tihvavy of trhe ^theological ^tminavy 
 
 PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY 
 
£ 
 
^^^.o. w nvH\ 
 
 RULES OF DISCIPLINE 
 
 or THE 
 
 YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, 
 
 HELD- 
 
 IN PHILADELPHIA. 
 PRINTED BY DIRECTION OF THE MEETING. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PRINTED BY KIMBER, CONRAD, Zi CO. 
 ^ .» 
 
 1806. 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 AS it hath pleased the Lord in these latter 
 days, by his spirit and power, to gather a peo- 
 ple to himself; and, releasing them from the im- 
 positions and teachings of men, to inspire them 
 with degrees of the same universal love and 
 good will by which the dispensation of the gos- 
 pel was ushered in, these have been engaged to 
 meet together for the worship of God in Spi- 
 rit, according to the direction of the holy Law- 
 giver ; as also for the exercise of a tender 
 care over each other, that all may be preserved 
 in unity of faith and practice, answerable to the 
 description which He the ever-blessed Shepherd 
 gave of his flock " by this shall all men knovv^ 
 that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to 
 another.'^ John xiii. 35. 
 
 For this important end, and as an exterior 
 hedge of preservation to us, against the many, 
 temptations and dangers, to which our situation 
 in this w^orld exposes us, the following rules 
 have been occasionally adopted by the society, 
 and now form our code of discipline. In the 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 exercise whereof it is to be observed that, if 
 any member be found in a conduct subversive 
 of its order, or repugnant to the testimonies 
 which we believe we are intrusted with for the 
 ])romotion of truth in the earth, it becomes 
 our indispensable duty to treat with such, in 
 meekness and brotherly compassion, without 
 unnecessary delay or improper exposure ; ac- 
 cording to the direction of our Lord to his 
 church '' 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 ne- 
 glect to hear them, tell it to the church ; but if 
 he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto 
 thee as a heathen-man and a publican.'^ Matt. 
 chap, xviii. 15, 16, 17. 
 
 This is the extent of the society's censure 
 against irreclaimable oitenders, they are dis- 
 owned as mem^bers of our religious community; 
 which is recommended to be done in such a dis- 
 position of mind, as may convince them, that 
 we sincerely desire their recovery andg'estora- 
 tion, *' considering ourselves, lest we also be 
 tempted." Gal. vi. 1. 
 
 For the more regular and effectual support 
 of this order of the society, beside the usual 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 meetings for the purpose of Divine worship, 
 others are instituted subordinate to each other ; 
 such as First, Preparative meetings, which 
 cmomonly consist of the members of a meeting 
 for worship ; Second. Monthly meetings, each of 
 which commonly consits of several preparative 
 meetings ; Third, Quarterly meetings, each of 
 which consists of several of the monthly meet- 
 ings ; and Fourth^ the yearly meeting ^ which 
 comprises the whole. 
 
 These meetings have all distinct allotments 
 of service ; and as experience shews that when 
 this service is attended to in uprightness and 
 dedication of heart, with a single eye to the 
 honour of our Holy Head, and the help and edi- 
 fication one of another, in the love wherewith 
 he has loved us, our assemblies are often fa- 
 voured with his aid and direction ; Friends are 
 aflfectionately desired and exhorted, to be dili- 
 gent in the attendance of them ; and when met, 
 humbly seek to be clothed with the spirit of 
 W'isdom and charity ; this will divest the mind 
 of a dependance on our own strength and abili- 
 ties, endue us with patience and condescension 
 towards each other ; and being preserved in fel- 
 lowship agreeably to our Lords declaration, 
 *' One is your master, even Christ, and all ye are 
 brethren," a qualification will be experienced in 
 
 * In the society there are seven such yearly meeting's, viz, one in 
 Great Britain, and six on the American continent. 
 
 v:% 
 
 H 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 our several stations and movements to build up 
 one another in that faith which works by love 
 to the purifying of the heart. 
 
 So may we be living members of the Church- 
 militant on earth ; and inhabitants of that city 
 which hath foundations, whose maker and 
 builder the Lord is ; knowing indeed with ex- 
 ceeding joy that great is He the Holy One of 
 Israel in the midst of her. 
 
APPEALS 
 
 IF any person be dissatisfied widi, or think 
 themselves aggrieved by the judgment of a 
 monthly meeting, they may, after a copy of 
 the testimony is delivered to them, notify the pe°aiingtobe 
 first or second meeting (but no other) of their flontiiiy meet- 
 intention of appeaUng to the ensuing quar- '"^* 
 terly meeting : which noiification the months 
 ly meeting should enter on its minutes, and 
 appoint four or more Friends, to attend the J^e^Jj^nJ^iV^ 
 quarterly meeting with that, and copies of the ^^^^^[^"^^^0^^^ 
 minutes of the mens or womens meetinq;, rela- tend the quav- 
 
 ^ terly meeiing 
 
 tive to the case, signed by the clerk, or clerks, thereon. 
 there to show the reasons whereon that judgm.ent 
 was founded, and submitting it to the said meet- 
 ing. The quarterly meeting is then to refer the committee of 
 same to a solid committee of Friends (omitting meemg^Tp-^ 
 those of the monthly meeting from which the ap- 
 peal comes) and to confirm or reverse the said 
 judgment as, on impartial deliberation, shall ap- 
 pear to be right, taking care to inform the par- 
 ties of the result. 
 
 If such appellant is dissatisfied with the judg- 
 ment of a quarterly meeting also ; and, on being 
 
 pointed. 
 
2 APPEALS. 
 
 Notice to be informed thereof, shall notify that or the next (but 
 
 given to the ... 
 
 quarterly oUhe not after wards) of their intention to apply to the 
 
 intention of car- . r r i i • i . i 
 
 lying the ap- yearly meeting tor a further hearmg, the said quar- 
 Fy meeting-! terly meeting, after recording such notification, is 
 in like manner to appoint at least three Friends, 
 to attend the yearly meeting with copies of the 
 Copies of the rccords of both the monthly and quarterly meet- 
 momhiy°and^ i^^gs in the case, signed by their clerks ; here 
 meetings to be ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ finally determined, and a copy of the 
 taken to the determination is to be sent to the meeting from 
 
 yearly meetuig". ^ o 
 
 which the appeal came. 
 
ARBITRATIONS 
 
 ferences about 
 property. 
 
 IF occasions of differences arise between 
 any of our members about their property, it is 
 recommended that the parties proceed in the 
 following manner : 
 
 Let the party who thinks him or herself ag- -^^^^ p^g. 
 grieved, calmly and kindly request the other to '(e^me^/^M^ 
 comply with the demand ; and, if this be disput- 
 ed, the complainant, or if he or she lives at too 
 great a distance, some Friend whom they may 
 authorise, should take with him one or two of 
 the overseers, or other discreet Friends, and in 
 their presence repeat the demand. 
 
 If this step also fails of the desired effect, the v^^^^^^^^^ ^^ 
 parties should be advised to choose a suitable Arbitrators 
 
 * ^ ^ advisea. 
 
 number of Friends as arbitrators, and mutually 
 engage by bond, or other written instrument 
 adapted to the occasion, to abide by their deter- 
 mination. 
 
 Should this proposal be acceded to, and ar- 
 bitrators accordingly chosen ; they ought, as 
 speedily as circumstances will admit, to appoint 
 
4 ARBITRATIONS. 
 
 time and place, and attend to the business with- 
 Arbitrators out unnecessary delay ; giving the parties a fair 
 panics a full and full hearing in the presence of each other, 
 hearS^^ ^^ t)ut listening to neither of them apart, nor suf- 
 fering their own sentiments to be known abroad 
 till they have fully digested the subject, and 
 come to a clear decision, which they should be 
 careful to do within the time agreed on. 
 
 But, if either of the said parties shall refuse to 
 submit the matter in dispute to arbitrators ; or, 
 when that is done, neglect to give his or her at- 
 tendance when desired, without a sufficient rea- 
 son being assigned ; or not abide by their award 
 notcmnpiying wlicu issucd ; in either of those cases, the of- 
 recommende!{ fcudcr should be complaiucd of to the monthly 
 pia'me^d oTto' i^^ecting of which he or she is a member ; and 
 the monthly -f ^^ity caunot be brousfht to a sense of their 
 
 meeting. •/ «=> 
 
 error, the said meeting should declare its dis- 
 union with them, unless such person make it 
 evident to the satisfaction of the said meetins: 
 
 An erroneous c) 
 
 or unjust a- ^\-^rj^^ ^j^g award is erroneous or unjust. In 
 
 ward cause ot _ *' 
 
 rehearing. ^^•hich casc the matter in dispute may be referred 
 either to the same, or other arbitrators as the 
 meeting shall judge best ; and their award shall 
 be final. After which if either of the parties at 
 variance, prove so regardless of peace and unity 
 as not to acquiesce in such corrected determina- 
 tion, the monthly meeting they belong to should 
 proceed to issue a testimony against him or her 
 so refusing. 
 
ARBITRATIONS. 5 
 
 Where arbitrators are at a loss for want of Arbitrators 
 legal knowledge, it may be proper for them, at JlJ'Jonluh''''''^ 
 the joint expense of the parties to take the opinion ^^^^^^^ ' 
 of counsel learned in the law, in order to come 
 at a proper judgment in the matter referred to 
 them. And that they may the better answer 
 the end of their appointment, and be helpful in 
 conciliating the minds of the parties, they ought Butnotto 
 
 cou- 
 
 not to consider themselves as advocates for g^^^^, asTdvo- 
 
 those by whom they are chosen, but as men, p^^ty.^"''' ^'^^^'' 
 
 whose duty it is to judge righteously, fearing 
 
 the Lord. They should, as much as may be, 
 
 shun all previous information respecting the jjoe^i^jg^ce 
 
 case; or, having heard any thing on it, stand J^^^^JJji^g^^^' 
 
 unbiassed thereby. They should reject no evi- in the pre- 
 
 J 'I -i sence of both 
 
 dence or witness proposed; nor receive any but parties. 
 in the presence of both parties ; and in their Tiie award 
 
 . may be with- 
 
 award, they need not assign any reason for their out assigning 
 
 , . . any reason for 
 
 CietermmatlOnS. the determina- 
 
 tion. 
 
 And whereas there may be some circum- 
 stances even in disputed matters, wherein the 
 foregoing wholesome method of proceeding can- 
 not be complied with; such as, 1st. The party cases except- 
 absconding, or leaving the country with design 
 to defraud his or her creditors ; or, 2d. That 
 the going through the meetings, by the time it 
 must necessarily take up, might be a manifest 
 damage, to the creditor or claimant, by other 
 peoples postponing him or her, as in cases of 
 apparent danger of bankruptcy, or the party 
 being overloaded with debts, and other creditors 
 
 ed. 
 
6 ARBITRATIONS. 
 
 generally coming on; or, 3d. That there may 
 be danger of future damage to such as submit 
 thereto, as in the case of executors, administra- 
 tors, or trustees; it may therefore be necessary, 
 and it is advised, that the monthly meeting 
 where such cases happen, do hold excused such 
 as shall in the two first mentioned circumstances 
 in this paragraph, appear to them to be really 
 necessitated to proceed at law; and in the latter 
 case of executors, administrators or trustees, 
 where it shall appear to the meeting that our 
 Permission to friendly way would be unsafe, such may be per- 
 
 have a disput- . . . . 
 
 od case tried mittcd to havc the matter tried at law, with this 
 
 at law. 
 
 caution, that the parties on both sides do behave 
 towards each other in brotherly love, decency 
 and moderation, without anger or animosity, 
 which will be a becoming testimony even in 
 courts, and show that nothing but the nature 
 of the case, and our station in common widi 
 others, under the laws of the land, bring any 
 of us there. 
 
 As it may sometimes occur that a mem- 
 ber, either for want of a clear understanding of 
 the business, or through an improper influence 
 conYider'^ca^e- ^^J p^escut a complaint against another mem- 
 of Ifompiainr ^er, wherciu the overseers, after fully hearing 
 both parties, being decidedly of opinion that the 
 case does not require a reference, they are to 
 advise a speedy settlement thereof; which being 
 ineffectual, and the complainant remaining dis- 
 satisfied therewith, he may have liberty to in- 
 
ARBITRATIONS. 7 
 
 form the preparative meeting where the other 
 party is a member (without mentioning any 
 name) that having a matter in dispute with one 
 of their members, he is desirous of their assist- 
 ance in order to a settlement thereof ;.... the said preparative 
 
 , . . ,. . . meeting to ap- 
 
 meetmg is then to appomt a judicious commit- point a com- 
 
 tee to inquire into the propriety of the matter ""'"^^• 
 
 being left to arbitration ; if they should judge 
 
 that the complaint ought to be referred, they are 
 
 to advise that it be submitted accordingly ; but 
 
 if the said committee concur in judgment with 
 
 the overseers, the complaint is to be dismissed. 
 
 , Friends in the 
 
 It is desired that persons dinering about ministry should 
 \vorldly affairs, do as little as may be, engage from serving 
 friends in the ministry as arbitrators in such asmuchTsmay 
 
 be. 
 
 cases. 
 
BIRTHS AND BURIALS, 
 
 Solemnity of 
 burials never 
 to be pervert- 
 ed into oppor- 
 tunities for in- 
 temperance or 
 levity. 
 
 AS those M'ho attend burials may sometimes 
 come from far, and be in need of bodily refresh- 
 ments, it is earnestly advised that, when this is 
 really necessary, it may be taken in moderation; 
 and that Friends be careful in this and all other 
 respects to demean themselves with gravity and 
 decency ; remembering that such seasons, es- 
 pecially, ought never to be perverted into oppor- 
 tunities for intemperance or levity. And it is 
 desired that when any thing unseemly appears, 
 the offender may be taken aside and tenderly 
 admonished, that so every thing tending to 
 lessen the solemnity of such occasions, may be 
 avoided. 
 
 It is recommended that one or more suitable 
 
 Friends of each particular meeting be appointed 
 
 tosee'thatg-ood by monthly meetings to attend at funerals, to 
 
 ed at funerail' scc that good Order is observed ; and that the 
 
 corpse be removed about an hour after the time 
 
 set for meeting at the house. 
 
 Advised that Friends be careful themselves, 
 and discourage their children from attending the 
 
BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 9 
 
 worship of those who are not in communion ReUgioua cau^ 
 
 with us, and particularly at burials; seeino; that, tiontobeob- 
 
 ^ * '' ' o ' served respect- 
 in SO doino;, there is a dans:er either of balkins: i"j?' he worship 
 
 ^ o' ^ ^ oi those not la 
 
 their testimony for the truth, to the woundinoj communioa 
 
 *-' with us. 
 
 of their own minds, or giving unnecessary 
 offence to their sober neighbours. 
 
 It is the sense of this meeting, that meetings no meeting to 
 
 should not be appointed on account of the inter- for mtel'ment 
 
 ment in our burial grounds of persons who membersh'ipr 
 
 are not in membership with us ; and that invi- f"^^ no unua- 
 
 ^ ' tion but for 
 
 tations to the burials of such who are not inter- those in our 
 
 own grounds. 
 
 red in our burial grounds should not be made 
 
 in our religious meetings. 
 
 And also that Friends be relio'iously sruarded Caution 
 
 "^ *-' against invifa- 
 
 in publishing invitations to the burials of such tions to the bu- 
 rials of" tliose 
 
 not m membership with us who are admitted to notinmember- 
 
 1 • 1 • 1 ship. 
 
 be interred m our grave yards. 
 
 In order that meetings may not be held at 
 the interment of our deceased members in a 
 
 customary or formal way, it is advised, that the TeldaUnter-^ 
 
 No formal cr 
 customary 
 
 proposal for holding any such meeting be previ- 
 ously submitted to the consideration of the elders 
 and overseers, or other solid Friends, either of the 
 meeting in the compass of which the deceased 
 resided, or of that in which the interment is to 
 take place, that the counsel or mind of truth 
 mav be waited for and followed. 
 
 ments. 
 
10 BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 
 
 Appointment Aiid to prevent the introduction of improper 
 
 burialgrounds. interments amongst us... .it is recommended 
 that two or more Friends be appointed to the 
 care of our several burial grounds by preparative 
 or monthly meetings, as the case may require, 
 and that no person who is not in membership 
 be buried therein, without a permit in writing 
 signed by one or two of those Friends ; who 
 should also take care that our burial grounds be 
 properly enclosed and kept in decent order. 
 
 It is further recommended, that at all in- 
 terments, time be allowed for a solemn pause, 
 both before and after the corpse is put into the 
 ground. 
 
 Notnonuments I^ is the sensc of this meeting, that no 
 of wood or monuments either of wood or stone be affixed 
 
 stone to be in 
 
 our grave ^q jrravcs in any of our burial s-rounds ; and if 
 
 yards. ^ •' ^ "-^ 
 
 any yet remain therein, that these be forth- 
 with removed.... so that no cause of uneasiness 
 on this account may exist, or partiality be justly 
 chargeable upon us. 
 
 Mourning: ha. Fricuds arc advised ae;ainst imitatinj^ the 
 
 bits vain and «^ »=> 
 
 superfluous. y^'u^ custom of Wearing or giving mourning 
 habits, and all extravagant expenses about the 
 interment of the dead. 
 
 Regular re- 
 
 As great inconvenience may arise from the 
 cord of births want of duc attention to keeping: a resrular re- 
 
 and burials to , i O O 
 
 be kept. cord of births and burials, it is earnestly en- 
 
BIRTHS AND BURIALS. 
 
 11 
 
 joined on each monthly meeting, that they ap- 
 point a careful Friend, whose duty it shall be, 
 in a book provided for the purpose, at the 
 monthly meeting's expense, to keep a record of 
 all births and burials of members that shall occur 
 within their respective limits and which shall be 
 offered to him for that purpose ; and in order to 
 engage the attention of monthly meetings more 
 closely to this subject, it is further enjoined, 
 that an explicit answer be annually given by 
 monthly to quarterly meetings, and through 
 them to the yearly meeting to the query, 
 Whether due care is taken to keep a regular 
 record of births and burials ? 
 
 The form of the record to be as follows.... 
 
 BIRTHS, 
 
 Names of the 
 Children. 
 
 When 
 born. 
 
 Names of 
 the parents. 
 
 Their 
 residence. 
 
 Occasional 
 Notes, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 BURIALS. 
 
 Names of the 
 deceased. 
 
 When 
 deceased. 
 
 A^e. 
 
 Where 
 buried. 
 
 Late 
 Residence. 
 
 Occasional/ 
 Notes. 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Form of the re- 
 cords. 
 
12 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 Meeting for ^^ bciiig recommeiicled to the meeting for 
 
 ^uifeiinars to suflerinp's to take the oversidit of all writb2:s 
 
 have tlie over- ^ ^ , 
 
 Eight of reii^i- proi)osed to be printed, which relate to our re- 
 
 ous books or \ *^ ^ ^ * 
 
 writings to be limoiis principles or testhiionies ; our members 
 
 printed & i r 
 
 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 one shall print or publish 
 any writing against the advice of said meeting 
 Persona who for sufferings, or which tends to excite disunity 
 
 publish con- ^ ^ 
 
 trarytothisad- and discord amoug us, such persons should be 
 
 vice to be dis- -i • i r» i 
 
 owned. complamed of to the monthly meeting they be- 
 
 long to, and if they cannot be convinced of the 
 impropriety of their conduct, be testified against, 
 as opposed to the peace and good order of the 
 society. 
 
 Advice against This meeting doth earnestly exhort all pa- 
 
 eious'^^ookr" I'^nts, 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 tend 
 ing to prejudice the profession of the Christi- 
 an religion, to create the least doubt concern- 
 
BOOKS. 13 
 
 ing the authenticity of the holy Scriptures, 
 or of those 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 reHgions society, that they dis- 
 courage and suppress the reading of plays, ro- 
 mances, novels, or other pernicious books ; 
 and printers and booksellers in profession with 
 us, are cautioned against printing, selling, or 
 lending such books ; as it is a practice so incon- 
 sistent with the purity of the Christian reliejion. And against 
 
 * "^ *- printing, seU 
 
 And Friends are desired to be careful in the Ung, or lending 
 choice of all books in which their children and 
 families read, seeing there are many under the 
 specious titles of promoting religion and mo- 
 rality, which contain sentiments repugnant to 
 the truth in Christ Jesus. 
 
 such books. 
 
u 
 
 CERTIFICATES 
 
 Certificates for 
 travelling- 
 J'riends to be 
 seasonably re- 
 turned. 
 
 Those of re- 
 moval to be 
 lodg-ed in the 
 monthly meet- 
 in,^ and re- 
 corded. 
 
 IT is recommended to the quarterly and 
 monthly meetings to take care, that all certifi- 
 cates or minutes which may be given to any 
 travelling Friend be recorded, and upon the re- 
 turn of such Friend, seasonably delivered back 
 to the meeting ; and that all certificates of re- 
 moval brought by any Friend intending to reside 
 amongst us, shall be lodged in the monthly 
 meeting, where the same is accepted ; and also 
 that every meeting do keep a copy or record of 
 all certificates which they give out. 
 
 Mode of sign- 
 ing certificates. 
 
 All certificates of removal prepared for w^omen 
 Friends, after being considered in their monthly 
 meeting, are to be sent to the mens', and if there 
 approved, signed by the clerks of both. If they 
 are directed to any place beyond the limits of 
 this yearly meeting, they are to be signed by the 
 clerks, and at least four other Friends of each 
 And if the certificate is for a man only, 
 
 sex. 
 
 it is to be signed by the clerk of the mens' meet- 
 ing, and at least four other men Friends. 
 
