, 114, 331, 340,
521.
Slave Trade, 330, 352, 394,
417, 445, 449, 472, 484,
488, 495, 519, 526, 528.
Slavery, 394, 405, 417, 428,
566, 572.
Suflerings :
Stating and recording, 2, 4,
&c. 36, 77, 209.
Advice as to some particu
lar cases, 6, 8, 9, 14,
15.
General Advice, 113, 227,
333, 665.
Statement of Amount of
pecuniary Sufferings, see
Epist. 1700—1817. Er
roneous supposition of
their being reimbursed,
486. And see p. xxii.
-Suretiship, 391.
Taxes, &c. 78, 113, 133, 164,
325.

Testimonies, General exhor-
" tation to the support of
287,298,321,430, 487.
Tithes, and Church-rates (s»
called), &c. 46, 51, 97, 107,
207, 213, 221, 235, 309,
372, 395, 426, 482.
Trade, &c. 40, 69, 96, 137,
182, 191, 209, 225, 312,
372, 391, 421, 443, 463,
484, 547, 675.
Travellers (in business), 570.
Visitations of Divine Grace,
Earnest caution against
slighting, 437.
Visiting the Sick, 138.
Visits to Families, 130, 198,
293, 299.
War, 202, 264, 326, 433,
478, 485, 615, 522, 641.
Wills, Advice on the subject
of Wills, and on settling
outward Affairs, 60, 90,
113, 130, 172,239, 317.
Youth, 219, 243, 273, 294,
348, 378, 391, 406, 429,
450, 460, 475, 485, 501,
604, 509, 518, 531, 640,
643, 550, 555, 667, 676.

U illiain & Samuel GraYes, Printer!^
C6, Cheapside, London.

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