USA > Indiana > Discipline of Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends : being the constitution and discipline of the American Yearly Meeting of Friends; with the additions adopted by Indiana Yearly Meeting > Part 8
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The duties of these officers shall be such as the Board may determine.
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The members of this Board shall inform the Sec- retary of the needs for Evangelistic work in their several Yearly Meetings, of its progress, and of the names and organizations of such Evangelistic Com- mittees as these meetings may have, and the Secre- tary shall keep a complete record of the ministers and their addresses in all the Yearly Meetings.
The Evangelistic and Church Extension Board shall obtain such information as may be possible in reference to neglected fields within the several Yearly Meetings, or in territory accessible there- from, and shall advise the Evangelistic and Church Extension Committee of the Yearly Meeting in reference thereto. Where the needs of these fields are greater than the Yearly Meeting in whose care they are placed can properly meet, the Board may assist in the work, upon the request of the Yearly Meeting, by the contribution of funds obtained for this purpose by solicitation from friends and others. When such fields, within or without a Yearly Meet- ing, have been entered upon, and the erection of buildings for public worship has become advisable, the Evangelistic and Church Extension Board shall solicit funds for this purpose, in such manner as it may deem proper; it shall advise in reference to the erection of such buildings, and it may take temporary charge of the work where it may seem desirable to do so. It may also establish a permanent building fund.
The Board may also make loans of judicious amounts, from funds in its hands, taking proper secur- ity for their repayment, for the purpose of aiding in the erection of buildings for public worship wherever,
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Departments of Work
in the judgment of the Board, such assistance may be advisable. In the discretion of the Board the loan may be free from interest for a term not to exceed three years.
The Evangelistic and Church Extension Board shall make a report of its work to the Five-Years Meeting. The expense of its correspondence shall be met by this meeting.
SECTION 3 .- LEGISLATION.
The Five-Years Meeting shall appoint a commit- tee of two members from each Yearly Meeting, and this committee shall appoint from its members a sub-committee of five. The former, in conjunction with the Permanent Boards of the Yearly Meetings, shall give attention to legislation in their respective States affecting the denomination and the interests it represents; and the latter shall give attention to subjects before the National Congress, and in those States where there are no organized meetings of The Friends. The committee shall have authority to issue statements as to the position of this branch of the Church when urgent occasions shall arise.
SECTION 4 .- EDUCATION.
The Five-Years Meeting shall appoint a commit- tee, to consist of one member from each Yearly Meeting, who shall give information concerning such educational needs as may arise, who may ad- vise for or against the establishment of new insti- tutions, or the closing or consolidation of old ones ; who may recommend text-books that give valuable
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information concerning the history or doctrines of our branch of the Church; and who may establish a Friends Teachers' Agency.
SECTION 5 .- PHILANTHROPY.
It shall also be the duty of the Committee on Leg- islation to aid members of the Church anywhere who, from exceptional causes, may need assistance not rendered by the customary manner of caring for the poor, and to participate with other Christians in relieving distress resulting from unusual causes. They shall be at liberty to solicit contributions for the purpose of their appointment.
SECTION 6 .- INDIANS AND NEGROES.
The Five-Years Meeting may undertake the work of securing justice to the North American Indians and Negroes in all their interests, and may engage in efforts for their education, civilization and chris- tianization where it may deem it advisable to do so.
SECTION 7 .- PEACE AND ARBITRATION.
The Five-Years Meeting may engage in the work of advancing the cause of Peace and Arbitration whenever it may deem it advisable to do so.
ADDITIONS
(The following are general additions by this Yearly Meeting.)
ADVICES.
Monthly Meetings are recommended to have the following advices read at suitable times :
These advices are to be read, with a suitable pause between them, as a means of exciting those present to a consideration whether there is any occasion for an extension of care in these respects, in relation either to themselves or others:
Parents and heads of families are earnestly advised to maintain daily family worship. For this purpose let them collect their families and read a portion of the Holy Scriptures, with their minds turned to their Divine Author with prayer that He would apply them to the hearts and understandings of themselves and children. They should also seek for divine ability to unite with their families in vocal prayer and praise.