 Friends are advised to be very cautious in 
 changing their places of residence: it having 
 
CERTIFICATES. 15 
 
 been observed that the dissolving of old, and the ASoT''' 
 forming of new connections, have in many in- ^^^'Jf ^''^''" 
 stances been attended with effects prejudicial to 
 a growth in the truth and the service thereof, 
 both in the heads and younger branches of fami- 
 lies ; we therefore recommend to all, that on 
 these occasions a strict attention be paid to the 
 pointings of Divine Wisdom ; and that before 
 any determine to change their places of abode, 
 they consult with their experienced fellow mem- 
 bers. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting that when ^^.^^^a^^^^^ 
 a certificate of removal from one monthly meet- ^^2^.''^''^'^" 
 ing to another is received, the person or persons 
 recommended shall be deemed members of the 
 meeting they remove to. But if any such per- Exceptions un 
 sons shall fall into circumstances requiring pe- 
 cuniary relief within one year after the receipt 
 of such certificate, he, she, or they shall be con- 
 sidered as belonging to the monthly meeting 
 from which they came. Yet the meeting removed 
 to, ought to assist them, giving speedy notice 
 thereof to the other. Whereupon that meeting 
 should immediately take care of them, and repay 
 the charge which has been or may be incurred 
 on that account. And if the meeting from which 
 such persons removed (on consulting with that 
 within which they are) shall desire them to re- 
 turn, he or she ought to comply, as soon as they 
 are of abilitv so to do ; and the Friends where 
 
 der certain cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
16 CERTIFICATES. 
 
 they reside, should yield them such advice and 
 assistance as the case may require. 
 
 And if any such persons on being so required 
 comply with shall rcfusc to comply, the said monthly meeting 
 the meeting/ ^lay deal with them as opposed to the order of 
 ©wnme^nt :^^'^ the society, and if they cannot be prevailed with 
 
 to submit, issue a testimony of denial against 
 
 them. 
 
 But not to ex- 
 tend to per- 
 
 The above rule enjoining the return of 
 
 members to the meetings they have removed 
 
 sons in particu- from, IS, howcvcr, not dcsiffued to extend to the 
 
 lar circum- ^^ 
 
 stances. wife of a per SOU, w ho is not in membership with 
 
 us, or to such of their minor children as are 
 members ; but if such should need relief, within 
 one year as aforesaid, they should be assisted, in 
 the manner recommended, by the meeting they 
 removed from ; if any Friend be reduced in his 
 or her circumstances by fire or other sudden 
 unavoidable losses, though it may be within 
 one year after their removal as aforesaid, they 
 should be kindly assisted and relieved by the 
 meeting where such persons reside, and consi- 
 dered members thereof. 
 
 All Friends removing out of the limits of 
 
 Application to . . i i r 
 
 be made for their monthly meetings, whether lor continu- 
 ance, or for any considerable length of time, are 
 advised to apply to their respective meetings for 
 certificates directed to those within which they 
 propose to sojourn or settle. But if any shall re- 
 
CERTIFICATES. 17 
 
 move without so applying, the monthly meetings 
 of which they are members, after the usual en- 
 quiry made, and no obstruction appearing, should 
 
 send certificates for them to the monthly meet- 
 Manner of 
 
 insrs within which they are removed, and that treating with 
 without improper delay; but if their conduct removed at a 
 requires their being dealt with, and the distance 
 such as to be inconvenient for the meeting they 
 have removed from, the monthly meeting within 
 which they are, should be requested to treat with 
 him or her thereon, and report the effect of its 
 care. On which, if it proves satisfactory, a cer- 
 tificate of recommendation or removal may be 
 ordered; but if otherwise, and a testimony of dis- 
 union is issued, the meeting within which he or 
 she resides, should be furnished with a copy 
 thereof, to be delivered to the party, with infor- 
 mation of their right of appeal. 
 
 It is to be understood that where apprentices, Parents, guar- 
 
 . - dians or mas- 
 
 or persons under age, are under a necessity or ters to apply 
 going from one place to another, their parents for minors. 
 or guardians, masters or mistresses, should ap- 
 ply for certificates for them, recommending them 
 to the care and oversight of the monthly meet- 
 ings whereto they remove. 
 
 If any person appearing as a Friend, come 
 within the compass of a monthly meeting, not 
 being recommended by certificate, and be of dis- 
 orderly conduct, the overseers, or other con- 
 cerned Friends, should enquire whether or not 
 
18 CERTIFICATES. 
 
 Jrdedrcon^'^' ^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^ member of our society; and, if 
 
 duetto be they prove so to be, admonish them, or, if the 
 treated with. "^ ' ^ ' ' 
 
 occasion require it, report the case to the pre- 
 parative, and from thence to the monthly meet- 
 ing; which should thereupon inform the monthly 
 meeting of which he or she is a member, of the 
 circumstance, and take the direction of said meet- 
 ing, for dealing further with them, according to 
 our rules in cases of that nature. 
 
 Visits to such It is recommended that monthly meetinars, 
 
 who bring cer- ^ '' . 
 
 tificates. as Way may open, appoint two or more Friends 
 
 to visit such, who come recommended by cer- 
 tificate to settle amongst them. 
 
 Certificates Monthly meetings are advised to take due 
 
 Sonth?ymeet°-^ carc that Certificates of removal be seasonably 
 6efson^i^°for^. forwarded by suitable conveyances to the month- 
 warded, ly meetings to which they are directed.... they 
 being the exclusive property of such meetings. 
 
19 
 
 CHARITY AND UNITY; 
 
 IT is advised, that where there is any ap- Dissension,va» 
 pearance of dissension and variance, or of un- neTs^to^ claim 
 kind resentment and shyness among our mem- ^^^^y ^*^^' 
 bers, the parties be timely and tenderly apprised 
 of the danger to which they thereby expose both 
 themselves and others, and earnestly exhorted to 
 mutual condescension and forgiveness, becom- 
 ing the followers of Christ : And if any, not- 
 withstanding such endeavours for their help, 
 continue to manifest an implacable enmity to 
 others, the overseers or other solid Friends of 
 the preparative or monthly meeting they belong 
 to, should be informed thereof, and labour fur- 
 ther with them: when, if they still prove inflexi- impiacabieen. 
 
 . mitv to btt tes- 
 
 ble, they ought to be testified agamst as out of tified against. 
 the unity of the body.... the very end of whose 
 existence is the promotion of peace on earth, 
 and good will amongst men. 
 
20 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT, 
 
 Liberty of cor - 
 science assert- 
 ed. 
 
 None to ac- 
 cept an office 
 or station re- 
 straining the 
 religious liber- 
 ty oftheir 
 brethren. 
 
 Snch exercise 
 of that author- 
 ity cause of 
 disovvnment. 
 
 LIBERTY of conscience being the com- 
 mon right of all men, and particularly essential 
 to the well-being of religious societies, we hold 
 it to be indispensably incumbent upon us to 
 maintain it inviolably among ourselves : and 
 therefore advise and exhort all in profession with 
 us, to decline the acceptance of any office or sta- 
 tion in civil government, the duties of which are 
 inconsistent with our religious principles ; or in 
 tlie exercise of which they may be, or think 
 themselves to be, under the necessity of exact- 
 ing of their brethren any compliances against 
 which we are conscientiously scrupulous. And 
 if any persons in membership with us, notwith- 
 standing 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 meetings to which they 
 belong should proceed to testify our disunity 
 with them. 
 
CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 21 
 
 And it is also the sense and judgment of this None to elect 
 
 or promote 
 
 meetmg, that Friends ought not, in any wise, to their feiiow- 
 
 , . ... . members to 
 
 be active or accessary in electing, or promoting stations which 
 to be elected, their brethren to such offices or vvrsie^our\es- 
 stations in civil government, the execution ^^"^°"^- 
 whereof tends to lay waste our Christian testi- 
 mony, or subject their brethren or others to suf- 
 ferings on account of their conscientious scru- 
 ples. 
 
 Believing that we are called to show forth to 
 the w^orld in life and practice, that the blessed 
 reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, is kingdom ot 
 begun, and we doubt not, will proceed till it 
 attains its completion in the earth, when ac- 
 cording to the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, 
 ^' Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
 *' neither shall they learn war any more".... 
 Influenced by these principles, we cannot con- whose sub- 
 sistently join with such as form combinations of johiln hosUie 
 a hostile nature against any ; much less in oppo- "^^*'^'^^-- 
 sition to those placed in sovereign or subordi- 
 nate authority ; nor can we unite with or en- 
 courage such as revile and asperse them, for it 
 is written, " Thou shalt not speak evil of the 
 " ruler of thy people." Acts xxiii. 5, 
 
22 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 WHATEVER exercises we may meet with 
 Faithfulness Oil accouiit of a faithful testimony to the truth 
 
 recommended . ,, ,,. 
 
 by the blessed 111 all goohncss of coiiversatioii ; and to the end 
 
 example of our , p . . « i -i 
 
 Saviour. that wc may not lamt m our mmds, let us con- 
 
 sider the Captain of our salvation, who endured 
 the contradiction of sinners, bearing his cross 
 and despising the shame, and is now set down 
 on the right hand of God, where he continually 
 maketh intercession for us... .that following him, 
 and under his banner fighting the good fight of 
 faith, we may finally obtain the crown of righte- 
 ousness which fadeth not away. 
 
 Advised that such be dealt with, who are given 
 
 Immoral con- 
 duct to be tes- to lying, swearing, cursing; men and women 
 
 tified ag-ainst ' , , • • i 
 
 by the month, unlawfully or unseemly keeping company with 
 ymeeing-. ^^^^^ Other, or any other scandalous practice; 
 and where any are guilty of gross or notorious 
 crimes, or such other disorderly or indecent 
 practices as shall occasion public scandal, after 
 being dealt with by the overseers or other con- 
 cerned Friends, if they are brought to a sense 
 thereof, such offenders ought without improper 
 delav, to remove the scandal, and clear, as much 
 
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 23 
 
 as in them lies, our holy profession therefrom, Oibytheoffen- 
 
 II' ders when 
 
 by acknowledging the offence, and condemnmg bn-v.ghttoa 
 the same in writing under their hand, to the thereof'^ 
 satisfaction of the monthly meeting whereto they 
 belong. And where any such offender refuseth 
 so to acknowledge and condemn the fault, the 
 said monthly meeting ought speedily to testify 
 against him or her, and the fact. 
 
 If any in membership w^ith us shall bias- blasphemy &c. 
 pheme, or speak profanely of Almighty God, ^^^.^^^ 
 Christ Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, he or she ought Friends. 
 early to be tenderly treated with for their in- 
 struction, and the convincement of their under- 
 standing, that they may experience repentance ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 and forgiveness ; but should any, notwithstand- ^^'^'jlf^^Jf^f ^^';j^^^ 
 ing this brotherly labour, persist in their er- of disownment. 
 ror, or deny the divinity of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ, the immediate revelation 
 of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity of the 
 Scriptures; as it is manifest they are not one 
 in faith with us, the monthly meeting where the 
 party belongs, having extended due care for the 
 help and benefit of the individual without effect, 
 ought to declare the same, and issue their testi- 
 mony accordingly. 
 
 It is the earnest concern of this meeting that strict justice 
 
 in all our deal- 
 
 in all our dealings and transactions among men, ings to be 
 strict justice may be observed, and that no mo- 
 tives of pecuniary interest may induce any 
 of our members to impose on each other, or on 
 
 OD- 
 
 served. 
 
24 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 
 
 their neighbours; and it is desired that monthly- 
 meetings may be careful to extend suitable ad- 
 monition against a spirit of covetousness, and 
 against every appearance of deviation from strict 
 justice in any of our members. 
 
 Frequent waiting in stillness on the Lord for 
 Sesf o"n^the ^hc rcucwal of Strength, keeps the mind at home 
 Jiie minT^^ith ^^ ^^^ proper place and duty, and out of all 
 strength. unprofitable association and converse, whether 
 
 amongst those of our own, or other professions. 
 Much hurt may accrue to the religious mind by 
 long and frequent conversation on temporal mat- 
 ters, especially by interesting ourselves unne- 
 cessarily in them ; for there is a leaven in that 
 propensity, which being suffered to prevail, in- 
 disposes and benumbs the soul, and prevents its 
 frequent ascendings in living aspirations towards 
 the fountain of eternal life. 
 
25 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 IT is concluded that the following order be Order pre. 
 
 . scribed for re- 
 
 observed respecting persons who apply for ad- ceivinp^con- 
 
 - , . vinced persons 
 
 mittance into membership, and request to come into member- 
 under the care of Friends.... That they apply to ^ '^* 
 the overseers or elders, who, when they are 
 easy so to do, are to lay it before the preparative 
 meeting; and after that meeting is fully satisfied, 
 by paying a solid visit, or otherwise, they are to 
 lay the case before the monthly meeting; which 
 meeting shall appoint some suitable Friends to 
 inquire into the persons' life and conversation, 
 and also to take a solid opportunity of confer- 
 ence with the party, in order the better to un- 
 derstand whether his or her motives for such 
 request be sincere, and on the ground of true 
 convincement ; and make report of their sense 
 of the persons' suitableness to become a mem- 
 ber ; on which when the meeting is satisfied, a 
 minute should be made, signifying the accept- 
 ance of such into membership, and appointing a 
 Friend or two to acquaint the person thereof, 
 requesting his or her attendance at the next 
 monthly meeting. 
 
26 CONVINCED PERSONS. 
 
 But in all such cases, Friends are exhorted 
 to attend carefully to the advice of the apostle, 
 *' Lay hands suddenly on no man :" the neglect 
 of such caution having often been injurious both 
 to the individuals and to the society. ...to them, 
 by settling them in a false rest ; and to the so- 
 ciety, by adding to its numbers, without in- 
 creasing its joy. 
 
 Wherefore, we desire, that on every applica- 
 tion of persons to be received into membership 
 Weighty de- ^^ith US, monthly meetinars may be deep and 
 
 liberation ^ \ ^ -^ ^ p -^ * 
 
 needful to be weighty in their deliberations and result; and 
 
 clearly satisfi- ..,..,, 
 
 ed of the par- whcu United m bclievHig that the applicants are 
 membership, clearly convinced of our religious principles, and 
 in a good degree subject to the divine wit- 
 ness in their own hearts, manifested by a cir- 
 cumspect life and conduct, said meetings are at 
 liberty to receive such into membership, with- 
 out respect to nation or colour. 
 
27 
 
 DAYS AND TIMES. 
 
 times, &c. 
 
 Some reasons for not oh sermng fasts and feast 
 days and times ^ and other human injunctions 
 and institutions relative to the worship of 
 God. 
 
 EVER since we were a people we hav^e had a 
 testimony against formal worship, being con- 
 vinced by the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, Reasons a. 
 
 , . . p , . , , g:ainst fast and 
 
 the testnnonies oi his apostles, and our own ex- ^east days and 
 perience, 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 observations 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 uni- 
 versal and continual fasting and refraining from 
 every thing which has a tendency to defile the 
 soul and unfit it for becoming the temple of the 
 
28 DAYS AND TIMES. 
 
 Holy Ghost, according to the injunctions of 
 Chiist 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 escape 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 sha- 
 dows 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 belicveth," Rom. x. iv. — 
 *' 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 therefore judge you in meat or drink, or 
 in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, 
 or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of 
 things to come, but the body is of Christ." 
 Col. ii. 16. 17. And the same apostle thus ex- 
 postulated with some who it appears had fallen 
 from the true faith in these respects, ** But now 
 after that ye have known God, how turn ye 
 again to the beggarly elements, 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 labour in 
 vain." Gal. iv. 9, 10, 11. 
 
29 
 
 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 
 
 FRIENDS are every where exhorted to 
 maintain a strict watch over themselves and each 
 other against the subtle and mischievous spirit strict vigilance 
 
 f. 1 • 11 • -r ag-ainst 'he spi- 
 
 of tale-bearing and detraction.... the manifest ten- rit of detrac 
 dency of which is to lay waste the unity of the mended. ' 
 body, by sowing the seeds of disesteem, strife, 
 and discord among brethren and neighbours; as 
 well as to unfit those who either propagate or lis- 
 ten to evil reports, for being of that service to the 
 persons reflected upon, which they might be if 
 the order prescribed by our blessed Lord to his Gospel order 
 church, was strictly observed, viz. '' If thy bro- 
 *' ther shall trespass against thee, go and tell him 
 " his fault betvv^een 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 nco'lect to hear 
 *' them, tell it unto the church; but if he ne- 
 *' gleet to hear the church, let him be unto thee 
 *' as an heathen man and a publican." 
 
30 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION 
 
 Detractors to 
 be testifi(^d a- 
 gainst if the 
 labour is inef- 
 fectual. 
 
 It is therefore advised that, in whomsoever 
 this weakness appears, it may be immediately 
 checked ; and, if any one gives way to it, to the 
 obvious injury of another's reputation or inte- 
 rest, let him or her be faithfully admonished ; 
 and, if they persist, and cannot be prevailed with 
 to give due satisfaction, the preparative or 
 monthly meeting should be informed of it, and 
 deal further with them ; when, if this produce 
 not the desired effect, they should be testified 
 against. 
 
 Reporters to be 
 dealt with and 
 if tliey «ill 
 rot discover 
 the authors 
 disowned. 
 
 And, if any member who offends in this res- 
 pect, shelters him or herself under a pretence, 
 that they say no more than they have heard from 
 others, but will not discover who they are.... 
 Such reporters or tale-bearers should in like 
 manner be dealt with, and testified against as 
 being themselves the authors. 
 
31 
 
 DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 and subordina- 
 tion of meet- 
 
 THE institution of our meetings for disci- 
 pline having, on experience been found very be- 
 neficial, it is earnestly recommended they may be 
 maintained in that authority, wherein they were 
 established : Where any have been negligent 
 in attending them, or opposed to their usefulness, 
 carnality and spiritual death have been the 
 consequence. 
 
 The connection and subordination of our connection 
 meetings for discipline are thus : Preparative 
 meetings are accountable to the monthly ; '^^s^ 
 monthly to the quarterly; and the quarterly to 
 the yearly meeting. So that if the yearly meet- 
 ing be at any time dissatisfied with the proceed- 
 ings of any inferior meeting ; or a quarterly meet- 
 ing with the proceedings of either of its monthly 
 meetings ; or a monthly meeting with the pro- 
 ceedings of either of its preparative meetings.... 
 Such meeting or meetings ought with readiness 
 and meekness to render an account thereof when 
 required. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 
 
 Meetings es- 
 tablished by 
 superior meet- 
 ings. 
 
 Meeting- for 
 wnrsiiip con- 
 sisting- of 
 members of 
 two or more 
 monthly meet- 
 ings. 
 
 A meeting 
 thus circum- 
 stanced ap- 
 pointed a pre- 
 parative meet- 
 ing. 
 
 It is agreed that no quarterly meeting be set 
 up or laid down, without the consent of the yearly 
 meeting; no monthly meeting without the con- 
 sent of the quarterly meeting ; nor any prepara- 
 tive or other meeting for business or worship till 
 application to the monthly meeting is first made; 
 and, when there approved, the consent of the 
 quarterly meeting be also obtained. Also, that 
 no meeting for worship intended to consist of 
 Friends belonging to two or more monthly meet- 
 ings shall be set up, until the proposal be offered 
 to and approved by both those monthly meet- 
 ings, and the consent of their respective quar- 
 terly meeting or meetings be obtained : when 
 the meeting proposed, is opened, it should be 
 attended by a few solid Friends, deputed by each 
 of the said monthly meetings. And, if at any 
 time, it is thought expclient, that a preparative 
 meeting should be held at the same place, the 
 consent of the said monthly and quarterly meet- 
 ings should be, in like manner, applied for and 
 obtained ; and the said preparative meeting should 
 be annexed to either one or the other of those 
 monthly meetings, as may be most likely to con- 
 duce to the benefit of the individuals who com- 
 pose it, and the advantage of society. 
 
 Books to be 
 provided for 
 fair record of 
 minutes. 
 
 It is directed, that a book be provided by 
 every monthly and quarterly meeting, and fair 
 minutes be kept therein, of all matters which 
 shall come before and be determined by them. 
 INlonthly meetings, particularly, are advised to 
 
DISCIPLINE. 33 
 
 attend to and finish all such business with care 
 and dispatch, that it may, at no time, suffer by Monthly toap- 
 improper delay. And, if any case under consi- Tym^eeUngsfor 
 deration proves too weighty or difficult for them ^^^^^^*"^^- 
 to determine, they should apply to their respec- 
 tive quarterly meetings for assistance ; or, if the 
 circumstances are such as to require it, refer it 
 thereto by minute. 
 
 It is the sense of this meeting, as a general copies of mi. 
 rule in all cases, that where any monthly or quar- "',1^^^^'^'^^^ ^^ 
 terly meeting has occasion for, and requests co- meetings: 
 pies of any of the papers, minutes, or records of 
 another monthly or quarterly meeting, the same 
 may accordingly be granted. 
 
 Where any difference happens among Friends, 
 and the same be entered in any monthly or quar- And also to 
 terly meeting-book, it is agreed, that if the par- quartei^^and 
 ties, or either of them, think that copies of such Ts'IlJprr^^^^ 
 entries may be useful and necessary for them, ^^^''^°^- 
 and request the same, such monthly and quar- 
 terly meetings shall have a discretional power to 
 give or refuse such copies, according to the cir- 
 cumstances and motives attending. 
 
 It is agreed, that a suitable number of men „ 
 
 Representa- 
 
 and women be appointed in each monthly meet- t'^'^s to be ap. 
 
