YALE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

RULES

OF

DISCIPLINE

OF THE

Y E A RL Y-MEE TING,

HELD

ON RHODE-ISLAND,

FOE

NEW-ENGLAND.

PRINTED BY DIRECTION OF THE MEETING.

NEW-BEDFORD :
ABRAHAM SHEARMAN, JUN., PRINTER.
1809.
RE-PRINTED BY DIRECTION OF THE MEETING,
1826.
B. Lindsey & Co., Printers. • '
ALSO, RE-PRINTED BY DIRECTION OF THE MEETING,
1840.

KNOWLES &, VOSE, PRINTERS,
PROVIDENCE, R. I.

INTRODUCTION.

Since the printing of the Book of Discipline,
about twenty-four years have elapsed, during
which period the new regulations which have
taken place have rendered it an imperfect collec
tion of the rules of the Society, and the Book
being out of print, the Yearly -Meeting committed
the revisal of our Discipline^ to the Meeting for
Sufferings, in 1807, who having with care and
diligence completed, and laid the same before the
Yearly-Meeting, in the sixth month, 1809 ; they
adopted the following as the Discipline of the
Society, and directed the same to be printed, in
order, 1st. That every quarterly and monthTy-meeting
may be furnished with a fair and correct collection
of the minutes and advices which have been agreed
to, for regulating the affairs of the society.
2dly. " That these minutes and advices being
more generally received, may be more uniformly
observed and put in practice, that order, unity,
peace and harmony, may be preserved throughout
the churches."
3dly. "That in an especial manner the youth
of the present and succeeding generations may

iv INTRODUCTION.
not only be early and more fully instructed in our
religious principles, but in the nature and design
of our Christian discipline ; and through divine
assistance be enabled to adorn our holy profes
sion, by a consistent conduct and circumspect
conversation in all godliness and honesty, thereby
avoiding the reproach which some, through a de
fection in principle, or a degeneracy in practice,
have brought upon themselves, and the body of
which they profess to be members."
4thly. " That the unfaithful, the immoral, and
the libertine professors, may be seasonably re
minded of their danger and of their duty, as well
as of the great labor, which, in much gospel love,
hath been from time to time bestowed for their
help and recovery ; and that such as continue to
despise and reject the convictions of truth, and
the counsel of their brethren, and refuse to be
reclaimed, may be made sensible that they them
selves are the cause of their separation from our
religious fellowship and communion."
And in order that these purposes may be more
fully answered, the following rules and regula
tions are, on due consideration, recommended to
the observance of friends, overseers and meetings.
And in the exercise of which, care, persuasion
and gentle dealing, ought to be our practice, la
boring in love and meekness, to bring such as
transgress to a sense of their error. But if any,
cannot be reclaimed, by our Christian endeavors,'
the extent of our judgment and procedure is, the
disowning such to be of our communion. And as
this authority and practice is Christian, so is it

INTRODUCTION. v
laudable and reasonable in society ; and as it is
attended to, in uprightness and singleness of
heart, will tend to promote the good and welfare
of the Church, and to unite in a care and concern
for the oversight one of another, that all may en
deavor to walk decently, humbly, and honestly^
and be of one mind, as becomes the servants and
followers of our Holy Lord and Law-Giver, and
to practice that commendable order, ever neces
sary in the Christian Church, agreeable to that in
junction of our blessed Lord, Matt, xviii. 15, 16,
17. " 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 : but if he will not hear
thee, then take with thee one or two more, that
in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every
word may be established ; and if he shall neglect
to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he
neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee
as an heathen man, and a publican."
Also the expressions of that" eminent apostle,
Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, iv. 8. " Fi
nally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what
soever things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things." Now, whatsoever appears
in any contrary to these, may in general be said
to come under the notice of friends, overseers, and
meetings.

vi INTRODUCTION.
And as it hath been experienced, that in those
meetings great comfort and satisfaction have been
received and enjoyed, when the members have
attended them in awe, humility and love, with no
other view than the honor of God, and the help
and assistance one of another, this meeting doth,
in brotherly love, exhort all friends carefully to
gather in uprightness and singleness of heart,
suitable to our calling, and the dignity of that
Power which will preside and govern in all our
meetings, as we meekly abide under its holy in
fluence. This will divest us of partiality and
stiffness of opinion, and all high thoughts of our
selves, and lead into patience, and condescension,
according to that declaration of our blessed Lord,
" He that is1 greatest among you, shall be your
servant."

It is to be observed, that the dates at the end of the minutes
and advices, denote the years in which they were issued by the
yearly-meeting from whence they were taken.
The book is printed with blank leaves, for the purpose of mak
ing future additions, which are to be inserted in the manner which
may be directed by the yearly-meeting. No other additions are
to be made.
fgr Additions to the present edition will be found at pages 61
74, and 128.

INDEX.

Accounts, to be frequently settled, pages 122, 146.
Acknowledgments, how to be received, 99.
Administrators. See Orphans, Wills, &c. 107.
Apparel. See Plainness, 113.
Appeals, mode, of proceeding in, 1.
Apprentices. See Parents and Guardians, 111.
Akbiteation, 3. Friends refusing to submit differences to abi-
tration, to be testified against, 4. Method of proceeding to be
observed in arbitration, 7. Not to trouble ministering friends
with, 4. See Law, 54.
Arms. See War, 147.
Auditors, to settle accounts, to be appointed by each monthly-
meeting, 117. See Stock, 139.
Awards, friends refusing to comply with, to be disowned, 5.
Assistance, of superior meetings, to be applied for and afforded, 44.
Bankruptcy. See Trade, 142.
Backbiting to be avoided, 34.
Bible. See Scriptures, 132.
Births. See Records, 125.
Books. Regulations respecting the printing, 9, and distribution of,
10. Advice against reading improper books, 9. Advice to
booksellers, 1Q. Book of discipline to be present at meetings
of business, and to be read when solid friends advise to it, 101.
Books of record to have alphabets, 126.
Burials, 11. See Records, 125. Burial-Grounds, 12.
Business, those who launch into, beyond their ability to manage in
the truth, to be timely labored with, 143.

viii INDEX.
Certificates, such as remove to have them, 127.  of min
isters who travel, to be called for, 82. To be granted to minis
ters with caution, 85. Certificate in the 6ase of marriage, 62,
64. See Records, 125. See Removals and Settlements, 127>.
Charlies. See Records, 125. See Wills, &c. 107. See Lib-
erality to the Poor, 56.
Children, 13. To be restrained, 48. To be brought up in a
diligent attendance of meetings, 73. See Books, 9. Educa
tion, 47. Plainness, 113. Records, 125. Removals, 127.
Schools, 130. Scriptures, 132. To be admitted members, at
the discretion of monthly-meetings, 15.
Christ. Faith in him exhorted to, &c. 73. Books tending to les-
sen the true faith in Christ to be discouraged, 9.
Committee, to have the care of marriages, 63.
Civil Government, 16. Advice to friends respecting their con
duct towards those in authority, 16. Advice against accepting
offices, 19 — and electing friends thereto, 20.
Clerk, of the yearly-meeting, how to be chosen, 154.
Commerce. See Trade, 142.
Collections. See Stock, 139.
Conduct and Conversation. General advices relating to, 21.
Controversies. See Appeals, 1. Arbitrations, 3.
Convinced Persons, to be visited, 23. How to be initiated, 23.
Correspondence. See Meeting for Sufferings, 70.
Covetousness, 25. Such as covej to be rich warned against, 26.
Customs, Duties, and Excise, friends cautioned against the non
payment of, 18. The unfaithful to be testified against, 19. See
Queries, 121.
Days and Times, 27. Advice against the superstitious observ
ance of, and giving improper names to, 29.
Dealing, mode of, 97—99. See Discipline, &c. 40.
Debts. Those deficient in the payment of, to be labored with,
122. No distinction to be made in the payment of, whether by
endorsement, or otherwise, 1 46.
Defamation and Detraction, 33. Mode of proceeding against
persons charged with, 35. Defamation not subject to be arbi-
trated, until the injury be proved, 8. Defamatory writings to
be discouraged, 36. See Ministers and Elders, 83.

INDEX. ix
Denied Persons, to stand disowned till reinstated, or the denial re-
versed by a superior meeting, 97.- How to be reinstated, if re
moved, 99.
Differences. Advices respecting, 38. See Appeals, 1. Arbi
tration, 3. Covetousness, 25.
Discipline, and Meetings for Discipline, 40. See Monthly-Meet-
ings, 97. Right Discipline the Lord's work, and to be done as in
his sight, 41. Persons under dealing not to sit in meetings for
business, 45.
Diversions, 52. See Conduct, &c. 21. Education, 47. Parents
and Guardians, 109. Plainness, 113.
Dress. See Plainness, 113. Parents, &c. 109. Youth, 155.
Donations and Subscriptions, of whom to be received, 46. How
to be applied, 108. Not to be received from persons under
dealing, 45.
Drowsiness, and a lukewarm spirit, &c. exhortation against, 74.

Education, 47. Of poor friends' children to be under the care of
mdnthly and quarterly-meetings, 117. See Parents and Guard
ians, 109. Plainness, 113. Poor, 116. Schools, 130.
Elders. Monthly-meetings to appoint faithful friends as Elders,
and their duty, 78. To watch over the flock, 78. To help
and inform the weak, 84. Advice to Elders, 86. See Minis
ters and Elders, 78. Queries of, 95. Monthly-Meetings, 97.
Executors. Excused from referring matters, not their own pro
perty, to arbitration, 6. To take inventories seasonably, 107.
Failures. See Trade, 142.
Faith, in Christ, exhortation to, 73.
Families, 49. Monthly -meetings to appoint suitable friends to
visit families, 49, 100. To be called together to wait on the
Lord, 110.
Fashions. See Conduct and Conversation, 21. Education, 47.
Parents and Guardians, 109. Plainness, 113.
Fasts. See Days and Times, 27.
Free Masons, 51.
Gaming and Diversions, 52. See Youth, 155.
Government. See Civil Government, 16.
2

x INDEX.
Goods, those that run, &c. to be dealt with, 18.
Grave-Stones. See, Burials, 11.
Gravity of deportment exhorted to, 74.
Guardians. See Parents and Guardians, 109. Guardians who
consent to, or encourage marriage contrary to our rules, to be
dealt with, 66. See Marriage, 59. Wills, &c. 107.
Hireling Ministry, and their Worship-Houses. Friends not to
contribute to the support thereof, 53.
Impost Duties and Excise, to be paid, 18. Such as have scruples
against, how to conduct, 18.
Impostors, pretending to the ministry, to be discouraged, 82.
Immoral transgressors, to be dealt with, 21.
Infidelity, books promoting, to be guarded against, 9.
Indecent behavior, in meetings, discouraged, 22.
Intemperance, advised against, 21.
Inns. See Conduct and Conversation, 21.
Language. See Plainness, 113. Parents and Guardians, 109.
Days and Times, 27.
Languages. Friends' children to be instructed in the modern, 47.
Law, 54. Friends not to sue one another at law, 5. Exceptions,
6, 54. See Sufferings, 140.
Legacies. See Wills, dec. 107. Queries, 123.
Liberality to the Poor, 56. 'Charity recommended, 56. Assis
tance to be afforded in sickness or scarcity. The rich warned
and advised to communicate, 56.
Love and Unity, 57. See differences, &c. 38.
Lotteries. See Gaming and Diversions, 52.
Manuscripts, to be viewed by meeting for sufferings, 70.
Marriage. General advice relating to, 59. Not to proceed un-
der twelve months after decease of former companion, 61.—
Rules for proceeding in relation to marriage, 62. The proceed-
ings of such as apply for marriage, not to be objected to on ac
count of offences before unnoticed, 97. Rules against marrying
with persons near of kin, 61. Persons taking each other with-
out consent of their monthly.meeting, to be disowned, 66. Rules

INDEX. xi
respecting such as marry contrary to the established rules of
the society, 66. See Records, 125. Queries, 121. Remo
vals, &c. 127.
Masters, Mistresses, and Servants, 68.
Meetings for Discipline, 40.
 of Ministers and Elders, 78. Their queries 95. To
annually choose or re-appoint a clerk, and keep records of their
proceedings, 80.
Meeting for Sufferings, 70. To be consulted by friends under
sufferings, 70. To take the care of printing and distributing
friends' books, 9. To have the direction of the yearly -meet
ing's stock, 71.
Meetings for Worship, 72. To be attended in due time, and not
kept out of season, 73. Nor ended too soon, or unbecomingly,
76. Caution about behavior after, 76. Exhortation to attend
those on week-days, 75. Persons professing with us, who absent
themselves from our religious meetings, to be dealt with, 77. —
Persons living at a distance, reminded to keep meetings in their
families, 73. See Ministers and Elders, &c. 78.
Meeting- Houses, 69.
Membership. See Children, 13. ' Monthly-Meetings, 97. Re
movals, &c. 127. Convinced Persons, 23.
Militia. See War, 147.
Ministers. Advice to, 91. Who are members of the meetings of
ministers and elders, 79. Young ministers, when approved, to
be reported to their monthly and quarterly-meetings, 79. Min
isters to be troubled as little as may be with being arbitrators,
4. To avoid being entangled in the affairs of this life, 83. To
be cautious of spreading reports to the disadvantage of any, 85.
To shut their ears against all private information, 83. Such
only to be permitted to travel, as are approved by their, own
monthly, or quarterly-meetings, 95. Their certificates to be
called for, 82. Those who are engaged to visit foreign parts,
advised to propose their concern to the yearly-meeting of minis
ters and elders, 94. To be ready to receive advice as well as
teach and instruct, 84. Ministry not to be judged of hastily,
but the hearers' own spirit to be first watched over, 84. All
public opposition to ministers who are not disowned, to be avoid
ed, 89. None to impose themselves as preachers, who are not
faithful in observing the various branches of our testimonies, 83.

Xii INDEX.
Mode of dealing with such as friends are not satisfied with, 90.
Re-admission of such as are disowned, 90. Advices to minis.
ters, 83, 91. To return to their habitations as soon as their
service is over, "85. See Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 78.
Ministers and Elders. See Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 78.
Living in neglect of attending meetings, to be visited and dealt
with, 89.
Moderation, exhortation to, 56. See Plainness, 113.
Months. See Days and Times, 27.
Monthly-Meetings, 97. Not to divide into two separate meet
ings, without the consent of the quarterly-meeting, 43. To ap
point overseers, 43. To appoint friends to visit families, 49,
100.' Their judgment may be appealed against, 1. What
they consist of, 43. Who refuse to comply with the judgment
of the quarterly-meeting, must appeal to the yearly-meeting, or
may be dissolved by the quarterly-meeting, 119. To encour
age setting up schools, 130. What to record. See Records,
125. See Law, 54.
Mourning habits.. Friends not to imitate the vain custom of wear-
ing or giving. See Burials, 12.
Negroes and Slaves. Friends not to reap the unrighteous profits
of slavery, 102. Such as have been held in slavery to be en
couraged in religious and virtuous lives, 103.
Oaths, not to be taken on any occasion, 105. Not to be admin-
isteied by friends in office, 106.
Offenders, how to be dealt with, 98, 99.
Orphans, Wills, Executors, &c. 107.
Overseers, to be chosen by each monthly-meeting, 43. See
Monthly-Meetings, 97.
Overseers of the Poor, to be annually appointed, and their duty,
117.
Papers, to be examined before read, with some exception, 154.
.Parents and Guardians. General advice to, 109. To provide
suitable schoolmasters, 110. To be exemplary, 110. To put
their children apprentices to honest friends, 111. To be stirred
up to their duty by monthly-meetings, 14. Such as consent to
or encourage marriages contrary to our rules, are to be dealt

INDEX. xiii
with, 66. To instruct their children, 13. To keep their child
ren to a seasonable and constant attendance of meetings, 73.
Not to place those under care from among friends, without con
sent of the monthly-meeting, 111. When friends want appren
tices, to seek our own members, 112.
Plainness, 113. See conduct, &c, 21. Education, 47. Parents
and Guardians, 109.
Poor. Poor friends to be maintained by the society, 116. . Not
to be refused relief on account of offences unnoticed by monthly-
meetings, 97. Their children to be educated by monthly-meet
ings, 117. See Schools, 130. Liberality to the Poor, 56.
Removals and Settlements, 127. s
Preparative-Meetings, 41.
Prayer, caution to ministers therein, 93.
Prize Goods. See Queries, 122.
Public Gifts, to be duly applied, 123.
Quarterly-Meetings, 118. What they consist of, 42. Select-
meetings how made up, 79. To be held the day before the
quarterly and yearly-meetings, 80. To enter all minutes and
written epistles from the yearly-meeting, in fair books, 119.
To hold meetings for Divine worship, on the first day of the
quarterly-meeting, 119. Time when and place where each
quarter is held, 119. To appoint representatives to the yearly-
meeting, 153. Their judgment may be appealed from, 118.
Not to be set up or divided into two, but by the yearly-meeting,
43. See Records, 125. Discipline, 40. May unite the select
members of two or more monthly-meetings into one select-
meeting, 79.
Queries, 121. To be considered and answered, 79. Select-
Queries, 95. See Women's Meetings, 151. Yearly-Meeting,
153. Answers to them must be plain and explicit, and approved
by, and signed in and on behalf of quarterly-meetings, 123.
Records, 125. To be open, and to whom, 43.
Removals and Settlements, 127.
Reports, evil. To be examined into before repeated, 34.
Repentance, of disorderly walkers to be recorded. See Records,
125. None after repentance to be reproached with their trans
gressions, 40. See Monthly-Meetings, 97. -

xiv INDEX.
Representatives, 43. See Yearly-Meeting, 153.
Revenues. See Civil Government, 18.
Riches. See Covetousness, 25. Education, 47. Liberality to
the Poor, 56. Parents and Guardians, 108.
Salutations, unbecoming gestures by way of, to be avoided, 129.
Schools, 130. Schoolmasters and mistresses of honest friends to
be encouraged, 130. Poor children to be educated, 131.
School committee to ne appointed, 131. No friends' children
to be sent to schools not of our society, but by the approbation
of the school committee, 131.
Scriptures. Duty of friends to cause their children to read them,
132. Books tending to corrupt the minds of youth to be dis
couraged, 132. See Children, 13. Education, 47. Parents
and Guardians, 109. Schools, 130. Queries, 121.
Servants. See Masters, &c. 68.
Sick, to be visited, 49. And assisted, 56.
Silent humble dependence on the Lord exhorted to, 86.
Simplicity. See Plainness, 113.
Slaves. See Negroes and Slaves, 102.
Sleeping in our Religious Meetings, 135. Such as continue
therein not to be employed, 135.
Spirituous Liquors, 137. The use of them advised against (ex
cept as medicine) 137.
Stock. How to be raised, and at whose disposal, 139.
Sufferings, 140. See War, 147.
Superficial acknowledgments not to be accepted, 67.
Taverns, not to be frequented unnecessarily. See Queries, 121.
Tale-bearing. See Defamation, &c. 33. Queries, 121.
Taxes mixed, the payment or non-payment of, not to be censured,
149. Such as pay those expressly for war to be dealt with
148.
Testimonies and Memorials, 141.
Treasurer, to be appointed in each meeting, and the treasury open
to women's meetings as well as men's, 117.
Trade, general advices to those concerned in, 142. Such as fail
of paying their just debts, to be dealt with, and how, 143. Mod
eration in trade recommended, 143. Those unable to comply
with their contracts, to call their creditors in time, 144. And

INDEX. XV
not to pay one creditor in preference to another, 146. See
Covetousness, 25. Families suspected to be going backward
in estate to be visited, 142.
Trustees, excused from referring matters, when the property is
not their own, to arbitration. See Arbitration, 6. Wills, &c.
107.
Visitors of Families, to be appointed, 49, 100.
War, our testimony respecting, 147. Rates or assessments for
advancing the hire of soldiers or for military men, and those
expressly for war, to be refused, 148. Caution against letting
, temporal interest induce any to contribute to war, 148. Pen
sions for military services rendered before membership with
friends, not to be received, 150.
Wills, to be made in health, 107. And according to justice and
equity, 107. See Orphans, Wills, &c. 107.
Women's Meetings, to be upheld and encouraged, 151. To ap
point representatives, 151. To proceed as the men's meetings
are advised under queries, 123. Monthly-meetings, 97. Quar
terly-meetings, 118. And Yearly-meetings, 153. How the
labors of men and women are to be united, 151.
Yearly-Meeting. Its institution and design, 153. To nominate
committees of appeals and when, 2.
Youth, caution and counsel to, 155. See Discipline, &c. 40. —
Children, 13. Education, 47. Parents and Guardians, 109.
Plainness, 113.