Take heed, dear friends, we entreat you, to the con- victions of the Holy Spirit, who leads, through un- feigned repentance, and living faith in the Son of God, to reconciliation with our Heavenly Father; and to the blessed hope of eternal life, purchased for us by the one offering of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Be earnestly concerned in religious meetings rev- erently to present yourselves before the Lord, and seek by the help of the Holy Spirit, to worship God through Jesus Christ.
Prize the privilege of access by Him unto the Father.
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Continue instant in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
Be in the frequent practice of waiting upon the Lord in private retirement; honestly examining your- selves as to your growth in grace, and your prepar- ation for the life to come.
Be diligent in the private perusal of the Holy Scrip- tures; and let the reading of them in your families be devoutly conducted.
Be careful to make a profitable and religious use of those portions of time on the first day of the week which are not occupied by our meetings for worship.
Live in love as Christian brethern, ready to be helpful to one another, and sympathizing with each other in the trials and afflictions of life.
Watch over one another for good, manifesting an earnest desire that each may possess a well-grounded hope in Christ.
Follow peace with all men, desiring the true happi- ness of all; be kind and liberal to the poor, and en- deavor to promot the temporal, moral and religious well-being of your fellow-men.
With a tender conscience, in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel, take heed to the limitations of the Spirit of Truth in the pursuit of the things of this life.
Maintain a strict integrity in your transactions in trade, and in all your outward concerns.
Guard against the spirit of speculation, and the snare of accumulating wealth. Remember that we must account for the mode of acquiring, as well as for the manner of using, and finally disposing of our possessions.
Observe simplicity and moderation in your deport- ment and attire, in the furniture of your houses, and in your style and manner of living.
Carefully maintain in your own conduct, and en-
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Additions
courage in your families, truthfulness and sincerity ; and avoid worldliness in all its forms.
Guard watchfully against the introduction into your households of publications of a hurtful tendency ; and against such companionships, indulgences and rec- reations, whether for yourselves or for your children, as may in anywise interfere with a growth in grace.
Avoid such sports and places of diversion as are frivolous or demoralizing; all kinds of gaming; the frequenting of public houses and places of idle re- sort, and the use of all intoxicating beverages, and of tobacco and opium.
In contemplating the engagement of marriage, look principally to that which will help you on your heavenward journey. Pay filial regard to the judg- ment of your parents. Bear in mind the vast impor- tance, in such a union, of an accordance in religious principles and practice. Ask counsel of God; desir- ing above all temporal considerations, that your union may be owned and blessed of Him.
Watch with Christian tenderness over the opening minds of your children; inure them to habits of self- restraint and filial obedience; carefully instruct them in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures; and seek for ability to imbue their hearts with the love of their Heavenly Father, their Redeemer and their Sanctifier.
Finally, dear friends, let your whole conduct and conversation be such as becomes the Gospel. Exer- cise yourselves to have always a conscience void of of- fense toward God and man. Be steadfast and faith- ful in your allegience and service to your Lord; con- tinue in His love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1791. 1801. 1833. 1861. 1875.
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ADVICES TO MEETINGS OF MINISTRY AND OVER- SIGHT.
Meetings of Ministry and Oversight are recom- mended to use the following advices:
Be constant in your endeavors, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live under the government of Christ.
Be frequent in reading and diligent in meditating upon the Holy Scriptures, and be careful not to mis- quote or misapply them. In preaching, writing, or conversing about the things of God, keep to the use of sound words, or scripture terms.
Be careful to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; keep yourselves unspotted from the world, and be examples of meekness, temperance, pa- tience and charity.
Be watchful not to become entangled with the cares of this world; and guard against the snare of accumu- lating wealth; manifesting Christian moderation and contentment in all things.
Cherish a deep religious interest on behalf of those who speak in the ministry; watching over the young and inexperienced with tender Christian concern, en- couraging all in the right way of the Lord.