 , . ^ pointed in 
 
 mg, to attend the service of the quarterly meet- monthly meeN 
 ing, with such reports in writing, signed by '"^'' 
 their clerks, as may be given them in charge : 
 also, that at least four of each sex be appointed 
 
vised. 
 
 34 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 And also in cacli quarterly meeting, to attend the yearly 
 
 in quarterly 
 
 meetings. meeting. 
 
 And it is earnestly advised and desired, that 
 all Friends who submit to these, or any other 
 
 Punctual at" . - . , , . . . 
 
 tendance ad- services ot society, may be punctual in their at- 
 tendance thereon ; or, if prevented by sickness, 
 or any other unavoidable occurrence, that they 
 be careful to send information thereof; also, that 
 those who are under appointments to meetings, 
 do not withdraw therefrom before the conclu- 
 sion, without obtaining the meetings' consent. 
 
 And when proposals of marriage are made, 
 
 Neai- relations . • , i 
 
 to parties in- II any near relations oi the parties (who are not 
 
 rir^e""mry^be iu membership) are permitted' to be present, 
 
 seJThb'^^roce- they should withdraw before the meeting pro- 
 
 ^"^^* ceeds to any other business. 
 
 Mode of treat- 
 ing with such 
 who reside at a 
 distance. 
 
 It is advised that if a member under dealing 
 removes into the compass of another monthly 
 meeting; or, if previous to or after such removal 
 the conduct of him or her has been such as to 
 require their being dealt v/ith....and their resi- 
 dence be at so great a distance as to render it in- 
 convenient for the monthly meeting to which 
 they belong, it should request that into which 
 they are removed, to treat with them according 
 to our rules, and to report the effect of its care; 
 when, if it is satisfoctory, the party should be 
 recommended by certificate; or if otherwise, and 
 a testimony of denial is issued, a copy thereof 
 
cipline. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 35 
 
 should be sent to the monthh^ meeting within 
 the limits of which he or she resides, and that 
 meeting is to appoint two or more Friends to 
 inform them thereof, and of their right of appeal. 
 
 After a charge against a member for disor- 
 derly conduct is entered on the minutes of a offenders not 
 
 , , . , 111-1 to sit in any 
 
 monthly meetmg, he or she should not be per- meetmgfordis- 
 mitted to sit in any of our meetings for discipline, 
 till the case is issued, and the monthly meeting 
 satisfied. 
 
 It is advised, that where any transgress the 
 rules of our discipline, they may, without partial- 
 ity, be admonished and sought in the spirit of 
 love and divine charity, so that it may be seen 
 by all, that the restoring spirit of meekness and 
 christian love abounds, before church censure 
 takes place, and that a gospel spirit is the spring 
 and motive to all our performances, as well in 
 discipline as in worship. 
 
 It is earnesdy recommended, that in con- 
 ducting the aiFairs of the church. Friends endea- Recommended 
 
 •^ ' that tlie disci- 
 
 vour to manage them in the peaceable spirit and p^'"^ be man- 
 
 , ag-edin v\isdom 
 
 wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbearance and and with love to 
 
 each other. 
 
 love to each other. 
 
 It appearing by the minutes of the meeting 
 for suflferings, that on inspection of some of the counts of suf- 
 
 r rr ' 11 1 fering-s to be 
 
 accounts or suftermgs sent up by the quarterly forwarded to 
 meetings, considerable difficulty has been occa- for s'ufferTnls. 
 
36 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 sioned by those accounts, not expressing with 
 sufficient clearness, what the sufferings men- 
 tioned were for ; it is now desired that the 
 monthly and quarterly meetings may in future 
 leave out of their reports any instances which 
 do not appear to be clearly consistent with the 
 sense of this yearly meeting ; and that they con- 
 tinue to collect and send up their accounts of 
 sufferings annually as heretofore directed. 
 
 Rig-hts of 
 children defin- 
 ed. 
 
 As to the rights of children, whose parents 
 have been married contrary to the rules of our 
 discipline ; it is agreed, that where either of 
 those parents remain out of membership, their 
 children should not be esteemed members, till 
 application for their admission is made, either 
 by themselves, or by their parent, parents, or 
 guardians on their behalf, and the monthly meet- 
 ing applied to, on a solid consideration of the 
 case, is easy to admit them, or any of them.... 
 The rights of children, born of parents who have 
 been married according to our rules and disown- 
 ed after their birth, are not intended to be affected 
 by this rule : neither the rights of such minor 
 children as are not of an age to judge for them- 
 selves, whose parents have both condemned their 
 outgoing in marriage, while either of the said 
 parents retains his or her right of membership. 
 
 Sorcery to be jf ^y^y member of our relimous society, shall 
 
 testified - fc) .^ ' 
 
 against. ^pply to those Called jugglers or fortune-tellers, 
 
 or those wlio by colour of any art or skill what- 
 
Clerks to be 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 37 
 
 soever, pretend to a knowledge of future events, 
 hidden transactions, or where things lost or sto- 
 len may be found; or if any of our members shall 
 use, or pretend to such art or skill, it is advised 
 that they be speedily dealt with, and if they do 
 not manifest a due sense of their evil conduct, that 
 they be testified against. 
 
 A committee should be annually appointed 
 in each of our quarterly and monthly meetina:s, seasonably 
 
 . , , changed. 
 
 for the nomination of clerks ; which may afford 
 opportunity for their being seasonably changed, 
 and more of our qualified members exercised in 
 those services. 
 
 As the use and design of preparative meet- 
 ings is in general to digest and prepare business parat^e meeT- 
 as occasion may require, which may be proper ^"^^" 
 to be laid before the monthly meeting. Friends 
 ought to be careful therein, not to occasion un- 
 necessary delays, or undertake to decide on any 
 business which claims attention and care in 
 monthly meetings.... And when cases are agreed 
 to be carried forward, they sh nil:! be entered in 
 writing, and some suitable Friend or Friends 
 named to produce them to the monthly meet- 
 ings ; and proper notes thereof should be care- 
 fully preserved by clerks of preparative meetings, 
 as to said meetings may appear useful and right. 
 But no preparative meeting shall take cognizance 
 ^llproposals of marriage, this being exclusively 
 the business of monthlv meetins:s. 
 
38 
 
 DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS. 
 
 EXECUTORS and trustees concerned in 
 wills and settlements, are advised to a faithful 
 and punctual discharge of their respective trusts, 
 according to the intent of the donors and testa- 
 tors ; and both they and the meetings concerned 
 in any charitable gifts, legacies, or bequests, to 
 Appropriation ^^^q special carc that these be not perverted or 
 to be strictly appropriated to any other uses than such as the 
 
 observed. * i a j 
 
 donors or testators have directed and enjoined. 
 by legal settlement, will, or testament. 
 
39 
 
 FAMILY VISITS, 
 
 AS the visiting of Friends in their families 
 in the openings of heavenly wisdom, is a service 
 which hath often been blessed to the minds of 
 the visitors and visited, this meeting hath from 
 time to time recommended it to the solid atten- 
 tion of quarterly and monthly meetings : and it 
 is desired, that concerns of this nature may be 
 tenderly cherished, and those who are rightly 
 exercised therein, encouraged to move forward in 
 due season, and in a humble dependance on the 
 Shepherd of Israel, who not only puts his own 
 forth, but goes before and rewards all who are 
 faithful to his appointments, with the enriching 
 reward of sweet comfort and solid peace. 
 
40 
 
 GAMING AND DIVERSIONS. 
 
 AS our time passeth swiftly away, 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 
 fv^rdlxli'ions, vain sports and pastimes ; and being concerned 
 ownment^^^ in lotteries, wagering, or other species of gam- 
 ing. And if any of our members fall into either 
 of these practices, and cannot be prevailed with, 
 by private labour, to decline them, the monthly 
 meetings to which the offenders belong, should 
 be informed thereof, and, if they be not reclaim- 
 ed by further labour, proceed to testify our 
 disunity widi them. 
 
41 
 
 LAW. 
 
 IF any member is complained of for with- 
 
 . * Refusal to pay 
 
 holding a just debt, he or she should be tenderly j^^s^ ^^^ts to 
 
 1 ^ 'n 1 ' ' .1. 1 t)^ testified 
 
 urged to payment ; and if tins is unavailing, be against, 
 dealt with as in other cases of disorderly con- 
 duct. And if any of our members appear unable 
 to satisfy their creditors, they should be advised 
 to call them together without loss of time ; and 
 submit the state of their affairs to their inspec- 
 tion: when, if the creditors apprehend a surren- Debtors ef- 
 
 . feels to be 
 
 der of the debtors' effects to assignees for the surrendered. 
 
 benefit of the v/hole to be necessary, let him or 
 
 her be earnestly entreated to consent, and, if 
 
 they refuse so to do, the monthly meeting should Refusing^ so to 
 
 be informed thereof ; when, if the party still per- disownment, 
 
 sists in refusing, he or she should be disowned 
 
 without too long delay. 
 
 But if Friends in such difficult circum- 
 stances, manifest an honest intention, and shall 
 offer their all to their creditors ; let compassion rit>"o beexer 
 and aid be extended to them as brethren, and ob- ^^^^^' 
 jects of Christian charity.... having done what 
 they can, no more for the present is justly to be 
 
 G 
 
42 
 
 LAW. 
 
 Attainment of 
 
 abilitv to dis- 
 charg-e de- 
 ficieiiciesto be 
 honestly appli- 
 ed thereto. 
 
 But no molest- 
 ation to be ad- 
 mitted while 
 deb; rs are 
 endeavonring 
 to retrieve their 
 circumstances. 
 
 Defaulters re- 
 fusing- to com- 
 ply with the re- 
 quest of a 
 monthly meet- 
 ing-, to be dis- 
 owned. 
 
 expected from them. Yet it is the judgment of 
 this meeting, that if persons so failing in their 
 circumstances, should at any time afterwards be 
 favoured with full ability to pay off their defi- 
 ciencies, justice will require it of them, notwith- 
 standing a composition with, and legal discharge 
 from their creditors may have been obtained. 
 This is however not meant to furnish any with 
 a pretext for advancing such claims while per- 
 sons so deficient are honestly labouring to re- 
 trieve their circumstances, nor until it shall 
 clearly appear to their respective monthly meet- 
 ings, or to a solid committee thereof, that a suf- 
 ficient ability is arrived at ; when, if they are 
 requested to comply, and persist in refusing, the 
 said meetings should proceed to disown them. 
 
 And it is desired, that no debtors may shel- 
 ter themselves under such of our rules, as are 
 designed to guard us against an unkind treat- 
 ment of each other, unjustly hoping to be there- 
 by put out of the reach of tne civil authority. 
 
 Suing at law 
 disallowed. 
 
 And it is the sense of this meeting, that if 
 any member thereof, disregarding the gospel 
 order prescribed by our discipline, shall arrest or 
 sue at law another member (not being under 
 such a necessity so to do, as may satisfy the 
 overseers or other solid and judicious Friends 
 of the meeting to which the latter belongs) he or 
 she in so doing, doth depart from the peaceable 
 
LAW. 43 
 
 principle we make profession of; and if on being 
 treated with by the monthly meeting to which 
 they belong, they cannot be prevailed with to 
 withdraw the suit and pay the costs thereof, 
 they should be disowned. 
 
MARRIAGES. 
 
 Waitin for ^'^ ^^ aclviscd, that all young or unmarried 
 
 divine rounsei people in membership with us, previously to 
 sent of parents their making any procedure in order to marri- 
 
 recoramended. 
 
 age, do seriously and humbly wait upon the Lord 
 for his counsel and direction in this important 
 concern ; and when favoured with satisfactory 
 clearness therein, they should early acquaint 
 their parents or guardians with their intentions, 
 and wait for their consent ; thus preservation 
 from the dangerous bias of forward, brittle, and 
 uncertain affections, 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 youth, and extend seasonable caution 
 and admonition, as occasions may require. 
 
 Agreed that all single persons, being about 
 Sl'^n i™la,f to "^^^^y ^t a distance from home, do take care 
 cev^fficates^of ^^ procurc Certificates from the monthly meeting 
 their clean ess, ^w bcloug to, of their ridit of membership, and 
 
 and obtaining ^ D ' f> r? 
 
 parents con- clcamess from any other person in respect to 
 
 seiit - here . . 
 
 practicable. marriage, and also that they obtain the mind of 
 their parents or guardians therein ; and that none 
 
MARRIAGES. 45 
 
 be permitted to join themselves in marriage un- 
 til such certificates, and the consent of their pa- 
 rents or guardians thereto, be also signified in 
 person, or by writing, where it is practicable, 
 or may be reasonably obtained. 
 
 And no monthly meeting ought to permit 
 any marriages to be proposed in the said meet- 
 ing, sooner than a year after the death of husband 
 or wife. 
 
 It is the sense of this meetinsr, that if any 
 
 , J . . . . . "^ All marriages 
 
 member do jom in marriage with such as are contrary to our 
 
 ... . . order to be tes- 
 
 not m membership with us, or in any other way tified against. 
 than with the consent and approbation of the 
 monthly meeting, they should be dealt with 
 agreeably to our discipline, and, if not brought 
 to a sense of their error, disowned. 
 
 On serious consideration concerning mar- ^o misdemea- 
 riages, this meeting being tender in that respect, sured u^^ ^^^^' 
 advises, that no misdemeanor be treasured up, 
 against a person until the time of present- 
 ing marriage, and then started, though per- 
 haps long before done, and known to those who 
 so object to it at that time, which is a wrong 
 thing, and should be checked and discouraged 
 in all meetings. 
 
 It is recommended to monthly meetings, that i^^'^^'rril^'^^ 
 according to the ancient decent practice amon2:st "^^ ^"^ ^'^'""^^ ''' 
 
 , *■ '^ the same 
 
 Friends, they take care that such men and wo- i^o^se. 
 
46 MARRIAGES. 
 
 men Friends who make suit or proposals of mar- 
 riage one to the other, do not dwell in the same 
 house, from the time that they begin to be so 
 concerned, until the marriage is accomplished. 
 
 Advised, that marriages be not accomplished 
 
 Marriages not in or immediately after any of our monthly meet- 
 to be accom- . , * . n i • n . 
 
 piished at mgs, or Other meetings ot busmess, or on lirst 
 iHgror^o'n iiist days. And it is desn^ed that, on these occasions, 
 ^^^' Friends in affluent circumstances, particularly, 
 
 may be careful to set a becoming and encourag- 
 ing example of moderation ; and that all may 
 be^oSved!^ avoid uoneccssarily expensive entertainments 
 and large companies, and especially guard against 
 inviting such as guests, who are unlikely to 
 conform to the order of our religious society. 
 
 Let such of our members be admonished, 
 Srtomaniaee ^^^^ ^^^P couipauy, in ordcr for marriage, with 
 with persons persoDs uot of our socicty ; or with anv bound 
 
 not in nr^ember- -i -^ 
 
 ship or ser- scrvauts or apprentices, v. ithout the leave of their 
 
 vants, Sccwith- * ^ 
 
 out leave. masters or mistresses ; or who are either present 
 
 themselves, or consent to their children beingpre- 
 
 scnt at marriages of those not in membership, 
 
 which are accomplished by the assistance of a 
 
 inar^r"a^ef of pricst. And whcrc any are present at the marri- 
 
 r/mir^o^er! agc of a member, accomplished either by the 
 
 l^^a^nsf^^^^^^ official interference of a priest, or in any other way 
 
 out of our comely order, they are to be dealtwith, 
 
 and where they cannot be brought to a sense of 
 
 their error, let them be testified against. 
 
MARRIAGES. 47 
 
 It is the iiidfirment of this meeting, that where Consent not to 
 
 *' '^ . . be retracted 
 
 parents or eruardians have approved the visits or without satis- 
 
 IP 1- • factory rea- 
 
 addresses of a man (a member of our religious sons. 
 d^ciety) to any of their children or those under 
 their care, that they do not retract the same, 
 without giving such reasons as -hall be satisfacto- 
 ry to the monthly meeting whereto they belong. 
 
 For the accomplishment of marriage, it is 
 directed that the followins; order be observed.... Order pre- 
 
 '-' scr.be n tor the 
 
 If both the parties belono; to the same monthly accomplish- 
 
 ^ *- ment of mar- 
 
 meeting, the men's and women's monthly meet- riage. 
 
 ings should be informed of their intentions; and 
 the man at a proper time be accompanied into 
 the women's meeting, by a suitable Friend no- 
 minated thereto.... there the parties are first to 
 declare, that '' With Divine permission, and 
 Friends' approbation, they intend marriage with 
 each other".... whereupon, two women Friends 
 should be appointed by minute to make the usual 
 inquiry respecting the woman ; and then pro- 
 ceeding to the men's meeting, they should re- 
 peat (or make) the same declaration there, and 
 two men Friends be in like manner appointed to 
 inquire concerning the man. If the parties have 
 parents or guardians present, their consent 
 should be expressed ; or, if the man is a mem- 
 ber of another monthly meeting, the consent of 
 his parents, if he have any, should be produced 
 in writing, either then or at the next meeting, 
 with a certificate from his monthly meeting of 
 his clearness from other like engagements. If the . 
 
48 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Garefiil inquiry 
 and clear re- 
 port to be 
 made. 
 
 Overseers to 
 be appointed. 
 
 woman be a widow having children, two or more 
 friends should beappointed in the meetingof which 
 she is a member, to see that the rights of her 
 children are legally secured. At the next mee^in^ 
 if the committees report that careful eiiquiry has 
 been made, and no obstruction to the further 
 proceeding of the parties appears, the meeting 
 is to leave them at liberty to accomplish their 
 marriage according to our rules, and appoint 
 two Friends of each sex, to attend and see that 
 good order is observed. 
 
 Intemperance 
 or imm\. derate 
 feasting, &c to 
 be guarded a- 
 gainst. 
 
 Overseers to 
 make faithful 
 report. 
 
 It is further advised, that the said marriage 
 be accomplished decently, gravely, and weigh- 
 tily ; and that the parties themselves, their pa- 
 rents and others concerned, do take care at the 
 houses or places where they go after the meeting 
 is over, that no reproach arise, or occasion of 
 offence be given, by any intemperate or immo- 
 derate feasting or drinking, or by any unseemly, 
 wanton, or;^ude discourses or actions ; but that 
 all behave with such sobriety as becomes a people 
 fearing God; and that the company retire to their 
 homes in seasonable time. And if any thing to 
 the contrary is observed, the overseers, or other 
 concerned Friends present, ought as speedily as 
 they conveniently can, to take such aside who 
 make any breach upon good order, and in bro- 
 therly love admonish them to a better behaviour; 
 and the said overseers are to make report to the 
 next monthly meeting, whether this advice con- 
 
MARRIAGES. 49 
 
 cer n in g decency and order be observed, and take 
 care that the marriage certificate be recorded. 
 
 The form of which certificate shall be as fol- 
 lows.... 
 
 Whereas, A. B. of , in the 
 
 county of , in ..., son 
 
 of C.B. of and 
 
 H. his wife ; and D. E. daughter of F. E. 
 
 of and M. his wife, 
 
 having declared their intentions of marriage with Form of the 
 
 - certificate. 
 
 each other, before a monthly meeting of the reli- 
 gious society of Friends, held at 
 
 , according to the good order used 
 
 among them [where the parties are under the 
 care of parents or guardians add"] and having 
 consent of parents or guardians concerned [as the 
 case is) their said proposal of marriage vvas al- 
 lowed of by the said meeting. Now these are 
 to certify whom it may concern, that for the full 
 accomplishment of their said intentions, this 
 
 day of the month, in the year of 
 
 our Lord , they, the said A. B. and 
 
 D. E. appeared in a public meeting of the said 
 
 people, held at aforesaid; and the 
 
 said A. B. taking the said D. E. by the hand, 
 did, on this solemn occasion, openly declare,- 
 that he took her, the said D. E. to be his v*/ife, 
 promising, with Divine assistance to be unto her 
 a loving and faithful husband until death should 
 separate them ; and then, in the same assembly, 
 
so MARRIAGES. 
 
 the said D. E. did in like manner declare, that 
 she took him, the said A. B. to be her husband, 
 promising, with Divine assistance to be unto him 
 a loving and faithful wife, until death should 
 separate them. And moreover, they, the said 
 A. B. and D. E. (she according, to the custom 
 of marriage, assuming the name of her husband) 
 did as a further confirmation thereof, then and 
 there to these presents set their hands. 
 
 And we whose names are also hereunto sub- 
 scribed, being present at the solemnization 
 of the said marriage and subscription, have, 
 as witnesses thereto, set our hands the day 
 and year above written. 
 
 A. B. 
 
 D. B. 
 
 That the marriage of persons too near akin 
 
 Muina.^e be- T^^^Jy ^s mucli as in US lics, be prevented, this 
 
 tueen first cou- • i j ^^ . • i ^ 
 
 sins and with mectHig concludcs, that no marriage between 
 J^r^^disaUow-' first-cousins, nor between a man and his deceased 
 ^^' wife's half sister, shall be permitted among us ; 
 
 and that, where any person or persons so cir- 
 cumstanced shall intermarry, their so doing shall 
 be considered as a relinquishment of their con- 
 nection with the society, and they be accordingly 
 disowned by the monthly meetings of which they 
 meetings con- are members. And it is further concluded, that, 
 if any such persons shall afterwards apply to the 
 monthly meeting which disowned him or her for 
 reinstatement, the said meeting is not to accede 
 to the proposal, until the case shall be repre- 
 
 sent necessary 
 previous to re- 
 instatement. 
 
