USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of Friends, Indiana Yearly meeting, 1878 > Part 7
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While we esteem the Gospel of Christ exceedingly precious, and love, as the Holy Spirit gives us ability, its true ministers and messengers, and could desire to see it everywhere preached, believed, and obeyed, we think great care is called for, that none should go forth as such, before they are an- ointed, qualified, and rightly sent ; and those who do go, should seek, with much prayer, that the door of their lips may be suitably guarded, and their conduct and conversation chastened in all their so- cial and more private intercourse ; and that their public communications may carry with them an evidence of authority which would be convincing to
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MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
the hearers, encouraging the true-hearted, and arousing to the negligent and unbelieving ; and by dwelling thus low and carefully, they might be pre- served from extending their discourses to an undue length. We further advise all Monthly Meetings to take proper care in giving certificates to those who travel, to prevent the uneasiness which sometimes falls on the church from a weak and unskillful min- istry ; and let the elders, when they see occasion, advise ministers to be very prudent in their con- duct, not as busy-bodies, nor meddling with family or personal affairs, in which they are not concerned or required to be assisting ; and to be very tender of one another's reputation, and that of Friends among whom they travel, neither giving ear to, nor spreading reports tending to raise in the minds of others a lessening or disesteem of any of the broth erhood ; and as soon as their service in the ministry is over, to return to their habitations, and there take a reasonable and prudent care of their own business, household, and family. (1731.)
We believe that in the dispensation of the various gifts to members in the church, there are many be- loved Friends among us whose gifts have been properly acknowledged, but whose active services may seldom or never be extended beyond the bor- ders of our own religious Society, in their own and other meetings not very distant. We would, there- fare, affectionately admonish our dear Friends of subordinate meetings to exercise a wise caution as to liberating ministers for extensive journeys, and more especially as to appointing religious meetings
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MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
for those who are not of our own profession. Small services may be as properly required as large ones, and where the gift is rightly attended to, a proper discrimination will be made. While we deeply de- sire the spread of the Gospel of Life, let there be an earnest care that the cause of Truth and our profession do not suffer by efforts to extend services beyond the gifts and callings. So, also, some may not be required to extend very far in the great doc- trines of salvation who may be acceptably engaged in exhortation. (1861.)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
We desire that our views as to the spirituality of divine worship, the authority and qualification for the Ministry of the Gospel, and the mode of holding our meetings for worship, may continue to be faith- fully maintained. Christ, who is head over all things to the Church, and who hath promised to be in the midst of those gathered in His name, does also condescend to make use of his servants by im- parting to them spiritual gifts, to be exercised under the renewed anointing of the Holy Ghost for the conversion of sinners, and for the edification, ex- hortation, and comfort of the assembled worship- ers.
While careful to uphold the Gospel standard in the things of God, we desire to be preserved from limiting in any degree, the fullness and freeness of the operations of the Holy Spirit. Each living member of the Church of Christ has a place of ser-
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MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
vice, and to such the manifestation of the spirit is given to profit withal. We thankfully acknowledge the goodness of the Lord in the diversities of gifts, intellectual as well as spiritual, which, in his care of the church, He is pleased to confer upon its sev- eral members. May we ever bear in mind that, however great their diversities, it is by the one spirit they are given; however differing in the adminis- trations, it is the same Lord; however diversified the operations, it is the same God which worketh all in all.
We desire to encourage our Friends, individually, to faithfulness in occupying the talent received, " as they that must give account ; " in dependence upon His grace, and in loving service to Him who loved them and gave Himself for them ; remembering the apostolic injunction, "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's." We believe that a freer exercise of the various gifts graciously bestowed upon many of our members might, under the divine blessing, tend to the in- struction, comfort, and edification of the body, and to the spreading of the truth " as it is in Jesus." (1861.)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col., iii. 16.
It is our earnest concern that all our members, whether occupying the station of minister or elder or not, should wait reverently on the Lord with will-
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ing hearts, bearing in mind the instructions of the apostle, "having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith ; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering ; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation ; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity ; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." Rom., xii. 6, 7, 8.
SECTION V.
MARRIAGE.
ADVICE RELATIVE TO MARRIAGE.
Marriage being a divine ordinance, and a solemn engagement for term of life, it is of great import- ance to our peace and well-being in the world, and may prove of no small consequence respecting our state in that which is to come; yet it is often too inconsiderately entered into, and upon motives inconsistent with the evident intention of that un- crring wisdom by which it was primarily ordained ; which was for the mutual assistance and comfort of both sexes in spirituals and temporals, that their endeavors might be united for the education of their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; and for the discharge of their duty in their various allotments in the world.