In the exercise of the ministry wait for the renewed putting forth of the Holy Spirit; be careful not to ex- ceed the measure of your gift, but proceed and con- clude in the life and authority of the Gospel.
Preach, not yourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; reverently asking wisdom of God, that you may be enabled rightly to divide the word of truth. Let noth- ing be done or offered with a view to popularity, but all in humility and in the fear of the Lord. Bearing in mind that the treasure is in earthen vessels, beware of laying stress on the authority of your ministry.
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Additions
Be tender at all times of each other's reputation, and watchful lest you hurt each other's service.
As servants of the same Lord, with diversities of gifts, but the same spirit, maintain a lively exercise harmoniously to labor for the spreading and advance- ment of the truth.
Let ministers endeavor to express themselves audi- bly and distinctly, and guard against all tones and gestures inconsistent with Christian simplicity. Let them beware of using unnecessary preambles, and of making additions toward the conclusion of a meeting, when it was left well before.
When traveling in the service of Christ, be careful to move under his guidance. Let your visits be neither short and hurried, nor burdensome, nor unnecessarily expensive; giving no offense in anything that the ministry be not blamed.
Prayer, thanksgiving and praise are an important part of worship. May they be offered in spirit and in truth, with a right understanding, seasoned with grace. When engaged therein, avoid many words and repeti- tions; be cautious of too often repeating the high and holy name of God ; neither let prayer be in a formal and customary way, nor without a reverent sense of Di- vine influence.
Finally, dear friends, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock amongst whom you have been called to labor. Be faithful; be patient; be in earnest to ful- fill your appointed service, that when the Chief Shep- herd shall appear ye may receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1775. 1792. 1833. 1861. 1876.
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(The following are extracts from the old Discipline, now pro- posed for insertion in the Uniform Discipline for Indiana Yearly Meeting.)
MORAL DUTIES.
OATHS.
Believing, as we do, that the command of Christ, "Swear not at all," reiterated by the Apostle James, is imperative, we are bound religiously to obey it.
And when any of our members, either in courts or elsewhere, violate it, either by taking or administering oaths, Monthly Meetings are desired to extend broth- erly labor toward them.
LAW AND ARBITRATION.
If any of our members be complained of for with- holding a just debt, they should be tenderly urged to payment; and if this be unavailing, they should be treated with as in other cases of disorderly conduct ; but if any manifest an honest intention to satisfy their creditors without preference, let compassion and aid be extended to them as brethern and objects of Chris- tian charity. Should differences unfortunately arise between our members in regard to their property rights, instead of resorting to the law, they are to pro- ceed as follows :
The party who thinks himself or herself aggrieved, should in the first place, calmly and kindly request the other to comply with the demand, and, if this be dis- puted, the complainant, or if residing at too great a distance, some Friend whom he or she may authorize, should take with him one or two of the overseers or other discreet Friends, and in their presence repeat the demand.
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Additions
If this step also fail of the desired effect, the parties should be advised to choose suitable Friends as ar- bitrators, and mutually engage by bond or other writ- ten instrument adapted to the occasion, to abide by their determination.
Should this proposal be acceded to and arbitrators accordingly chosen, they ought, as speedily as circum- stances will admit, to appoint a time and place and attend to the business without unnecessary delay ; giv- ing the parties a fair and full hearing in the presence of each other, but listening to neither of them apart nor suffering their own sentiments to be known abroad, till they have fully digested the subject and come to a clear decision; which they should be careful to do within the time agreed on.
But if either of the parties refuse to submit the mat- ter in dispute to arbitrators, or, when that is done, neg- lect to give his or her attendance when desired with- out assigning a sufficient reason ; or not abide by their award when issued; the matter shall be referred to the overseers.
When arbitrators are at a loss for want of legal knowledge, it will be proper for them at the joint ex- pense of the parties, to take the opinion of counsel learned in the law, in order to qualify them for giv- ing 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 should not consider themselves as advocates for those by whom they are chosen, but as men whose duty it is to judge righteously, fearing the Lord. They should shun all previous information re- specting the case; or, having heard anything in re- gard to it, remain as much as possible unbiased there- by. They should reject no evidence or witness pro- posed, nor receive any but in the presence of both parties ; and in their award, they need not assign any reason for their determination.