MARRIAGES. 51 
 
 sented to the quarterly meeting, and its consent 
 obtained, after being well assured that the parties 
 are brought to a due sense of their transgression, 
 manifested by uprightness of life and conversa- 
 tion. 
 
 It is advised that parents exercise a religious 
 care in watching over their children, and endea- 
 vour to guard them against improper or unequal 
 connections in marriage ; that they be not anxi- 
 ous to obtain for them large portions and settle- 
 ments, but that they be joined with persons of 
 religious inclinations, suitable dispositions and 
 diligence in their business, which are necessary 
 to a comfortable life in a married state. 
 
 The increase of the breaches of our testi- 
 mony, in going from amongst us in the weighty 
 engagement of marriage, being often for want of 
 cue care in parents, and those who have the im- 
 portant charge of educating the youth under their 
 trust, early to admonish 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 an im- 
 proper manner ; we therefore tenderly advise Jarrtowds 
 Friends in all quarters to an increasing care over ^^g^^^®^^^ ^"^' 
 the youth, that the consistency of our principles 
 in all respects with the nature of true religion, 
 may be impressed on their tender minds, by 
 upright examples, as well as by precepts ; and 
 
52 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 that where there is apparent danger of the aftec- 
 tions of any being improperly entangled, and the 
 care of parents or guardians, or those who have 
 their oversight, appears not sufficient to prevent 
 their taking imprudent steps in the accomplish- 
 ment of marriage, care be taken, timely to apply 
 for the help of their friends. 
 
 Parents con- 
 senting to or 
 conniving' at 
 childrens 
 transgressing 
 the discipline 
 to be testified 
 against. 
 
 Monthly meetings are authorised to give forth 
 testimonies of denial against such parents or 
 guardians who consent to, connive at, or encou- 
 rage the marriages of their children and those 
 under their care (members of our religious so- 
 ciety) contrary to the good order established 
 amongst us; if after Christian and brotherly la- 
 bour with them, they cannot be brought to a due 
 sense of their error, and a satisfactory acknow- 
 ledgement of the same. 
 
MEETING HOUSES, 
 
 It is recommended to quarterly and month- 
 ly meetings to make timely and careful inspec- 
 tion into the situation of the titles of meetins: Timely care 
 
 ^ advised tor re- 
 
 houses, burial grounds, and other estates which newaiof 
 have been vested in trustees, and by them held 
 for the use and benefit of the society at large, 
 or of any of those meetings ; so that if it 
 should appear needful by the death of any such 
 trustees or otherwise, due and seasonable care 
 may be taken to appoint some others to the 
 trust ; that future difficulties and the risk of 
 being deprived of such estates may be avoid- 
 ed. And it is further recommended that quar- 
 terly and monthly meetings respectively as the 
 case may require, keep exact records of all 
 such trusts and conveyances, and also that a 
 clear and regular account be kept by each res- ^.^^^ arc-ui^?^^ 
 pective meeting;, of the place where, and the account to be 
 
 * . ^ * kept 111 e acii 
 
 persons with whom the papers, minutes and re- meeting^. 
 cords belonging to our religious society are 
 from time to time deposited ; wherein due care 
 should be taken to lodge them with suitable 
 Friends. 
 
54. 
 
 ■■i^ti5jj^« 
 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS, 
 
 Institution of 
 the meeting. 
 
 IN order that this yearly meeting with its 
 several branches, might be properly represent- 
 ed in the intervals thereof, on emergent occa- 
 sions,, a meeting was institued anno 1756, by 
 the name of the ''Meeting for Sufferings;" which 
 it was agreed should consist of twelve Friends 
 appointed by the yearly meeting (living in or 
 near Philadelphia, for the convenience of getting 
 soon together) and also of four Friends chosen 
 out of each of the quarterly meeetings ; who were 
 directed to meet together in Philadelphia forth- 
 with, for the regulation of its future meetings, 
 which are subject to the following rules : 
 
 Its services 
 and duties. 
 
 First, The said meeting shall keep fair mi- 
 nutes of all its proceedings, and annually lay them 
 before the yearly meeting. 
 
 Second. No less number than twelve of the 
 'W members attending shall constitute a meeting 
 
 capable of transacting any business. 
 
 Third. On all occasions of uncommon 
 importance, previous notice thereof shall be 
 given or sent to all the members. 
 
MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 55 
 
 Fourth, In case of the decease of any 
 Friend or Friends, nominated either by the 
 yearly meeting or quarterly meetings, or of 
 their declining or neglecting their attendance for 
 the space of twelve months, the meeting for suf- 
 ferings (if it be thought expedient) may choose 
 others in his or their stead, to serve to the time of 
 the next yearly meeting, or till the places of those 
 who have represented the quarterly meetings 
 shall be supplied by new appointments. 
 
 Fifth, The said meeting may sit on its own 
 adjournments, and order these, as well as the 
 times of its stated meetings (if these do not ex- 
 ceed three months) according to the business 
 before them. 
 
 Sixth, The said meeting is not to meddle 
 with any matter of faith or discipline, which has 
 not been determined by the yearly meeting. 
 
 The further services confided to the said 
 meeting for sufferings, are : 
 
 First, In general to represent this yearly 
 meeting, and to appear on its behalf in any cases ficel'!^^^'"^'' 
 where the interest or reputation of our reli- 
 gious society may render it needful. 
 
 Second, To take the oversight and inspec- 
 tion of all writings proposed to be printed rela- 
 tive to our religious principles or testimonies ; 
 
56 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 
 
 and to promote or suppress the same at their 
 discretion ; also to print and distribute any wri- 
 tings already published by the society, or which 
 may be offered for inspection as aforesaid, and 
 approved. 
 
 Third. To inspect and explain titles to 
 land, or other estate, belonging to any of our 
 meetings ; also charitable legacies and dona- 
 tions ; and to give such advice respecting the 
 same as may appear to be necessary. 
 
 Fourth, To receive from the several quar- 
 terly meetings their annual accounts of suffer- 
 ings, and also such memorials concerning de- 
 ceased Friends as those meetings may have con- 
 curred with : that when examined and approved 
 they may be laid before the yearly meeting. 
 
 Fifth, To extend such advice and assis- 
 tance to any individuals under sufferings for our 
 testimonies, as their cases may require ; and, if 
 necessary, to apply to the government, or per- 
 sons in authority, on their behalf. 
 
 Sixth, To correspond with the meeting 
 for suRerings in London or elsewhere, on the 
 common concerns of the society. 
 
 On soild consideration it is agreed that 
 though none are properly members of the mee- 
 ting for sufferings, but such who are ap- 
 
MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 5? 
 
 pointed by this yearly meeting, or by the seve- 
 ral quarterly meetings ; yet, that approved mi- 
 nisters, and members of any other meeting for 
 sufferings corresponding with this, be permitted 
 to attend when they be inclined so to do. 
 
58 
 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP 
 
 Unbecoming' 
 behaviour in 
 meeting's re- 
 quires admoni- 
 tion. 
 
 DEAR Friends, keep all your meetings in 
 the authority, wisdom, and power of truth, and 
 unity of the blessed Spirit; and the God of peace 
 be with you. And it is advised, that such as 
 come late to meetings, or, when there fall asleep, 
 or are restless, or do not stay in the meeting, 
 but go forth unnecessarily, or otherwise demean 
 themselves unbecoming our holy profession on 
 those solemn occasions, be tenderly and season- 
 ably admonished. 
 
 Zeal in the 
 performance of 
 divine worship 
 recommended. 
 
 We exhort all to a Christian exercise and 
 zeal in the performance of worship to Almighty- 
 God ; and as we are not capable in our own 
 strength to perform this great duty, we recom- 
 mend to a diligent waiting in true silence and 
 retirement of mind, for the renewed sense of the 
 inward power and virtue of his Spirit, whereby 
 we shall be qualified to worship him in an ac- 
 ceptable manner. Let our faithfulness and sin- 
 cerity herein appear, by the humility, meekness 
 and circum:-pecticn of our lives and conversa- 
 tion, adorning the doctrines and principles of 
 truth, as they were declared by Christ and his 
 
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 59 
 
 apostles: those who have been preserved in 
 faithfulness therein, having to testify from 
 that experience which cannot deceive, that it 
 hath been very profitable ; and therefore cannot 
 be easy without encouraging and putting for- 
 ward their children, apprentices and servants 
 to this religious duty, as well as other be- 
 haviour suitable thereunto. And if this use- 
 ful practice was more generally attended to, it 
 would do more for us and them than any 
 outward acquisition of wealth ; and without 
 doubt, some of those who have been placed un- 
 der our direction, may with thankfulness have 
 to view our pious care in taking them from 
 worldly business to seek a city eternal in the 
 heavens. 
 
 This meeting recommends, that Friends who 
 are exercised in the discipline, would early ex- « 
 tend their brotherly love and care, in visiting 
 such amongst us who neglect their duty in at- 
 tending our meetings for public worship. And ofthlsincfm-^^ 
 as a wilful neglect of this important duty is a Stfeda-''^^ 
 manifest evidence of ingratitude to the Divine ^^"^^^• 
 Being, contrary to the example and practice of 
 the primitive believers in Christ, and our reli- 
 gious testimony : it is the sense of this meeting, 
 that as such who are thus insensible of their re- 
 ligious duty, disunite themselves from Chris- 
 tian fellowship with Friends, monthly meetings 
 after having fully discharged their duty towards 
 them, and finding their endeavours to reclaim 
 
Drowsiness in 
 meeting's, one 
 cause of stum- 
 
 60 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 them ineffectual, should testify our disunion 
 with them. 
 
 As the minds of many are turned towards 
 Friends, and the apppearance of a drowsy spirit 
 in our rehgious meetings, is offensive, and may 
 biing- to sober be a cause of stumbling to sober inquirers, it 
 
 mquurers. ^ ^ ^ ^ 
 
 is earnestly desired that this weakness may not 
 exist among us, and as indulgence therein must 
 necessarily have a disqualifying effect, it is the 
 sense and judgment of this meeting, that quar- 
 terly, monthly, and other meetings should be 
 cautious of employing such members in the 
 weighty services of the discipline. 
 
6i 
 
 MEMORIALS. 
 
 QUARTERLY and monthly meetings are 
 
 ... . . Account of the 
 
 directed to furnish this meeting annually with dece .pe ofmin- 
 an account of thedecease of such of their members ders to be for- 
 inthestation of ministers or elders, as may haveta- ^^^^ ^ ' 
 ken place within the year. And if any monthly 
 meeting should under solid consideration, be- 
 lieve it necessary to prepare a memorial con- 
 cerning any deceased Friend who had been a 
 member thereof, it is to go to the respective Memorials pre» 
 quarterly meeting, where, being duly weighed leinwlh^^^^ 
 and agreed to, it is then to be forwarded to the sufttrm|s°^ 
 meeting for sufferings, for inspection and appro- 
 bation, previous to its being laid before this meet* 
 ing. 
 
62 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND MEET 
 INGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 Nursing- fa- 
 thers in the 
 truth to ex- 
 tend due care 
 in love and 
 tenderness. 
 
 IT is our earnest desire, that both ministers 
 and elders may be as nursing fl^^itheis and mo- 
 thers to those that are yoUx.g in the ministry, 
 and with all care and diligence advise and ad- 
 monish them, and if they see occasion, reprove 
 them in a lender and Christian spirit, according 
 to the rules of our discipline and counsel of 
 Friends in that respect ; also exhort them fre- 
 quently to read the holy scriptures, and earnestly 
 seek the mind of the Spirit of truth, to open the 
 mysteries thereof, that, abiding in a simple and 
 patient submission to the will of God, and keep- 
 ing dovv^n to the openings of divine love and life 
 in themselves, they may vvitness a gradual growth 
 in their gifts, and be preserved from extending 
 their declarations further than they find the life 
 and pow er of truth to bear them up. 
 
 And our advice to all our ministers is, that 
 Ministers mis- t|^ey bc frequent in readino; the scriptures of the 
 
 applynig- or *' ^ . . 
 
 diaving^^un- old and ncw testaments; and if any in the 
 
 sound in- 
 ferences from course of their ministry, shall misapply, or draw 
 
 the scriptures ; i • p i • r 
 
 unsound inierences or wrong conclusions irom 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 63 
 
 the text, or shall misbehave themselves in point 
 of conduct or conversation, let them be admon^ Orformisbe- 
 ished in love and tenderness by the elders or admonished^ 
 overseers where they live, and if they prove re- 
 fractory and refuse to acknowledge their faults, 
 let them be further dealt with, in the wisdom of 
 truth, as the case may require. 
 
 As the occasion of our religious meetings 
 
 . . Decency and 
 
 is solemn, a care should ever be maintained to order to be 
 
 , . 1 • 1 IT nnaintained in 
 
 guard agamst any tlimg that would tend to dis- all our meet- 
 order or confusion therein. When any think ^"^^' 
 they have aught against what is publicly deliver- 
 ed, they should speak to the party privately and 
 orderly ; and if any shall oppose a ministring po^sition to mi- 
 Friend in his or her preaching or exhortation, "yfr^qu^res''" 
 or keep on the hat or show any remarkable dis- nSn^^^"^°° 
 like to such when engaged in prayer, let them be 
 speedily admonished in such manner as may be 
 requisite, unless the person against whom the 
 uneasiness is expressed has been disowned by a 
 monthly meeting, or his or her public appear- 
 ances disapproved by the elders. 
 
 This meeting agrees that each monthly meet- 
 ing choose two or more Friends of each sex to 
 sit with the ministers, and they together to com- Eiders to be 
 pose a meeting to be denominated a preparative 
 meeting of ministers and elders; taking care that 
 the Friends chosen for that service, be prudent, 
 solid Friends, and that they do carefully dis- 
 charge the trust confided to them. 
 
64 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 When there is occasion for the appointment 
 Mode of ap. of One or more elders in any meeting, the pro- 
 poinunge ers. p^^^j ^j- separating a committee to consider the 
 subject, should be first made in a monthly meet- 
 ing, and when there united with, a proper num- 
 ber of Friends should be appointed ; and in this 
 committee, the names of the persons who may 
 be thought suitable, should be first mentioned, 
 and, when concurred with, reported to the 
 monthly meeting, without consulting the per- 
 son or persons, or otherwise divulging it. If, 
 upon due consideration, the nomination is ap- 
 proved, a minute should be made, and a copy 
 thereof forwarded to the quarterly meeting of 
 ministers and elders. 
 
 , When any Friend has frequently appeared 
 
 in our religious meetings as a minister, and the 
 preparative meeting of ministers and elders 
 apprehends that it is seasonable the subject 
 
 Manner in ^ * 
 
 which minis- should claim the attention of the monthly meet- 
 
 ters are to be . ..... r ^ • i ^ 
 
 imended. iHg for disciplmc, ol which the person is a 
 member, they are at liberty to mention the mat- 
 ter, therein, and if the monthly meeting after de- 
 liberate consideration, should unite in believing 
 that a gift in the ministry has been committed to 
 him or her, a minute expressive thereof should 
 be forwarded to the quarterly meeting of minis- 
 ters and elders, where, the case being so- 
 lidly weighed, and the sense of the monthly 
 meeting concurred with, information thereof 
 should be sent to the preparative meeting of 
 
 rcconrii 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 65 
 
 ministers and elders, of which the party is to 
 be a member. And until the approbation of 
 the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders is 
 obtained, no such Friend is to be received as a 
 minister, nor permitted to sit in the meetings of 
 ministers and elders, nor travel abroad as a min- 
 ister. And no such approved minister is to ap- Not to appoint 
 
 . p i_ meetings witli- 
 
 point any meeting out or the limits oi the quar- out monthly 
 terly meeting to which he or she belongs, with- ^omeuf. ^ 
 out a certificate from the monthly meeting for 
 discipUne or the concurrence thereof. 
 
 It is the judgment of this meeting that when 
 any Friend appointed to the station of an elder be- 
 lieves him or herself called to the ministry, and i^gtnVhe^mu' 
 shall have appeared frequently in that capacity in ^iSvom 'st: 
 our public religious meetings, they should with- ^^^^ meetings, 
 draw from the meetings of ministers and elders. 
 
 When any approved minister apprehends it ^j^-^^^^^ ^^„^ 
 to be his or her duty to travel in truth's service cemedtotra- 
 
 •^ vel are to ob- 
 
 out of the limits of their quarterly meeting, he taincertifi- 
 
 cates, or mi- 
 
 or she is to open their concern in the monthly nutes, 
 meeting to which they belong, and obtain a cer- 
 tificate or minute (as the occasion may be) of 
 its unity and concurrence, directed to Friends And return 
 within the parts proposed to be visited : And it ^ly. 
 is advised, that when the service is accomplish- 
 ed, the said meeting be informed thereof, and 
 the certificate returned without unnecessary 
 delay. 
 
66 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 General reiigi- AjTreed that when any Friend is religiously 
 
 ous visits be- o •' ^ ^ 
 
 yond our Units concemcd to make a general visit to the meet- 
 to have the r • r 
 
 concurrence of ings of Friends or parts beyond the limits oi 
 
 a quarterly , i i • i •r 
 
 meeting. tliis yearly meeting, and has obtained a certin- 
 
 cate for that purpose from the monthly meeting 
 of which he or she is a member, that the con- 
 cern be also laid before the respective quarterly 
 meeting for its concurrence and indorsement, to 
 
 The certifi- be simed, if for a man, by the clerk of the 
 
 catesto be en- ^ , 
 
 dorsed. mcu's meeting only ; but, if for a woman, by 
 
 the clerks of the men's and women's meetings. 
 
 The ministers and elders of each monthly 
 meeting are to meet once in three months at 
 such time and place as the monthly meeting 
 may direct, in the capacity of a preparative meet- 
 ing of ministers and elders ; when, after a time 
 of solid retirement, the queries addressed to such 
 meetings are to be read and considered, and 
 distinct answers made to them in writing:, which, 
 
 Preparative o ' » 
 
 meetings of when si2:ned bv the clerk, are to be conveyed 
 
 ministers and o ^ ' j 
 
 elders.. ..how to the cusuing quarterly meeting of ministers 
 
 to be conduct- 
 ed, and elders by two or more Friends to be men- 
 tioned in the report as representatives ; but if, 
 in the course of inquiry, any deficiency has ap- 
 peared, care should be taken that it be re- 
 medied. 
 
 And in the said quarterly meetings, the que- 
 
 meetlng of ^i^s are also to be read with the answers which 
 
 ienS' '^^ ^^^ brought from their preparative meetings, 
 
 and the state of the members weightily consi- 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 67 
 
 dered, that where occasion requires it, advice 
 and counsel may be seasonably extended ; and 
 once a year those answers comprised in a writ- 
 ten report and signed by the clerk, are to be for- 
 
 , , , , . ^ . . - Yearly meeU 
 
 warded to the yearly meetmg of mmisters and ing of minis- 
 elders, by four or more Friends appointed as re- 
 presentatives : in this meeting the queries are 
 also to be read with the answers from the seve- 
 ral quarters, and the state of this part of the so- 
 ciety being collected and considered, advices 
 adapted thereto, may, if requisite, be issued to 
 the subordinate meetings of the like kind. This 
 meeting is to appoint a suitable number of el- 
 ders to take the oversight of the meetings for 
 worship held in Philadelphia during the time of 
 the yearly meeting. And such ministers as pro- 
 pose to go in truth's service beyond sea, after j^^^ieu^imir' 
 obtaining; a certificate of the concurrence of the engagements 
 
 o to cross the 
 
 monthly meetins:, indorsed by the respective seas, are to 
 
 ^ D' ./ r submit their 
 
 quarter, are to spread their concerns before the concerns to 
 
 ^ , , the considera- 
 
 yearly meeting of ministers and elders, and tionofthis 
 
 1 ' • 1 ' n 1 • f meeting-. 
 
 produce the said certificates ; and, if upon 
 solid consideration, the same are united with, a 
 certificate thereof signed by the clerk should be 
 granted. 
 
 None of the said meetings of ministers and 
 
 . P -111- No meeting of 
 
 elders are in any wise to interfere with the busi- ministers and 
 
 _ . p ,. . ,. . I elders to intcr- 
 
 ness 01 any meeting tor discipline, nor is the fere with the 
 
 yearly meeting of ministers and elders to suffer nlee^ngsV 
 
 its adjournments to interfere with the sittings ^^^^^^^p'^'^^ 
 of the yearly meeting for discipline. 
 
68 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 We tenderly recommend faithful Friends, 
 and especially ministers and elders, to watch over 
 the flock of Christ in their respective places and 
 stations, always approving themselves by their 
 pious examples in conversation and conduct, to 
 be such as faithfully and diligently walk up to 
 the testimony of the blessed truth whereunto 
 the Lord hath gathered us in this his gospel day. 
 
 Members of 
 meetings of 
 ministers and 
 elders losing- 
 their service 
 may be dis- 
 placed. 
 
 And if any acknowledged member of our meet- 
 ings of ministers and elders shall at any time be 
 thought, by negligence, unfaithfulness, or other- 
 wise, to have lost his or her service in that sta- 
 tion, so as to become the subject of uneasiness 
 and burthen some (yet not so as to be under the 
 care of a meeting of discipline on that account 
 or for misconduct) it is advised that a timely 
 and tender care be extended to such person ac- 
 cording to gospel order ; first by the individuals 
 concerned, and then by the preparative meeting 
 of ministers and elders to which he or she may 
 belong ; should these labours prove unavaihng, 
 report of the case should be made by that meet- 
 ing to the quarterly meeting of ministers and 
 elders, and there a few Friends be deputed to 
 assist the said preparative meeting in a further 
 extension of labour with the party : If this 
 also prove unavailing, and on report thereof to 
 the said quarterly meeting, it appears that the 
 said preparative meeting has fully discharged its 
 duty to the individual, the case should then be 
 transmitted to the monthly meeting for disci- 
 
MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 69 
 
 pline of which the party is a member, and left 
 under its care ; and he or she ought from that 
 time to refrain from attending any such select 
 meetings until they shall be again recommend- 
 ed or appointed as at first. 
 