APPEALS.

If any person or persons shall think themselves
injured or aggrieved by the judgment of any
monthly-meeting, of which they were a member
or members, such person or persons may appeal
to the quarterly-meeting, to which the said month
ly-meeting doth belong ; provided notice be given
of sueh intended appeal, in three months after
such judgment is given ; and the appeal must be
lodged in such quarterly-meeting, within six
months after such notice.
If any persons be dissatisfied with the judgment
of any quarterly-meeting, they may appeal from
such judgment to the yearly-meeting ; the appel
lants giving notice to the said quarterly-meeting
of their intentions to appeal, within six months
after the judgment of such quarterly-meeting is
given ; and such appeal must be brought to the
next quarterly-meeting, if it may with convenience,
or to the next following.
If any appellant or appellants do not bring his,
her or their appeal to the yearly-meeting, next
ensuing, due notice once given, then, if such ap
pellants continue their appeal, notice shall be re
peated in writing to the meeting against which
3

2 APPEALS.
they may appeal, at least three months preceding
the yearly-meeting. 1745.
And when any persons manifest their intention
of appealing from the judgment of a monthly or
quarterly-meeting, that such meeting appoint a
suitable number of friends to attend the superior
meeting, with a copy of their doings signed by
the clerk, there to manifest the reason upon which
such judgment was founded : which superior meet
ing is to take said appeal into consideration, and
determine thereon, by a committee to be appoint
ed for that purpose.
It is concluded, that appeals to the yearly-meet
ing be entered and acted upon on the third day
of the week. 1806.
It is the judgment of this meeting, that month
ly-meetings have a right, in cases of reversal of
their judgment against any individual member, on
account of irregular dealing only, to take up the
case again, and proceed according to discipline :
and it is recommended to committees of superior
meetings to be careful, when reversals are made
on account of irregular dealing only, to express
the same in their report. 1807.

( 3 )

ARBITRATION.

Agreed, that the choosing of arbitrators is
proper in cases of difference about a man's pro
perty. 1684.
Whereas it sometimes happeneth, to the hurt
of truth, and grief of many friends, that differ
ences do arise amongst some professing truth,
about outward things : it is therefore by this meet
ing thought convenient, and advised, that when
any friend or friends shall hear of any such differ
ence betwixt any friends in that meeting to which
they do belong, that they forthwith speak to and
tenderly advise, the persons between whom the
difference is, to make a speedy end thereof; and if
that friend or those friends do not comply with their
advice, that then they take to them one or two friends
more, and again exhort them to end their differ
ence ; and if they or either of them refuse, then
to let them know, that it is the advice and coun
sel of friends, that they should each choose an
equal number of indifferent, impartial and judicious
friends, to hear and speedily determine the same;
and that they do bind themselves to stand to their
award and determination, or the award and deter-

4 ARBITRATION.
mination of the major part of them, that shall be
made and signed by the arbitrators.
Also this meeting doth advise, that if any per
son professing the truth among us, and esteemed
a friend, shall refuse speedily to end the differ
ence, or refer it as before advised, complaint be
made of that person or persons unto the monthly-
meeting to which he doth belong : and if after
admonition he shall refuse so to refer his case,
that then the meeting do testify against such
person, and disown him to be of our society,
until he shall comply with the equal methods
and agreements of our society, and by such his
compliance doth declare that he is for peace and
doth seek and desire it : And when any person,
so refusing, is testified against by the meeting,
and disowned, the other person may have his lib
erty to seek his remedy against him at law. 1697.
Advised, that in all cases of controversy and
difference, the persons concerned therein either
speedily compose the difference between them
selves or make choice of some faithful friends to
determine the same ; 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 reproach. 1692.
And it is the advice of this meeting, that per
sons differing about outward things do, as little
as may be, trouble public ministering friends with
being arbitrators in such cases. 1697.

ARBITRATION. 5
And that all persons differing, be exhorted by
the monthly-meeting to which they belong, when
their cases are referred, and judgment and award
made, signed and given thereupon, as aforesaid,
to stand to and perform the said award, which
they have bound themselves to perforin : And if
any shall refuse so to do, that then the monthly- '
meeting to which such person doth belong, upon
notice thereof to them given, shall appoint a suit
able committee to labor with him, and if he do
not make it evident, that there is manifest error
or injustice, they admonish him thereunto ; and
if after admonition he persist to refuse, then the
meeting to testify against him as before ; but if
such error or injustice be made to appear, then
the matter be reconsidered by the same or other
arbitrators, as in the judgment of the monthly-
meeting may appear best, and such correcting
judgment be final. And the bonds of arbitra
tion are not to be considered binding and final,
where evident error or injustice is made to appear,
and it is advised that bonds be written according
ly ; but where this is not manifest, such bonds be
conclusive and final.
It is the sense and judgment of this meeting,
that if any person professing truth with us, shall
arrest, sue, or implead at law, any other of our
members, before he hath proceeded in the me
thods herein before recommended,'that such per
son doth therein depart from the principle of truth
and the known way thereof, and acts contrary
thereunto, and ought to be dealt with by the meet
ing he belongs to, for the same ; and if he shall

6 ARBITRATION.
not give satisfaction to the meeting, for sueh his
disorderly proceedings by condemning it, and him
self therein, that then he be disowned by the meet
ing. 1697. 1692.
And if the party so sued or arrested taking with
him, or if under confinement, sending one or two
friends to the person who goes to law, shall com
plain thereof, the said person shall be required
immediately to stay proceedings ; and if he does
not comply with such requisition, the monthly-
meeting to which he belongs shall disown him, if
the case require it. 1782.
So much of the minute as doth relate simply
to the entering into bonds, and so far as arbitra
tions may be refused on account of disputes and
questions in law, relating to executors or trustees,
where the property is not their own, in both these
cases, that there be a , particular and special, re
gard had to the nature and circumstances of things,
it not being either now, nor at the time of making
the said minute, the intent of this meeting, in the
above described or other cases, to lay any unwar
rantable burthen upon any brother, nor upon the
church of God. 1720.

ARBITRATION. 7
The following method is to be observed in
proceeding in Arbitrations.
1. Each party having chosen one or two in
different, impartial and judicious friends, those so
chosen are to agree upon a third or a fifth friend,
unless the parties first agree in the nomination,
whose name shall be inserted with the others in
the bonds of arbitration, or other written agree
ment. 2. The arbitrators should not consider them
selves as advocates for the party by whom they
were chosen, but men, whose incumbent duty it is
to judge righteously, fearing the Lord. They
should shun all previous information respecting
the case, that they may not become biassed in
their judgments before they hear both parties to
gether. 3. The parties to enter into written engage
ments or bonds, if either of them require it, to
abide by the award of the arbitrators, or a major
ity of them, to be made in a limited time.
4. Every meeting of the arbitrators must be
made known to the parties concerned, until they
have been fully heard, nor shall there be any
separate private meetings between some of the
arbitrators, or with one party separate from the
other, on the business referred to them ; and no
representation of the case of one party, either by
writing or otherwise, be admitted, without its be
ing fully made known to the other, and, if re
quired, a copy to. be delivered to the other party.

8 ARBITRATION.
5. The arbitrators are to hear both parties
fully, in the presence of each other, whilst either
hath any fresh matter to offer, until a certain
time, to be limited by mutual agreement. Let
no evidence or witness be withheld or rejected.
6. If there should appear to the arbitrators,
or any of them, to be any doubtful point of law,
they are jointly to agree upon a case, and consult
counsel thereupon.
The arbitrators are not required to express in
the award their reasons for their decision. One
writing of the award is to be delivered to each
party. It is recommended to arbitrators to propose to
the parties, that they should give an acknowledg
ment in writing, before the award be made, that
they have been candidly and fully heard.
Matters of defamation are not subjects to be
arbitrated, until the defamation is proved, and
that some injury is sustained by the defamed, in
his trade, calling, or property; and in that case
the damage should be submitted to arbitration.
1782. But where damage is not proved to be
sustained, the person defaming is liable to be
dealt with, as provided under head Defamation.

( 9 )

BOOKS.

It being recommended to the meeting for suf
ferings, to take the oversight of all writings pro
posed to be printed, which relate to our religious
principles or testimonies, our members who may
have any such publications in view, are to lay
them before the said meeting for its advice and
concurrence. And it is the sense of this meeting,
that if any friend shall print or publish any such
writing, without laying it before said meeting, or
against the advice of said meeting. for sufferings,
such persons should be complained of to the
monthly-meeting they belong to, and if they can
not be convinced of the impropriety of their con
duct, be testified against, as opposed to the peace
and good order of the society.
This meeting doth earnestly exhort all parents,
heads of families, and guardians of minors, that
they prevent, as much as in them lies, their
children, and others under their care and tuition,
from having or reading books and papers tending
to prejudice the profession of the Christian re
ligion, to create the least doubt concerning the
authenticity of the Holy Scriptures, or of those
4

10 BOOKS.
saving truths declared in them, lest their infant
and feeble minds should be poisoned thereby, and
a foundation laid for the greatest evils. And it
is earnestly recommended to every member of
our religious society, that they discourage and
suppress the reading of plays, pernicious novels,
or other bad books. And printers and booksel
lers in profession with us, are cautioned against
printing, selling or lending such books, as it is
a practice inconsistent with the purity of the
Christian religion. And friends are desired to
be careful in the choice of all books in which
their children and families read, seeing there are
many under the specious titles of promoting re
ligion and morality, which contain sentiments re
pugnant to the truth in Christ Jesus.
And monthly-meetings are desired to provide
the families of poor friends, with friends' books,
and such as are adapted to the instruction and
edification of their children.
It is recommended, that the meeting for suffer
ings do distribute friends' books in such manner,
and such places, as they may think proper.

( 11 )

BURIALS

Although we do not feel disposed to enjoin
any particular mode, with respect to burials, yet
we recommend the attention of friends to the
practice of the society, as anciently described,
viz. "If the corpse of the deceased be near any
public meeting-house, it is usually carried thither,
for the more convenient reception of those that
accompany it to the grave-yard ; and it so falls out
sometimes, that while the meeting is gathering
for the burial, some or other have a word of ex
hortation, for the sake of the people there met
together; after which the body is borne away by
the young men, or those that are of their neigh
bourhood, or that were most of the intimacy of
the deceased party ; the corpse being in a plain
coffin, without any covering or furniture upon it.
At the ground, they pause sometime before they
put the body into its grave, that if any one there
should have any thing upon them to exhort the
people, they may not be disappointed, and that
the relations may the more retiredly and solemn
ly take their last leave of , the corpse of their de
parted kindred, and the spectators have a sense
of mortality, by the occasion then given them to
reflect upon their own latter end-"

12 BURIALS.
And in order that burials be commendably and
deGently accomplished, as well as for the assist
ance of those immediately concerned, monthly-
meetings are advised to appoint some solid friends
to attend thereat.
And whereas friends in some places have gone
into the vain and empty custom of erecting mon
uments over the dead bodies of friends, for dis
tinction, by tomb-stones, inscriptions, &c. and
we being very desirous friends should keep a
commendable plainness and simplicity in this, as
well as other respects ; it is therefore the advice
of this meeting, that all such monuments over
dead bodies of friends, should be removed, as
much as may be with discretion and conveniency ;
and that none be any where made or set up, near
or over the dead bodies of friends or others, in
friends' burying places, for time to come. And
it is recommended to friends, as much as may be,
to get , into the practice of burying our dead in
rows ; grown people by themselves, and children
by themselves, without any distinction of families
or relatives, and to take care that grave-yards are
decently inclosed.

According to the primitive simplicity and inno
cency of friends, it is the advice of this meeting,
that no friends imitate the world in any distinc
tion of habit or otherwise, as marks or tokens of
mourning for the dead. 1717.
Advised against imitating the vain custom of
wearing or giving mourning, and all extravagant
expenses about the interment of the dead. 1724..

( 13 )

CHILDREN.

Inasmuch as we have a large body of youth
growing up, the offspring of friends, these call for
our special care and concern, that they may be
preserved in the way of truth, in which our fore
fathers walked ; and in order thereto, we tender
ly 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 watchful eye in
love over them for their good, and keep them
as much as possible within their notice andobser-
vation ; for this we are sensible of, that the mis
carriages of youth have very much proceeded from
their being imprudently indulged, or left to them
selves, by which means they become exposed to
the danger of evil examples on the one hand, and
vicious 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 re
spect, and that they take all proper occasions,
both by example and instruction, to help their

14 CHILDREN.
children; and that mothers of children as well as
fathers, as they have frequently the best opportu
nities, would take particular care to instruct them
in the knowledge of religion, and the Holy
Scriptures ; because it has been found by experi
ence that good impressions early made on the
tender minds of children, have proved lasting
means of preserving them in a religious life and
conversation. This practice was enjoined strong
ly upon the people of Israel by Moses and Josh
ua, 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 grand-mother Lois, and his mother Eunice, 2
Tim. i. 5, who no doubt had a religious care of
his education.
But when 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 man
ner as in the wisdom of God they may see meet;
that so the doctrines of the gospel, and a conver
sation agreeable thereun.to, may be maintained
unto all generations. 1732.
It is the sense and judgment of this meeting,
that the natural right of membership extend to
all children, born of parents who are both mem
bers, and should one of the parents be disowned,
it shall not prejudice the right of those children
born afterwards, provided the other parent re
main in membership.

CHILDREN- 15
That where but one of the parents is a mem
ber, become so by application or otherwise, their
children shall not be considered members, unless
such parent make application to the monthly-
meeting, on account of their children, and the
meeting judge such children suitable to be ad
mitted as members.
And it is advised that where but one of the pa
rents are members of our society, that they en
deavor to bring up their children agreeable to
truth as far as is in their power, and when they
think it suitable for them to be members, not to
neglect asking the care of friends in their behalf.
1774.

( 16 )

civil government-

It is our principle, and hath ever been our
practice, to be subject to whatsoever government
is set over us, either by doing or suffering. 1660,
renewed in 1782.
This is our principle, and hath ever been our
practice, to obey authority by doing or suffering,
not disputing whether the authority in itself be
absolutely of God or not, yet being an authority
over us, we are to obey it either by doing or suf
fering, because it is an authority. 1661, renewed
1782. Advised to walk wisely and circumspectly to
wards all men, in the peaceable spirit of Christ
Jesus, giving no offence or occasions to those in
outward government, nor way to any controver- •
sies,, heats, and distractions of this world, about
the kingdoms of it ; but to pray for the good of
all, and submit all to that divine power and wis
dom which rule over the kingdoms of men. 1689.
This meeting was well satisfied, and very glad
of the sense they had of the innocency and peace-
ableness of the body of friends in general, towards
the civil government under which we live, and en
joy our present liberty in the peaceable exercise

CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

17

of our tender consciences towards Almighty God,
to whom we are humbly thankful for the same,
being obliged to demean ourselves not only as
grateful people, but as a Christian society, to live
peaceably and inoffensively under the present
government, as we have always done under the
various revolutions of government, ever since we
were a people, according to our ancient Christian
principle and practice; in which we hope we
shall ever persevere, according as we are enjoined
by our peaceable Saviour Jesus Christ, and the
Christian advice of his faithful servants and min
isters among us : We being a people clear, in the
sight of God, from all evil designs, plots, and con
spiracies whatsoever, and hope we shall continue
a people always quiet in the land, having nothing
but love and good will to all men.
Persuaded this our ancient Christian testimony,
publicly owned among us, none can gainsay, nor
any faithful friends can ever decline ; being as
sured, that the Lord will, in his own due time,
remove all offences and causeless jealousies and
reproaches, tending to cloud our innocency, and
will set his own power and the peaceable king
dom of his dear Son over all. 1692.
We cannot for conscience sake actively, com
ply with some things enjoined by human laws, yet
the principles we profess, as well as the Holy
Scriptures, require that we should "render unto
Csesar the things that are Caesar's," and be punc
tual in the payment of every tribute, which we
can justly do, without acting in opposition to
that sacred illumination bestowed upon us by the

5

18 CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
Father of Lights, not only to teach, but also to
enable us to perform every duty with uprightness
and integrity, both to God, and to those who, in
the course of his providence, are placed in au
thority. 1757.
For the preservation of our fellow-members, it
appears necessary for this meeting to issue forth
the following advices, viz.
That they strictly adhere to our long professed
and invariable principle, against being concerned
in pulling down and setting up, or bringing about
revolutions in outward government, by outward
force, human policy or contrivance ; and also that
they be not deceived with the flattering prospect
of being clothed with secular authority, either
legislative, judicial or executive, knowing these
things have a tendency rather to brace the mind
with pride, and expose to various temptations,
than to humble the creature; therefore shun
temptation, seek humility, the way to be clothed
with authority in the truth, and be contented with
the honor and dignity thereof. 1782.
It is our sense and judgment, that no friend
can, consistent with our Christian testimony, run,
or make, or countenance on his behalf to be
made, any short entries of goods, wares or mer
chandize, imported, on which the government
have laid any impost, duties or excise ; but that
a true and honest manifest thereof be exhibited
to the proper office for receiving the same ; and
if there should be any who have a conscientious
scruple against the payment of such impost, du-

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. jg
ties or excise, which may now or hereafter be
required, they acquaint the officer or the govern
ment therewith, who we doubt not will be tender
in that respect; as we, as a people, mean to
be subject to the laws passively, where our con
sciences restrain from active compliance there
with. And if any of our members should act incon
sistently herewith, or should buy or vend any
goods, knowing them to be run or short entered,
that monthly-meetings deal with such as disor
derly walkers.
Liberty of conscience being the common right
of all men, and particularly essential to the well-
being of religious societies, hence we hold it to
be indispensably incumbent upon us to maintain
it inviolably among ourselves; and therefore ad
vise and exhort all in profession with us, to de
cline the acceptance of any office or station in
civil government, the duties of which are incon
sistent with our religious principles, or in the
exercise of which they may be under the neces
sity of exacting of their brethren any complian
ces against which we are conscientiously scrupu
lous. And if any persons in membership with
us, notwithstanding this advice, shall persist in a
conduct so reverse to our principles and religious
liberty, it is the sense of this meeting that they
be treated with as in other cases of offence ; and
if they cannot be brought to see and acknowledge
their error, that the monthly-meeting to which
they belong should proceed to testify our disunity
with them.

20 CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
And it is the sense and judgment of this meet*
ing, that friends ought not> in any wise, to be
active or accessary in electing, or promoting to be
elected, their brethren to such offices or stations
in civil government, the execution whereof tends
to lay waste our christian testimony, or subject
their brethren or others to sufferings on account
of their conscientious scruples.
Believing that we are called to show forth ta
tbe world, in life and practice, the blessed reign
of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace ; under the in
fluence of these principles, we cannot consistently
join with such as form combinations of a hostile
nature against any ; much less in opposition to
those placed in sovereign or subordinate author
ity ; nor can we unite with or encourage such as
revile and asperse them, for it is written "thou
shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."
Acts xxiii. 5i

( 21 >

CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.

We earnestly beseech all friends, and the
youth especially, to avoid all such conversation
as tends to draw out their minds into the foolish
and wicked pastimes with which this age abounds ;
particularly balls, gaming-places, horse-races and
play-houses, those nurseries of debauchery and
wickedness, the burthen and grief of the sober
part of other societies, as well as of our own ;
practices wholly unbecoming a people under the
Christian profession, &c.
And where any professing with us are found
transgressing this advice, or are in the practice of
any immoralities, or other reproachful conduct,
that the monthly -meeting where such transgress
ors belong deal with them.
It is earnestly recommended to all friends, re
sorting to our annual or other public assemblies,
to be very careful at their inns, or other places
where they may lodge or converse, to be prudent
in all manner of behavior, both in public and
private ; avoiding all intemperance in eating and
drinking, and likewise foolish jesting, or any un
due liberty whatsoever; that our conversation,

22 ' CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
seasoned with the fear of God, may appear cor
respondent to our profession, and answer the
witness of God in others. 1739.
It is the sense of this meeting, that chewing
tobacco, and taking of snuffy unnecessary going
out. of our religious meetings, laughing and other
indecent behaviour therein, and frequent or un
necessary conversation at the breaking up thereof,
are practices inconsistent with Christian gravity,
and unbecoming the solemnity of the occasion ;
and friends are desired to labour to suppress the
same, and where any, contrary to the Christian
advices of their brethren or sisters, continue there
in, it is recommended to the meetings they belong
to, to deal with them as with those who refuse
the advice of their friends.