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TRADE, CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY AND MODERA- TION.
While commending diligence in all lawful temporal business, Friends are counseled against a spirit of cov- etousness and an inordinate desire for worldly riches ; against engaging in business beyond their ability to manage, and hazardous or miserly speculative enter- prises.
Honesty in dealing, truthfulness in word and faith- fulness in meeting every obligation are absolute re- quirements of every Christian.
We caution against gayety in dress and deportment, ostentation in style of dwelling houses and their fur- nishings, and extravagance in manner of living.
If a Friend has become financially embarrassed and has afterward recovered from such condition, he is morally bound to satisfy his creditors to the extent of his ability, although he may have been legally dis- charged from such obligation.
Frequent inspection of the condition of temporal affairs and keeping of accurate accounts are earnestly advised as well as freedom from the dangers of giv- ing security for others.
Children should be guarded against forming habits of extravagance in gratifying both real and imaginary wants, which habits, once formed, are liable to grow as age advances, and may lead to dishonesty and atten- dant evils.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
It is directed that offenders who incline to make ac- knowledgments of their offenses, shall prepare the same in writing, which ought to be offered to the com- mittee appointed in their case. And if the purport is judged to be suitable to the occasion, the committee is to present it to the Monthly Meeting for its action. The meeting is then to consider the case, and inform the party of the result.
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Additions
UNITY AND DETRACTION.
"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for breth- ren to dwell together in unity." Psalm cxxxiii., 1.
It is our earnest desire that a spirit of love and hu- mility may more and more diffuse itself among us, and influence the hearts of all, so that every one may come to seek peace, and pursue it; and that none be apt to take offense, but each in his own particular, be more careful to rectify his own failings and imperfections, than curious in observing, censuring, and aggravating those of others. This will lead to the exercise of mu- tual forbearance and forgiveness one of another; by which the occasions of contention will be avoided, and the churches preserved in a state of peace and tran- quility.
ADVICE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
As next to our own souls, our children are the very immediate objects of our care and concern, we impress on all who are parents and governors of fam- ilies, the great and lasting importance to the youth of religious education. This would lead them to be solicitous that their tender and susceptible minds may be impressed with virtuous principles, and a just sense of the Divine Being, His wisdom, goodness, power, and omnipresence.
In much love to the rising generation, we exhort them to avoid the many vanities and ensnaring cor- ruptions to which they are exposed. Bear in mind, dear youth, that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Take advice of godly parents, guardians and friends; ever remembering that children ought to obey their parents in the Lord, and that disobedience therein is a breach of the moral law and is always of- fensive in the divine sight.
Friends are advised to procure for their families in- structive and suitable books, so that they may be well provided for.
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We tenderly and earnestly encourage all our mem- bers to the individual, private devotional reading, and to the prayerful study of the Holy Scriptures. As such a practice becomes habitual, they will more and more understand the experience of the Psalmist, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste, yea sweeter than honey unto my mouth."
No less do we earnestly advise and exhort all par- ents and heads of families to instruct their children and those under their care in the doctrines and pre- cepts of the Christian religion as contained therein.
CARE OF THE POOR.
It is directed that the cases of our members who are in indigent circumstances be duly inspected, in order that advice and relief may be seasonably extended, and assistance afforded them, in such business as they are capable of. And in the exercise of this benevolent care, it is desired that the committee may always guard against unnecessarily exposing the names or sit- uation of our fellow-members. Those who need pe- cuniary aid ought to accept the deliberate advice of their Friends.
FUNERALS.
Two or more suitable Friends of each particular meeting should be appointed by Monthly Meetings to attend at the funerals of our members for the assis- tance of those concerned.
In view of the solemn occasion of the decease of a Friend it is advised that a season of worship should be had at all funerals, and that good order be main- tained. The committee may advise as to the pro- priety of holding a religious meeting at the meeting- house, and, if thought best to hold one, the time at which it shall be held.