Marriage implies union and concurrence, as well in spiritual as temporal concerns. While the par- ties differ in religion, they stand disunited on the main point ; even that which should increase and confirm their mutual happiness, and render them meet-helps and blessings to each other.
To prevent the falling into such engagements, it is requisite to beware of the paths that lead to them, the sordid interests and ensnaring friendships
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MARRIAGE.
of the world, the contaminating pleasures and idle pastimes of earthly minds, the various solici- tations and incentives of festivity and dissipation, especially the too frequent and the familiar converse with those from whom may arise a danger of entanglement by their alluring the passions, and drawing the affections after them.
For the want of due watchfulness and obedience to the conviction of divine grace in their consciences, many among us have wounded their own souls, distressed their friends, injured their families, and done great disservice to the church, by their unsuit- able connections ; which have proved an inlet to much degeneracy, and mournfully affected the minds of those who labor under a living concern for the good of all, and the prosperity of truth upon earth. (1777.)
We earnestly advise and exhort all young unmar- ried persons in membership with us, previously to their making any procedure in order to marriage, to seriously and humbly wait upon the Lord for His counsel and direction in this important concern ; and when favored with satisfactory clearness there- in, they should early acquaint their parents or guardians with their intentions, and wait for their consent ; thus, preservation from the dangerous bias of forward and uncertain affections would be experienced, to the real benefit of the parties, and the comfort of their friends. (1690.) And it is earnestly recommended to Friends, that they ten- derly and carefully watch over the youth, and ex- tend seasonable caution and admonition relative to
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this interesting subject, as occasion may require. It is further recommended that parents exercise a religious care in watching over their children, and endeavor to guard them against improper or un- equal connections in marriage; that they be not anxious to obtain for them large portions and settlements, but that they be joined to persons of religious inclinations, suitable dispositions, and diligence in their business ; which are necessary to a comfortable life in a married state. (1722.)
Marriage is not a mere civil contract, but a re- ligious act ; it is God's ordinance and not man's, and, therefore, seeing that the legislature has fully confirmed us in our privilege of solemnizing mar- riage according to our own long established religious usages, we desire that none of our members may be found departing therefrom. (1848.)
Monthly Meetings are advised to appoint a suit- able committee on the occasion of the marriage of one of their members, to visit the newly married individuals for their help and encouragement, be- lieving it to be an important period in life in which such visits, if judiciously made, may be productive of much good, and may tend to attach the parties to our religious Society, strengthen their faith, and encourage them in a religious life.
RULES IN RELATION TO MARRIAGE.
1. The parties intending marriage with each other, are to inform the Monthly Meeting to which the woman belongs that they intend marriage
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MARRIAGE.
with each other. The information should be in writing, and signed by the parties, and presented to the men's meeting, where, if no justifiable objection be made, the case should be entered on the minutes of the meeting.
2. The proposals are then to be sent to the women's meeting, where, if no justifiable objection be made, it should be entered on their minutes.
3. If there are any persons who object to the parties proceeding in marriage, they should make known such objection to the overseers of the meet- ing, where the marriage is to take place, previous to the next Monthily Meeting ; who are to report the same, if after examination the objection is con- sidered sufficient, to the Monthly Meeting, which shall act thereon as may to it seem advisable.
4. If the parties have parents or guardians, their consent should be expressed, or produced in writing, to the meeting at which the proposal is made, but the Monthly Meeting may, if need be, allow this to be deferred until the next Monthly Meeting. Consent of parents shall be required to be made known and recorded by Monthly Meetings in all cases, unless in the judgment of the meeting there shall be sufficient and valid reasons for waiv- ing it. And in no case shall such consent be dis- pensed with, when the laws of the land require it.
5. If the man is not a member of the Monthly Meeting where the woman belongs, but is a member of our religious Society, he should, previous to the foregoing procedure, make request of the Monthly Meeting of men Friends to which he belongs for a
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MARRIAGE.
certificate of his right of membership, and clear- ness from any other person in respect to marriage engagements. In making such application, the name of the woman and the Monthly Meeting to which she belongs should be given. The meeting should then appoint two Friends to make inquiry, and if nothing is found to hinder, to prepare a cer- tificate addressed to the Monthly Meeting where the woman belongs. The certificate, after being ap- proved, should be signed and sent to the meeting to which it is addressed, or delivered to the party for that purpose, as he may direct.
6. At the next meeting after the proposals of mar- riage have been received, and no objections to the further proceedings of the parties appear, the meet- ing is to leave them at liberty to accomplish their marriage according to our rules. A suitable Friend should be appointed by the Monthly Meeting to read the marriage certificate, and to see that it is placed in the hands of the recorder.