( 23 )

CONVINCED PERSONS.

We esteem it very necessary and requisite,
that young convinced and well inclined persons
be early visited in the love of God, by faithful
friends, for their encouragement, help, and fur
therance in truth. 1710.
We earnestly entreat that an holy care may
rest upon all professors of truth, to walk circum
spectly as good examples; that in a particular
manner the ministers and elders may carefully
watch, that their conduct may be to the edifica
tion and strength of the honest, though some
times weak, inquirers. 1753.
Advised, that for initiating convinced persons
into membership with us, that they apply to a
preparative meeting and make their request, and
if the preparative meeting approve the same,
that they inform the monthly-meeting thereof,
whereupon the monthly-meeting may appoint
some suitable friends to inquire into their lives
and conversations, and also take a solid oppor
tunity of conference, with them, in order the
better to understand, whether their motives for
such request be sincere, and from true conviction,

24 CONVINCED PERSONS.
and make report of their suitableness to become
members accordingly, which if satisfactory to the
meeting, a minute be then made thereon, signify
ing their acceptance of such persons as members
of our society.
But in all such cases, friends are desired care
fully to attend to the advice of the apostle, viz.
"Lay hands suddenly on no man."

( 25 )

COVETOUSNESS

Let none strive nor eovet to be rich in this
world, in these changeable things that will pass
away; but let your faith stand in the Lord God,
who changes not, that created all, and gives the
increase of all. 1676.
We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
warn and charge all that profess the truth amongst
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 difference abput these
things do happen among you, to stop and sup
press it. 1697.
As our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted
and warned to take heed and beware of .covetous
ness, which is idolatry, we are concerned that
all professing Christianity among us may take
heed of pride, covetousness, and hastening to
be rich in the world, which are pernicious and
growing evils ; let them be watched against, re
sisted and suppressed, in the fear and dread of
Almighty God, and have no place or counte
nance in his camp. O ye grave elders, both men
6

26 COVETOUSNESS.
and women! be careful and watchful against
these evils, and over the youth in these cases.
1720. 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 temp
tation 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."
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 stead
fastness. 1740.

( 27 )

DAYS AND TIMES.

Some reasons for not observing Fasts and Feast Days
and Times, and other human injunctions and institu
tions relative to the worship of God.
Ever since we were a people we have had a
testimony against formal worship, being convin
ced by the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
testimonies of his apostles, and our own experi
ence, that the worship and prayers which God
accepts, are such only as are produced by the
influence and assistance of his Holy Spirit ; we
cannot therefore consistently unite with any in
the observation of public fasts, feasts, and what
they term holy days; or such injunctions and
forms as are devised in man's will for divine
worship ; the dispensation to which outward ob
servations were peculiar, having long since given
place to the spiritual dispensation of the gospel,
we believe the fast we are now called to is not
the bowing of the head like a bulrush for a day,
but an universal and continual fasting and refrain
ing from every thing which has a tendency to de
file the soul and unfit it for becoming the temple
of the Holy Ghost, according to the injunctions
of Christ to his primitive disciples, "If any man
will come after me, let him take up his daily cross
and follow me. Watch ye therefore and pray
always, that ye may be accounted worthy to es-

28 DAYS AND TIMES.
cape all these things that shall come to pass, and
to stand before the Son of Man." That the
primitive believers saw an end to these shadows
of good things, by coming to him in whom all '
figures and shadows end, is evident by the
words of the apostle Paul ; " for Christ," said he,
"is the end of the law, for righteousness to every
one that believeth." Rom. x. 4. "But now
hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by
how much also he is the mediator of a better
covenant, which was established upon better
promises.'' Heb. viii. 6. "Let no man there
fore judge you in meat or drink, or in respect of
an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sab
bath days, which are a shadow of things to come,
but the body is of Christ." Col. ii. 16, 17. And
the same apostle thus expostulated with some
who it appears had fallen from the true faith in
these respects: "But now, after that ye have
known God, or rather are known of God, how
turn ye again to the beggarlyselements, whereunto
ye desire again to be in bondage. Ye observe
days, and months, and times, and years : I am
afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you la
bor in vain." Gal. iv. 9, 10, 11.
Whilst therefore, it is our earnest concern, that
we may be found worshippers within the temple,
it is affectionately desired that our members may
be individually cautious not to give occasion of
additional suffering to the truly conscientious
amongst us, by any compliance with such observ
ances as our worthy ancestors were rightly con
cerned to bear testimony against.

DAYS AND TIMES. 29
Advised that all friends keep to the simplicity
of truth, and our ancient testimony, in calling
and writing the months and days by scripture
names (that is numerical) and not by heathen.
1697. And that you may the more clearly discern
the importance of that Christian testimony
borr^e by our predecessors in this case, we re
commend what follows to your serious considera
tion, viz.

A brief account of the origin of the names of some
months of the year, and of all the days of the week,
now customarily and commonly used.
I. January was so called from Janus, an an
cient king of Italy, whom heathenish supersti
tion had deified, to whom a temple was built, and
this month dedicated.
II. February was so called from Februa, a
word denoting purgation by sacrifices ; it being
usual in this month for the priests of the heathen
god Pan to offer sacrifices, and perform certain
rites, conducing, as was supposed to the cleans
ing or purgation of the people.
III. March was so denominated from Mars,
feigned to be the god of war, whom Romulus,
founder of the Roman empire, pretended to be
his father.
IV. April is generally supposed to derive its
name from the Greek appellation of Venus, an
imaginary goddess worshipped by the Romang.

30 DAYS AND -TIMES.
V. May is said to have been so called from
Maia, the mofher of Mercury, another of their
pretended ethnick deities, to whom in this month
they paid their devotions.
VI. June is said to take its name from Juno,
one of the supposed goddesses of the heathen.
VII. July, so called from Julius Caesar, one of
the Roman emperors, who gave his own name to
this month, which before was called Qnintilis, or
the fifth.
VIII. August, so named in honor of Augus
tus Csesar, another of the Roman emperors. —
This month was, before called Sextilis, or the
sixth. The other four months, namely, September,
October, November and December, still retain
their numerical Latin names, which, according to
the late regulation of the calendar, will for the
future be improperly applied. However, from
the continued use of them hitherto, as well as
from the practice of the Jews before the Babylon
ish captivity,* it seemeth highly probable, that the
method of distinguishing the months by their nu
merical order only, was the most ancient, as it is
the most plain, simple and rational.
As the idolatrous Romans thus gave names to
several of the months in honour of their pretend
ed deities; so the like idolatry prevailing among
our Saxon ancestors, induced them to call the
days of the week by the name of the idol which
on that day they peculiarly worshipped. Hence
* See the Scriptures to the time of Ezra.

days and times. 31
the First day of the week was by them called
Sunday, from their accustomary adoration of the
sun upon that day.
The Second day of the week they called Mon
day, from their usual custom of worshipping the
moon on that day.
The Third day of the week they named Tues
day, in honour of one of their idols called Tuisco.
The Fourth day of the week they called
Wednesday, from the appellation of Woden, an
other of their idols.
The Fifth day of the week was called Thurs
day, from the name of an idol called Thor, to
whom they paid their devotions on that day.
The Sixth day of the week was termed Friday,
from the name of Friga, an imaginary goddess
by them worshipped.
The Seventh day of the week they styled Sat
urday, as is supposed from Saturn or Seater, by
them then worshipped.*
In the ages of Popish superstition, not only the
use of such heathenish names and customs was
indulged, but also other unsound and unscriptur
al practices in religion were invented and intro
duced. For when the profession of the Christian
religion became national, multitudes of the heath
en priests, whose interest lay in the performance
of rites, ceremonies, and sacrifices, embraced
prevailing Christianity with selfish views, and la
bored early, with too much success, to find em
ployment for themselves, by imposing on the peo-
* See Verstregan and Sheringham.

32 DAYS AND TIMES.
pie a new set of ceremonies and sacrifices, bear
ing some resemblance to those, which in their
former state of heathenism they had been accus
tomed to. From this corrupt source sprang the
Popish sacrifice of the mass, the celebration of
which, at particular times, and on particular oc
casions, gave rise to the vulgar names of Michael
mas, Martinmas, Christmas, and the like.
Seeing therefore that these appellations and
names of days, months, and times, are of an idol
atrous or superstitious original, contrary to the
divine command, the practice of good and holy
men in former ages, and repugnant to the Chris
tian testimony borne by our faithful friends and
predecessors in the truth, for the sake of which
they patiently endured many revilings ; let neither
the reproach of singularity, nor the specious
reasonings of such as would evade the cross of
Christ, turn you aside from the simplicity of the
gospel, nor discourage you from keeping to the
language of truth, in denominating the months
and days according to the plain and scriptural/
way of expression, thereby following the example
of our worthy elders, and coming up in a noble
and honorable testimony against these, and all
other remains of idolatry and superstition.
From the Meeting for Sufferings in London,
the sixth day of the seventh month, 1751.

( 33 )

DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.

Advised to watch against all tale-bearing arid
defaming friends or others, or evil- speaking tend
ing thereunto; and shut out all occasions of
offences, contentions and divisions, and to put a
speedy stop thereto, passing righteous judgment
upon all, who appear instruments of divisions and
offences, contrary to that peaceable truth and
gospel we profess to be guided by. Be kind and
tender hearted one to another, earnestly laboring
for universal love, union, and peace in our re
ligious society.
But when any hath received offence from an
other, let him first speak privately to the party of
fending, and endeavor reconciliation between them
selves, and not ta whisper, or aggravate matters
against one another, behind their backs, to the
making parties, and the breach wider. 1692.
Let those just and ancient commands of God
be observed, Levit. xixr 16, "Thou shalt not go
up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people;"
and Exodus xxiii. 1, "Thou shalt not raise a false -
report." In the fear of the Lord stand against
all whisperers, backbiters,tale-bearers, defamers,
and slanderers, and against all whisperings, back-
7

34 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.
bitings, 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. 1695.
Be careful to avoid all backbitings, whisperings^
and tale-bearings; for "The words of a tale-bear r
er," 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;" but when you hear
a thing tending to the defamation of any, inquire of
the reporter, whether he has acquainted the per
son affected thereby with such a report; if not,
caution him to forbear spreading the same, lest
the reputation of the innocent be injured thereby.
Endeavor to put a speedy stop to all such wicked
practices, and works of darkness, justly condem-
jiable, not only in the authors but the encouragers
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. 5, 7. 1738.
We 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 ev
ery practice of that nature, observing the advice
of the apostle, " Let all bitterness, wrath, and an
ger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away
from you, with all malice ; be ye kind one to an-

DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 35
other, 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." Mat.
viii. 12. 1748.
It is the advice of this meeting, that any person
charged with defamation or scandal, ought to be
proceeded against in the manner and by the sev
eral steps following.
First, the person defamed, or supposed to be
defamed, in his own person, or any other to whom
the knowledge of the case shall come, to go to the
accused and tell him his fault, or supposed fault,
between them alone, and by the best method he
is capable of, to labor to convince him of it, in
order to his acknowledgement of the truth and re
pentance, if he appears to be guilty. But if the
accused shall appear, either through ignorance not
to apprehend the validity of the proof, or through
wilfulness not to yield to it, or being convinced,
shall refuse to make such satisfaction as the na
ture of the case requires, (that being the conse
quence of true repentance;) in such case the ac
cuser to take with him one or two more of the
monthly -meeting the accused belongs to, if it may
be conveniently done ; and if the accused thinks
fit, he may bring with him one or two friends also
of the same monthly-meeting, if it may be con
veniently done ; and they, together, in the wis
dom of God, to endeavor to obtain the true
knowledge of the case, by hearing witnesses, if
there be occasion. And if they all judge him

36 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.
gililty, and he doth hot make satisfaction ; or if
they do not all agree that he is innocent; in either
of these cases happening, the person charging is
at liberty to bring the matter before the church,
who are the only judges now remaining, both of
the nature of the fact, and the validity of the
proof of it; and they, in the wisdom of God,
which we hope will not be wanting to his church,
as they humbly wait on him for it, to deal with
him for the good ends before mentioned, and as
they see cause, upon a mature and deliberate con
sideration, to justify or condemn him. And if
the church shall see meet to commit the consid
eration of a case of this nature, for better dis
patch, to certain persons of their own body, we
recommend it as our tender advice, in case the
accused shall object against one or more of the
friends so chosen, that the church have a due re
gard to such objection, and set aside the person
or persons so objected against, and substitute an
other or others in his or their room, provided such
objection doth not extend to the major part of the
friends so chosen; and in general, we desire all
tenderness and regard may be had to a person
under such circumstances ; and that friends, in a
spirit of love and condescension, should be ready
to make him as easy as they can, provided they
keep up the authority of their meetings.
Nameless books, pamphlets, and papers, re
flecting darkly on friends, are testified against;
and it is desired that no such book, pamphlet or
paper, be written, printed, published, or privately

DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 37
handed about, by any under our profession, for
the time to come. 1718.
If you hear a report of a friend (to his disad
vantage) be careful not to report it again, but go
to the person of whom the report is, and inquire
if it be true ; then deal with such person for it,
according to the doctrine of Christ, Mat. xviii.
16, 17; but if false, then endeavor as much as in
you lies, to stop such report: For, as Solomon
says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than
great riches." Prov. xxii. 1. 1719.
Whereas it may happen, that some friends may
suffer much in their reputation and character, by
a detracting spirit, which too much prevails among
some bearing our name, who shelter themselves
under a pretence that they say no more than they
have heard from others, but will not discover who
they are ; wherefore to prevent this evil of report
ing and tale-bearing, it is agreed, that such re
porters or tale bearers shall either discover their
authors, or be dealt with, and testified against, as
the authors thereof. 1744.

( 38 )

DIFFERENCES AND DISPUTES.

Advised that friends be tender to the principle
of God in all, and shun the occasion of vain dis
putes and janglings, both amongst themselves
and others ; for this many times is like a bluster
ing wind, that hurts and bruises the tender buds
of plants. 1676.
Seeing our comfort as a people, depends upon
our care to, maintain peace and fellowship amongst
brethren, in all our services, we earnestly recom
mend an humble and condescending frame of
spirit unto all ; that with godly fear, wisdom and
meekness, we may be so ordered in all our re
spective services, that every high and rough
thing may be laid low, that all occasions of
striving may be prevented, and the peace of the
church of Christ preserved and increased amongst
us. And to this purpose it is tenderly advised, that
we diligently and carefully observe the comely
and blessed gospel order, so long known and in
practice amongst us, in the spirit of meekness
and of a sound mind, which is the way to crush
all differences in their infancy, and suppress the

DIFFERENCES AND DISPUTES. 39
rise as well as stop the progress of every thing
that is unseemly, and inconsistent with the testi
mony of the precious truth. 1699.
Advised that a spirit of love and humility may
more and more diffuse itself among us, and influ
ence the hearts of all, so that every one may come
to seek peace and pursue it ; and that none be
apt to take offence ; but each, in his own particu
lar, be more careful to rectify his own failings
and imperfections, than curious in observing, cen
suring and aggravating, those of others. This
will lead to the exercise of mutual forbearance
and forgiveness one of another, by which the oc
casions of contention will be avoided, and the
church preserved in a state of peace and tranquil
lity. 1736.

( 40 )

DISCIPLINE-ANP MEETINGS FOR
DISCIPLINE.

Advised that the church's testimony and judg
ments against disorderly and scandalous walkers,
as also the repentance and condemnation of the
parties restored, be recorded in a distinct book,
in the respective monthly and quarterly-meetings,
for the clearing of truth, friends, and our holy
profession ; to be produced and published by
friends for that end and purpose, so far only as in
God's heavenly wisdom they shall see needful.
And it is also our advice, in the love of God,
that after any friend's repentance and restoration,
he abiding faithful in the truth that condemns the
evil, none among you so remember his transgres
sion, as to cast it at him, or upbraid him with it ;
for that is not according to the mercies of God.
1675. Earnestly recommended, 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 :

DISCIPLINE, &c. 41
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 pri
vate 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 servicable 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 persons.
" 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
judgment is God's." Deut. i. 16, 17. And in
the management of such affairs, they will find
their own spirits rightly seasoned and prepared
for every work and service to which they may be
called; and all disorderly proceedings, arising
from the heat of our own spirits, will thereby 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 com
fort. 1726.
And in order for the regular and easy proceed
ing in the service and discipline of the church,
meetings have1 been by divine assistance, as above
hinted., set up and established, serviceable and sub
ordinate one unto another, as preparative, con
sisting of 'friends belonging to one or more par
ticular meetings for worship : Monthly, consisting
8

42 DISCIPLINE, AND
of as many preparatives as may most usefully
compose the same : Quarterly, to consist of as
many monthly-meetings as are thought useful to
constitute the same, to meet together once in
three months : Yearly, consisting of all the quar
terly-meetings in New-England, to meet annually,
in the sixth month, on Rhode Island, for a great
and weighty oversight and Christian care of the
affairs of the churches, pertaining to our holy1
profession and Christian communion ; that good
oftter, true love, unity and concord, may be faith
fully followed and maintained among all of us as
a peculiar people, called and chosen out of the
world, and the errors and corruptions thereof. —
And as it hath been experienced, that in those
meetings great comfort and satisfaction have been
received and enjoyed, when the members have
attended them in awe, humility and love, with no
other views but the service of God, and the help
and assistance one of another ; this meeting doth
therefore, in brotherly love, exhort all friends
carefully to gather in uprightness and singlenesi
of heart, suitable to our calling, and the dignity
of that power, which as we behave wisely and
meekly, will preside and govern in all our meet
ings : This will divest us of partiality and stiff
ness of opinion, and all high thoughts of our
selves, and raise in us patience and condescen
sion, according to that excellent admonition of our
blessed Lord, that he that is greatest amongst you
be your servant.
Agreed that no quarterly-meeting be set up,
divided into two, or discontinued, but by the

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 43
yearly-meeting ; no monthly-meeting, but by the
quarterly; no preparative, or meeting of worship,
but by the monthly-meeting, which is "the lowest
meeting that has the right of disowning members.
These meetings are to continue subordinate and
accountable, thus ; The preparative to the month
ly, the monthly to the quarterly, and the quar
terly to the yearly-meeting ; so that if at any
time the yearly-meeting be dissatisfied with the
proceedings of any of the said meetings, or the
quarterly-meeting with the proceedings of any
of the monthly-meetings, or the monthly-meeting
with the proceedings of any of the preparative-
meetings within its limits, such meetings ought
with readiness and meekness to render a satisfac
tory account accordingly ; and that our records
be open to any of our meetings, particular mem
bers, and to such others as the respective month
ly-meetings may think necessary, for the ascer
taining of marriages, births, or other rights.
That each monthly-meeting choose two or more
sober and judicious men friends, and two or more
women friends, to be overseers in eaeh prepara
tive meeting, which overseers are to render ac
count of their service to the monthly-meeting
at least once a quarter, and to be annually ap
pointed or re-chosen.
That there be a sufficient number (at least two)
of friends appointed by each monthly-meeting, as
representatives to attend the service of the quar
terly-meeting to which they belong ; such as are
qualified for, and whose business it is to attend to
the seasonable despatch and completion of the

44 DISCIPLINE, AND
same ; they taking with them what may be spe
cially committed to them by the monthly-meeting,
which should be in writing ; and in like manner,
the quarterly-meeting is to appoint at least four
representatives to the yearly-meeting, who are to
make report to the meeting that appoints them,
that full endeavors be used in every monthly-
meeting to seasonably end all business or cases
that come before them ; and where any such meet
ing needs assistance, to the due accomplishment
thereof, they apply to superior meetings for their
advice, assistance or determination therein, as the
nature of the case may require ; and in like man
ner, after due care and endeavors are used, to end
any matter before a quarterly-meeting, they apply
to the next yearly-meeting.
Let a necessary inquiry be raised in the minds
of all, the members of the church, who have had
any part of the Lord's work upon them, how they
have acquitted themselves therein, and discharged
themselves in the sight of God ; forasmuch as a
day comes on apace, in which an account of our
stewardship will be required at our hands. The
disipline of the society, in some places at a low ebb,
would again be revived and strengthened, if this
awful sense of rendering an account of our trust,
and the importance of being clear from the blood
of all men were enough impressed upon all minds.
And, dear friends, as it is the Lord's work, let it be
done as in his sight. Let all our answers to the
queries be plain and explicit. Let a due sense
of the state of the church prevail on your minds,
rather than unwillingness to appear deficient

MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 45
among your brethren. May a suitable engage
ment of mind prevail on all the active members
of the church, to acquit themselves with faithful
ness, that they may at last receive the crown of
righteousness which will never fade away. 1760.
It is the judgment of this meeting, that no per
son that is out of unity with friends ; or under
dealing of friends for any miscarriage, ought to
be suffered to sit in meetings of business, nor
their collections to be received, but be desired to
withdraw from such meetings, until such time as
they give satisfaction for such their miscarriage.
1706. Revived, 1822.