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Additions
MEMORIALS.
Monthly Meetings are advised to exercise due care and deliberation before they conclude on issuing tes- timonies or minutes concerning deceased Friends, whether ministers or others, whose lives have been marked by devotedness to the cause of their Lord and to the service of the church. In drawing up such doc- uments, when it is judged proper to issue them, Mon- thly Meetings are desired to pay due regard to concise- ness, and especially to bear in mind that the object is not eulogy, but to preserve a record of the power of divine grace in the lives of the Lord's faithful ser- vants. Testimonies, when drawn up, are to be pre- sented by the Monthly Meeting to its Quarterly Meet- ing, and the Quarterly Meeting may either send it forward to the Permanent Board, or withhold alto- gether any such testimony. If approved by the Per- manent Board, such testimony is to be laid before the Yearly Meeting for its action before being printed.
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FORM OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.
Whereas, A. B., of .. , in the County of ., in the State of ., son of C. and H. B., of and D. E., daughter of F. and G. E., of , having made known their intentions of marriage with each other, before a Monthly Meeting of the religious Society of Friends, held at .... , (where either party is a minor, having parents or guardians, unless in the case of un- reasonable objections, add:) their proposals of mar- riage were allowed by the meeting. These are to cer- tify whom it may concern, that for the full accomplish- ment of their intentions, this .... day of .... month, in the year of our Lord, . ., they the said A. B. and D. E., appeared in a public meeting of the said people, held at .... , aforesaid; and A. B., taking D. E. by the hand, declared that he took her to be his wife, promising, with divine assistance, to be unto her a lov- ing and faithful husband, until death should separate them; and then D. E. did in like manner declare that she took him, A. B., to be her husband, promising, with divine assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, until death should separate them. And moreover, they, the said A. B. and D. E., (she accord- ing to the custom of marriage, adopting the name of her husband), did, as a further confirmation thereof, then and there, to these presents set their hands.
A. B. D. B.
And we, whose names are also hereunto subscribed, being present at the solemnization of the said mar- riage, have as witnesses thereto, set our hands the day and the year above written.
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Additions
FORM OF REMOVAL CERTIFICATE.
To. Monthly Meeting of Friends,
Dear Friends :
member .. of this Meeting, having removed and set- tled within the limits of your Meeting,
THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That, upon due in- quiry, no obstruction appears to the issuing of a Cer- tificate transferring .. h .. membership to your Meet- ing. We therefore recommend .. h .. to your Chris- tian care.
Please acknowledge . . h .. reception to our corres- pondent.
In love, we are your friends.
By direction and in behalf of .... Monthly Meeting of Friends, held at County, Indiana, .... Month. ... , 19. ..
Correspondent. Clerk.
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Constitution and Discipline
FORM OF LETTER OF MEMBERSHIP.
To.
inform .. us that .. he .. desire .. to unite in member- ship with. denomination of Christians, and request .. a letter stating .. h .. standing in our church.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That .. h .. member .. of this Meeting in good standing among us, and as such we commend . . h. . to your Christian care.
Please acknowledge .. h .. reception to our Cor- respondent. This letter will be void if not presented within six months from the date of its issue.
Signed by direction of and on behalf of
Meeting of Friends, held in Indiana, Month 19. ..
Correspondent. Clerk.
INDEX TO DISCIPLINE
PAGES
Acknowledgments
134
Advice to Parents and Children
Advices, General 135
Advices to Meetings on Ministry and Oversight 127
130
Amendments to Constitution and Discipline
91
Appeals, Duty of Yearly Meeting in
92,109
Appeals, General Rules for.
107-109
Appeals, Monthly Meetings may appeal to Meeting
109
Appendix, Additions
127
Boards of the Five-Years Meeting :-
Education
125
Evangelistic and Church Extension
123
Foreign Mission
119
Indians and Negroes
126
Legislation
125
Peace and Arbitration
126
Philanthrophy
126
Business which cannot be acted on same year as in- troduced
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