70 
 
 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE. 
 
 Idle company 
 and evil prac- 
 tices to be 
 avoided. 
 
 ADVISED that none accustom themselves 
 to vain and idle company, sipping and tippling 
 of drams and strong drink ; for though such 
 who use that evil practice may not suddenly be- 
 come drunken to the greatest degree, yet they 
 often thereby become like ground fitted for the 
 seeds of the greatest transgressions, and some 
 who have had the good example of virtuous pa- 
 rents, have from small beginnings arrived to a 
 shameful excess, to their ruin, the great injury 
 of their wives and families, and the scandal of 
 the religious profession they have made. 
 
 It having been observed that a pernicious 
 custom has prevailed upon people, of giving 
 rum and other strong liquors to excite some to 
 
 Giving or re- . i • i i 
 
 reiving strong bid at vcuducs to advaucc the price, which, be- 
 dues Tobele's- sidcs tlic injusticc of the artifice, is scandalous, 
 ^^'^^ against. ^^^^ leads to intcmpcrance and disorder ; it is 
 therefore the unanimous sense of this meeting 
 to caution Friends against the same. And if 
 any under our profession do fall into this evil 
 practice, by giving or taking strong liquors at 
 ^renduesjor countenance or promote any noisy ga- 
 
liquors. 
 
 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE. 71 
 
 therings, they should be speedily dealt with as dis^ 
 orderly persons, and if they cannot be brought to 
 a sense of their error, disowned. 
 
 Many just and pertinent remarks being made 
 in this meeting, clearly setting forth the corrupt- 
 ing, debasing, and ruinous effects consequent Ruinous ef. 
 
 . . . , . . fects of distill. 
 
 on the importation and retailing large quantities e^i spirituous 
 of distilled spirits, whereby the intemperate use 
 of them is greatly aided and encouraged, to the 
 impoverishment of many, distempering the con- 
 stitutions and understandings of many more, 
 and increasing vice and dissolution in the land, 
 wherewith many religiously attentive minds 
 have been long painfully burthen ed ; it is the 
 united sense of the meeting, that well concerned 
 Friends in all quarters, be earnestly excited to 
 suffer the affecting importance of this mighty 
 evil, religiously to impress their minds, and ani- 
 mate them with a lively concern to excite honest 
 endeavours, both by example and loving entrea- 
 ty to caution and dissuade all our members from 
 being concerned in the importation or retailing 
 distilled spirits, or giving countenance thereto. 
 
 recommended. 
 
 It is affectionately recommended, that Friends Moderation at 
 be careful to use moderation on account of mar- I^^^i!"! ^^',^?- 
 riages, births and burials, and on all other occa- 
 sions ; a departure from which being a cause of 
 stumbling to many, and a great obstruction to a 
 more full reformation, as well as attended with 
 other evil consequences, tending to obscure that 
 
72 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE. 
 
 light which we have to hold up to others, and 
 should have more abundantly, if we were faith- 
 ful ; lessening that savour which we ought ever 
 carefully to preserve, agreeably to the monition 
 of the holy apostle, ^' Let your moderation be 
 known unto all men, the Lord is at hand." 
 Phil. iv. 5. And as the all- seeing eye beholds 
 our thoughts, and views us in all our ways and 
 actions, what manner of men ought we to be in 
 all godliness of life, and sobriety of deportment. 
 
 f iSsfrom^^ And if any should distil spirits out of grain 
 
 grain, cause of or retail such liouors, monthly meeting's should 
 
 disownment. ■■■ . 
 
 deal with them as with other offenders, and if they 
 cannot be prevailed with to desist from such a 
 practice, be at liberty to declare their disunity 
 with them. 
 
73 
 
 NEGROES OR SLAVES 
 
 It appears to have been the concern of this 
 meeting revived from time to time, with increas- 
 ingweight, to testify their entire disunity with the 
 practice of enslaving mankind (and particularly Entire disuni- 
 to guard all in membership with us against be- ry. 
 ing concerned in the purchase of slaves from the 
 coasts of Africa) yet as we have with sorrow 
 to observe that in some parts of our country, 
 this shameful practice is still continued and con- 
 nived at, we think it proper to revive the advi- 
 ces heretofore issued ; and again exhort our 
 members, to be no way accessary to this enor- 
 mous national evil, but to discourage it by all 
 the justifiable means in their power; it being ob- 
 vious that wherever it prevails it tends to cor- 
 rupt the morals of the people, so as not only to 
 render them obnoxious to the displeasure of the 
 Almighty, but deaf to his warnings, and insen- 
 sible and regardless of his impending judgments. 
 
 And we earnestlv desire it may become the ^, . 
 
 •' ■ . '' Tins oppress- 
 
 concern of our members eienerally, to use the ed class of 
 
 • men to be in- 
 
 inftuence they have with those who hold slaves structed, ad- 
 
 . - vised and as^ 
 
 by inheritance or otherwise, that they may be sisted. 
 
 L 
 
r4 
 
 NEGROES OR SLAVES. 
 
 treated with moderation and kindness, and in- 
 structed as objects of the common salvation in 
 the principles of the Christian religion ; as well 
 as in such branches of school-learning as may 
 fit them for freedom, and to become useful 
 members of civil society. Also that Friends 
 in their several neighbourhoods advise and as- 
 sist such of the black people as are at liberty, 
 in the education of their children, and common 
 worldly concerns. 
 
 Hiring slaves 
 opposes our 
 relig-ious testi- 
 mony. 
 
 Understanding that some in membership 
 with us, either through inadvertence, or from self- 
 ish motives, have hired slaves to assist them in 
 their business ; we desire such to consider that 
 in so doing they promote the unrighteous traf- 
 fic, and oppose our testimony against it. 
 
 „ . Friends are also cautioned asfainst acting: as 
 
 Caution to ex- ^ ^ ^ *=> 
 
 ecutors and exccutors or administrators to estates where 
 
 administrators. 
 
 slaves are bequeathed ; and doing any thing 
 whereby their bondage may be prolonged. 
 
 state of the 
 black people 
 requires close 
 attention to 
 I the opening of 
 truth, that our 
 duty may be 
 fully discharg- 
 ed. 
 
 We are united in judgment, that the state 
 of the black people, who have been held as slaves 
 by any of us or our predecessors, calls for a 
 deep inquiry and close examination, how far we 
 are clear of wuth holding from them, whatunder 
 such an exercise may be opened to our view as 
 their just right ; and we earnestly and affection- 
 ately entreat those in particular who have releas- 
 ed any of them, to attend to the further open- 
 
NEGROES OR SLAVES. 75 
 
 ings of duty. Even if no such obligations to 
 this people existed among us, it is worthy of 
 our serious consideration, whether any object of 
 beneficence is more deserving of our regard, 
 than that of training up their youth in such vir- 
 tuous principles and habits as may render them 
 useful and respectable members of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 It is the sense and judgment of this meet- 
 ing, that if any of our members are concerned in 
 importing, selling, or purchasing ; or shall give Friends who 
 away or transfer any negro or other slave, with purchase or 
 
 . . give away 
 
 or without any other consideration than to clear slaves, to be 
 their estate of any future incumbrance, or in 
 such manner that their bondage is continued 
 beyond the time limited by law or custom for 
 white persons ; and also those who accept of 
 such gift or assignment ; they ought to be spee- 
 dily treated with in the spirit of true love and 
 wisdom, and the iniquity of their conduct laid 
 before them. And if, after Christian labour, 
 they cannot be brought to such a sense of their 
 injustice, as to do every thing which the month- 
 ly meeting shall judge to be reasonable and ne- 
 cessary for the restoring such slave to his or her 
 natural and just right to liberty, and condemn 
 their deviation from the law of righteousness 
 and equity, to the satisfaction of the said meet- 
 ing, that such member or members be testified 
 against as other transgressors are by the rules of 
 
re NEGROES OR SLAVES. 
 
 our discipline for other immoral, unjust, or re- 
 proachful conduct. 
 
 It appearing that, notwithstanding the many 
 Traffic in afflictive dispensations with which divine wis- 
 
 slaves displea- • • i • i i 
 
 sing to the Al- dom has seen meet to visit this land, many 
 ^•gi y- q£ j^g inhabitants are so deaf to the language of 
 
 the rod, as to continue in the nefarious traffic 
 for slaves to the coasts of Africa : and that the 
 importation of them is still connived at : this 
 meeting, considering such a conduct as a bold 
 and impious defiance of the Ruler of nations, 
 and pregnant with the most alarming conse- 
 quences to our country, earnestly recommends 
 to the meeting for sufferings to embrace every 
 suitable opportunity for advancing our testimo- 
 ny in this respect, and for caUing the attention 
 of the public mind to this av/fiilly interesting 
 subject. 
 
ii 
 
 <:rfrr»M 1 
 
 OATHS 
 
 ADVISED that our Christian testimony 
 be faithfully maintained against the burthen and "j^^^^'Lw^.^ 
 imDosition of oaths, according to the express command of 
 
 , , . . . P ^1 Christ. 
 
 command of Christ, and the mjunction ol the 
 apostle James, viz. " Ye have heard that it 
 hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt 
 not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the 
 Lord thine oaths ; but I say unto you, swear 
 not at all : nehher by heaven, for it is God's 
 throne : nor by the earth, for it is his footstool ; 
 neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the 
 great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy 
 head, because thou canst not make one hair 
 white or black : but let your communication 
 be, yea, yea, nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more 
 than these cometh of evil." Mat. v. 33 to 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 condemna- 
 tion." James v. 12. 
 
 From the year 1718 to 1771, divers minutes 
 of this meeting appear, declaring that oaths ad- 
 
OATHS. 
 
 Oat?i3 admiti- 
 istered by- 
 clerks, &c a 
 violation of the 
 testimonv. 
 
 Parties to their 
 administration 
 to be disowned. 
 
 ministered by clerks or others, under the no- 
 tice and connivance of Friends, either in court 
 or elsewhere, violate our ancient testimony. 
 And it is earnestly recommended to quarterly 
 and monthly meetings, that where any under 
 our name are parties to the administration of 
 oaths, to be careful to proceed in dealing with 
 them ; and if they will not decline the practice 
 and give suitable satisfaction to the meeting they 
 belong to, to testify against them agreeably to 
 the rules of our discipline. 
 
 Disunion with 
 offenders di- 
 rected. 
 
 As it is our duty to support our Christian 
 testimony against oaths, faithful Friends are de- 
 desired to extend brotherly labour towards those 
 who deviate therefrom, and if such labour proves 
 unsuccessful, monthly meetings should testify 
 their disunity with them. 
 
 And Friends in all places are exhorted care- 
 to be elected fully to avoid electing or promoting their breth- 
 whS'sHlbject ^^" to such stations in civil government as may 
 oftbistcstimo- subject them to the temptation of violating this 
 ^'y- testimony ; and where any members shew an 
 
 inclination or desire of soliciting or accepting 
 of such offices, timely care should be taken to 
 caution them against it. xVnd in the execution 
 of instruments of writing requiring witnesses, 
 it is recommended that Friends endeavour to pro- 
 cure such persons for this purpose, as will attest 
 the same by anirmation. 
 
OVERSEERS, 
 
 IT is recommended that in every monthly 
 
 A suitable 
 
 Tiicir dutv. 
 
 meetino; a proper number of faithful and iudi- number ofcach 
 
 ^ ^ ^ '^ sex to be ap- 
 
 cious men and women belonging to each of the pointed. 
 particular or preparative meetings, be appoint- 
 ed to the station of overseers within the same : 
 whose duty it is to exercise a vigilant and ten- 
 der care over their fellow members ; that if any 
 thing repugnant to the harmony and good order 
 of the society appears among them, it may be 
 timely attended to and not neglected. And to 
 prevent the introduction of all unnecessary and 
 premature complaints to meetings of business, 
 it is advised if any member shall have cause of 
 complaint against another, that it be mentioned 
 to the overseers, who are to see that the party 
 complained of has been treated with according to 
 gospel order, previously to the case being re- 
 ported to the preparative or monthly meeting. 
 And it is desired that in dealing with anv, it be J^ ^^ P^" 
 
 *-^ •' formed in 
 
 done in the spirit of meekness and love, pa- christian sp 
 tiently endeavouring to instruct and advise 
 them ; which, if ineffectual, the preparative meet- 
 ing should be informed thereof; that, if needful 
 the case may be laid before the monthly meeting, 
 
 in a 
 
80 
 
 OVERSEERS. 
 
 Appointment 
 of a committee 
 once in three 
 vears. 
 
 Serious exiior- 
 tation to a clue 
 discharj^e of 
 the u elg-bty 
 trust. 
 
 of which, notice should be given to the party, 
 when it can be conveniently done. It is further 
 recommended to our monthly meetings that a 
 committee be appointed at least once in three 
 years, or as much oftener as the occasion may 
 require, to consider the propriety of changing 
 the overseers and bringing forward in the im- 
 provement of their gifts, other Friends on whom 
 a concern for the welfare of the society rests. 
 And we tenderly exhort all our members who 
 may be rightly called into this or any other ser- 
 vice of the church, not hastily to excuse them- 
 selves therefrom, but solidly to ponder the 
 weighty advice of the apostle, *'Feed the flock of 
 '' God, which is among you, taking the oversight 
 " thereof, not by constraint, but willingly , not 
 " for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither 
 '' as lords over God's heritage ; but being en- 
 "- samples to the flock: and when the chief Shep- 
 '' herd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of 
 '' glory, that fadeth not away." 
 
81 
 
 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 
 
 ruptions. 
 
 In much love to the rising generation, we 
 exhort them to avoid the many vanities and en- 
 snaring corruptions to which they are expos- rp^^j.-gj,^ 
 ed. Bear in mind, dear youth, that " the fear generation ex- 
 
 •^^ ^ horted to avoid 
 
 of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and ensnaring cor 
 that *' a good understanding have all they who 
 do his commandments." Psalm, xci. 10. Take 
 the advice of godly parents, guardians and 
 friends ; ever remembering that, next to our 
 Creator, children ought to obey their parents, 
 and that disobedience to them is a breach of the 
 moral law, and was always offensive in the Di- 
 vine sight. Submit to their reasonable requir- 
 ings with cheerfulness, though these may some- 
 times thwart your own inclinations, and answer 
 them not frowardly or crossly. They watched 
 over you and took care of you, when you were 
 utterly unable to help or care for yourselves. 
 Why then should any of you grieve and wound 
 their still anxious minds by a conduct which 
 (because of its tendency to obstruct your wel- 
 fare and happiness) you know they cannot ap- 
 prove ? Such as, running into vain and expen- 
 sive fashions, associating with corrupt and li- 
 bertine persons; frequenting taverns and places 
 of diversion ; wasting your precious time in idle 
 
 M 
 
82 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 
 
 discourse, and drawing the affections and in- 
 flaming the passions one of another ; all which we 
 have nodoubt the divine Monitor in your own 
 breasts ofien pleads with you e^gaiast, and shews 
 to be destructive of your peace. We beseech you, 
 as fathers, to attend to this heavenly Instructor, 
 and dutifully yield to the correspondent tender 
 advice of your friends. Shrink not from the 
 cross of Christ in your garb, language or man- 
 ners ; but, through a subjection of your wills to 
 the divine will, in these and all other respects, 
 walk answerably to the purity of our profession, 
 and the simplicity and spirituality of our wor- 
 ship : so may you be instructive examples to se- 
 rious enquirers after truth; and not of those 
 who, under a profession thereof, are prefer- 
 ring their own crooked ways, and turning others 
 aside from the footteps of its followers. 
 
 It is advised that where the pious exercise of 
 parental care and authority is disregarded, and 
 any of the youth in membership with us appear 
 obstinately determined to run into and copy af- 
 ter the vain and extravag-ant fashions of the 
 
 Youth disre- ^ . ° 
 
 gardingthe world in their dress and address, exposing 
 
 care of parents . . „ p -i 
 
 andfriends are thcmsclves to the Corrupting influence of evil 
 
 exposed to ma- . t i i • • 
 
 ny evils. Company and excesses, whereby designing per- 
 
 sons may entangle their affections, and draw 
 them into unsuitable and unhappy connections 
 in marriage or otherwise, that such be timely 
 and tenderly treated with, and shown the dan- 
 
PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 83 
 
 gerous tendency of their conduct ; and, if they 
 
 cannot be prevailed with to desist therefrom, such to be 
 
 and amend their ways, they ought to be dealt t(^,^2l 
 
 with by their respective preparative or month- to be disowned. 
 
 ly meetings, as in other cases of offence ; and if, 
 
 after due expostulation and forbearance, they 
 
 prove irreclaimable, they may be testified 
 
 against. 
 
 And if any parents in membership with us, 
 willingly indulge their children, or youth under Parents in- 
 their care in such extravagance, liberties and ex- wSn^the 
 cesses, as are here pointed out, and persist in vin- oftheTr^chuf 
 dicating their conduct, they ought in like man- owned^ ^^ '^''" 
 ner to be treated with and disowned. 
 
 Friends are advised to bring up their chil- 
 dren to habits of industry, placing them with so- 
 ber and exemplary members of the society, for 
 
 . * -^ . -^ Children to be 
 
 instruction in such occupations as are consistent inured to in- 
 
 ,. . . . , . . dustrv, and 
 
 with our religious prmciples and testimonies, piacedwithex- 
 that as far as in us lies they may be preserved in Priendl 
 a becoming conduct and demeanour. 
 
 And it is desired that those whose circum- 
 stances may furnish with ability for instructing, 
 in useful and suitable employments, the children 
 
 p , , • . • t m Childrenofthe 
 
 01 members who are m situations less affluent, poor to be re- 
 may receive them into their families upon terms moderate °" 
 so moderate and equitable as to remove every 
 plausible reason for placing them with those not 
 in membership with us. 
 
 terms. 
 
84 
 
 PLAINNESS 
 
 Advised, that all Friends, both old and 
 
 Corrupt man- 
 ners and fash- young, kecpout of the world's corrupt language, 
 
 avoided manners, vain and needless things and fashions, 
 
 in apparel, buildings, and furniture of houses, 
 some of which are immodest, indecent, and un- 
 becoming. And that they avoid immoderation 
 in the use of lawful things, which though inno- 
 cent in themselves, may thereby become hurtful; 
 also such kinds of stuffs, colours and dress, as 
 are calculated more to please a vain and wanton 
 mind, than for real usefulness ; and let tradesmen 
 and others, members of our rehs-ious society, be 
 
 Caution to ^ o j •> 
 
 tradesmen and admonishcd, that they be not accessary to these 
 
 others. 
 
 evils ; for we ought to take up our daily cross, 
 minding the grace of God which brings salva- 
 tion, and teaches to deny all ungodliness and 
 worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously 
 and godly, in this present world, that we may 
 adorn the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all 
 things ; so may we feel his blessing, and be in- 
 strumental in his hand for the good of others. 
 
 We tenderly exhort all, seriously to consider 
 the plainness and simplicity which the gospel en- 
 
PLAINNESS. 85 
 
 joins, and to manifest it in their speech, appa- 
 rel, furniture, salutations and conversation, in- 
 to which our forefathers were led by the Spi- 
 rit of Christ, in conformity with his precepts and 
 example ; and for which they patiently suffered cityrecom- 
 
 , . . ^ , . mended. 
 
 long imprisonments, and great persecutions ; 
 being convinced that it was their duty thus to 
 bear a testimony against the vain spirit of the 
 world. 
 
 The spirit of truth, which led our ancients Truth leads to 
 to lay aside every thing unbecoming the followers ^ *^""^^^* 
 of Christ, still leads in the same path, all who 
 submit to its guidance ; we therefore earnestly 
 entreat all Friends to watch over themselves in 
 this respect. The example of our blessed Sa- 
 viour, his immediate followers, and of virtuous 
 and holy men in all ages, ought to make a due 
 impression on every considerate mind ; and es- 
 pecially on such as have had the advantage of a 
 guarded education. 
 
 We also tenderly advise, that Friends take 
 heed, especially those who should be exempla- 
 
 . Testimony 
 
 ry to others under their care, that they exercise balked by va- 
 plainness or speech without respect oi persons, speech to suit 
 
 ,, , . 1,11 that of others 
 
 in all their converse among men ; and not balk 
 their testimony by a cowardly compliance, vary- 
 ing their language according to their compa- 
 ny ; a practice of very ill example, rendering 
 those who use it contemptible, and looked 
 
86 PLAINNESS. 
 
 upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by those 
 with whom they so comply ; this seems to be 
 cautioned against by the apostle, when he ad- 
 vises, 1 Tim. *' That the deacons be grave, not 
 double tongued;" plainly importing that it is 
 inconsistent with the gravity of the gospel. 
 
87 
 
 POOR. 
 