( 46 )

DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS.

As to subscriptions, collections and donations,
for public uses, it is our sense and judgment, they
ought to be taken and received from members of
our society ; or, in their behalf, of such whose
families, or part s thereof, are members, and no
others; except such donations, &c. be made in
and by a last will and testament.

( 47 )

EDUCATION.

Advised that friends who are of ability, and
have the prosperity of truth at heart, would in the
education of their children take care, as suitable
opportunities and occasions may offer, to let them
be instructed in some modern tongues, as French,
High and Low Dutch, Danish, &c. that so when
Jhey are grown up, as it shall please the Lord to
dispose and incline them, they may be of service
to the church. 1737.
As the right education of children, and the
nurture of youth, is of very great consequence to
them and to the succeeding generation, we pres->
singly exhort all parents, and heads of families,
to procure such useful learning for their children,
as their abilities will admit; and to encourage
them, as well by example as precept, to the fre
quent reading of the Holy Scriptures ; and that
they begin, as early as possible, to instil into their
tender minds the principles of truth and virtue ;
and instruct them in the nature and necessity of
being born from above, without which, our Lord
declared, no man shall see the kingdom of God ;
and, in order hereunto, that they labor to bring
them acquainted with the holy seed, which is

48 EDUCATION.
sown by the divine hand in every heart, for that
gracious end; that they may, through, the Lord's
blessing of such pious and paternal endeavors, be
induced to place their affections upon it, and
cleaving thereto in faithful obedience, come to ex
perience 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 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." It is re
quisite 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. in
clination to dangerous or hurtful liberties, than
afterwards ; for where children, through the pre
valence of fond affection, have been accustomed
to improper indulgences, when they are grown to
such a dangerous degree of ripeness,' that the ex
ertion of authority hath become absolutely neces
sary, the strength of their passions so habituated
hath often proved unconquerable, or very difficult
to overcome, to the great hurt of the unhappy
youth, and the unspeakable grief of the impru
dently indulgent parents. 1760.

( 49 )

FAMILIES-

Fqbasmuch as a godly care is growing among
friends in many places, that all things which are
unsavory and hurtful may be removed, so that all
who profess the precious truth with us, may come
up together in the good order of the gospel, for
the furthering of which, and encouraging thereto,
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 ; and they are desired to advise
and admonish, in the peaceable spirit of truth, as
occasion may offer. 1708.
And we beseech you, brethren, let the tender
advice of such as shall undertake so brotherly an
office, meet with a kind and open reception, that
in the mutual giving and receiving of wholesome
counsel and advice, you may co-operate to the
help and furtherance of each other's faith, and
the reviving our ancient Christian testimony. —
1752. Let the Christian duty of visiting the sick be
timely remembered and practised, it having often
9

50 FAMILIES.
left comfort, ease and sweetness, upon the spirits
of many to their very end. 1710.
A weighty concern being livingly impressed on
our minds in this meeting, that good service may
arise from visiting the families of our brethren,
by rightly concerned friends, we are engaged to
recommend it to the sensible members of the
body, and to monthly and quarterly-meetings, to
feel deeply after the pointings of truth ; and that
as this divine principle opens their way, they may
promote this useful service in their respective
meetings, by appointing suitable friends, of either
or both sexes, who are desired to proceed therein
in the love of the gospel, and under the tendering
influence thereof; which we have good cause to
hope may thus be attended with beneficial effects
to the visited, and with solid satisfaction, and ad
ditional experience in the work of truth, to those
who may be engaged therein. 1773.

( 51 )

FREE-MASONS,

As to the consistency of the members of our
society joining themselves in the meetings or
public entertainments of those called free-masons,
we have deliberated upon, and, according to our
present judgment, think it is not consistent with
our religious profession ; and advise that quarterly
and monthly -meetings dissuade their members
therefrom; and if any do join therewith, contrary
to the advice herein contained, that they be dealt
with.

( 52 )

GAMING AND DIVERSIONS.

As our time passeth swiftly awayi, and our delight.
Ought to be in the law of the Lord ; it is advised
that a Watchful care be exercised over our youth,
to prevent their going to stage-plays, horse-races,
music, dancing, or any such vain sports and pas
times, and being concerned in lotteries, wagering
or other species of gaming. And if any of our
members fall into either of these practices, and -
cannot be prevailed upon, by private labor to de
cline them, the monthly-meeting to which such
belong, should be informed thereof, and if they be
not reclaimed by further labor, proceed to testify
our disunity with them.

( 53 )

HIRELING MINISTRY, AND THEIR
WORSHIP-HOUSES.

Our ancient testimony against aft hireling min
istry, or any contributions to the maintenance and
support thereof, being founded on the example and
precepts of our Lord, and his primitive followers
and disciples; it is the Sense of this meeting, that
friends be careful to support the same, by a faith
ful testimony against Contributing towards their
Salaries, by tax or otherwise, and against tbe'
building or repairing their meeting-houses.

( 54 )

LAW.

Whereas some persons professing with us,
have proved so base and unworthy, as when they
have run themselves into debt, to remove them
selves or their effects, to prevent justice ; where
by those creditors, who are friends, have been de
prived of an opportunity of the common method
of friends, specified in the minute of 1697, re
specting arbitrations ; it is hereby declared, that
the last paragraph of said minute, which prohib
its friends to sue or arrest one another, is not in
tended to prevent such evil persons in those prac
tices from being dealt with by a legal process, as
the nature of the case may require : Of which
circumstance the monthly and quarterly-meetings
are the proper judges ; so it is not doubted but
they will do justice to the parties concerned
therein. And this meeting doth request every
monthly-meeting to appoint and depute proper
persons out of their several meetings, for such
friends as have occasion, to advise with, in the
intervals of monthly-meetings, and, if they see
cause, to give liberty to recover as above. 1720.

LAW. 55
And as it may happen, that by sudden losses,
or unforeseen accidents, or otherwise, a friend
may be reduced, and unable to pay all just debts,
and his creditors falling suddenly upon him by
suits or attachments, foreclose a due proportion
of a just debt due to a friend, if the advice spe
cified in the minute of 1697, respecting arbitra
tions, be strictly attended to ; it is therefore to be
understood, that, in all such sudden or extraordi
nary occasions, friends are left to their liberty to
secure their just debts in a legal manner; provid
ed they, in all cases, submit the attachment to
come into a general average, upon a just settle
ment with all the other equitable demands, and to
receive their dividends, according to their de
mands, with all the rest.

( 56 )

LIBERALITY TO THE POOR.

It is desired that sueh 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 with regard
to the poor ; that the tokens of your charity may
commend your memorial, and be good precedents
to generations to come. 1696.
We find ourselves at this time engaged to re
quest, that where provisions and the necessaries
of life are dear and scarce, or sickness doth re
markably afflict, friends would in proportion to
such scarcity and affliction, exert their charitable
assistance to the poor, which is our Christian duty,
as stewards of the mercies wherewith the Lord
has intrusted us. 1729.
"Let your moderation be known unto all men."
" Warn those that are rich in this world, that they
trust not in uncertain riches," nor apply them to
the indulging their appetites in pleasure and van
ity ; 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 the af
fluence and increase of the things of this world,
must arise from the opportunities put into his
hands, and the doing good therewith. 1741.

( 57 )

LOVE AND UNITY.

It is our earnest desire, that above all, friends
hold fervent charity in the body, 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
springs) shall endure forever : "This envieth not,
vaunteth not, boasteth not itself, and seeketh not
its own ; but is patient, beareth all things, suffer-
eth all things, and wateheth 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. 1705.
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 contribute more 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 every where, to dwell there-
10

58 LOVE AND UNITY.
in, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to maintain
love, concord and peace, in and among all the
churches of Christ. 1730.
By accounts received, it appears that, in gen
eral, love and concord are maintained, and that
friends in divers places are under an earnest con
cern for the promotion of peace, and for the sup
pressing and guarding against every occasion of
strife and discord, tending to divide and scatter
the flock of Christ : For strengthening this con
cern, and prompting this Christian disposition of
love, wheresoever it appears, we remind you of
the benefits thereof, expressed in Psalm cxxxiii.
"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 com
manded the blessing, even life for evermore."
Be ye also mindful of the saying of our blessed
Lord himself, John xiii. 35 ; "By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another." 1752.

( 59 )

M A R R I A G E.

It is advised, that parents exercise a religious
care in watching over their children, and endeavor
to guard them against improper or unequal con
nections in marriage ; that they be not anxious to
obtain for them large portions and settlements,
but that they be joined with persons of religious
inclinations, suitable dispositions, and diligence
in their business, which are necessary to a com
fortable life in a married state.
And it is particularly recommended to all pa
rents, to endeavor to cultivate such habits of con
fidence and freedom in the truth, with their chil
dren, as may render it easy for them early to con
sult their parents in such important concerns.
It is advised, that all young and unmarried per
sons in membership with us, previously to their
making any procedure in order to marriage, do
seriously and humbly wait upon the Lord for his
counsel and direction in this important concern,
and when favored with satisfactory clearness
therein, they should early acquaint their parents
or guardians with their intentions, and wait for
their consent ; thus preservation from the dan
gerous bias of forward, brittle and uncertain af
fections, would be experienced, to the real benefit
of the parties, and the comfort of their friends.
And it is earnestly recommended to friends,
that they tenderly and carefully watch over the

60 MARRIAGE.
youth, and extend seasonable caution and admo
nition, as occasion may require.
The breaches of our testimony in going from
amongst us, in the weighty engagement of mar
riage, being often for want of due care in parents,
and those who have the important charge of edu
cating the youth under their trust, early to ad
monish and instruct them in the principles of
truth, and impress their minds with the duty of
religiously observing them ; as much as possible
restraining them from such company as is likely
to entangle their affections in ari improper man
ner ; we therefore tenderly advise friends, to an
increasing care over the youth, that the consis
tency of our principles in all respects with the
nature of true religion, may be impressed upon
their tender minds, by upright examples, as well
as by precepts ; and that where there is apparent
danger of the affections of any being improperly
entangled, and the care of parents and guardians,
or those who have the oversight, appears not suffi
cient to prevent their taking imprudent steps in the
accomplishment of marriage, care be taken, timely
to apply for the help of their friends.
And it is further advised, that after parents and
guardians 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 children, in proposals
of marriage, before they give any encouragement
thereunto. It is agreed, that no monthly-meeting permit
any marriages to be proposed in the said meet-

MARRIAGE. 61
ing, sooner than one year after the decease of
former husband or wife ; and we think it most
advisable, that no such proposals be made be
tween the parties, within that time.
It is our sense and judgment, that not only
those marriages of near kindred, expressly for
bidden under the law, ought not to be practised
under the gospel ; but that we in Our day, ought
not to take first cousins in marriage, being called
to that spiritual dispensation which gives domin
ion over the affections, and leads to those mar
riages which are more natural, and of better re
port. And if any notwithstanding, shall marry
contrary to this rule, being previously cautioned
and advised against it, that the monthly-meeting
where such belong, give forth a testimony against
them, and not receive such into unity again, until
they are well assured that they have found a place
of repentance, and are received in the truth.
The subject of marrying in the kindred by affin
ity, having been brought under the view of this
meeting, received its solid and -deliberate consid
eration ; and it is concluded that the construction
of our yearly-meeting, as particularly defined in
the year 1773, [namely, that our members be not
allowed to marry a deceased wife's sister, or a
deceased husband's brother,] shall hereafter be
considered as the construction to be given to our
present Discipline. 1830.
The prudent and christian care' that has been
maintained amongst us, in relation to marriage,
ever since we were a people, having obtained a
good report, it is become afresh the concern of

62 MARRIAGE.
-this meeting, that the reputation of our religious
society, and the cause of truth herein, may still
be kept up ; and that not only the several weighty
advices of this meeting, in respect to the proceed
ings of the parties concerned, and the conduct of
their parents and guardians, may be observed,
but likewise that as little diversity as may be, may
appear amongst us, in regard to the form and
manner of solemnization.
For the accomplishment of marriage, it is ad
vised, that the following order be observed : If
both the parties belong to the same monthly-
meeting, the men's and women's monthly-meet
ings, should be informed of their intentions,
through the preparative meeting, when conveni
ent, and at a proper time they should appear
before both meetings, and declare, that " With
Divine permission and friends' approbation, they
intend marriage with each other :" whereupon
two friends in each meeting should be appointed,
by minute, to make the necessary inquiries re
specting their clearness to proceed in marriage.
If the parties have parents or guardians present,
their consent should be expressed ; or if the man
is a member of another monthly-meeting, the con
sent of his parents or guardiahs, if he have any,
should be produced in writing, with a certificate
from his monthly-meeting, of his clearness, either
then or at the next meeting. If the woman be a
widow, having children, two Or more friends
should be appointed, to see that the rights of her
children are legally secured. At the next meet
ing, if the committees report that careful inquiry

"MARRIAGE. 63
has been made, and that they have consent of
parents, where it has not been before manifested,
and the parties appear clear to proceed in mar
riage with each other, the meeting is to leave
them at liberty to accomplish their marriage ac
cording to our rules, and appoint two friends of
each sex, to attend and see that good order is
observed, that a certificate be prepared and after
being signed by the parties at their marriage, be
audibly read, and that a sufficient number of wit
nesses be thereto subscribed. It is further ad
vised, that the said marriage be accomplishedy
decently, gravely and weightily ; and that the par
ties themselves, their parents and others con
cerned, do take care at the houses or places.where
they go after the meeting is over, that all behave
with becoming sobriety ; and the said overseers
are to make report to the next monthly-meeting,
and take care that the marriage certificate be re
corded. It is advised to solemnize our marriages at the
usual week-day meeting, to which the woman be
longs, unless some special circumstances may in
duce the monthly-meeting to permit it otherwise.
Monthly-meetings are at liberty, when they
think any peculiarity of circumstances, of either
of the parties proposing marriage, warrant a de
viation from our general practice, to shorten the
time of their receiving their answer, by adjourn
ing a monthly-meeting; having especial care,
that the time for inspecting the clearness of the
parties, be not less than two weeks from their
making their proposals, and receiving the meet
ing's answer.

64 MARRIAGE.
THE FORM OF THE CERTIFICATE,
[As near as circumstances will admit.]
A. B. of  , son of D. B. of
-, in the county of  ¦  , and

state of  , and E. his wife, and S. T.
daughter of M. T. of  , in the coun
ty of  , and M. his wife, having de
clared their intentions of taking each other in
marriage, before the monthly-meeting of the peo
ple called Quakers, in  , according
to the good order used among them ; their pro
ceedings, after due inquiry and deliberate consid
eration thereof, were allowed by the said meet
ing ; they appearing clear of all others, and hav
ing consent of parents (or guardians) 
concerned. Now these are to certify to all whom it may
concern, that for the full accomplishing of their
said intentions, this  day of the 
month, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and  , they the said A. B.
and S. T. appeared at a public assembly of the
aforesaid people and others, in their meeting
house in  :  ; and he the said A, B.
taking the said S. T. by the hand, did openly de
clare as followeth : " Friends, I take this my
friend S. T. to be my wife, promising through di
vine assistance, to be unto her a loving and faith
ful husband, until it shall please the Lord by
death to separate us." And the said S. T. did
then and there in like manner declare as folloWT
eth : " Friends, I take this my friend A. B. to be

MARRIAGE. 65
my husband, promising through divine assistance,
to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, until it
shall please the Lord by death to separate us."
Or words of the like import.
And the said A. B. and S. T. as a further con
firmation thereof, have hereunto set their hands :
She, after the custom of marriage, adopting the
name of her husband. A. B.
S. B.
And we, whose names are hereunto subscribed,
being present with others at the solemnization
of their said marriage, as witnesses thereunto,
set our hands the day and year above written.

Agreed that it be recommended, that according
to the ancient practice among friends, they take
care that such men and women friends as do make
suit or concern themselves in proposals of mar
riage, one to the other, do not dwell in the same
house, from the time they begin to be concerned,
until their marriage.
This meeting having deliberately considered
the great exercise brought upon our society, by
divers in profession with us, who are joined in
marriage contrary to our known principles, and
the wholesome discipline established among us,
with persons either of our own or other persua
sions, do earnestly advise, that all friends use
their utmost endeavors to prevent such marriages,
11

QQ MARRIAGE.
whensoever the parties' inclinations may come to
their knowledge.
And it is the sense and judgment of this meet
ing, that where any do marry, contrary to the es
tablished rules of the society, they should be dealt
with in a spirit of Christian love and tenderness,
agreeable to our known discipline.
Monthly-meetings are authorized, if the case
require it, to disown such parents or guardians,
who connive at or encourage the marriages of
their children and those under their care (mem
bers of our religious society) contrary to the good
order established amongst us, if after Christian
and brotherly labor with them, they cannot be
brought to a due sense of their error, and a satis
factory acknowledgment of the same.
We also recommend the good order of friends
relating to marriage, that it be carefully preserved
and duly maintained in the first and earliest pro
ceedings leading thereunto, as well as the orderly
solemnization thereof; and if any persons, con
trary to the repeated advice and established order
of friends, shall, under any pretence whatsoever,
presume to take one another in any meeting for
worship, without the consent of the monthly-meet
ing tp which they belong, such proceeding being
of a clandestine nature, tending to make void the
just care of friends in that case, we advise that
the monthly-meeting do not fail to testify against
the practice, as well as against the persons con
cerned therein. 1730.
And as we have great cause to believe, that re
missness in dealing, and weakness in some month-

MARRIAGE. 67
ly-meetings in accepting superficial and insincere
acknowledgments, have had a great tendency to
promote such marriages, we earnestly advise, that
monthly-meetings be very careful not to accept
acknowledgments, without full satisfaction of the ¦
sincere repentance of such transgressors, mani
fested by a conduct circumspect and consistent
with our religious profession. 1783.

( 68 )

MASTERS, MISTRESSES, AND
SERVANTS.

Advised that servants professing the truth be
have themselves in due subjection, humility and
plainness, as becomes their profession and places :
And likewise, that masters and mistresses behave
themselves toward their servants according to the
apostle's direction. Eph. vi. 5, 6, 9. Col. iv. 1.
1 Tim. vi. 1, 2. Titus ii. 9, 10. 1 Pet. ii. 18,
19, 20. 1703.
A religious care is recommended toward our
servants, that all appearance of pride, idleness
and vain conversation, in them may be discour
aged ; and that they may be exhorted to attend
first and week-day meetings, and have a sense of
God's love upon their spirits, and therein partake
with us of the sweetness of truth ; and in the dis
charge of their duty to God, and to their masters
and mistresses, know peace in themselves. 1718.
And it is further advised, that all parents and
masters of families do use their utmost care and
endeavors to keep their youth duly to meetings,
and to prevent the indecent straggling abroad of
their children and servants, especially on the first
days, and other times allowed them to attend
meetings, and to keep them out of all tumultuous
crowds or gatherings of rude people. 1726.

( 69 )

MEETING-HOUSES.

Advised that friends, in the several quarterly
and monthly-meetings, take special care that the
titles of friends' meeting-houses and burial-
grounds be made secure, according to law. 1703.
It having been represented to us, that in divers
parts losses have been sustained by our society,
by not timely looking into and securing the titles
of meeting-houses, burial-grounds, and charitable
bequests ; we have to recommend to quarterly and
monthly-meetings, to make timely and careful in
spection into what hands and trusts the same are
secured ; and if they find occasion, by the death
of any friend or otherwise, to add some others to
the trust, or make any alteration, so that friends
may not be deprived of the benefit of such meet
ing-houses, burial-grounds, and charitable be
quests ; and that the quarterly and monthly-meet
ings keep exact records of all such trusts and
conveyances. 1737.

( 70 )

MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS

This meeting being under a weighty concern
for friends who are or may be under sufferings
and difficulties, on account of our religious testi
mony, do appoint a meeting for sufferings, con
sisting of not less than twenty-five members, who
are desired, with diligence, caution and due care,
to proceed in such weighty matters as may come
before them, humbly waiting for the influence of
divine wisdom to direct their minds from time to
time, so that their results may tend to their own
peace, and welfare of our religious society. They
are desired to take cognizance of all grievances
arising amongst us, wherein any friend or friends
may be affected in his person or property, or in
regard to our Christian testimony, to advise, coun
sel and assist, as best wisdom may direct : and
any aggrieved friend or friends may apply to them,
either in a collective or separate capacity, as the
circumstances of the case may require.
That the said meeting view manuscripts pro;
posed to be printed, and correspond with the
meeting for sufferings or yearly-meetings of Lon
don, Philadelphia or elsewhere, to represent the

MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 71
state of the affairs of friends here, or as occasion
may require ; and in general to represent this
meeting in all cases where the reputation and in
terest of truth and our religious society are con
cerned, provided they do not meddle with matters
of faith and discipline not already' determined in
the yearly-meeting : And that at least there be
ten members present to constitute a meeting, who
should concur on all occasions, and that in mat
ters of great importance notice be given, as far as
may be, to all the members. The said meeting
is to draw on the treasury of this meeting in their
recess, for the money lodged therein, from time
to time, as occasion may require ; being account
able for the same, and keeping records of all their
proceedings, which are annually to be laid before
this meeting, or such committee as they may ap
point to inspect or view the same. 1775, 1776,
1783.

( 72 )

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.

As it hath been our care and practice from the
beginning, that an open testimony for the Lord
should be borne, and a public standard for truth
and righteousness upheld in the power and spirit
of God, by our open and known meetings, against
the spirit of persecution, that in all ages hath sought
to lay waste God's heritage ; and as only through
faithfulness, constancy and "patience, victory hath
been and is obtained ; so it is our advice and judg
ment, that all friends gathered in the name of Je
sus, keep up these public testimonies in their re
spective places, and not decline, forsake or remove
their public assemblies, because of times of suf
ferings, as worldly fearful and politic professors
have done, because of informers and the like per
secutors ; for such practices are not consistent
with the nobility of the truth, and therefore not to
be owned in the church of Christ. 1675.
Let every one be watchful against an earthly
spirit, for that will choke 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 you will not be able to stand in an
hour of temptation. 1689.

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 73
Agreed, that friends that live distant from meet
ings, be reminded to keep meetings in their fami
lies, to wait upon God, that their children and
families may come to be seasoned in their spirits
by the truth and the Lord's power, and that they
may have his blessing upon their families. 1696.
Advised that all friends be careful to attend
meetings for worship and business, at the times
and hours appointed, and not to detain meetings
out of season. 1715.
Advised that friends keep their children to a
constant, seasonable and orderly frequenting, as
well of week-day as of first-day meetings, instruct
ing them to have their minds stayed in the divine
gift, to wait upon the Lord therein, to receive a
portion of his spiritual favor; that they, from the
tendering virtue of the Holy Spirit, may be en
gaged in heart and mind to walk worthy of so great
grace, and in a holy zeal to honor God, submit to
bear the cross, endure the shame, and become pub
lic witnesses for him amongst the sons of men.
1723. And we earnestly exhort that you hold fast the
profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, with
out wavering, both in respect to his outward com
ing in the flesh, his sufferings, death, resurrection,
ascension, mediation and intercession at the right
hand of the Father ; and to the inward manifes
tation of his grace and Holy Spirit in our hearts,
powerfully working in the Soul of man, to the sub
duing of every evil affection and lust, and to the
purifying of our consciences from dead works, to
serve the living God ; that through the virtue and
12

74 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.
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 spir
it, which in all our religious assemblies ought to
be guarded against with the utmost care and cir
cumspection. In this lively faith and pure life of
Christ you will have victory over the world, over
your desires after the grandeur and perishing
things thereof, and over all corrupt customs and
fashions, which are contrary to the purity of the
gospel, and our ancient Christian testimony. 1736.
The importance of steadfastly maintaining our
ancient principles, respecting the doctrines of the
Gospel, coming renewedly under our considera
tion, we earnestly recommend and enjoin upon
quarterly and monthly-meetings, and upon all
faithful friends, to be watchful over our members,
as it regards the profession of their faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ, both as to his outward coming
in the flesh, wherein he tasted death for every
man, and was the propitiatory sacrifice for our
sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins
of the whole world, suffering the just for the un
just, that we might be brought unto God through
Him;— and to his Spiritual appearance in the
heart, for " unto them that look for him, shall he
appear the second time, without sin, unto salva
tion." ' And if in any instance there should be
manifested any deviation from our Christian prin
ciples in these respects, that they proceed to la
bor with such in the spirit of meekness and wis-

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 75
dom, endeavoring to bring them to a sense of
their departure from our acknowledged principles,
that if possible they may be restored to soundness
of faith. And if there should be any who should
persist in their errors, notwithstanding such labor
in brotherly love, that our testimony be main
tained by testifying against such. 1829.
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 exemplary 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 tender-hearted in
quirers may be encouraged to come and partake
in your assemblies of that inward and spiritual
consolation and refreshment, which the Lord is
graciously pleased to impart to the souls of such
as are humbled in his sight, and approach his holy
presence with reverence and fear. 1744.
Take care, we beseech you, in this day of ease
and liberty, lest a spirit of lukewarmness and in-
differency 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 know
eth not when good comes. We entreat you to be
especially watchful in this behalf, that an indolent
and sluggish disposition appear not among you,
to the stumbling of such serious inquirers as may
attend our meetings, in expectation of that life
and power, which the observation of your indif
ference and unconcernedness may give them too

76 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.
just cause to suspect that ye yourselves are stran
gers to. 1741.
Let not the smallness of your numbers discour
age you from constantly attending those meetings,
inasmuch as the words of Christ remain unchange
ably true and steadfast, " Where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the
midst of them." Mat. xviii. 20. But it hath been
justly observed, that where remissness and neglect
of attending meetings for worship have prevailed,
it hath been too often an inlet to further declen
sion, and such other undue liberties as truth and
its guidance do by no means admit of. 1754.
We therefore tenderly exhort such as, through
fear of neglecting their temporal concerns, or other
considerations, 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." Some of
us have to testify, by blessed experience, that our
affairs have not suffered by giving up our time,
the few hours set apart for religious worship ;
but, on the contrary, our minds have been thereby
greatly strengthened to come up with propriety in
the duties we owe to God, to our families, and to
all mankind. 1758.
As it hath pleased divine goodness clearly to
manifest amongst 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

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 77
waiting upon him with reverence and fear ; so
shall strength be added to strength, and being
more closely united to him, you will experience the
indwelling of his blessed Spirit. 1761.
When gathered in your religious assemblies, be
truly concerned to retire to the divine and heav
enly gift, which will minister to every state and
condition, though you may have no outward teach
ing, and will direct you to wait, without being
restless or uneasy, till it be a proper time to break
up your meeting with that decency and solemnity
which should attend our minds in such service
[1755] : And be not apt, as the manner of some
is, at the close of your meetings, hastily to enter
into discourses about the affairs of this life, much
less the vain amusements thereof ; a practice in
consistent with the 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. 1748.
Persons professing with us, who absent them
selves from our religious meetings, either on first
or other days of the week, and disregard the re
peated advice and endeavors of friends to stir
them up to this necessary duty, are to be dealt
with by the monthly-meeting to which they be
long, even to disowning such, if the case requires
it. 1770.

( 78 >

MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND MEETING OF
MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

It is recommended that one or more faithful
friend or friends, of either or both sexes, be ap
pointed out of each particular meeting as stand
ing elders by the monthly-meeting, whose duty is
to help young ministers, and give advice to all
others as occasion may require ; to encourage our
youth and others in virtue, and in a reverent and
early attention to and belief in the divine appear
ance and operation of the spirit of Christ in their
own hearts, and in a venerable esteem of the
Holy Scriptures, and a frequent reading and med
itating therein; and to that plainness, moderation
and simplicity, which is becoming our holy pro
fession ; to stir up those who are or may be defic
ient in the due attendance of our meetings, and in
general to watch over the flock of Christ ; being
themselves examples in faith, meekness and char
ity. 1709, 1728, 1760.
As these are officers of the church at large, let
the monthly-meeting, after they have approved
such as they adjudge duly anointed and qualified
for that service, acquaint the quarterly-meeting
therewith, who after solidly waiting for their con
curring unity, and finding nothing to hinder, are

MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 79
to minute the same, and acquaint the select-meet
ing thereof; who are also to enter the appoint
ment and concurrence on their minutes, and the
friend so appointed may then sit in any of our
meetings of ministers and elders. And informa-
tipn of such appointments is to be given by the
quarterly and select-meetings to their respective
yearly-meetings, and their names when approved
to be also entered on the yearly-meeting's record.
And where any friend appearing in public minis
try, whose conversation be clean and blameless,
and the elders of the monthly-meeting he or she
belongs to, are convinced that the Lord hath
called them to that weighty work, after duly wait
ing for due proof thereof, they signify their unity
with his or her gift in the ministry to the monthly-
meeting, who after weightily feeling after the mind
of truth therein, and being united in approving
him or her as a minister in the church, the same
be entered and sent forward, in like manner as in
the case of elders.
The ministers and elders so approved, within
the compass of each monthly-meeting (or where
the" quarterly-meeting should think best to unite
the members of two or more meetings in one)
meet by themselves once in three months, and
after solidly waiting to feel their minds seasoned
with the virtue of truth, are to proceed to read
and consider the queries, and how their purport
is answered by their members ; tenderly advising
and assisting one another as the nature of the case
may require ; and form such answers to the que
ries as are agreeable to their states, which are to

80 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
be signed by their clerk, and two or more friends
are to be appointed as representatives, who are
to take the answers, and assembling together pre
vious to and at the place of holding the quarterly-
meeting, do, with the assistance of. other select
members within the compass of each quarter,
compose a select quarterly-meeting, where the
queries are again to be read, and the state of the
meeting inquired into, and such advice and assist
ance afforded the lower meetings thereto belong
ing, by advice or committees, as occasion may re
quire. And once a year preceding the yearly-
meeting, general answers in writing to be drawn
up and transmitted to the yearly select-meeting,
by representatives to be appointed to attend the
same ; where the state of all the several quarters
and their members are to be attended to, and such
help afforded, and in such way and manner, as
they in the wisdom of truth may think proper, in
subordination to our Christian discipline ; pre
serving records of their proceedings, and annually
choosing or re-appointing a clerk, which the quar
terly and monthly select- meetings are all advised
to do.
And it is agreed, that the quarterly select-meet
ing be held the day before each quarterly-meet
ing, at the same place, at the eleventh hour ;¦*
and that the yearly select-meeting begin at New-

There are exceptions in Smithfield and Dover quarterly-meet-
ings. Smithfield select quarterly-meeting, when it occurs at Bol
ton, in the 8th month, is held at the 5th hour in the afternoon.
Dover select quarterly-meeting is held at the 2d hour in the after.
noon, instead of the 11th in the morning.

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 81
port, the ninth hour, on the day before the yearly-
meeting. This meeting desires that you, whom the Lord
hath gifted with a public testimony for his name
and truth, may be careful to attend to the motions
of truth, and in it be diligent to visit the heritage
of God in their meetings, and especially those
least frequented. 1695.
We farther entreat you, thaj in all your relig
ious meetings, appointed for the worship of Al
mighty 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 Di
vine Spirit, without which your performances will
be unacceptable, and like those of old, of which it
was said, " Who hath required this at your hand ?"
Isaiah i. 12. 1742.
As we are fully persuaded that the ministry of
the gospel is not received of man, but by the rev
elation of Jesus Christ, according to that apostol
ical direction, " As every man hath received the
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of 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 :" And as this ministry is divine,
the motives and inducements thereunto are per
fectly disinterested, and no way mercenary and
lucrative, but concurrent to the precept Christ
13

82 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
gave to his apostles, and immediate followers,
" Freely ye have received, freely give." 1771.
Friends, in their respective meetings, are earn
estly desired and advised to use prudence and
caution, so as not to be imposed upon by cheats,
or impostors, pretending to ministry or otherwise;
and where there is a doubt or question concern
ing the ministry of any persons, in that case let
such be called upon to shew what certificate they
have ; and in general it is recommended 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 meetings to which they belong,
and with certificates therefrom ; and further, that
it may become the tender care of the said meet
ings 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,
where any thing appears which may make advice
necessary, that the elders of the church, both min
isters and others, do, in the wisdom of God, give
their advice thereupon, with due regard to the
state of weakness and childhood that such maybe
in. 1720.
And we do in much love caution those friends
who are rightly concerned in the work of the
ministry, to watch over their own spirits, and not
to be over hasty or censorious in passing judg
ment respecting the state of those who hear them ;
but to manifest that, in the exercise of their minis
try they are led by the love of God ; and that their

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 83
principal aim is, that they may be instrumental to
administer spiritual consolation and strength to
the churches where they come.
Farther we earnestly exhort, that none would
offer to impose themselves as preachers, in any
meeting of friends, who are not themselves faith
ful against the payment of priests' wages, and in
observing the other branches of our Christian tes
timony, 1745.
We tenderly and with earnestness advise all
friends, who travel in the work of the ministry, as
well as others, that they not only shut their ears
against all private information of persons and
things, tending to the defamation of particular
persons or families, and to stir up disputes and
contentions in meetings for discipline ; but also
to rebuke and reprove the person or persons, who
shall attempt to prejudice their minds with any
private information of that nature. 1752.
The spirit of God being the foundation of all
true knowledge and experience, both in ministers
and hearers, we earnestly exhort that all would
diligently wait upon, and mind it : Ministers, in
their public services especially, ought always to
attend closely to their several and peculiar gifts,
and minister the word faithfully as it is manifested
and revealed to them ; observing a decent and
modest behavior in the exercise of their ministry,
and not entangling themselves with the affairs of
this life, that they may the better answer the holy
warfare in which they are engaged. And let the
hearers be watchful over their own spirits, and not
forwardly judge or censure the testimonies which

84 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
may be delivered amongst them ; for if they be
not very careful and diligent in attending upon the
Lord in meetings, they are liable to mistake in
the judgment they may pass on the ministry.
Now this being a matter of great moment, for
the preservation of love and concord in the
churches ; and knowing the danger and ill con
sequences which attend an hasty and censorious
judging of the ministry, we think it necessary to
caution friends not to let their own spirits sway
them, but let the spirit of God rule and reign in
their hearts ; for this will preserve all in sweet
ness and tenderness one towards another : The
due observance of which will be a great help to
ministers in the discharge of their duty, and the
service to which they are called.
And we earnestly request, that the elders in
monthly and quarterly-meetings would be ready
to help and inform the weak, when suitable op
portunities present ; and that both ministers and
hearers, pursuing one and the same end, namely,
the glory of God, and the good and welfare one
of another, the church may be edified, increase
and flourish, to the consolation of the faithful.
On the other hand, we advise ministers to have
it very much at heart, to maintain a perfect har
mony and good understanding with the monthly-
meetings to which they belong ; that as the said
meetings may sometimes find themselves con
cerned to advise them, respecting their conduct
in meetings, or otherwise, they shew themselves
ready to hear and receive advice, as well as to
teach and instruct.

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 85
We further advise all monthly-meetings, to take
great care in giving certificates to those who travel,
to prevent the uneasiness which sometimes falls
on the church, from a weak and unskilful ministry;
and let the elders, when they see occasion, advise
ministers to be very prudent in their conduct,
not as busy bodies, nor meddling with family or
personal affairs, in which they are not concerned,
or required to be assisting ; that they be very ten
der of one another's reputation, and of that of
friends among whom they travel ; neither giving
ear to, nor spreading reports, tending to raise in
the minds of others a lessening or disesteem of
any of the brotherhood ; and1 as soon as their ser
vice in the ministry is over, that they return to
their habitations, and there take a reasonable and
prudent care of their own business, household and
family. 1731.
Our blessed Lord, just before his ascension,
commanded his disciples to wait at Jerusalem,
till they were endued with power from on high ;
knowing their inability, without the sensible feel
ing of that power, to speak in his name for the
conversion of the nations. It was this power that
enabled them to speak boldly in the name of Jesus:
This alone that made them able ministers of Christ;
whose preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the
Spirit, and with power.
And seeing many of us have experienced much
spiritual consolation, by waiting in silence and
humbly depending upon the Lord alone, we ex
hort friends, that when met together for religious

86 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
worship, they labor, to feel their minds abstracted
from visible objects, into a true stillness and no
thingness of self; wherein the teachings of the
Holy Spirit are witnessed by humble and contrite
souls. In such a waiting state, you will have a true
relish and savor of the ministry of those who
are rightly concerned by the same spirit, to labor
in word and doctrine among you. 1738.
We earnestly caution and entreat all such
among you, as find themselves concerned in Chris
tian 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 exam-,
pies of the purity and excellence of the advices
they recommend. 1748.
You that are elders and overseers in the church,
and concerned in the maintenance of good order
and preservation of discipline, keep your own
hands clean, and garments unspotted, that you
may rebuke with authority, and being clothed with
the meekness and gentleness of the Lamb, may
steadfastly persevere in the support of that testi
mony committed to you, that when the Great Shep
herd shall appear, you may come before him with
reverent assurance, and receive tfie reward of
" Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into
the joy of thy Lord." 1753.
As to the elders among you, and such whom
God, having endued with knowledge and experi
ence of the cleansing operations of his Spirit, hath
concerned to minister to others, let them adorn

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 87
the doctrine of the gospel, by shewing, out of a
good conversation, their works with meekness of
wisdom : Such as these, being clothed with hu
mility, and exemplary to the flock whom they
feed ; not by constraint, but willingly ; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; are worthy of
double honor, and to be highly esteemed in the
church of Christ. 1751.
As the Lord is graciously pleased effectually to
touch the hearts of many of the youth, and pre
pare them for the reception of his heavenly gifts,
whereby many are called to the work of the min
istry ; and well knowing it is a due attention to
the gift, and waiting for the heavenly power and
life to discharge themselves therein, which has
ever proved a blessing to the particular, and the
churches in general ; we earnestly recommend,
that the elders and sensible solid friends do watch
over such in an holy concern for their and the
churches' good ; that the weak and tender may
be encouraged in a faithful discharge of their duty,
and where a forward spirit appears, that would
lead into many words out of the power and life,
such may be properly admonished in the meek
ness of wisdom, that each may speak the lan
guage of truth, by the ability which the Lord only
gives ; and that the monthly-meetings do not in
dulge any to travel and appoint meetings too soon,
for many have been hurt thereby. 1753.
We recommend the apostolic advice, " Lay
hands on no man suddenly," for we have cause
to believe, that injudicious encouragement hath
tended to promote an unsound ministry in some

88 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
places. It is therefore recommended, that the
approved ministers and elders, in the several
monthly-meetings, would tenderly advise those
who come forth in public testimony, to wait pa
tiently under a deep consideration of their stale
of infancy and childhood, without desiring to be
introduced into the meeting of ministers and el
ders, until their fruits afford sufficient evidence of
their qualifications for so important a service, and
they approved of by the monthly and quarterly-
meetings to which they belong ; that such young
ministers be reported to their monthly and quar
terly-meetings ; which, upon solid and deliberate
consideration, may, as in the wisdom of truth shall
seem meet, recommend them to the select-meet
ing of ministers and elders, in order to their be
coming regular members of those meetings. 1773.
Looking into the state of this part of the socie
ty, which stands in a more conspicuous point of
view than the more private members, the necessi
ty of their being ensamples to the flock appears
exceedingly great, particularly in a diligent at
tendance of all our meetings for solemn worship
and the discipline of the church, and therein to
be very deep and weighty in spirit, laboring with
an ardor of soul suited to the occasion, for the
arising of the ancient spring of life ; which of a
truth is the crown of our assemblies, and the
ground of our joy and rejoicing in him, and one
in another : It being this alone which preserves
living, fresh and active members in the church of
Christ, who are enabled to communicate a degree
of warmth to the rising youth, and those of less

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 89
experience in this most necessary exercise ; not on
ly in word and doctrine, but also in silent, humble
waiting on God, for the renewings of help day by
day. That where it shall appear, upon due inspec
tion made, that any member shall or do neglect
or omit the due attendance of their meetings for
worship and discipline, through sloth, indolence,
love of the world, lukewarmness in religion, or
other insufficient cause, that each monthly-meet
ing take care, that all such be timely visited in
love, and acquainted with the desire and mind of
friends in that case, and admonished to faithful
ness therein. And if, notwithstanding the due
Christian labor and admonition, he, she or they,
shall continue in the said neglect or omission ; if
a minister, his or her public testimony be denied ;
and if an elder, he or she be dismissed from that
station. 1770.
Advised to have a godly care of judging or con
tradicting one another in public meetings, or
shewing any marks or signs of division therein,
among ministers or others ; it being of a very
pernicious consequence to bring blame or con
tempt upon the ministry, and a great hurt to our
youth and others. 1716.
This meeting taking under their serious con
sideration, the beauty and credit of keeping de
cency and good order in our meetings for worship,
advises friends every where to avoid public oppo
sition to a minister, not disowned by the monthly
or quarterly-meeting to which he or she shall be-
14

90 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
long, by keeping on their hats in time of prayer,
or any other tokens of disunion.
But if any person* pretending to be a minister,
shall give cause of uneasiness or dissatisfaction
to friends, in doctrine, behavior or conversation,
the person so offending is to be dealt with pri
vately, in a gospel spirit and manner : If this
shall not take effect, then let complaint be made
of such person to the monthly-meeting which he
or she may belong to ; that proceeding thereon
be had accordingly, and the affair settled with all
possible expedition. 1723.
Where friends in any monthly-meeting are re
ally dissatisfied, or burthened with any that take
upon them to preach among them, let them first
be duly admonished in their own monthly-meeting,
with the assistance of the faithful approved minis
ters, and elders of the same meeting, and adjacent
meetings, if need be ; and if afterwards they will
persist to impose upon and burthen friends, then
to be publicly testified against, where they so im
pose. If any one who has been a public minister or
elder shall be guilty of such practices as may
justly deserve public censure, and shall be dis
owned, and afterwards, upon tokens of repent
ance, be again admitted into membership ; such
re-admission is not to be interpreted so as to give
him or her the liberty of appearing as a public
minister, or exercising the office of an elder, until
the monthly-meeting he or she belongs to shall
judge the scandal given by such person is so far
removed, as that such public appearance, or exer-

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. oj
cising the office of an elder, may not administer
occasion of reproach, either from friends or others;
and in case they should shew themselves too for
ward in so appearing, the meeting to which they
belong are desired to give them such advice as
they shall see suitable to their circumstance.
1737.