 IT is advised that the cases of all our mem- 
 bers who are in indigent circumstances be duly 
 inspected, that advice and relief may be seasona- 
 bly extended, and assistance afforded to them in ^^viccandas- 
 such business as they are capable of : and in or- ^^^^*^^^ ^^ 
 der to defray the expenses which their support 
 and the education of their children will necessa- 
 rily occasion, it is recommended to each month- 
 ly meeting of men and women Friends to be 
 open hearted and liberal in subscriptions for 
 raising and continuing funds for these purposes ; ^f"^ ^° ^^ 
 that the meetings of each sex should appoint 
 a treasurer to receive the same, and a committee 
 of suitable Friends to have the particular care of ^ 
 
 ^ '^ Treasurer to 
 
 the poor, whose business it will be to visit, in- be appointed. 
 spect into their wants, and relieve them. And 
 in the exercise of this benevolent care, it is de- 
 sired we may always guard against exposing situation of 
 the names or situations of our fellow members, members not 
 
 \ ^ • 11-11 1, , « to be exposed. 
 
 And an appomtment should be annually made of 
 
 two or more Friends for settling the treasurer's 
 
 account, and reporting its state to the meeting. 
 
88 
 
 PRIESTS' WAGES ; OR HIRELING 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 LET us keep in remembrance, that it is 
 
 under the immediate teaching and influence of 
 
 f Thi im'mei ^^^ ^^^^^ Spirit that all acceptable worship is per- 
 
 diate produc- formed, and all true gospel ministry supplied; 
 
 Spirit, and the that this purc and powerful influence, in vessels 
 
 srfvire is to be ^ 
 
 freei) dis- sanctified and prepared by the divine hand, is 
 
 charged. , . 
 
 the essential qualification to that work ; and that 
 as the gift is divine, the service is freely and 
 faithfully to be discharged, without any view to 
 reward from man. 
 
 And it is advised that where any of our 
 members are so regardless of this testimony 
 as to contribute to the support of an hirelins: 
 
 Violation of . 
 
 this testimony ministry, and vindicate such conduct, that they 
 
 to be testified , i , - i • i r 
 
 against. bc tenderly laboured with to convince them of 
 
 their error, but if this prove ineffectual, and 
 they persist in their unfaithfulness, the month- 
 ly meetings to which they belong should pro- 
 ceed to declare our disunity with them, such 
 conduct being opposed to our testimony for the 
 free ministry of the gospel, which is *' without 
 money and without price." 
 
S9 
 
 QUERIES, 
 
 It is agreed that the nine queries belonging 
 to meetings for discipline, be read, deliberately ah the queries 
 
 relating- to 
 
 considered and answered in each preparative meetings for 
 
 , , , . . _ discipline, to 
 
 and monthly meetmg once a year ; m order to bereadandan- 
 
 |. • ^ . . • , sweredonce 
 
 convey an exphcit account m writing to the a year. 
 quarterly meetings next preceding the yearly 
 meeting that so this meeting may be clearly 
 informed of the state of all our meetings. 
 
 Also, that the first, second and eighth of those 
 queries be read, considered, and explicit answers ^^Y^^ queries 
 
 ^ * to be read and 
 
 to them made in writing in the two quarterly answered 
 
 , 1 J twice a year. 
 
 meetings preceding the one before mentioned, 
 and also in the preparative and monthly meetings 
 which report thereto. But none of the queries 
 are to be read or answered in those quarterly 
 meetings for discipline which immediately suc- 
 ceed the yearly meeting nor in the preparative or 
 monthly meetings which report to those quarters. 
 
 It is not considered as obligatory on any Q|,eries to oe 
 
 .• ^ 1 ^1 1 ' c^ A.I readonly when 
 
 meeting to read the above queries ottener than answered, 
 is here mentioned, or to read any others than 
 such as are to be answered. Nor is the read- 
 
DO QUERIES. 
 
 ing and ans\vering of them enjoined on any pre- 
 parative meeting, where the members of that 
 and the monthly meeting are the same. 
 
 It is further agreed that at the time when 
 the nine queries are read in the preparative and 
 monthly meetings, the advices and caution sub- 
 Advice and joined, shall be also distinctly read and solidly 
 read once a pondered ; as a means of putting the members 
 year. present upon considering, whether there be any 
 
 occasion for an extension of care in those res- 
 pects : and, if there is, of stirring them up to a 
 faithful discharge of their duty as individuals, 
 one towards another. 
 
 Fi7'st ^lery. Are all our religious meet- 
 ings for worship and discipline duly attended; is 
 the hour observed ; and are friends preserved 
 from sleeping, and all other unbecoming be- 
 haviour therein ? 
 
 Second ^lery. Is love and unity maintain- 
 ed amongst you. Are tale-bearing and detrac- 
 tion discouraged. And wliere any differences 
 arise, are endeavours used speedily to end them ? 
 
 Third ^lery. Are Friends careful to bring 
 up those under their direction, in plainness of 
 speech, behaviour, and apparel; in frequent 
 reading the holy scriptures; and to restrain them 
 from reading pernicious books, and from the 
 corrupt conversation of the world ? 
 
QUERIES. 91 
 
 Fourth ^lery. Are Friends careful to dis- 
 courage the unnecessary distillation or use of 
 spirituous liquors, frequenting taverns and 
 places of diversion ; and to keep in true modera- 
 tion and temperance on the account of births, 
 marriages, burials and other occasions ? 
 
 Fifth ^ery. Are poor Friends necessities 
 duly inspected, and they relieved or 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 
 children placed among Friends ? 
 
 Sixth ^lery. Do you maintain a faithful 
 testimony against oaths ; an hireling ministry ; 
 bearing arms, training, and other military servi- 
 ces; being concerned in any fraudulent or clan- 
 destine trade; buying or vending goods so im- 
 ported,or prize goods ; and against encouraging 
 lotteries of any kind ? 
 
 Sei^enth ^lery. Are Friends careful to 
 live within the bounds of their circumstances, 
 and to keep to moderation in their trade or busi- 
 ness : Are they punctual to their promises, and 
 just in the payment of their debts ; and are such 
 as give reasonable grounds for fear on these ac- 
 counts timely laboured with for their preserva- 
 tion or recovery ? 
 
92 QUERIES. 
 
 Eighth ^ery. Do you take due care regu- 
 larly to deal with all offenders in the spirit of 
 meekness, without partiality or unnecessary de- 
 lay, in order for their help ; and where such la- 
 bour is ineffectual, to place judgment upon 
 them in the authority of truth ? 
 
 Ninth S^iery. Is due care taken to keep a 
 regular record of births and burials ? 
 
 And in the preparative and monthly meet- 
 ings, when all the foregoing queries are read 
 and answered, the follov, ing advices are to be 
 read with a suitable pause between them : 
 
 That no young or single persons make or en- 
 courage proposals of marriage with each other 
 without consent of parents or guardians, or keep 
 company with those who are not of our religious 
 society, upon that account ; and if parents give 
 their consent to, or connive at their children's 
 thus keeping company, or marrying, that they 
 be dealt with according to our discipline : 
 And if any of our members have been present 
 at marriages accomplished contrary to the rules 
 of our discipline, that they also be dealt with. 
 
 That all public gifts and legacies be stri ctly 
 applied 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 
 
QUERIES. 93 
 
 sufferings for its advice or assistance ; and that 
 timely care be taken for the renewal of trusts. 
 
 That Friends intending removal be careful 
 to apply for certificates ; and that the cases of 
 such who remove without certificates, or of 
 sojourners coming from other places and ap- 
 pearing as Friends, without producing certifi- 
 cates, be properly attended to. 
 
 That Friends carefully inspect the state 
 of their affairs once in the year ; and make 
 their wills and settle their outward estates 
 whilst in health. 
 
 And it is further recommended that in con- 
 ducting the affairs of our meetings, Friends en- 
 deavour to manage them in the peaceable spirit 
 and wisdom of Jesus, with decency, forbearance 
 and love of each other. 
 
 The following queries are also to be read, 
 considered and answ^ered once a year, in each 
 monthly and quarterly meeting, and a report 
 thereof made in writing to this meeting : and it 
 is recommended that in answering the query 
 respecting schools, monthly meetings furnish 
 their respective quarters with particular ac- 
 counts of the situation and circumstance of the 
 several schools within their limits, and that the 
 quarterly meetings convey to this meeting a 
 summary statement thereof. 
 
94 QUERIES. 
 
 First Siiery, What ministers and elders 
 deceased, and when ? 
 
 Second ^lery. What new meeting houses 
 built, or new meetings settled ? 
 
 Third ^lery. Are there schools established 
 for the education of our youth, under the care of 
 teachers in membership with us, and superintend- 
 ed by committees appointed either in the month- 
 ly or preparative meetings ? 
 
 Fourth ^lery. Are the queries addressed to 
 the quarterly, monthly and preparative meet- 
 ings read and answered therein as directed? 
 
95 
 
 QUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINIS 
 TERS AND ELDERS. 
 
 IT is also concluded, that of the following 
 four queries, formed for the use of the meetings 
 of ministers and elders, the first three be read 
 and distinctly answered in writing three times 
 in a year, by each preparative meeting of that 
 kind, to its respective quarterly meeting : and 
 that all the said four queries shall be in like man- 
 ner read and answered, by the preparative to 
 their quarterly meetings next preceding the 
 yearly meeting of ministers and elders ; that the 
 quarterly meetings may be enabled to transmit 
 a clear and distinct statement of those answers 
 to that meeting. 
 
 First S^iery, Are ministers and elders 
 careful to attend meetings for divine worship, 
 bringing their families with them. Do they dili- 
 gently attend meetings for discipline^ encourag- 
 ing such of their families to this duty as are of 
 proper age, and suitable deportment ? 
 
 Second S^iery, Are ministers sound in word 
 and doctrine ; careful to minister in the ability 
 
96 QUERIES. 
 
 which God gives, and thereby kept from bur- 
 thening the living ? 
 
 Third ^lery. Are the hves and conversa- 
 tion of ministers and elders clean and blame- 
 less amongst men : are they in unity one with 
 another, and with the meeting they belong to, 
 harmoniously labouring together for truth's 
 honour ? 
 
 Fourth ^lery. Are they good examples in 
 uprightness, temperance and moderation ; and 
 careful to train up their fl\milies in plainness of 
 dress and simplicity of manners, becoming our 
 religious profession ? 
 
 And it is earnestly and affectionately recom- 
 mended, that ministers and elders watch over 
 one another for good, to help those who are 
 exercised in the ministry in the right line, dis- 
 couraging forward spirits that run into words 
 withotit life and power, advising against affecta- 
 tion 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 labour suc- 
 cessfully in the church of Christ, adorning the 
 doctrine which they deliver to others, being ex- 
 amples of the Believers, in word, in conversation, 
 in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 
 
97 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 THE education of our youth in piety and 
 virtue, and giving them useful learning under 
 the tuition of religious prudent persons, having 
 for many years engaged the solid attention of 
 this meeting, and advices thereon having been 
 from time to time issued to the several subordinate 
 meetings; it is renewedly desired, that quarterly, 
 monthly and preparative meetings may be exci- 
 ted toproper exertions for the institution and sup- 
 port of schools ; there being but little doubt, that 
 as Friends are united, and cherish a disposi- 
 tion of liberahty for the assistance of each other 
 in this important work, they will be enabled to 
 make such provision for the accommodation 
 and residence of a teacher, with a family, as 
 would be an encouragement to well qualified 
 persons to engage in this arduous employment : 
 for want of which it has been observed, that 
 children have been committed to the care of 
 transient persons, of doubtful character, and 
 sometimes of very corrupt minds, by whose bad 
 example and influence, they have been betrayed 
 into principles and habits which have had an in- 
 jurious effect on them in more advanced life. It 
 
98 SCHOOLS. 
 
 is therefore indispensably incumbent on us to 
 guard them against this danger, and procure 
 such tutors of our own rf^Hgious persuasion, as 
 are not only capable of instructing them in use- 
 ful learning, to fit them for the business of this 
 life, but to train them in the knowledge of their 
 duty to God and one towards another. It is there- 
 fore proposed ; First, That a lot of ground be 
 provided in each monthly or preparative meeting, 
 sufficient for a garden, orchard, grass for a cow, 
 Stc. and a suitable house erected thereon. 
 
 Second, That funds be raised by contribu- 
 tion, bequests, &c. in each meeting ; the inter- 
 est of which to be applied either in aid of the 
 tutors salary or lessening the expense of Friends 
 in straitened circumstances, in the education of 
 their children. 
 
 Third. That a committee be appointed in 
 each monthly or preparative meeting, to have 
 the care of schools and the funds for their sup- 
 port, and that no tutor be employed but with 
 their consent. 
 
 Although the raising a sufficiency to answer 
 those purposes may in some places appear diffi- 
 cult, yet as improvements of this kind are gene- 
 rally gradual and have often arisen from small 
 beginnings into very valuable establishments, 
 it is desired that Friends may be encouraged 
 
SCHOOLS. 99 
 
 thereto, and keeping an eye to the divine bles- 
 sing on their benevolent endeavours, make such 
 essay for carrying into effect these recommen- 
 dations as they may be enabled. 
 
 ^mf^/m^^ ^^^(^l$ka^^ 
 
100 
 
 SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW 
 TESTAMENTS. 
 
 WE tenderly and earnestly advise and exhort 
 all parents and heads of families, that they en- 
 deavour to instruct their children and families in 
 the doctrines and precepts of the Christian reli- 
 gion, as contained in the scriptures; and that they 
 excite them to the diligent reading of those ex- 
 cellent writings, which plainly set forth the mi- 
 raculous conception, birth, holy life, wonder- 
 ful works, blessed example, meritorious death, 
 and glorious resurrection, ascension and medi- 
 ation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; 
 and to educate their children in the belief of 
 those important truths, as well as in the belief 
 or the inward manifestation and operation of 
 the holy Spirit on their own minds, that they may 
 reap the benefit and advantage thereof, for their 
 own peace and everlasting happiness ; which is 
 infinitely preferable to all other considerations. 
 
101 
 
 STOCK. 
 
 AGREED, that there be collections brought 
 in from each quarterly, unto the next yearly 
 meeting, for a yearly meeting stock, to defray • 
 the charges of the said meeting, according to 
 the several agreements made or hereafter to be 
 made. 1695. 
 
 A stock having been generally kept, and by 
 experience found useful, for the necessary occa- ^^°^^ ^^^"S 
 
 *■ ^ ' •' necessary, 
 
 sions of the society, it is agreed, that the same 
 be occasionally renewed by a collection from each 
 quarter and that it be continued in the hands of ^ , ^ , 
 
 ^ Is to be placet 
 
 the treasurer appointed by this meeting:, and sub- ""^er care of 
 
 *^^ -^ . a treasurer. 
 
 ject to be drawn out by its direction or by the 
 meeting for sufferings, as the exigencies of so- 
 ciety may require. 
 
 The sums which may be thought necessary, 
 shall be raised by each quarter, in the propor- 
 tions which may be ascertained by this meeting 
 from time to time. 
 
 An arrangement of the quotas of the seve- 
 ral quarterly meetings, produced by a commit- 
 
 '■^ 
 
Qciotas 
 
 102 STOCK. 
 
 tee appointed for that purpose was agreed to in 
 1804, as follows: 
 
 £' ^- £' 
 
 Philadelphia quarter to pay 16 in every lOQ 
 
 Abington . . do 10 
 
 Bucks ... do 10 
 
 Concord . .do 11 10 
 
 Cain do 7 
 
 Western ... do 10 10 
 
 Southern . . . do. « .... 4 
 
 Burlington . . do 10 10 
 
 Haddonfield .do 8 10 
 
 Salem .... do 70 
 
 ^^T?"'^ ? do 5 
 
 and Kahway > ^ 
 
 f. 100 
 
lOS 
 
 TAVERNS. 
 
 WE think it necessary to caution, not only 
 the youth, but those of riper aare, to avoid the , 
 
 •' . Improper al- 
 
 unnecessary frequenting of taverns, and other tendance at 
 
 „ , .. taverns iiiju- 
 
 places of pubhc resort ; that they be not expos- rious. 
 ed to noisy company, and unprofitable conver- 
 sation ; or betrayed into the use of strong li- 
 quors, by which so many have been corrupted 
 both in principle and practice, to the ruin of 
 themselves and their families. And if any are in 
 danger on these accounts, it is desired that they 
 may be timely and tenderly treated with in order 
 to convince them of their danger. 
 
 Considering the temptations and snares 
 which they are exposed to, who keep houses of traTnlrkeep- 
 public entertainment or beer-houses, the corrup- ^'^^ taverns 
 ling influence of many who resort to them, 
 and its effect on the children and families so ex- 
 posed ; it is the judgment of this meeting, that 
 our members avoid engaging in such employ- 
 ments for a livelihood ; and attend to the point- 
 ings of pure wisdom for that end. 
 
104 TAVERNS. 
 
 And it is desired, that Friends may endea- 
 Theunneces- vour, as far as their influence extends in the 
 
 sary increase . , 
 
 of them to be Community, to prevent the unnecessary mcrease 
 iscourage . ^^ taverns, and be cautious of signing petitions 
 in behalf of those who m^y apply for licences on 
 that account. 
 
 :f^' 
 
 ^, .^ -^ 
 
105 
 
 TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
 
 IT is the sense of this meeting that offen- 
 ders inclining to make acknowledgment of their 
 offences do prepare the same in writino;, and if, Acknowied^. 
 
 ^^ ^ O' » mentstobe 
 
 on consulting the overseers or other judicious made in writ- 
 Friends, the purport appears suitable to the oc- 
 casion, and the situation of the party will ad- 
 mit of it, he or she may present it to the meet- 
 ing in person, and stay till it is read ; when, 
 after time given for a solid pause, they should 
 withdraw before that or any other business is 
 proceeded upon. The meeting is then to con- 
 sider the case, and appoint two or more Friends 
 to inform the party of the result. 
 
 When a disowned person removes out of t^. ,. 
 
 1^ Direction resra 
 
 the verg-e of the meetina: which disowned him pectingadis- 
 
 '■^ ^ ^ ^ owned mem- 
 
 or her, and applies thereto for reinstatement, ac- •^^r living at a 
 
 distance. 
 
 knowledgmg their error, and if by reason of the 
 distance the applicant cannot be conveniently 
 treated with in person, the said meeting may cor- 
 respond with the monthly meeting within the com- 
 pass of which he or she resides, and inquire in^ 
 to their fitness for membership ; and if satisfac- 
 
106 TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL, &c. 
 
 tion on that head is received, a certificate for such 
 person, directed to the said monthly meeting, 
 may be forthwith sent, acknowledging him or 
 her as a member of our society. 
 
 Discretionary 
 authority vest- 
 ed in monthly 
 meetings. 
 
 Members un- 
 der dealing to 
 have notice 
 previous to the 
 issuing- of a 
 testimony. 
 
 And when is- 
 sued, to be in- 
 formed of the 
 right of appeal. 
 
 As it may not always be necessary that pa- 
 pers of acknowledgment should contain a re- 
 cital of the occasion of disownment as specifi- 
 ed in the testimonies of denial, it is agreed that 
 monthly meetings be left to their discretion in 
 this respect ; and that neither testimonies of de- 
 nial nor acknowledgments be read at the close 
 of our public meetings for worship. In all cases 
 where a meeting apprehends itself under a ne- 
 cessity to disown a member, let such member, 
 if the occasion and his or her situation will admit 
 of it, be previously informed thereof: And 
 when the judgment of the meeting is issued, 
 let a copy thereof be delivered to the party tes- 
 tified against, with notification of liis or her 
 right of appeal. 
 
 ^. 
 
i©r 
 
 TRADE 
 
 IT beine evident that where the manifesta- , . , 
 
 ^ ^ ^ ^ Truth 13 safe 
 
 tions and restraints of the Spirit of truth are in its guidance* 
 duly prized and regarded, it leads out of a bon- 
 dage to the spirit of this world, and preserves 
 the minds of its followers from many fettering 
 and disqualifying entanglements ; and contrary- 
 wise, that an inordinate love and pursuit of 
 worldly riches, often betrays those who are cap- 
 tivated by them, into many difficulties and dan- 
 glers, to the great obstruction of the work of truth inordinate 
 
 *-' *-* pursuit of rich» 
 
 in the heart : we aflPectionately desire that the ^s involves ia 
 
 •^ difficulty. 
 
 counsel and gracious promise of our blessed Re- 
 deemer to his followers, may be borne in remem- 
 brance by us, " Seek ye first the kingdom of 
 God and his righteousness, and all these things 
 shall be added unto you.'* 
 
 This meeting being earnestly concerned that 
 the service of our religious society may not be 
 obstructed, or its reputation dishonoured, by 
 any imprudence of its members in their world- 
 ly engagements, recommends to all, that they f^XlThia^ 
 be careful not to venture upon such business as our means 
 
 * and strictly 
 
 they do not well understand ; nor to launch out fuifiUed. 
 
Hazardous 
 
 108 TRADE. 
 
 in trade beyond their abilities, and at the risk 
 of others ; especially on the credit which may 
 be derived from a profession of the truth ; but 
 that they bound their engagements by their 
 means ; and when they enter into contracts, or 
 give their words, that they endeavour on all oc- 
 casions strictly to fulfil them. 
 
 We particularly exhort that none engage in 
 enterprizes to such conccrns as depend on the often deceptive 
 
 be avoided, ^ * ^ 
 
 andaraoderate probabilities of hazardous enterprizes ; but ra- 
 
 way of living" 
 
 kept to. ther content themselves with such a plain and 
 
 moderate way of living as is consistent with the 
 self-denying principle we make profession of; 
 whereby many disappointments and grievous 
 perplexities may be avoided, and that tranquilli- 
 ty of mind obtained which is inseparable from 
 the right enjoyment even of temporal things. 
 And it is advised that, where any among us 
 err, or are in danger of erring in these respects, 
 they be faithfully and timely admonished. 
 