A MEMORIAL
Of some necessary advices recommended to Ministers, and, in the
love of the Gospel, to be communicated to the several Meet
ings of Ministers and Elders in the Yearly-Meeting, as caution
and counsel.
1. Against undue and restless behavior, under
the ministry of any friend, whilst in the unity of
the body.
2. That all be cautious of using unnecessary
preambles, and laying too great stress on their
testimony, by too positively asserting a divine mo
tion, and frequently repeating the same ; seeing
no such pretensions will obtain credit, when it is
not manifestly so ; and where it is, the baptizing
power of truth, accompanying the words, is the
best evidence.
3. Against misquoting and misapplying the
Holy Scriptures ; and it is desired that all those
concerned be frequent in reading them.
4. To be careful how they fall on disputed points
in their testimony, and making such objections as
they do not clearly answer ; and also against giv-

92 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
ing repeated expectations of coming to a conclu
sion, recommending the people, &c.
5. Against hurting meetings, towards the con
clusion, by unnecessary additions, when the meet
ing was left well before.
6. Against unbecoming tones, sounds, gestures,
and all affectation ; which are not agreeable to
Christian gravity.
7. Against undertaking or running into employ
ments they have no knowledge or experience of,
without the concurrence and advice of friends, as
some have done, to their own hurt, the injury of
others, and the reproach of their religious profes
sion ; but to employ themselves in business that
they are acquainted with, to avoid an idle life.
8. Not to speak against persons, or report
things on hearsay ; but to treat with the parties
concerned, and thereby prevent sowing discord.
9. That their apparel, and the furniture of their
houses, their tables, and way of living, may be
with decency, moderation and temperance ; that
they be good examples to others. -
10. Against men and women travelling togeth
er, as companions in service, to avoid all occa
sions of offence thereby.
11. To beware of too much familiarity, tending
to draw out the affections one of another, to their
hurt. 12. That ministering friends be careful not to
hurt one another's service in public meetings, but
every one have a tender regard for others ; that
nothing be offered with a view to popularity, but
in humility and the fear of the Lord.

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 93
13. Against running, in their own wills, to dis
turb or interrupt any people in their worship ; or
presuming to prophecy, in their own spirits,
against any nation, city, town, people, or person,
14. That ministers, when they travel in the ser
vice of truth, be careful not to make their visits
burthensome, or the gospel chargeable.
15. That none shew or expose manuscripts, so
as to give expectations of their being printed, be
fore they are approved by the meeting for suffer
ings. 16. That ministers and elders be careful to
keep their whole conversation unspotted, being
examples of meekness, temperance, patience and
charity. And lastly, as prayer and suplication to God is
an especial part of his worship, it must be per
formed in spirit and in truth, with a right under
standing seasoned with grace. Therefore let
ministers be careful how and what they offer in
prayer, avoiding many words and repetitions, and
not to run from supplication into declaration, as
though the Lord wanted information : And let all
be cautious of too often repeating the High and
Holy Name, or his attributes, by a long conclu
sion ; neither let prayer be in a formal and cus
tomary way to conclude a meeting, without an aw
ful sense of divine assistance attending the mind.
1703, 1755.
Agreed that when public friends have a concern
to travel on a religious visit, and appoint meetings
out of the quarterly-meeting they belong to, or to
attend the sittings of neighboring yearly-meetings

94 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND
or quarterly-meetings belonging thereunto, they
seasonably communicate the same to the elders of
their respective meetings, for their advice and
concurrence, before they move it to the monthly-
meeting, in order for a certificate.
And when theit concern extends to visiting the
churches, within any other of the yearly-meetings
on this continent, they proceed in like manner.
And when the monthly-meeting have given their
certificate, they acquaint the quarterly-meeting
therewith, for their concurrence, which is to be
first had before the friend proceed. And when
the concern extends to Europe, or beyond sea,
as the most weighty, clear and deliberate evidence
should be obtained in so important a service, in
which the reputation of society may be more im
mediately concerned ; it is therefore recommend
ed, that unless such considerations should prevent,
which the quarterly and monthly-meeting may
judge sufficient, the approbation of the yearly-
meeting of ministers and elders should be like
wise obtained.

MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 95
QUERIES
Of the Yearly-Meeting of Ministers and Elders.
1. Are ministers and elders careful to attend
their meetings for divine worship, bringing their
families with them ? Do they diligently attend
meetings for discipline, encouraging such of their
families to this duty as are suitable ?
2. Are ministers, in the exercise of their gifts,
careful to wait for divine ability, and thereby pre
served from being burthensome ?
3. Are the lives and conversation of ministers
and elders clean and blameless amongst men ?
Are they in unity one with another, and with the
meeting they belong to, harmoniously laboring
together for truth's honor ?
4. Do they rule their own houses well, bringing
up their families in plainness which truth requires,
ip dress, language and true moderation ? And
are they good examples in those respects them
selves ?
5. Are they peace-makers in families and in
the church, careful to maintain the discipline, not
to screen their own families therefrom, and to
administer justice as faithful servants ?
It is agreed that none travel abroad as minis
ters, without being first recommended to and ac
cepted by the quarterly-meeting as such, and that
none appoint meetings out of the limits of the
quarterly-meeting they belong to, without a cer
tificate from the monthly-meeting or the concur
rence thereof.

96 MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
It is further earnestly and affectionately recom
mended, that ministers and elders watch over one
another for good, to help those who are young in
the ministry in the right line, discouraging for
ward spirits that run into words without life and
power, advising against affectation of tones and
gestures, and every thing that would hurt their
service ; yet encouraging the humble, careful
traveller, speaking a word in season to them that
are weary. And let all dwell in that which gives
ability to labor successfully in the church of Christ,
adorning the doctrine they deliver to others, being
examples of the believers in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

( 97 )

MONTHLY-MEETINGS.

In the love of Christ we earnestly exhort you
to watch diligently over the flock of God, and deal
in due time, anti in a spirit of Christian love and
tenderness, with all such as walk disorderly
amongst you, in order to reclaim and restore them ,
by brotherly counsel and admonition ; and when,
after patient waiting, you find that your Christian
labor of love hath not its desired effect, you neg
lect not to testify against and disown such persons,
and thereby prevent the reproach and dishonor
which may be brought upon our holy profession
through their means, that the end and design of
our wholesome discipline may be answered.
We think it both unseasonble and dishonorable,
when persons apply to monthly-meetings on ac
count of marriage, or for relief in case of neces
sity, or any similar occasion, then to object to
them such offences as the meeting, through neg
lect of their own duty, have suffered long to pass
by them unreproved and unnoticed. 1743.
It is the ancient and constant sense of friends,
that any person denied by a monthly-meeting, is
adjudged as disowned by friends, and to stand
and remain in that state, till by his repentance,
15

98 MONTHLY.MEETINGS.
or by the reversal of such denial by a superior
meeting, he is reconciled to friends, or reinstated
in membership among them, with which this
meeting hath unity, and therefore confirms the
same. 1727.
When a person commits an offence, as soon as
it comes to the knowledge of the meeting where
in he resides, he not being a member thereof, that
meeting shall acquaint the meeting of which he
is a member therewith.
The meeting of which he is a member shall
then proceed to visit and deal with him, unless by
reason of distance it be not convenient ; in which
case they shall apply to the monthly-meeting in
which the offender resides, to act for them and
visit him ; and they shall report their proceedings
to the meeting of which he is a member, which
meeting shall receive his acknowledgment, or dis
own him, as in their judgment the case shall re
quire. If the offender remove after dealing be com
menced, the meeting that had him under their
care shall continue the same, if he be equally
within their reach, or otherwise write to the meet
ing into the compass of which he is removed,
which meeting shall proceed therein, and report
to the meeting of which he is a member, who shall
receive his acknowledgment, or proceed to deny
him as aforesaid. But if the monthly-meeting
where the offence is committed judge the case to
be of such a nature as to require their more speedy
dealing, and even disowning the offender, for the
clearing of truth, according to our ancient care

MONTHLY.MEETINGS. 99
and practice ; they are at liberty so to do, giving
the meeting the offender did belong to as early
notice thereof as they can. 1747, 1782.
In case offenders shall remove to places not
within the acknowledged limits of any monthly-
meeting, it is agreed that they shall be under the
care of the meeting to which they are the nearest
situated. If an offender cannot be found after reasonable
inquiry, the meeting to which he belongs, on no
tice thereof, shall issue a testimony against him,
if the nature of the case require it.
Advised that when persons who have been dis
owned, manifest a disposition to be again restored
to unity with the society, they may inform the
monthly-meeting who disowned them, their desire
to be so restored, and it is left with the monthly-
meeting, after mature consideration of the partic
ular case, to determine upon the mode of restor
ation. And if by way of acknowledgment, it is
advised not to read such publicly, unless it may
appear to the monthly-meeting, that our testimo
ny will be liable to suffer by the omission.
When a disowned person removes from the
verge of the monthly-meeting, of which he or she
has been a member, and becomes concerned to
be again united to the society, such person may
make application to the monthly-meeting, within
the compass of which he or she resides, giving in
formation of their disownment,and by what month
ly-meeting. The particular occasion of disown-
ment, such monthly-meeting is not enjoined to re-

100 MONTHLY-MEETINGS.
quire. But if upon noticing the application, the
monthly-meeting believes in the sincerity of such
individual, and finds nothing to prevent amongst
them, inquiry must be made of the monthly-meet
ing, by which the applicant has been disowned,
concerning its consent to their reception of such,
person ; and after information therefrom, that
nothing appears to obstruct, such applicant may
be by them received.
It is the judgment of this meeting, that no tes
timonies of denial be read in a public meeting,
unless it shall appear to monthly-meetings that
our testimony will be liable to suffer by such omis
sion. We recommend to friends in their several
monthly-meetings, to take especial care to appoint
proper, prudent and judicious friends, to visit their
brethren in their families, to inform, advise or ad
monish, pursuant to former advices ; and that
such friends labor faithfully, in a spirit of love,
and in the meekness of wisdom, to convince the
judgments of their respective members of the ne
cessity of their coming up with their brethren in
practice, agreeable to our Christian principle ;
that so the several branches of the testimony,
which truth hath given our ancients and us to
bear, may be maintained inviolate. 1733, 1751.
It is recommended, that the book of discipline
be present in all our monthly, quarterly and year
ly-meetings, that the same may be consulted as oc
casion requires ; and as. opportunity offers, such
portions thereof be read in each monthly-meet-

MONTHLY.MEETINGS. 101
V
ing, the women being present, as the elders, over
seers or other concerned friends, may from time
to time think proper, for the instruction, help and
furtherance of the young and rising generation,
and such as may not otherwise be conversant or
acquainted therewith.

( 102 )

NEGROES AND SLAVES.

1. It is the sense of this meeting, that the im
portation of Negroes from their native country and
relations* is not a commendable nor allowable
practice, and that practice is censured by this
meeting. 1727.
2. We fervently warn all in profession with us,
that they be careful to avoid being any way con
cerned in reaping the unrighteous profits of that
iniquitous practice of dealing in Negroes, and oth
er slaves ; whereby, in the original purchase, one
man selleth another as he does the beast that per
ishes, without any better pretension to a property
in him than that of superior force, in direct viola
tion of the gospel rule, which teaches every one
to do as they would be done by, and to do good
unto all ; being the reverse of that covetous dis
position, which furnishes encouragement to those
poor ignorant people to perpetuate their savage
wars, in order to supply the demands of this most
unnatural traffic, whereby great numbers of man
kind, free by nature, are subjected to inextricable
bondage ; and which hath often been observed to

* This intended as slaves, or against their consent.

NEGROES AND SLAVES. 103
fill their possessprs with haughtiness and tyranny,
luxury and barbarity ; corrupting the minds and
debasing the morals of their children, to the un
speakable prejudice of religion and virtue, and the
exclusion of that Holy Spirit of universal love,
meekness and charity, which is the unchangeable
nature and the glory of true Christianity : We
therefore can do no less than with the great
est earnestness impress it upon friends every
where, that they endeavor to keep their hands
clear of this unrighteous gain of oppression.
1760. 3. It is recommended to friends, who have slaves
in possession, to treat them with tenderness, im
press God's fear in their minds, promote their
attending places of religious worship, and give
those that are young, at least, so much learning
that they may be capable of reading.
4. It is our sense and judgment, that truth not
only requires that the young, of capacity and abil
ity, but likewise the aged and impotent, and also
all in a state of infancy and non-age among
friends, be discharged and set free from a state of
slavery ; that we do no more claim property in
the human race, as we do in the brutes that per
ish. 1773.
Agreed that no friend import, or any ways pur
chase, dispose of or hold mankind as slaves ; but
that all those who have been held in a state of
slavery be discharged therefrom ; that all those
be used well who are under friends' care, and are
not in circumstances, through non-age or incapac-

104 NEGROES AND SLAVES.
ity, to minister to their own necessities ; and that
they give those that are young such an education
as become Christians, and encourage others in a
religious and virtuous life. 1773, 1780.

( 105 )

OATHS

Advised that our Christian testimony be faith
fully maintained against the burthen and imposi
tion of oaths, according to the express prohibition
of Christ, and also of the apostle James, viz.
" Ye have heard that it hath been said by thefti of
Old time, thOu Shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt
perform unto the Lord thihe oaths : But I say
unto you, Swear not at all : Neithef by heaven ;
for it is God's throne : Nor by the earth ; fof it
is his footstool : Neither by Jerusalem ; for it is
the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou
swear by thy head, because thou canst not make
one hair white or black. But let your communi
cation be, Yea, yea ; Nay, nay ; for whatsoever is
more than these cometh of evil." — Mat. v. 33-37.
"But above all things, my brethren, swear not ;
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither
by any other oath : But let your yea, be yea ; and
your nay, nay ; lest ye fall into condemnation."
James v. 12. 1693.
Believing therefore as we do, that no argument
can invalidate a prohibition thus clear and posi
tive, we are bound religiously to regard it ; and
whilst we feel gratitude for the continuance of
16

106 , OATHS.
that indulgence, by which our affirmation is ac
cepted, let us evince our sincerity in relation to
this testimony, by faithfully maintaining it.
And when any of our members, either in courts
or elsewhere, violate it, either by taking or admin
istering oaths, monthly-meetings are desired to
extend brotherly labor towards them, and if they
Cannot be prevailed upon to give the necessary
satisfaction, to testify their disunity with them.
Agreed that oaths administered by judges, jus
tices, selectmen, town-councils or other officers,
who are under the care of friends, is a violation
of our ancient testimony ; and that such persons
ought to be dealt with as offenders. Nor are such
officers clear, who admit of clerks or others to
administer oaths before them, when sitting in their
office, unless there be a number of others present,
not of our society, sufficient to authorize the
same. 1733.

( 107 )

ORPHANS, WILLS, EXECUTORS, &c.

Advised that friends, in making their wills, have
a strict regard to justice and equity, and be not
actuated by caprice and prejudice, to the injury of
those who may have a reasonable expectation from
their kindred and near connexions ; nor carry any
resentment, though occasion may have been given
or taken, to the grave, remembering we all stand
in need of mercy and forgiveness. Also that none
postpone making their wills to a sick bed ; an
improper season to settle our outward affairs, in
the painful struggles of nature-, even if we should
be favored with a clear understanding, which
ought not to be diverted from a solemn consider
ation of the approaching awful period of life.
Friends are earnestly recommended to employ
persons capable, and of good repute, to write their
wills ; as great inconvenience and loss, and some
times the ruin of families, hath happened through
the unskilfulness of some who have taken upon
them to write wills, being unqualified to act in an
affair of such importance. And all friends, who
may become executors or administrators, are ad
vised to make a full, clear and proper inventory
of the estate and effects of the deceased, as soon

108 ORPHANS, WILLS,, EXECUTORS, &c.
as may be after the interment ; as many difficul
ties and disputes have arisen for want of it, where
it has been deferred. 1782.
Recommended that friends, who have young
children, do in their wills appoint faithful friends
to be guardians to them, till they arrive to lawful
age : That monthly-meetings take care that such
guardians do discharge their trust with justice and
uprightness ; and that orphans be admonished to
be subject to the wills of their'deceased parents,
as the said meetings shall see cause. 1706.
Executors and trustees, concerned in wills and,
settlements) are advised to take especial care that
they faithfully discharge their respective trusts*
according, to the intent of the donors and testa
tors; arid that all charitable gifts, legacies, be
quests* and settlement, of estates, by will or deed,
intended; and. given for the use of the poor,, the.
aged, the impotent* or putting popr, friends' dub-
dren tp education or apprenticeships, mays not be
appropriated or converted to, any other uses than
such as, the donors and testators, havedirected and
enjoined; by legal settlement, will or testament.
1715.

( 109 >

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.

We do entreat and desire all parents and gov
ernors of families, that ye diligently lay to heart
your work and calling in your generation, for the
Lord, and the charge committed to you ; not only
in being good examples to the younger sort, but
also to use your power in your own families in
educating your children and servants, in modesty,
sobriety, and in the fear of God, curbing the ex
travagant humor in the young ones, when it doth
appear ; and not to indulge or 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 committed, to you. And when you see a
libertine and wanton spirit appear in your children
and servants, that lusteth after the vain customs
and fashions of the world, either in habit or out
ward adorning, and craves your assistance and.
allowance, without. Which it cannot get forward
while they are under your government ; Oh ! then
look, to yourselves, 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 witness, and
help them over their temptations in the authority

HO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.
J
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
labor. 1688.
We advise and exhort, that all masters of fam
ilies, parents, -guardians, and tutors of children,
would frequently put in practice the calling to
gether of their children and household, to wait
upon the Lord in their families ; that receiving
wisdom and counsel from him, they may be en
abled seasonably to exhort and encourage them
to walk in the way of the Lord ; to exercise them
selves in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in ob
serving the duties and precepts of holy living
therein recommended ; admonishing them to keep
to that plainness and simplicity in apparel, speech
and behavior, which the spirit of truth led our
forefathers into, and which becomes the humble,
self-denying followers of holy Jesus. 1748.
It is our Christian and earnest advice and coun
sel to all friends concerned, (so far as they are
able, or may be capable) to provide schoolmasters
and mistresses, who are faithful 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 children into an averseness or opposition to the
truth, and the simplicity of it : But to take care
that you train up your children in the good nur
ture, admonition and fear of the Lord, in that

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. Hi
plainness and language which become truth.
And parents and masters, &c. to be good exam
ples to them, in a sober and godly conversation,
and plainness of speech ; and not to use the word
you, or ye, to a child or servant, &c. nor suffer
your substance to be bestowed on your children,
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. 1690.
It being under consideration how friends' chil
dren might be disposed of, that are trained up in
the way of truth, and fit to be put forth appren
tices ; it is the advice and counsel of friends, that
special care be taken to put them apprentices to
honest friends, that they may be preserved in the
way of truth. 1697.
And that friends of all degrees take due care to
bring up their children in some useful and neces
sary employments, that they may not spend their
precious time in idleness, which is of evil example,
and tends much to their hurt. 1703.
And it is agreed that none be placed out to any
not of our society, unless some special circum
stance may induce the monthly-meeting to think
it best ; and when any parent or guardian thinks
any such special circumstance do attend, they may
lay the same before the monthly-meeting where
they belong, who are to appoint a committee to
examine, consider and report the same, and the
meeting to advise accordingly as may appear best ;
and it is agreed that no friend's child be placed
out to any not of our society, without first having
the approbation or consent of the monthly-meet-

112 PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.
ing where they belong ; and when any parents or
guardians do act contrary thereto, they be dealt
with as those who refuse the advice and disregard
the unity of the body.
And it is recommended to all friends who take
apprentices, to seek for and give preference to
our own members, and to be moderate in their
terms, that the children of the poorer sort in an
especial manner may be brought up to such trades
and business as may, with the Lord's blessing on
their prudence and industry, procure for them
sueh a living as will be to their comfort, and the
reputation of society.

( 113 )

PLAINNESS

It is also our concern to exhort all friends, both
men and women, to watch against the growing
sin of pride, and beware of adorning themselves
in a manner disagreeable to the plainness and
simplicity of the truth we make profession of.
Oh ! that they would duly consider that severe
reproof which the Lord, by the mouth of his pro
phet, pronounced against the haughty daughters
of Zion, Isaiah iii., where it describes even the
particularities of their dressings and ornaments,
so displeasing to the Lord, and drawing down his
judgments upon them. If those things in that
time were so offensive in the eyes of the Lord,
how much more so are they now, in a people
professing the plainness and simplicity which the
gospel of Christ recommends ?
" I will," saith the apostle Paul, " that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-
facedness and sobriety ; not with broidered hair,
or gold, or pearls, or costly array ; but, which be
cometh women professing godliness, with good
works." — 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10 ; where he plainly shew-
eth that such adornings are contrary to the pro
fession of godliness. The apostle Peter also is
17

114 PLAINNESS.
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 wear
ing of gold, and 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 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." 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4, 5 ; plainly intimat
ing, that those who of old were holy, and did trust
in God, placed not their delight in such ornaments.
Oh, 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 him, as dear children, walking cir
cumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming
the time, because the days are evil." 1739.
Let not any such as degenerate, in these re
spects, excuse their own weakness, under a pre
tence of the misconduct of some, who have ap
peared outwardly plain ; an objection of very little
weight : For did they rightly consider, they would
clearly see, that the very reason why deceivers
sometimes put on plain apparel, is, because true
men have been accustomed to wear it.
We also tenderly advise, that friends take heed,
especially those who should be exemplary to
others under their care, that they exercise plain
ness of speech, without respect of persons, in all
their converse among men ; and not baulk their
testimony by a cowardly compliance, varying their
language according to their company : A practice

PLAINNESS. H5
of very ill example to our observing youth, and
rendering those who use it contemptible, and
looked upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by those
with whom they so comply : Such a mean-spirited
practice seems to be cautioned against by the
apostle, when he advises, 1 Tim. " That the dea
cons be grave, not double-tongued ;" a caution
plainly importing, that it is inconsistent with the
gravity of the gospel. 1743.
Where any do not keep themselves, or their
children, in moderation and plainness, in gesture,
speech, apparel, and furniture of their houses ; or
accustom themselves, or suffer their children, to
use the corrupt and unscriptural language of you
to a single person ; or to call the days or months
by the names given them by the heathen in honor
to their idols, contrary to the ancient advices of
friends, to which we refer : It is desired and ad
vised, that friends from time to time, as such
things appear, be stirred up in the wisdom of
truth, to take due and prudent care therein ; and
if any, by continuing in such practices, reject the
advice and labor of their friends, then let such
cases be brought forward to the monthly-meeting,
for further care and dealing, as may appear ne
cessary, for the support of our Christian testimony.

( 116 )

POOR.

With respect to the poor amongst us, it ought
to. be considered, tfyat the poor, both parents and
children, are of our family, and ought not to be
turned off to any others for their support or edu
cation ; and although some may think the poor a
burthen, yet be it remembered, when our poor are
well provided for, and walk orderly, they are an
ornament to our society ; and the rich should con
sider it is more blessed to give than to receive,
and that he who giveth to the poor, lendeth to the.
Lord, who will repay. 1718.
As mercy, compassion and charity, are emi
nently required in this new covenant dispensation
we are under ; so, respecting the poor and indir
gent among us, and to see there be no beggar in
our Israel, if is the advice of this meeting that all
poor friends be taken due care of, and none of
them sent to the tpwn or parish to be relieved;
and 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 towns and parishes wherein
we dwell. 1720.

POOR. 117
Advised that where friends want ability in the
world, their monthly and quarterly-meetings as
sist them, that the children of the poor may have
due help of education, instruction and necessary
learning ; and that the children both of the rich
and the poor may early be provided with useful
employments, that they may not grow up in idle
ness, looseness and vice ; but that being seasoned
with the truth, taught our holy self-denying way,
and sanctified of God, they may become a repu
tation to our holy profession, the comfort of their
honest parents, instrumental to the glory of God,
and the good of the succeeding generations. —
1709. And as one of the first and great causes which
engaged our ancient friends tp the, orderly estab
lishing our Christian discipline, was the care of
the poor ; an,d as expenses must necessarily arise
for their support and education, it is recommend
ed to each monthly-meeting of men and women
friends, that they be open-hearted and liberal in
their subscriptions for the supply of the poor ;
and that a treasurer be appointed to receive the
same, and open to eac,h meeting of men . and wo
men ; and two or more suitable friends, men and
women, be annually appointed as overseers of the
poor, whose business and duty it should be to vis
it, inspect and relieve them, as becometh the fol
lowers of Christ; and that two. or more friends :
be appointed to settle the treasurer's and over
seers' accounts.

( 118 )

QU ARTE RLY-MEE TINGS.

When a quarterly-meeting hath come to a judg
ment respecting any difference, relative to any
monthly-meeting belonging to them, and notified
the same in writing to such monthly-meeting,
the said monthly-meeting ought to submit to the
judgment, of the quarterly-meeting ; but if such
monthly-meeting shall not be satisfied therewith,
then the monthly-meeting may appeal to the year
ly-meeting, against the judgment and determina-
tion of the quarterly-meeting.
And if a monthly-meeting shall refuse to take
the advice and submit to the judgment of the
quarterly-meeting, and notwithstanding will not
appeal against the determination of the said meet
ing, to the yearly-meeting ; in such case, the quar
terly-meeting shall be at liberty either to dissolve
such monthly-meeting, or bring the affair before
the next or succeeding yearly-meeting.
And' in ease a quarterly-meeting shall dissolve
a monthly-meeting, the dissolved monthly-meet
ing, or any part thereof, in the name of the said
meeting, shall be at liberty to appeal to the next
or succeeding yearly-meeting, against such disso
lution ; but if the dissolved monthly-meeting, or a

QUARTERLY.MEETINGS. ng
part thereof in its behalf, shall not appeal to the
yearly-meeting, the quarterly-meeting shall join
the members of the said late monthly-meeting, to
such other monthly-meetings as they may think
most convenient ; and until such time, shall take
care that no inconvenience doth thereby ensue to
the members of such dissolved meeting, respect
ing any branch of our discipline.
And if any of the monthly-meetings, to which
the quarterly-meeting shall join the whole or a
part of the late monthly-meeting, do think them
selves aggrieved, they shall be at liberty to appeal
against the quarterly-meeting to the yearly-meet
ing ; and until such appeal is heard and deter
mined, the friends added by the quarterly-meet
ing to them, shall be deemed their members. —
1743. All minutes and written epistles from the year
ly-meeting are to be entered by the quarterly-
meeting in fair books, properly kept, that all friends
of the said quarter may have recourse to them, as
occasion shall require. 1727.
It is recommended to the several quarterly-
meetings, that there be held a meeting for divine
worship, on the first day of holding each quarter
ly-meeting, preceding their opening the business,
according to the ancient and general practice of
friends ; and that the several meetings be held as
follow, viz.
Rhode-Island quarter; in the 8th month, at
Portsmouth ; 11th month, at Somerset ; 2d month,
at Providence ; and 5th month, at East Green
wich ;- on the first fifth-day in the month, at each

120 QUARTERLY-MEETINGS.
place. Salem quarter, on the third fifth-day in the
1st month, at Salem ; on the fourth fifth-day in
the 5th month, at Seabrook ; on the third fifth-day
in the 8th month, at Lynn ; and on the third fifth-
day in the 10th month, at Weare. Sandwich quar
ter, on the first fifth-day in the month ; at New-
Bedford, in the 4th and 12th months ; at Nan
tucket, in the 7th ; and at Sandwich, in the 10th.
Falmouth quarter, oh the fifth-day before the first
sixth-day in the month ; at Windham, in the 2d
and 9th ; at Falmouth, in the 6th ; and at Dur
ham, in the 11th month. Smithfield quarter, oh
the second fifth-day in the month ; at Smithfield,
in the 2d ; at Ndrthbridge, in the 5th and 11th ;
and at Bolton, in the 8th month. Vassalborough
quarter, on the fifth-day before the second sixth-
day in the 2d, 9th and 11th months ; and the fifth-
day before the last sixth-day in the 5th month, at
Vassalborough. Dover quarter, on the fourth fifth-
day in the month ; at the upper meeting-house, in
Rochester, (Meaderborough) in the 1st ; at Dover,
in the 4th ; at North-Berwick, in the 8th ; ahd; at
Sandwich, in the 10th month. [Corrected 1840.]

( 121 )

QUERIES

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting,
that it will tend to the benefit of the society, that
the following queries be sent to the several quar
terly, monthly and preparative-meetings.
1. Are all meetings for religious worship and
discipline duly attended, the hour observed ; and
are friends preserved from sleeping, or any other
unbecoming behavior therein ?
2. Are love and unity maintained among yoU ?
Is detraction guarded against ? And where any
differences arise, are endeavors used speedily to
end them ?
3. Are friends careful to bring up those under
their direction in plainness of speech, behavior
and apparel ? To restrain them from reading
pernicious books, and from the corrupt conversa
tion of the world ? Are they good examples here
in themselves ? And are the Holy Scriptures fre
quently read in their families ?
4. Are friends careful to avoid the use of spir
ituous liquors, except for medicine ? The unnec
essary frequenting of taverns, and places of pub
lic resort ? And to keep in true moderation and
temperance, on the account of births, marriages,
burials, and on other occasions ?
18

122 QUERIES.
5. Are the circumstances of the poor, and such
as appear likely to need assistance, duly inspect
ed, and their necessities relieved, or they assisted
in such business as they are capable of? Do their
children freely partake of learning, to fit them for
business ? And are they, and other friends' chil
dren, placed among friends ?
6. Are parents and heads of families, with the
young and unmarried, careful. that all proceedings
with respect to marriage be conformable to our
discipline ?
7. Do you maintain a faithful testimony against
the payment pf priests' wages, bearing arms,
training or other military matters ? Against be
ing concerned in property taken in war, buying or
vending goods suspected to be run, and against
making false entries, to evade the payment of du
ties ?
8. Are friends careful to inspect their affairs
and settle their accounts ? Are they punctual to
their promises and just in the payment of their
debts; and careful to live within the bounds of
their circumstances?
9. Are friends careful to have all their marria
ges, births, deaths and burials duly recorded? Are
there any friends removed from or come amongst
you, without certificates ?
10. Do you take due care regularly to deal with
all offenders, in the spirit of meekness and wis
dom, without partiality or unnecessary delay ? 
And is judgment placed where it appears neces
sary, in the authority of truth, according to our
Discipline ?

QUERIES. 123
And in the preparative and monthly-meetings,
when all the foregoing queries are read and an
swered, the following advices are to be read, with
a suitable pause between them.
That no persons make or encourage proposals
of marriage with each other, without consent of
parents or guardians, or keep company with those
who are not of our society, upon that account ;
that no parent or guardian encourage or connive
at their children thus keeping company or marry
ing ; and that no friend encourage disorderly mar
riages, either by being present at their accom
plishment, or otherwise.
That all public gifts and legacies be strictly ap
plied to the uses intended by the donors ; or, if
any unforeseen occurrence should render such
compliance difficult or impracticable, that an early
application be made to the meeting'for sufferings,
for its advice or assistance ; and that timely care
be taken for the renewal of trusts.
That friends be careful to maintain our testi
mony faithfully against slavery.

And in order to render the said queries more
effectual, it is directed that the answers be full
and explicit, comprising the substance of every
part of each query, in order that this meeting be
ing rightly informed of the state of the church in
general, the needful advice and assistance maybe
duly administered. 1761.

124 QUERIES.
That to this purpose they be first read in the
preparative-meetings preceding the quarterly-
nieeting, and distinct answers given in said meet
ings, to the first, second and. tenth, except pre
vious to the Spring quarter, when all are to be
answered ; and those answers carried tp their
respective monthly-meetings, where the queries
are also to be read, and the answers aforesaid ;
and, those answers digested in each montjily-meet-
ing, and sent from thence to the quarterly-meet
ing, where the queries are to be again read, and
the answers thereto, which came from the montji-
ly-meetings; and a summary account made intlie
spring quarterly-meeting, comprehending the state
thereof, founded on the answers to the queries,.
to be entered on their records, and transmitted to
the yearly-meeting, and there read ; and a sum
mary of the reports to be entered in the yearly-
meeting book.
And that the minutes,, and reports, which go
from inferior to superior meetings, be signed by
their respective clerks.

( 125*.)

RECORDS

It is concluded that there be entered on our
records, beside the usual minutes of our proceed
ings, all the conclusions, advices and epistles,
which go from hence, both with the meetings we
correspond with abroad, and the quarterly-meet
ings ; and a summary account of the answers to
the queries from the several quarters.
And that quarterly-meetings record all epistles,
advices and conclusions, received from this meet
ing ; a summary account of the state of the
monthly-meetings, from the answers to the que
ries once in -the year ; and all their proceedings,
conclusions and advices, whether by epistle or
otherwise. And that monthly-meetings record, beside the
usual minutes and conclusions, all epistles of ad
vice, and the conclusions of this and the quarterly-
meeting they belong to ; marriage certificates,
with the witnesses at large ; births, deaths, buri
als ; all papers of acknowledgment, and testimo
nies of, denial ; all certificates of removal, from
or to the meeting, and of friends that travel in the
ministry ; letters of correspondence with other

126 RECORDS.
meetings, and an account of all sufferings for our
Christian testimony ; a copy of which account is
to be sent up to the meeting for sufferings, and
after being examined and approved, to be there
also recorded ; and that all our books of record
have proper alphabets at the end, that recourse
may be had more readily to any particular, when
occasion requires.

( 127 )

REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS.

It is advised that when friends are about to re
move from one monthly-meeting to another, they
first acquaint the monthly-meeting to which they
belong thereof, in order for their brotherly advice
and counsel in that respect.
And where any so remove, they are to apply
for, and if no objection appears against it, to have
a certificate of their life,' conversation and circum
stances, according to truth and justice, as they
may deserve from the said meeting ; to be produ
ced to such monthly-meeting within whose limits
they are going to reside ; and that such friend or
friends shall from thence forward be deemed mem
bers of the meeting they so remove unto, except
they were insolvent, or had been relieved by the
meeting recommending, or some other meeting on
their behalf, within the term of three years preced
ing the delivery of such certificate ; but if any
friend or friends, who have delivered a certifi
cate, shall fall into necessitous circumstances,
and shall ask and receive any relief within the
above limited time of three years, not having
contributed to the meeting they were recommend
ed to, such friend or friends shall then continue

128 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS.
to belong to the meeting from whence they were
recommended; yet the meeting within the com
pass of which they reside shall assist and relieve
them, and give notice thereof to the meeting which
recommended them ; and upon that meeting's re
ceiving such notice, they shall immediately take
the necessary care of them, and repay the charges
the meeting to which they were recommended has
been at on their account.
And upon any friend's removing and neglecting
to apply for a certificate, the monthly-meeting
from which he removed is desired to recommend
him without such application ; and if that should
also be omitted for the space of three months, the
monthly-meeting into which such friend is remov
ed, is at liberty to apply for a recommendation,
and every monthly-meeting so applied to, is desired
tb comply with such application, where there is no
sufficient cause of delay.
And that no friend gain a settlement by mar
riage certificate, or other recommendation, unless
a removal be expressed therein.
It is recommended, that all certificates of re
moval, issued by our monthly-meetings, be signed
by the clerks of both the men's and women's
meetings. 1833.

( 129 )

SALUTATIONS

Friends are advised against a declension crept
in among us by unbecoming gestures, in cringing
and bowing the body by way of salutation, which
ought riot to be taught or countenanced. 1718.
[See Plainness.]

19

( 130 )

SCHOOLS.

Advised that school-masters and mistresses,
who are faithful friends", and well qualified, be en
couraged in all places where there may be need ;
and that care be taken, that poor friends' children
may freely partake of such education, as may tend
to their benefit and advantage, in order to appren
ticeship. 1695.
Quarterly and monthly-meetings are desired to
take care, that in all places where schools are set
up for teaching of friends' children, the masters
be diligent to improve and forward their scholars
in learning, and to keep them out of every thing
that would corrupt good manners. 1697.
It is the renewed concern of this meeting, to re
commend a care for the offspring of such parents,
whose earnings or income are so small, as to ren
der them incapable of giving their children a suit
able and guarded education, and that especially
from home, by which they may be prevented from
mixing with others not of our religious persua
sion, which so. often leads into hurtful habits, from
which they are not afterwards easily reclaimed ;
and as some of our members may incautiously
permit their offspring to suffer this great loss,

SCHOOLS. 131
rather than apply for assistance from their month
ly-meetings, it is recommended to friends in every
monthly-meeting to seek out such of their mem
bers as may be thus straitened, and administer to
their help ; and it is desired that such will receive
the salutary aid with a willing mind, and thank
fulness to the great Author of all good. 1777.
It is advised that each monthly-meeting appoint
a solid, judicious committee, whose care should be
to meet as often as occasion requires, and con
sult together, and assist friends in procuring
friends to teach schools, and to advise and assist
them in the regulation thereof, and encourage
friends to send their children to the same.
And it is our advice, that no friends send their
children to any other schools but such as are kept
by members of our society, and under the regula
tion of friends, without the particular circumstan
ces attending are such as the school-committees
of the monthly-meetings may think it best ; and
particularly the school-committees of friends every
where, throughout the yearly-meeting, are desired
to pay special attention to give the poor of society
such an education as may fit them for business.

( 132 )

SCRIPTURES

Recommended as an incumbent duty on friends,
to cause their children to be frequent in reading
the Holy Scriptures, and in observing to, them the
examples of such children, as in Scripture are re
corded 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 upon
their spirits impressions of reverence towards
God, from whom they have their daily support ;
shewing them they ought not to offend him : but
lov,e, serve, and honor him in whose hand all
blessings are. 1709.
It is also seriously advised, that no friends suf
fer romances, play-books, or other vain and idle
pamphlets, in their houses or families, which tend
to corrupt the minds of youth ; but, instead there
of, that they excite them to the reading the Holy
Scriptures, and other religious books. — Let the
Holy Scriptures be early taught our youth, dili
gently 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 pre
cepts, divine and moral. 1720.

SCRIPTURES. 133
And, dear friends, inasmuch as the Holy Scrip
tures 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 fulfill
ing the prophecies relating thereto ; we therefore
recommend 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 reverent esteem of those sacred
writings, and advise them to a frequent reading
and meditating therein ; and that you would, at
proper times and seasons, when you find your
minds rightly disposed thereunto, give the youth
te 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 generations, as well as by those
in the first ages of Christianity ; in which case
some account of our own experience will be help
ful to them ; and this we recommend as the most
effectual means of begetting and establishing in
their minds, a firm belief of the Christian doc
trine in general, as well as the necessity of the
aid and help of the operations of the Hojy 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 pernicious notions and principles,
contrary to such sound doctrine, which are at this
time industriously dispersed in this country, to

134 SCRIPTURES.
the reproach of the Christian profession in gen
eral. 1728.
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
way, audibly read, or cause to be 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.