 It is recommended that Friends frequently 
 State of our inspect the state of their affairs, and keep their 
 
 affairs to be 
 
 accuraieiy accouuts SO clcar and accurate, that they may, 
 ^^ ■ at any time, easily know whether they live with- 
 
 in the bounds of their circumstances, or not ; 
 and, in case of death, that these may not be 
 perplexing to survivors. And whenever any 
 find that they have no more property left than is 
 sufficient to discharge their just debts, it is ad- 
 vised, that they immediately consult with some 
 
TRADE. 10$ 
 
 judicious Friends, and, without loss of time, if a failure is 
 
 apprehended, 
 
 make their circumstances known to their ere- creditors are 
 
 . i. 1 f, to be consult- 
 
 ditors, careiully avoidmg the payment of one m ed. 
 preference to another, that so none may be in- 
 jured, nor any reproach be incurred by mis- 
 management. 
 
 And where overseers, or other concerned 
 
 . Overseers to 
 
 Friends, have reason to fear that any person or be vip^iiant and 
 
 J. ., , ,. . - , . _ seasonable in 
 
 lamily, by living above their means, or from a their advice 
 want of punctuality in fulfiUing their contracts, 
 or any other cause, are declining in their circum- 
 stances, and likely to fail, it is recommended that 
 such be seasonably treated with, and (if it appear 
 requisite) advised to call their creditors together 
 without delay. And if, notwithstanding this ad- Furthered- 
 vice, such persons still persist and run into em- 
 barrassment, to the loss of others and to their 
 own disreputation, the preparative or monthly 
 meeting to which they belong, ought to be time- 
 ly informed thereof, and proceed to deal with lakruplhc 
 them acccording to our rules ; when, if this la- 
 bour also prove ineffectual, a testimony of deni- 
 al may be issued against them. 
 
 barrassnnent. 
 
 Preparative 
 
 and moMthiv' 
 
 case. 
 
 trc.stees to 1S& 
 
 It is advised that where such failures occur, 
 and the cases are under the care of monthly Assi.g-nees or 
 meetings, that the Friends appointed to visit the 
 parties, inquire of their assignees or trustees, 
 how their deficiencies have happened, and report 
 accordingly. And it is the judgment of this 
 meeting that neither monthly nor other meet- 
 
Persons re- 
 
 lie TRADE. 
 
 ings should receive subscriptions, donations or 
 bequests from persons so circumstanced until 
 they have paid off their deficiencies, or are 
 voluntarily acquitted thereof by their creditors : 
 for it should be remembered that though, in 
 such cases, the defaulter may have been legall)^ 
 discharged, the property he may afterwards ac- 
 quire is not properly his own, till he has fairly 
 paid off his former debts, to the satisfaction of 
 trieving their the Creditors. Wherefore we further advise that, 
 
 losses to pay ^ 
 
 theirjustdebts, if any such persou or persons, on being suitably 
 reminded of their duty in this respect, shall re- 
 fuse to comply therewith, inquiry be made in- 
 
 Or be disown- to the reason, and if it be not such as shall sa- 
 
 ed. . 
 
 tisfy the monthly meetings of which they are 
 members, and, they cannot be prevailed with, 
 the said meetings, after a proper time of labour 
 and forbearance, may issue a testimony of de- 
 nial against them. 
 
 Advised that when Friends accept the officq 
 of trustee or assignee, they be active in collecting 
 the effects of the estate, and punctual and speedy 
 in making distribution. 
 
 Advised that Friends every where carefully 
 , ,. ^ avoid beins: any way concerned in defraudinsj the 
 
 Defrauding of o J J ^ ?d 
 
 the government g-Qvernment of its duties ; that so our ancient 
 
 cautioned a- *^ . . 
 
 gainst. testimony in this respect may be mviolably main- 
 
 tained. 
 
TRADE. Ill 
 
 We warn our members against a pernicious 
 practice amongst the trading part of the commu- Mere paper 
 nity, which has often issued in the ruin of those sL^tent'wST 
 concerned therein, viz. That of raising and cir- ^^^^^' 
 culating a kind of paper credit, with indorse- 
 ments, to give it an appearance of vakie, with- 
 out an intrinsic reality ; a practice which, as it 
 appears to be inconsistent with the truth we pro- 
 fess, we declare our disapprobation of, and en- 
 treat every member of our society to avoid and 
 discourage. 
 
 We also caution all in membership with us 
 to avoid entering into joint securities with others, joint securities 
 under the specious plea of rendering acts of kind- gahistl^^ 
 ness ; many, by so doing, having been suddenly 
 ruined, and their innocent wives and children 
 reduced to deplorable circumstances. ^' Be 
 not thou, said the wise man, one of them that 
 strike hands ; or of them that are sureties for 
 debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, Avhy should 
 he take away thy bed from under thee ?" 
 
 We affectionately desire that Friends may wait 
 for divine counsel in all their engagements, and Divine coan- 
 not suffer their minds to be huried away by an in- ed sorrmf'^ancL 
 ordinate desire of worldly riches; remembering 
 the observation of the apostle in his day, and so of- 
 ten sorrowfully verified in ours, that *'They who 
 will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare ;'^ 
 and, erring from the faith, ** pierce themselves 
 
 trouble are the 
 consequence. 
 
112 TRADE. 
 
 through with many sorrows." Even when riches 
 to any extraordinary degree have been amassed 
 by the successful industry of parents, how 
 often have they proved like wings to their chil- 
 dren, carrying them beyond the limitations of 
 truth, into liberties repugnant to our religious 
 testimonies, and sometimes into enterprizes, 
 which have terminated in irreparable damage 
 to their temporal affairs, if not an entire forget- 
 fulness of the great work of the souPs salvation. 
 
113 
 
 WAR 
 
 FRIENDS are exhorted faithfully to adhere 
 to our ancient testimony against wars, and fight- Exhortation 
 ings, and in no way to unite with any in warlike feffance'^oT our 
 
 V 
 
 that 
 
 measures, either offensive or defensive, that by ^^^'^""^'Y' 
 
 ' ^ ' •/ we may be in- 
 
 the inoffensiveness of our conduct we may con- stmrnentai in 
 
 •' the promotion 
 
 vincingly demonstrate ourselves to be real sub- of viessi ai»s 
 
 ' , ^_ . peacoiu. reig-n. 
 
 jects or the Messiah's peaceful reign, and be in- 
 strumental in the promotion thereof, towards 
 its desired completion ; when, according to an- 
 cient prophecy, "■ the earth shall be full of the 
 knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the 
 sea; and its inhabitants shall learn war no more." 
 
 When goods have been distrained from any 
 Friends on account of their refusal to pay fines c^stTIillts not 
 for non-performance of mihtary services, and the uniess^^iuhe^^ 
 officers, after deducting the fines and costs, pro- ^*"^^ ^''°'^"' 
 pose to return the remainder, it is the sense of 
 this meeting, that Friends should maintain their 
 testimony by suifering, rather than accept such 
 overplus, unless the same or a part of it is re- 
 turned without a change of the species. 
 
 It is declared to be the sense of this meeting, 
 that furnishing waggons, or other means for 
 
114 WAR. 
 
 Furnishing convcj^in^ of military stores, is a military ser- 
 
 wag-gons a , 
 
 iTiiiitaiy ser- vicc, and that the care of elders, overseers, and 
 
 vice» 
 
 faithful Friends, should be extended, in true 
 love and Christian tenderness, to such as deviate 
 herein, in order to convince them of their error. 
 
 It is the sense of this meeting, that a tax, 
 Taxfordrums, levied for the purchasing of drums, colours, or 
 
 &c. contrary p , ,., , ., . 
 
 toourtcstimo- lor Other warlike uses, cannot be paid consis- 
 
 tently with our Christian testimony. 
 
 This meeting fervently recommends to the 
 deep attention of all our members that they be 
 religiously guarded against approving or showing 
 the least connivance at w^ar, either by attending 
 at or viewing of military operations, or in any 
 wise encouraging the unstable deceitful spirit of 
 
 Viewing raili- .... 
 
 tary operations party, by joining with political devices or associ- 
 
 oreucourag-- . , • i i* • i i ■• 
 
 ingiheunsia- atious, liowcvcr spcciously disguiscd under the 
 i)anyladvised cusnaring subtleties commonly attendant there- 
 on ; but that they sincerely labour to experience 
 a settlement on the alone sure foundation of pure 
 unchangeable truth; whereby, through the pre- 
 valence of unfeigned Christian love and good will 
 to men, we may convincingly demonstrate that 
 the kingdom we seek is not of this world. A 
 kingdom and government whose subjects are 
 free indeed ! redeemed from those captivating 
 lusts from whence come w ars and fightings. 
 
 A living concern for the advancement of our 
 testimony to the peaceable kingdom of Christ, 
 
 against. 
 
WAR. 
 
 11, 
 
 continuing to spread in many minds, a fervent 
 desire hath prevailed among us, thai the mem- 
 bers of our religious society would carefully 
 avoid engaging in any trade or business promo- 
 tive of war, sharing or partaking of the spoils 
 of war by purchasing or selling prize goods, 
 importing or shipping goods in armed vessels, 
 paying taxes for the express purpose of war, 
 grinding of grain, feeding of cattle, or selling 
 their property for the use of the army : that 
 through a close attention to the monitions of di- 
 vine grace, and guarding against the suppression 
 of it either in themselves or others, they may be 
 preserved in a conduct consistent with our holy 
 profession, from wounding the minds or increas- 
 ing the sufferings of each other ; not at all 
 doubting, that he to whom appertains the king- 
 dom and the power ; who is wonderful in work- 
 ing, will continue to carry on and perfect his 
 blessed cause of peace in the earth. A solid 
 attention to this concern is recommended to 
 quarterly, monthly and preparative meetings, and 
 to our brethren in general, it being the judg- 
 ment of this meeting, that if any of our mem- 
 bers do either openly or by connivance pay any 
 fine, penalty or tax in lieu of personal service for 
 carrying on war, or allow their children, appren- 
 tices or servants to act therein, or are concern- 
 ed in arming or equipping vessels with guns, or 
 deal in public certificates issued as a compensa- 
 tion for expenses accrued or services performed 
 in war, that they be tenderly dealt with, and if 
 
 Business con- 
 nected with 
 war to be a- 
 voided. 
 
 Paj^ment of 
 fines or taxes 
 in lieu of per- 
 sonal service, 
 arming ves- 
 sels or trading" 
 in certificates 
 issued for the 
 purpose of war, 
 cause of deal- 
 ing and if un- ' 
 successful, 
 disowniTient. 
 
116 WAR. 
 
 they cannot be brought to an acknowledgment 
 of their error, monthly meetings are at liberty 
 to testify against them. 
 
 It is the sense and judgment of this meet- 
 
 ing that it is inconsistent with our religious tes- 
 
 Miiitarytaxor timouv and principle for any Friend to pay a 
 
 line not t-. be ^ ^ "^ ^ 
 
 paid however fine or tax, levied on them on account of their 
 refusal to serve in the militia, although such fine 
 or imposition may be applied towards defraying 
 the expenses of civil government ; and where de- 
 viations in this respect occur, tender dealing and 
 advice should be extended to the party in order 
 to their convincement and restoration ; and if 
 this proves ineffectual, monthly meetings shoulcl 
 proceed to testify against them. 
 
117 
 
 WILLS 
 
 KNOWING how quickly many are remov- 
 ed by death, it is weightily recommended, that 
 care be taken by each monthly meeting, that 
 Friends who have estates to dispose of, be ad- wills to be 
 
 ■■■ macie in time 
 
 vised to make their wills in time of health, and of health, 
 strength of judgment, and therein to direct 
 their substance as in justice and wisdom may be 
 to their satisfaction and peace ; laying aside all 
 resentment, though occasion may have been giv- Resentment to 
 en, lest it should go with them to the grave ; re- J^^^'"^^^^^' 
 membering we all stand in need of mercy and 
 forgiveness. Making such wills in due time 
 can shorten no one's days, but the omission, or 
 delay thereof to a time of sickness, when the 
 mind should not be diverted from a solemn con- 
 sideration of the approaching awful period of 
 life, has often proved very injurious to many, 
 and been the occasion of creating animosities 
 in families, which the seasonable performance of 
 this necessary duty might have effectually pre- 
 vented. 
 
 Friends are earnestly recommended to em- 
 ploy persons skilful in the law, and of good re- 
 
118 WILLS. 
 
 pute, to make their wills, as great inconvenience 
 wins to be and loss, and sometimes the ruin of families 
 sonrquaiified havc happened through the unskilfulness of some 
 t ere or. ^^j^^ j^^^^ taken upon them to write wills, be- 
 
 ing unqualified to act in a matter of such impor- 
 tance. And all Friends who may become exe- 
 cutors or administrators are advised to make a 
 full, clear and perfect inventory of the estate and 
 effects of the deceased, early after the interment, 
 as many difficulties and disputes have arisen, 
 and sometimes injustice been done for want of 
 it, or by deferring it too long. 
 
119 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 FORASMUCH as our women^s meetings 
 for discipline were set up and established in di- Established in 
 vine wisdom, and by long experience have been ^^''^^^^'^ °^ 
 found of advantage, not only to the society in 
 general, but to the youth of their own sex, in 
 particular ; it is earnestly desired, they may be 
 encouraged to come up to the help of their 
 brethren in that part of the discipline of the 
 church properly claiming their attention and 
 care. On considering the nature and extent 
 whereof, it is apprehended a benefit mieht ac- ^, . . _ 
 
 ' rr o Their servic^s*^" 
 
 crue, by explicitly setting forth their distinct as follow. 
 allotment and separate services in their monthly 
 and quarterly meetings, and also in their yearly 
 meeting. 
 
 Women's monthly meetings ; are. First, 
 To inspect and relieve the wants of the poor of careofthe 
 their own sex ; and where their own funds are in- ^°°^ 
 sufficient, they are to apply to the men's meet- ^^JH, 
 
 ing for their aid, and for their concurrence, as 
 cases shall require.^ 
 
 Second, To take cognizance of proposals 
 of marriage, and appoint two of their members 
 
120 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 mar?hfffe^^^ to inquire into the conversation and clearness 
 of the Vvoman ; also two to the oversight of the 
 marriage. 
 
 Third, They are to appoint a suitable num- 
 ber of overseers, who are to treat with offenders 
 
 i)ig o^^enders!" °^ ^^^^"* °^^'^^ ^^^ ' ^^^"^ ^^^^'^^ ^^^es be laid before 
 the women's preparative, and if needful their 
 monthh' meeting, which should proceed to deal 
 further with such delinquents and report the re- 
 sult of their labours to the men's meeting ; and 
 if further dealing is expedient, the men should 
 appoint a committee to unite with the women 
 therein ; the report of which joint committee is 
 to be made to each meeting, and the women hav- 
 ing considered the same, are to inform the men's 
 meeting of their sense thereon, and the subject 
 to be finally resulted by the men : but when a 
 case is brought by the women into the men's 
 meeting, if on solid consideration further deal- 
 ing does not appear to be needful, and the men 
 are most easy to issue it, a committee should be 
 appointed to prepare a testimony ofdisownment, 
 which, when approved, is to be sent to the wo- 
 men's meeting for their concurrence, and care in 
 delivering it to the party. 
 
 Fourth, On application of a woman for ad- 
 mission or reinstatement into membership ; af- 
 Admissionor tcr a rcligious carc therein hath been exercised 
 
 reinstatement ... 
 
 into member- by womcn ovcrscers, and in the preparative 
 ^^^^" meeting as the case may require, the women's 
 
Certificates. 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. isi 
 
 monthly meeting is to make an appointment to 
 join the men, the report of which united com- 
 mittee is to be made to each meeting, and the 
 women's meeting having considered the same, 
 are to convey their sense thereon to the men's 
 meeting, where the subject shall be considered 
 and finally resulted. 
 
 Fifth, They are to join in certificates of 
 removal for wom^n Friends ; in order whereto, 
 the women's monthly meeting is to appoint two 
 or more of their members to make the necessary 
 inquiry, that the same may be prepared ; and, 
 after being considered in the women's, is to be 
 laid before the men's meeting ; and when there 
 approved and signed, returned to the women's 
 meeting for their signature ; but if the certifi- 
 cate- is intended to include one or more males, 
 then they are to report the result of their inqui- 
 ry to the Friends named on the like inquiry by 
 the men's meeting ; in which the certificate be- 
 ing approved and signed, is to be sent to the wo- 
 men's meeting for their concurrenceand signing. 
 And all certificates received for women Friends, 
 are to be laid before the men's meeting, before 
 they can be fully accepted by the women's 
 mectins:. 
 
 Sixth, When a woman minister appre- 
 hends herself under a reli2;ious eno-asrement to Concerns pf 
 
 o o D ministers. 
 
 travel in truth's service, she is first to spread her 
 concern before the women's meeting, and if 
 
 R 
 
122 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 united with, the same is to be laid before the 
 men's meeting, whose result is to be communi- 
 cated to the women's meeting ; to which, when 
 a certificate for that purpose is prepared and 
 signed by the men's meeting, it is to be sent fof 
 their concurrence and signing. 
 
 Scoenth, When the nomination of a wo- 
 man elder is judgedexpedient, the women's meet- 
 Appointment . . . ,. . . . . 
 of elders. ing should appomt a judicious committee, to jom 
 
 a like committee of the men's meeting in the 
 consideration thereof; whose united report is to 
 be communicated to each meeting ; and the wo- 
 men's meeting, after due deliberation and pre- 
 vious to their making any conclusive minute 
 thereon, are to impart their sense to the men's 
 meeting for their judgment and determination. 
 
 Eighth, The women's preparative meet- 
 ing's w here more than one constitute a month- 
 
 Sevv.ces of ^ ^ 
 
 preparative ly meeting, are to consider and answer the 
 
 mectiiig-s. . . . . , , 
 
 queries : which is likewise to be done m their 
 monthly meetings ; from which they are to re- 
 port the state of each monthly meeting to their 
 respective quarterly meeting ; to attend which 
 as their representatives, they should nominate 
 two or more of their members. 
 
 WOMEN'S QUARTERLY MEETINGS. 
 
 First. When a woman minister under a 
 religious concern to travel in truth's service, 
 
WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 123 
 
 produces to the quarterly meeting a certificate of 
 
 the approbation of the monthly meeting of which certificates for 
 
 t . 1 -n^t - 1 • 1 ministers and 
 
 she IS a member, if the concern is concurred with consideration 
 in the women's meeting, it should be submitted cIi^nTto'tra- 
 to the men's meeting, and when approved, an en- senTcr '^' '* 
 dorsement to that effect should be made on the 
 certificate, signed by the clerk, and returned to 
 the women's meeting for signing by their clerk. 
 
 Second, They are to receive the written 
 
 Reports con- 
 
 accounts sent from the respective women's veyedtoihe 
 , , . , • 1 1 . I yearly meet- 
 
 monthly meetings, and transmit the collected mg. 
 
 answers to the queries, with such other matters 
 as appear needful, to the women's yearly meet- 
 ing ; to attend the service whereof, each quarterly Representa. 
 meeting is to appoint a suitable number of re- 
 presentatives. 
 
 Third, They are to communicate to their 
 respective monthly meetings, such advices as 
 they apprehend necessary, with any epistles or 
 writings issued for that purpose by their yearly ces" 
 meeting ; nominate committees at the request 
 of the men's meeting to visit their monthly 
 meetings, or for any other service which the 
 men's meeting shall judge expedient ; and in 
 all respects, they are to attend to those matters 
 which may properly come under the notice and 
 care of women's quarterly meetings. 
 
124 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 
 
 Correspon- 
 dence with 
 other yearly 
 meetings. 
 
 THE YEARLY MEETING OF WOMEN 
 FRIENDS, 
 
 Held annually in Philadelphia, at the time of 
 holding this meeting, is at liberty to correspond 
 with any other yearly meetings of their own 
 sex, either in America or elsewhere, and to issue 
 such counsel and admonition to their own quar- 
 terly and monthly meetings, as in the wisdom 
 of truth shall appear conducive to real benefit 
 and mutual edification ; but the said yearly 
 
 No Interfe- . . . 
 
 rence with ap- meeting IS uot to hear or determme on any ap- 
 peals or mak- IP 
 ing discipline, peal, uor at liberty to make or alter any rules of 
 
 discipline or queries. 
 
 stock. 
 
 They are to have a stock of their own, for 
 such services as may fall more properly under 
 their notice. 
 
 Fair records 
 to be preserv- 
 ed. 
 
 And finally it is desired that a fair record be 
 kept of the minutes and proceedings of the year- 
 ly, quarterly and monthly meetings of women 
 Friends ; and tl^t annually their representatives 
 to the yearly meeting exercise a proper religious 
 care in the choice of a clerk. 
 
125 
 
 YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 IT appears by the records, that our first 
 yearly meethig was held at Burlington in New 
 Jersey the thirty- first day of the Sixth Month, 
 1681, O. S. for the provinces of Pennsylvania, tr^Zlhli^ 
 and New Jersey ; that in 1685, it was agreed to [^^f/^'^VoW- 
 beheld alternately at Burlins-ton and Philadel- inj-ittothe 
 
 •^ ^ present year, 
 
 phia; that in 1755 the time of holding it was isoe. 
 changed to the Ninth Month ; that in 1760 it 
 was concluded to be held at the same time at 
 Philadelphia only ; and that in 1798, the time of 
 holding it was altered to the third Secoild-day in 
 the Fourth Month, as it now is ; the yearly 
 meeting of ministers and elders to be on the 
 seventh day of the week preceding ; and both 
 to begin at the tenth hour. 
 