( 135 )

SLEEPING IN OUR RELIGIOUS
MEETINGS.

Forasmuch as our religious meetings are to be
attended for the honor and worship of our Al
mighty Creator, the promotion and enlargement
of our own peace, and good example to, others ;
it is an incumbent duty of every member of our
society reverently to attend them ; waiting for and
obeying the measure of grace and light received ;
such therefore who so far neglect their duty herein
as to sleep, or by nodding or bowing the head, or
other apparent signs of sleep, reproach them
selves, bring a burthen on the faithful, and dis
honor the truth, are to be treated tenderly with
for their recovery ; and if, after due waiting and
admonition in meekness and wisdom, any shall
continue in so disreputable and dishonorable a
practice, they be not employed nor active in any
calling, business or appointment of society, until
an overcoming be witnessed, to the satisfaction of
the brethren : And if he or she be such as have
'" usually sat facing the meeting, whether minister,
elders or others, they withdraw from such seats,
that their ill example and reproach may be les-

136 SLEEPING.
sened, and take their .seats with the members at
large, until they and friends are sensible of an
overcoming. And, " Brethren, if a man be over
taken with a fault, ye which are spiritual restore
such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Gal. vi. 1.

( 137 )

SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

The excessive use of spirituous liquors, of all
kinds, having for a long time been seen by our
society to be a practice tending to lead from calm
ness and innocency, to the many evils which are
the consequences of intemperance ; and a concern
having arose for the spreading of this testimony,
not only to the disuse of distilled spirituous liquors
among us, except as medicine, but that others al
so may by our example be encouraged to restrain
its use within the limits of truth : We recommend
to all friends every where, carefully to look at the
motives of being concerned therewith, not only of
using but distilling, importing, trading in or hand
ing out to others, who from habit may have ac
quired a thirst and inclination after it, tending to
their hurt. We tenderly advise all such as are
concerned therein, to centre down to the principle
leading to universal righteousness ; and as we ap
prehend a continuance in such practices will, in
this day of light, weaken the hands not only of
those individuals concerned to further the reform
ation, but tend greatly to. obstruct society from
holding up a standard to this important testimony,
as becometh our holy profession.
20

138 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.
We entreat therefore those who have begun
well, and made advances in the way towards their
own peace, that as soon as may be, they forbear
the said practices, that a line nmy in due time be
'drawn, and the standard raised and spread to the
nations. 1784.
It appearing, that notwithstanding the advice
and entreaty of this meeting in 1784, and last
year ; divers of our members have been so inat
tentive thereto as not yet to forbear the practice
of importing, "trading in, and handing out distilled
spirtuous liquors, to the weakening of their own
hands, and obstructing society from holding up
this important testimony as becometh our holy
profession, and a fresh exercise arising, that this
obstruction be removed ; it is recommended to
monthly-meetings, that committees be appointed
to labor with all such as may continue in either of
said practices or distilling, and endeavor to pre
vail with them to a cordial compliance with the'
advice of this meeting ; and if any should continue
so disregardful of the unity of the body, as to coun
teract them in this important concern, it is recom
mended that they be dealt with, and if unreclaim
ed, testified against, as those who disregard the
advice of their brethren. 1788.

( 139 )

STOCK

Agreed that a collection be occasionally made
for defraying the expenses of society, and that it
be lodged in the hands of a treasurer to be annu
ally appointed, and subject to be drawn out for
the service of truth, by the meeting for sufferings,
who are to account for the same ; the treasurer's
accounts to be audited annually by a committee,
to be from time to time appointed for that pur
pose. The sums which may be thought necessary to
be raised, is agreed to be proportioned to each
quarter by their representatives present, from
time to time ; and each quarterly-meeting is
desired to be punctual in sending up the same

( J40 )

SUFFERINGS

UfoN consideration of sufferings iti general, it
is advised that ih cases Of difficulty, and where
friends who are sufferers stand in need of advice
in any particular casey they send up their respec
tive cases to the meeting for sufferings. 1682.
That friends be careful of entangling them
selves ih law, beeause of SOttie small irregularity
ih the proceeding ; Btit if the laW be materially
transgressed, and the severity of it exceeded by
the persecutor, that friends use their freedom,
Upon seridUs arid gbod advice among themselves,
so as the testimony of truth may be kept clear
eve* ail; 1676;

( 141 )

TESTIMONIES AND MEMORIALS.

It is recommended to the quarterly and month
ly-meetings, td appoint suitable friends to collect
memorials of the living services and dying say
ings of ministers, elders and other friends, whose
lives are remarkable for true piety and faithful
ness ; with the time of their birth and death as
hear as may be, with a distinction between minis
ters, elders and others, and where they lived ; and
that such collections be inspected by each quar
terly and monthly-meeting, and from thence sehd
them up to this meeting, to be again inspected by
a committee, and when approved by this meeting
to be here recorded. 1760.
The subject of inspecting testimonies and me
morials of deceased friends, having claimed our
attention, it is concluded that they have the in
spection bf the meeting for sufferings, after receiv
ing the approbation of the quarterly and monthly-
meetings, previous to their being presented to
this meeting. 181 L

( 142 )

TRADE

Advised that none launch into trading, and
worldly business, beyond what they can manage
honorably and with reputation ; so that they may
keep their words with all men, that their yea may
prove yea indeed, and their nay, nay ; for whatso
ever is otherwise cometh of evil ; and that they
use few words in their dealings, lest they bring
dishonor to God through their forwardness ; and
such as make themselves guilty, by thus dishonor
ing God, and the holy profession of his name and
truth, are for judgment, and the judgment of truth
ought to be set over them, that those who walk
and abide in the truth may be clear of their ini
quities. 1675, 1688.
It is advised, and earnestly desired, that the
payment of just debts be not delayed by any pro
fessing truth, beyond the time promised and agreed
Upon ; nor occasion given of complaint to those
they deal with, by their backwardness of payment,
where no time is limited ; nor any to overcharge
themselves with too much trading, or with busi
ness beyond their capacities and abilities to man
age in the truth.
It is the advice of this meeting, to the several
quarterly-meetings, that care may be taken, that

TRADE. 143
substantial friends be appointed to visit every fam
ily amongst us, where they think there is occasion
to suspect they are going backwards in their
worldly estate, in a manner that may be to the ill
example of others, or prejudice of creditors ; and
to inquire and see how things are with them, ad
vise them in tenderness according to our disci
pline ; and if they do not manifest a disposition to
take such advice, and comply with it, then to give
them gospel order, and proceed therein against
them. And, dear friends, this meeting being under an
holy care and deep concern, for the glory of God,
the honor of our holy profession, and safety and
growth of every member of the body ; do advise
and counsel all friends, for their own good, that
they keep to such lawful and honest employments
as they well understand, and are able to manage,
for a necessary support of themselves and families;
and not to launch out beyond their abilities, es
pecially upon such credit as truth may haye given
them with their brethren or others, and more at
their hazard who trust them than their own, which
is not only a dishonor to truth, but dishonest as
men, and such cannot be owned in such things to
have place in the body. 1710.
Advised that such be dealt with as trade by sea
or land, or buy, bargain or contract, beyond their
abilities ; and such as keep not their words, pro
mises or engagements, in their dealings ; and do
not pay or satisfy their just debts, according to
time agreed on. These being a reproach to
truth, and a manifest injury and injustice, advice

144 - TRADE.
to all such should be speedily given, and if they
do not reclaim, amend and duly answer, they are
to be further proceeded against. 1719.
It is earnestly desired, that all friends every
where be very careful to avoid all inordinate pur-
Suits after the things of this world, by such ways
and means as depend too much upon the uncer
tain probabilities of hazardous enterprizes ; but
rather labor to content themselves with such a
plain way and manner of living, as is most agree
able to the self-denying principle of truth which
we profess; and which is most conducive to that
tranquillity of mind that is requisite to a religious
conduct through this troublesome world. 1724.
Advised that a conscientious care dwell on all
our minds, not only to be just in our trade and
dealing, neither deceiving the buyer in what we
sell, or falsifying the balances ; but that we keep
to our promises, and pay our debts in due time ;
not exceeding our circumstances or reasonable
expectations in our way of living, nor engaging in
hazardous things more out of vanity than neces
sity. And it is our advice, when any professing
truth finds himself not able to comply with his
contracts, that he call his creditors, and declare his
condition in time, and by shewing the honesty of
his intentions, clear the society from any scapdal-
ous imputations ; and where any so circumstanced
refuses to do so, let him be duly censured. And,
on the other hand, we are to remind you to take
heed, and beware of covetousness ; this grand
enemy of the love and faith of Jesus being too apt
to prevail in this time and place of outward tran-

TRADE. I-45
quillity, wherein we are a people signally blessed
of God. 1737.
It is the sense and judgment of this meeting,
that no persons who shall fail of paying their just
debts ought to be^admitted to act in meetings for
business, or join with friends in collecting for the
poor and the service of the church, until they
have made satisfaction to the monthly-meeting
they belong to, and done what is in their power
to take off the reproach they have, by their im
prudent conduct, brought on our Christian prin
ciple. 1737.
We are also engaged to caution every individ
ual against imprudently entering into joint secu
rities with others ; for by these practices, many
innocent wives and children have been inevitably
and unexpectedly involved in ruinous and deplor
able circumstances ; and exhort them to consider
well the ground on which they become endorsers,
or solicit endorsements from others. And the
practice which has been unhappily prevalent of
raising and circulating a kind of paper. credit, with
endorsements to give it an appearance of value
without any intrinsic reality, we intreat every
member of our society to avoid and discourage.
We also earnestly desire friends to keep strictly
on their guard, that none through any specious
pretences of rendering acts of friendship to others
with safetv to themselves, may risk their own
peace and reputation, and the security of their
families ; in order hereunto, we recommend the
salutary advice of the wise man, to their especial
notice and regard. " Be not thou one of them
21

146 TRADE.
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.
It is earnestly recommended, that friends fre
quently inspect the state of their affairs, and fre
quently settle their accounts ; and when any find
themselves unable, or have not more than sufficient
to pay their just debts, that they immediately dis
close their circumstances to some judicious friends,
or principal creditors, and take their advice how
to act, and be particularly careful not to make dis
tinctions between their just debts, by paying one
in preference to another, but to pay them equally
in justice and equity, whether arising from en
dorsement or otherwise.
And if any of our members become so incau
tious and inattentive to the inspection and settle
ment of their affairs, as to contract debts, which
it shall afterwards appear they were unable to pay
at the time they so contracted, they are to be con
sidered as disorderly walkers, and dealt with ac
cordingly.

( 147 )

WAR

We have as a people looked upon ourselves,
as well as the primitive Christians, to be included
in the notable prophecy, Isai. ii. 4, " They shall
beat their; swords into ploughshares, and their
spears into pruning-hooks, and learn war no
more ;" agreeable to the doctrine of our blessed
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his apostles
(to which oUr ancient friends abundantly bore tes
timony, both in doctrine and practice, and suffered
deeply for, confirmed and ratified by several of
our yearly-meetings, particularly in the years 1693
and 1730, by their express declarations and testi
monies against carrying guns, for defending our
ships, persons, and goods) and being under many
strong engagements to observe the same, from the
particular care of Providence over such as have
been faithful to this our testimony, particularly
those of our friends in Pennsylvania ; neverthe
less some, professing to be of our society, have
slighted and neglected this our ancient and Chris
tian testimony, to that degree as to be concerned
in privateering, or as owners of ships going as
letters of marque, which is a flagrant and lamenta
ble departure from our peaceable principle, which

148, WAR.
hath always been to confide in- the protection and
Providence of Almighty God, and not in weapons
of war ; which practice of theirs may be attended
with injustice, barbarity and bloodshed.
This meeting having taken this sorrowful and
afflicting case, and breach of our ancient testimo
ny, into our serious consideration, have thought it
our incumbent duty to bear our testimony against
such practices ; and it is the unanimous sense of
this meeting, that all quarterly and monthly-meet
ings ought speedily to deal with every person
fpund in the practice of such things, in the spirit
of truth and love, in order to bring them to a sense
of their error, and to reclaim them from it; which
if they cannot do, then to testify against them, and
let them know we have no unity or fellowship with
them. 1744.
We are sorrowfully affected, by the answers to
the queries, that some friends have failed in the
maintenance of our Christian testimony against
wars and fighting, by joining with others to hire
substitutes, and by the payment of money to ex-'
empt themselves from personal service, in the mi->
litia ; a practice inconsistent With the testimony
to the reign of the Prince of Peace our ancients
received, and were concerned to maintain through
cruel sufferings, and which the faithful in this day
dare not shrink from : Which defection from our
Christian testimony and general practice having
been matter of sorrow to this meeting, we are
concerned strongly to advise against, and that
friends every where stand faithful and single in
their dependence on the Lord for preservation,

WAR. 149
who alone is forever able to keep in perfect safety.
And if suffering be the lot which doth result from
such obedience to the divine requiring, such will,
as they abide in the simplicity and innocence of
truth, reap the fruits of peace in their own bosom.
Let therefore the care of friends, in their several
monthly-meetings, be exerted to prevent any con
tributions for hiring substitutes, or other methods
of exempting themselves from the militia, incon
sistent with our well-known testimony. 1760.
It is our sense and judgment, that we cannot,
consistent with our well-known principles, actively
pay any rate or assessment on any town or class
of men, which may be imposed for not raising the
quotas or number assigned them to raise for any
military purpose ; whether it be as a fine for ne
glect, or an equivalent for such quotas or detach
ment ; nor any rates or assessments made for the
advancing of the hire or enlisting-money of volun
teers, or which may be expressly therein ordered
to be given or paid to military men. 1762.
We advise that all friends carefully avoid cen
suring or judging each other, in respect to the
payment or non-payment of such taxes, a part
whereof goes to the support of war, and a part for
civil government.
And it is recommended to friends every where,
to take into their serious consideration the incon
sistency of any under our profession, suffering
their temporal interest to induce them in any man
ner to contribute to the purposes of war.
It is the concern of this meeting, to recommend
to the several monthly-meetings, that they, con-

150 WAR.
sistent with our ancient testimony, refuse the pay
ment of all taxes, expressly or specially for the
support of war, whether called for in money, pro
visions or otherwise ; and that accounts of dis
traints for such taxes be sent up ; and that such
friends as do actively pay such taxes be dealt with
as disorderly walkers. We also desire, that all
friends carefully avoid discouraging a tender scru
ple, which may arise in the minds of our brethren,
respecting the payment of such taxes, a part
whereof is evidently for the support of war ; and
that all be careful to manifest, by a steady consis
tent eonduct, that they singly aim to experience an
advancement in the truth. 1781.
It is our sense and judgment, that it will not be
consistent with our testimony against war, for any
of our members to receive pensions from govern
ment, for military services performed before tfiey
became members, though reduced to necessitous
circumstances ; but that this necessity should be
relieved by monthly and quarterly-meetings, and,
thereby preserve our religious testimony against
the anti-christian practice of war, and manifest
their sympathy for their brethren, by contributing
to their comfortable support. 1818.

( 151 )

WOMEN'S MEETINGS

Our women's meetings being set up and ap
proved in the love of God, and by his wisdom and
power ; and being of manifest service, and helpful
in the church ; it is the earnest desire and advice
of this meeting, that they may be upheld and en
couraged. 1707.
And in order that the service of women's meet
ings may be the more extensive, it is recommend
ed that each monthly-meeting of women friends
depute representatives to attend the service of
their quarterly-meetings ; and each quarterly-
meeting depute representatives to the yearly-meet
ing. ThaJ they proceed in answering the queries,
appointing all the proper officers, and conducting
the business necessary to their meetings, as the
men's meetings are advised, under queries, month
ly-meetings, quarterly-meetings and yearly-meet
ings. In regard to the matter of men and women's
meetings being united in disowning and receiving
members, it is agreed, when any person requests
the care of friends, and when any friend is taken

152 WOMEN'S MEETINGS.
under dealing in any monthly-meeting, such meet
ing, whether men's or women's, acquaint the other
thereof, in order for their uniting their sympathy,
and help, if they think it best ; and when the
meeting to whom application is made, or by whom
the friend may be under dealing, are about to re
ceive, restore or disown the person under care,
that both meetings be acquainted therewith, and
their concurrence or unity manifested before the
conclusion be entered ; and when the approbation
of both men and women be obtained, the same be
entered on the minutes of each meeting.
And it is advised, that men and women be at
tentive and ready in their monthly and quarterly-
meetings to unite their assistance to each other,
when it appears useful and best, whether expressly
desired or not ; and that testimonies of denial be
read, approved and minuted, , in both meetings,
and then be signed by the clerk of the men's meet
ing, if respecting a man, and if a woman, by the
clerk of the women's meeting.

( 153 )

YEARLY-MEETING.

The good and blessed intent and end of this and
all our assemblies is, with the Lord's assistance,
for his honor, in the promoting and maintaining
our Christian society and religion, in life and prac
tice, in all the parts and branches thereof. 1695.
It is the fervent desire of this meeting, that the
business and concerns thereof be solidly, in the
fear of God, managed and carried on, without
contention or striving ; and with as few words,
and in as pertinent expressions to the matter in
hand, as may be, for expediting the affairs thereof
without loss of time, or any ways disordering the
meeting ; but one at a time speaking, and stand
ing up, that all things may be done decently, and
in good order. 1710.
That the quarterly-meetings be careful annually
to depute such friends to attend the service of the
yearly-meeting, as are men fearing God, of good
conversation, weighty spirits, prudent and sincere,
well acquainted with the affairs of truth, and dili
gent attenders of meetings for discipline at home ;
whose practice and conversation is answerable to
the testimony they profess to bear ; men known
to be faithful and conscientious. 1714, 1733.
Advised that no representatives withdraw from
the meeting before it ends, without leave first re
quested and granted, that the service of the meet
ing may not be neglected. 1709.
22

154 YEARLY-MEETING.
It behooveth 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 ex
ert 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, laboring in love
and meekness of wisdom to be helpful one un
to 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. 1747.
It is agreed, that the Yearly-Meeting for New-
England be held on Rhode-Island, beginning with
a meeting of ministers and elders, at the 9th hour
on seventh-day after the second sixth-day in the
sixth month, at Newport ; that the meetings for
worship on first-day, begin at the 10th hour in the
morning and the 4th hour in the afternoon, both
at Portsmouth and Newport ; and that the meet
ing for church discipline begin at the 9th hour on
second-day morning, at Newport. And that the
former clerk, or in his absence the clerk of the
meeting for sufferings, act as clerk at that sitting ;
at the conclusion of which sitting the representa
tives are to meet and agree upon a clerk for the
year, and report the same to the adjournment.
Agreed that all papers that come before this
meeting, as well as quarterly and monthly-meet
ings, except such as are from immediate corres
pondents, be first examined by a committee to be
from time to time appointed, before they be read
in our meetings.

( 155 )

YOUTH

We earnestly beseech our friends, and espec
ially the youth among us, to avoid all such con
versation as may tend to draw out their minds in
to the foolish and wicked pastimes with which this
age aboundeth (particularly balls, gaming-places,
horse-races, and play-houses,) those nurseries of
debauchery and wickedness, the burthen and grief
of the sober part of other societies, as well as of
our own; practices wholly unbecoming a people un
der the Christian profession, contrary to the tenor
of the doctrine of the gospel, and the examples of
the best men in the earliest ages of the 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."
Isai. xxxiii. 15. 1739.
And dearly beloved youth, in an humble sense
of the continued visitations of the Father's love,
and experience of their blessed effects, we entreat
you, by the mercies of God, receive its holy im
pressions, submit to its discipline ; this will pre
serve you from the deplorable effect of Satan's
transformations, inspire you with holy resolutions,

156 YOUTH.
and enable you to maintain them in all godly con
versation, and purity of life and faith, adorning
the doctrine of the gospel by a blameless demean
or. True peace will then flow as a river in your
own minds ; and the fruits of the tree of righteous
ness be brought forth to your inexpressible con
solation in Christ, the revival of Zion's beauty, the
rebuilding of her desolations ; so that, by and
through you, she may yet appear beautiful to the
sincere-hearted, but to her enemies, terrible as an
army with banners. 1751.

SCEI.

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