 It is agreed that such Friends as may be ap- 
 
 - •Tin Committee on 
 
 ponited to prepare epistles snail meet together epistles. 
 before they proceed on the service, and also ex- 
 amine the several essays previous to their being; 
 laid before this meeting. 
 
 Agreed that all letters or papers directed to 
 the yearly meeting, except from such meetings 
 
 i 
 
126 YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 Letters or pa- ^s rcsTularlv Correspond therewith, be first ne- 
 pers to be ex- o . r . •> r 
 
 amined. ruscd bv a few Friends to be appointed, who 
 
 are to consider and report whether the same be 
 proper to be read in this meeting or not. 
 
 Agreed, that when extracts from the mi- 
 nutes of this meeting are ordered to be sent to 
 the minutes the quarterly meetings, a full copy shall be sent 
 meetings for by cach of thosc meetings to their respective 
 
 disc!i<line. i i • 
 
 monthly meetmgs, and by the monthly to each 
 of their preparative meetings, in order that 
 each meeting may have a copy thereof, to have 
 recourse to as occasions may require. 
 
 Extracts from 
 
 Certificates to T\i^ Certificates of such Friends, members 
 
 meeifnV" ^^^ ^^ Other yearly meetings, who from a religious 
 
 concern are drawn to attend this, are to be 
 
 read herein. 
 
 E N n. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ACCOUNTS— 
 
 See Discipline, relating- to sufferings, - - . 35 
 
 Meeting houses, respecting papers, records, &c. - 53 
 
 Sufferings, -._ 56 
 
 Memorials, - 61 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, 105 
 
 APPEALS, 1 
 
 Notice to be given by the individual, - - . f^. 
 
 Committee of the monthly meeting to attend the 
 
 quarter, - - jIj^ 
 
 Committee of the quarter to consider the appeal, - ib. 
 
 Appeal carried to the yearly meeting and committee 
 
 of the quarter appointed to attend it, - - - 2 
 
 See testimonies of denial, 106 
 
 ARBITRATIONS, 3 
 
 Mode prescribed for settling differences in the first 
 
 instance, n,^ 
 
 Either party not complying with the order recom- 
 mended, to be complained of to the monthly meeting, 4 
 
 An erroneous or unjust award, cause of rehearing, . ib. 
 
 Arbitrators may consult comisel in the law, - . 5 
 
 Cases particularly circumstanced, are exceptions to 
 
 the positive rules, ib. 
 
 Permission for a trial at law, 6 
 
 Overseers in certain cases, to advise a speedy settle- 
 ment without reference, ib. 
 
 Preparative meeting concurring with the judgment 
 
 of the overseers — the complaint to be dismissed, 7 
 S 
 
INDEX. 
 
 BIRTIfS AND BURIALS, 8 
 
 Appointment, for the preservation of order and so- 
 
 lemnity at burials, ii>. 
 
 Caution against attending the worship of those not in 
 communion with us, 9 
 
 No meeting to be appointed at interments of such as 
 are not members — nor invitations made in our 
 meetings but for those interred in our grounds, - ib. 
 
 Caution respecting invitations to funerals in our 
 grounds, if the persons were not in membership, ih. 
 
 Formal or customary meetings at interments advised 
 
 against, z^. 
 
 Appointment to the care of burial grounds, - - 10 
 
 Monuments of wood or stone to be removed from our 
 
 grave yards, i6. 
 
 Mourning habits advised against, - - - - ib. 
 
 Record of births and burials to be kept, the forms ex- 
 emplified, 11 
 
 BLASPHEMY— 
 
 See conduct and conversation, - - - - 23 
 BOOKS, 12 
 
 Oversight of writings, vested in the meeting for suf- 
 ferings, ib. 
 
 Persons publishing contrary to advice, to be disowned, ib. 
 
 Printers not to sell or lend pernicious books, - - 13 
 
 See meeting for sufferings, 55 
 
 CERTIFICATES, .... -14 
 
 For travelling Friends to be seasonably returned, and 
 all certificates to be recorded, - . - - ib. 
 
 Mode of signing, - - - - - ~ ~ ib. 
 
 See also women's meetings, - - 121, 122, &. 123. 
 
 Residence gained on receipt of the certificate, - 15 
 
 Persons falling into necessitous circumstanres, - H,. 
 
 Persons who are reduced through unavoidable los- 
 ses, to be assisted, jg 
 
 Certificates to be sent after such as liave removed 
 
 without applying for them, i^ 
 
 If their conduct has been exceptionable, they are to 
 be treated with, agreeably to the manner pointed out, ib. 
 
 See also a case nearly similar under discipline, . 34 
 
 Parents, guardians, &c. to apply for certificates for 
 minors, ^y 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Persons coming amongst Friends, without certificates 
 
 and being- of disorderly condact, to be treated with, 18 
 
 Recommendation to visit such who bring certificates, ib. 
 
 Certificates for services in war, not to deal in them. 
 
 See war, . . . . . 115 
 
 Ministers and elders, 65, 66, 67 
 
 Concerning marriage, - . . - 44, 47, 49 
 
 See Acknowledgments, - - - . . 106 
 
 Women's meetings, - - - . 121, 122, 123. 
 
 Yearly meeting, 125 
 
 CHARITY AND UNITY, 19 
 
 Implacable enmity to be testified against, - - ib. 
 
 Caution against resentment. See wills, - - - 117 
 
 CIVIL GOVERNMENT, 20 
 
 No office or station to be accepted, the duties, or ex- 
 ercise whereof may violate our testimonies, - ib. 
 
 Election to offices or stations, .... 21 
 
 Caution against defrauding. See trade, - - 110 
 CLERKS— 
 
 See discipline, --._-_- 37 
 
 Women's meetings, . . - - _ 124 
 
 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION, - - - 22 
 
 Immorality testified against, - _ - . ib. 
 
 Blasphemy, and denial of the divinity of Christ — testi- 
 fied against, ib. 
 
 Strict justice to be ob3er\'ed in all our dealings, - ib. 
 CORRESPONDENCE— 
 
 See meeting for sufferings, 56 
 
 Women's meetings 124 
 
 CONVINCED PERSONS, .... 25 
 
 Order prescribedforreceivingpersonsmto membership, ib. 
 
 Nation or colour, no obstruction if the applicant is 
 
 united to us in principle and practice, - - - 25 
 DANCING— 
 
 See diversions, 40 
 
 DAYS AND TIMES, .... 27 
 
 Reasons for not observing fasts, &.c. - - - ib. 
 
 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION, ... 29 
 
 Gospel order held up to view, .... ib. 
 
 Persons guilty of detraction to be dealt with, - 30 
 
 Reporters and tale bearers also to be dealt with, - ib. 
 DEISM— 
 
 See conduct and conversation, . , - - 23 
 
INDEX. 
 
 DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE, 31 
 
 Connection and subordination of meeting^s, - - ib. 
 
 Meeting's are set up by superior meetings, - - 32 
 
 A meeting for worship consisting of members of one 
 
 or more montltly meetings, .. „ . - ib. 
 
 Minutes of the business of meetings to be kept in 
 
 books provided for the purpose, . _ - ib. 
 
 Cases that are too weighty or difficult for monthly 
 
 meetings, should claim the care of quarterly meetings, 33 
 
 Copies of minutes or records may be granted to meet- 
 ings, or individuals, . - - - 33 
 
 Representatives to be appointed, to attend quarterly 
 
 and yearly meetings, - - - 33 & 34 
 
 Mode of treating with such as reside at a distance, 34 
 
 See also certificates, . _ . - 17 
 
 Offenders not to sit in meetings for discipline, - 35 
 
 Explicit accounts ofsufTeringstobe forwarded by quar- 
 terly meetings to meetings for sufferings, - - ib. 
 
 Rights of children whose parents have been married 
 
 contrary to our order, - - - - 36 
 
 Sorcery, to be testified against, - - - ib. 
 
 Clerks to be seasonably changed, - - - 37 
 
 Use and design of preparative meetings, - - ib. 
 
 DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS, - - 38 
 ELDERS— 
 
 To be chosen, ----- 63 
 
 Mode of their appointment, - - - - 64 
 
 Their appearances in the ministry, - . - ib., 
 EXTRACTS— 
 
 See vearly meeting, . . - - 126 
 
 FAMILY VISITS, 39 
 
 FASTS AND FESTIVALS— 
 
 See davs and times, - - - - 27 
 
 GAMING AND DIVERSIONS, - - - 40 
 
 Different kinds enumerated as cause of disownment, ib. 
 GOSPEL ORDER— 
 
 See it quoted under defamation and detraction, - 29 
 
 Alluded to, in overseers, - - - - 79 
 GRAVE STONES— 
 
 See burials, - - - . - 10 
 
 LAW, - - 41 
 
 Refusal to pay debts cause of disownment, - ib. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Debtors effects to be surrendered or they disowned, 41 
 
 Christian charity to be exercised, ... f^. 
 
 Ability to pay deficiences if not complied with, cause 
 
 of disownment, - - - - - 42 
 
 See also, trade, - - - - 110 
 
 Suing at law except with certain restrictions disallow- 
 ed of and to be testified against, - - 43. 
 LEGACIES AND BEQUESTS— 
 
 See donations, - - - - - 38 
 
 Meeting for sufferings, - - - - 56 
 
 Qiieries, - - - - - - 92 
 
 LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE— 
 
 SeecwW government, - - - - 20 
 
 LOTTERIES— 
 
 See gaming, - - - _ - 40 
 
 MARRIAGES, 44 
 
 The consent of parents and certificates of clearness 
 to be produced previous to the accomplishment of 
 marriage, ....... n,^ 
 
 No marriage to be permitted sooner than one year 
 
 after the death of husband or wife, - - . 4 5 
 All marriages of members, contrary to our order, 
 
 testified against, - - _ - - /^. 
 
 Parties intending marriage not to reside in the same 
 
 house, - - - - - - lb. 
 
 No marriage to be accomplished at a meeting for busi- 
 ness or on first days, 46 
 
 Admonition to such as keep company with servants or 
 
 apprentices, in order to marriage, - - - ib. 
 
 And also to such as attend, or consent to their children 
 attending marriages of those not in membership, 
 where a priest officiates, - . . . . ib. 
 Order prescribed for the accomplishment of marriage, 47 
 Children of widows should have their rights secur- 
 ed, previous to their mother's forming a new 
 
 connection, 48 
 
 Intemperance, and all indecent conduct to be guarded 
 against, but if observed the offenders to be speedily 
 
 admonished, ib. 
 
 Form of marriage certificate, .... 49 
 
 Marriages of first cousins, or with wife's half sister, 
 cannot be permitted, . . - . - 50 
 
 ^.<^ji 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Religious care for the preservation cff the youth recom- 
 mended, 51 
 
 Parents to be treated with if they consent to their chil- 
 dren marrying- with those not in membership, - 52 
 
 See queries, 92 
 
 MEETING HOUSES, - - - - 53 
 
 Timely care advised for inspection of titles of real 
 estate held by meetings, that the trusts may be sea- 
 sonably renewed, id. 
 
 Regular account to be preserved, when, and with 
 whom the papers, minutes, 5cc. of meetings are de- 
 posited, ib. 
 
 MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS, ... 54 
 
 Its services and duties - - - 54 to 57 
 
 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP, 58 
 
 Neglect ofattendiiig them requires early care and labour, 59 
 
 Such who wilfully neglect them and are not reclaimed 
 
 by the labour of friends to be disow-ned, - - 60 
 
 Drowsiness in meeting, — is offensive, - ^ . /^. 
 MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE— 
 
 See discipline, &c. - - - - - ib. 
 
 MEMORIALS, 61 
 
 See meeting for sufferings, - - - - 56 
 
 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, 62 
 
 Advice to ministers, ib. 
 
 Misbehaviour of ministers requires admonition, - 63 
 
 Public opposition to approved ministers disallowed, ib. 
 
 Elders, to be chosen, ib. 
 
 Mode of their appointment, - . . . 64 
 
 Recommendation of ministers, _ _ . . jb, 
 
 Xo minister to appoint meetings out of the limits of 
 their quarterly meeting, but with the consent of the 
 
 monthly meeting, - 65 
 
 Elders, appearing in the ministry, - - - ib. 
 
 Ministers concerned to travel are to spread their 
 
 concerns before the nnonthly meetings, - - ib. 
 
 General religious visits are to have the concurrence 
 
 of the quarterly meeting, .... 66 
 
 Preparative meetings of ministers and elders, - - ib. 
 
 Quavt( rly meetings, of ditto, - - - ib. 
 
 Yearly n.eeting, of ditto, - . - - 67 
 
 Concerns of ministers for crossing the seas, to be con- 
 sidered in the yearly meeting, . . . . ik 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Meetings of ministers and elders are not to interfere 
 
 with meetings for discipline, . - - - 67 
 Mode of treating with a minister or elder who may 
 
 lose his or her service, ^^ 
 
 See women's meetings, - - - 121, 122, 123 
 
 MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE— 
 
 Idle company and evil practices to be avoided, - - 70 
 
 Giving or receiving strong liquors at vendues, - ?^. 
 
 Ruinous effects of distilled spirituous liquors, - 71 
 
 Moderation, at marriages, &.c recommended, - ilf- 
 Distillation of spirits from grain, or retailing such li- 
 quors, causes of disownment, - - -7^ 
 
 See queries, 4th and 7th, . - - 91 
 
 MOURNING HABITS, ^ef Burials, - - - 10 
 
 MUSIC, See Diversions, r - - - - 40 
 
 NEGROES OR SLAVES, ... . . 73 
 Advice, assistance and school learning to be given to 
 
 this people, ... - - 74 
 
 Hiring slaves, opposes our testimony, - - H. 
 
 Caution to executors and administrators, - - if?. 
 
 Advice to such as have held slaves, - - il^- 
 The importation, selling, purchasing or giving away 
 
 slaves, testified against, - - - - 75 
 
 The traffic for slaves displeasing to the Almighty, 76 
 
 OATHS, 77 
 
 Members holding stations in government and admini- 
 stering or conniving at their clerks administering 
 Oaths, to be treated with, - - - 78 
 Violation or breach of this testimony testified against, ib. 
 Friends advised against electing or promoting their 
 brethren to offices in government whereby this tes- 
 timony may be violated, ... id. 
 Recommendation respecting witnesses to instruments 
 
 of writing, ----- z6 
 OFFICES IN GOVERNMENT— 
 
 ^ee civil government, - - - - 20,21 
 
 Oaths, - - - - - - 78 
 
 OVERSEERS, 79 
 
 Their service and duty, - - - - ib. 
 Appointment of a committee once ia three years to 
 
 consider of changing them, - . - 80 
 
 PARENTS AND CHILDREN, - - - 81 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Youth exhorted to avoid ensnaring coftuptions, - 81 
 Such who go into extravagant fashions or fall into evil 
 
 company and excesses to be treated with, - 83 
 
 Parents indulging their children in extravagance, - ib. 
 
 Children to be brought up to industry, - - ib. 
 Children of the poor to be instructed in useful imploy- 
 
 ments, on moderate terms, - - - ib. 
 Parents consenting to their children transgressing our 
 
 order respecting marriage, - -. - 52 
 
 PLAINNESS, . . - - - . 84 
 
 Caution to tradesmen and others, - - ib. 
 Maintenance of this testimony in our speech, without 
 
 respect to persons, - - - - 85 
 
 See the 3d query, - - - • - 90 
 
 POOR, - - - - - 87 
 
 Advice and assistance to be afforded them, - - ib. 
 
 Funds to be raised for tliis purpose, - - ib. 
 
 Situation of our fellow members not to be exposed, ib. 
 
 See 4th query, - - - - - 91 
 
 See women's meetings, - - . - 119 
 
 PRIEST'S WAGES OR HIRELING MINISTRY, 88 
 
 Gospel ministry, free, . . , « H;, 
 
 Violation of this testimony to be testified against, - ib. 
 
 See query 6th, - - - - - 91 
 
 QUERIES, - - - - . 89 
 
 For meetings for discipline, - - - 89 to 94 
 
 For meetings of ministers and elders, , - 95 to 96 
 
 QUOTAS— 
 
 See stock, - , - • » 102 
 
 RACES— 
 
 See gaming and diversions, - - - 40 
 
 RECORDS— 
 
 ^fe births and burials, - - - r- 11 
 
 Certificates, ----- I4 
 
 Discipline, - - - - - - 32 
 
 Copies to be given, . ... 33 
 
 Marriage certificates, - - - - - 49 
 
 Meetinghouses, ----- 53 
 
 Qiiery, 9th, - - - - - - 92 
 
 Women's meetings, - - - - 124 
 
 Yearly meeting, ----- 125 
 
INDEX. 
 
 RELIGIOUS VISITS— 
 
 See families, , - ... 39 
 
 Ministers and elders, - - - 65 Sc 67 
 
 Women's meetings, - - - 121 & 123 
 
 REMOVALS— 
 
 See certificates, - - - - 14 to 13 
 
 Discipline treating with such as are at a distance, 34 
 
 Acknowledgments, ... - 105 
 
 Women's meetings, - - - - 121 
 
 RE PRE SE NT ATI VE S— 
 
 See discipline, - - - - 33 & 34 
 
 Ministers & elders, - - - - 65 & 67 
 
 Women's meetings, - - 122, 123 8c 124 
 
 RIGHTS OF CHILDREN— 
 
 ^ee discipline, - - - - ~ oS 
 
 Marriages, children of widows, - . . 48 
 
 SCHOOLS— - S^ 
 
 5'ee queries, . - - - - 94 
 
 Negroes, - - - - --/'4 
 
 SCRIPTURES, 100 
 
 SORCERY— 
 
 See discipline, - - - - - 35 
 
 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS— 
 
 Dram drinking. See moderation and temperance, - 70 
 Distilling or retailing those from grain, - - 72 
 
 Taverns, .----- 103 
 
 STOCK, 101 
 
 Arrangement of the quotas, . . - 103 
 
 See women's meetings, - - - - 124 
 
 TAVERNS, . ... 103 
 
 Unnecessary frequenting them to be avoided, - - ib. 
 
 Caution against keeping them, - - - ib- 
 
 Friends to exert their influence against the unnecces- 
 
 sary increase of them, ... - 104 
 
 TAXES— 
 
 See,,-^v, ... - 114,115,116 
 
 TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDG- 
 
 MENTS, ... - - 105 
 
 Acknowledgments to be in writing, - - ^b- 
 
 Mode prescribed for acknowledgments of persons re- 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Discretional authority vested in monthly meetings, re- 
 specting the recital of the occasion of disownment, 106 
 
 Members under dealing- to be notified that a testimony 
 
 is to be issued, - - - - - ib. 
 
 Information of the right of appeal, - - ib. 
 
 TRADE, 107 
 
 Engagements to be within our means and strictly ful- 
 filled, 108 
 
 Hazardous enterprises to be avoided, - - ib- 
 
 Accounts to be accurately kept, and if a failure be ap- 
 prehended, creditors are to be informed, - - 109 
 
 Such as run into embarrassment to be treated with 
 
 by preparative and monthly meetings, - - Of. 
 
 Assignees or trustees to be enquired of, - - ib. 
 
 Debtors acquiring sufficiency, to discharge their debts, 
 
 and refusing so to do, are to be disowned, - - 110 
 
 See the same case under Law, - - - 42 
 
 Defrauding the government, cautioned against, - 110 
 
 Mere paper credit inconsistent with truth, - - 111 
 
 Joint securities cautioned against, - . - ib. 
 
 See queries, 6th and 7th, - - - - 91 
 
 See war, _ , . - - 115 
 WAGERING— 
 
 See gaming, - - - « - 40 
 
 WAR, 113 
 
 Exhortation to maintain this testimony, - . - ib. 
 
 Overplus of distraints not to be received unless in the 
 
 same goods, - - - - - ib. 
 
 Furnishing waggons, a military service, - 114 
 
 Taxes for drums &c. not to be paid, - - ib. 
 
 Viewing military operations or joining with party spirit 
 
 advised against, - - - - - ib. 
 
 Business connected with war to be avoided, - - 115 
 
 Payment of fines, arming vessels, and dealing in certi- 
 ficates issued for the purpose of war, testified against ib. 
 
 Fine or tax levied on account of militia laws, not to be 
 
 paid, however applied, - - - 116 
 
 See query 6th, . - . . 91 
 
 WILLS, 117 
 
 See queries, - - - - - 93 
 
 WOMEN'S MEETINGS, ^ ... 119 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Care of the poor, - - - - - ib. 
 
 Proposals of marriage, . - - . 120 
 
 Treatment with offenders, - - - - ib. 
 
 Admission or reinstatement into membership, - ib. 
 
 Certificates, - 121 
 
 Mode of signing. See certificates, - - - 14 
 
 Concerns of ministers, 121 
 
 Appointment of elders, 122 
 
 Service of preparative meetings, - > - ib. 
 
 Their quarterly meetings, - - - - ib. 
 
 Certificates for ministers and their concerns, - - 123 
 
 Representatives, - - - - - - ib. 
 
 Their yearly meeting, 124 
 
 Stock, ib. 
 
 WORSHIP of those not in communion with us, - . 9 
 
 See burials, . - . . . ib. 
 
 YEARLY MEETING, 125 
 
 Account of its first establishment to the present time, ib. 
 
 ' Committeee on epistles, - . . , ib. 
 
 Letters or papers to be examined, - - 126 
 
 Extracts, to go to the subordinate meetings, - ib. 
 
 Certificates of Friends attending the meeting, - ib. 
 
 YOUTH— 
 
 See Parents and children, - n . 81 to 83 
 
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