7. Marriages are to be solemnized at the usual mid-week meeting for worship of which the woman is a member, unless the Monthly Meeting author- izes it otherwise. At a suitable time in the meet- ing, the parties are to stand up, and, taking each other by the hand, are to declare in an audible solemn manner, to the following effect: the man first, viz., "Friends, in the presence of the Lord, and before this assembly, I take D. E. to be my wife ; promising, with divine assistance, to be unto her a loving and faithful husband, until death shall separate us :" and then the woman in like manner :
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MARRIAGE.
"Friends, in the presence of the Lord, and before this assembly, I take A. B. to be my husband ; promising, with divine assistance, to be unto him a loving and faithful wife, until death shall separate us." The marriage certificate is then to be audibly read, the express names and description of the par- ties being first inserted. They are then to sign the same, the man first, then the woman, adopting the name of her husband : then such others present as are disposed to subscribe their names as witnesses. The form of the certificate shall be as follows :
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 the parties have parents or guardians, unless in the case of unreason- able objections, add); their proposals of marriage were allowed by the meeting. These are to certify whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishment of their inten- tions, 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 loving and faithful husband, until death should sep- arate 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, according to the custom of mar- 8
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MARRIAGE.
riage, 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 marriage, have, as witnesses thereto, set our hands the day and the year above written.
The following additional conclusions are adopted by the Yearly Meeting, and directed to the observ- ance of subordinate meetings.
1. No Monthly Meeting is to receive proposals of marriage sooner than one year after the decease of a former husband or wife.
2. No proposals of marriage between any so near as first cousins, or the children of half-brothers or half-sisters, shall be entertained by the Monthly Meeting.
3. The Society of Friends having always believed marriage to be a divine ordinance, and for term of life, no unbecoming conduct by either party can render it null and void. Hence no member of our religious Society can, consistently with our profes- sion, avail him or herself of any legal privilege in dissolving the marriage contract. But no part of this article shall apply to those who have been livorced because of fornication.
4. When any one, not a member of our religious Society, shall desire to accomplish marriage agree- ably to our order, with one of our members, Monthly Meetings are directed to take the same
1
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TREASURY.
care as in cases where both are members, and to see that the necessary legal formalities are com- plied with; and in no cases are marriages to be permitted in our meetings, under circumstances that would violate the law of the land.
TREASURY.
A fund having by experience been found useful for the needs of the Society, and particularly in the application from time to time, by our Representa- tive Meeting, it is desired by the Yearly Meeting that the same be occasionally renewed, by a collec- tion from each Quarterly Meeting; and that it be continued in the hands of the Treasurer, appointed by the meeting, and be subject to be drawn out by its direction, or by the Representative Meeting, as the exigencies of the Society may require.
The sums which may be thought necessary, are to be raised by each Quarterly Meeting, in the propor- tions which may from time to time be directed by the Yearly Meeting.
And it is further recommended that each Quarterly and Monthly Meeting have a fund of their own, for the purpose of defraying expenses, which may neces- sarily come under their care.
And as the spread of Christianity, and the pro- mulgation of the gospel of Christ, should be a gen- eral, as well as an individual concern among us,
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SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH.
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings are desired to be liberal in defraying the necessary expenses of those whom they may liberate to travel in the work of the ministry, bearing in mind that notwithstanding Christ's church is of many members, yet it is one body, and that we should bear one another's bur- dens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Women's meetings are also to have a fund of their own for such services as may fall more prop- erly under their notice.
ON THE DUTY OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH.
The great mission of the Church of Christ is to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." In order to fulfill this, all the members should be thoroughly devoted to their Divine Mas- ter. "Ye are bought with a price ; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." If thus consecrated to Him, all the out- ward substance, with which He has blessed us, will be held in readiness forHis service. The apostle says : " If the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."
In order to carry on the work of the Church and spread the Redeemer's kingdom, devoted, earnest men and women are needed, who are willing to
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SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH.
give of their time, talents, and services to His work. Money is also needed. Many of those who are called into His work must be supported, their out- ward needs supplied, and traveling and other neces- sary expenses borne while they are engaged in this work. The press is called into requisition, and thousands of Bibles, books, and tracts printed and distributed throughout the land. The ordinary machinery of the Church, simple as it is in our re- ligious Society, requires some money. Meeting- houses must be built and kept in order, the poor helped, and necessary expenses paid. The temper- ance work requires some funds. The civilization and Christianization of the Indians ; the spread of the Gospel among the poor and neglected in the South, in Mexico, India, and elsewhere, all call for the use of funds. In no church organization is all this done with less expense. No supernumerary persons are employed ; ^no paid agents to collect funds ; but all the money contributed goes directly to effect the great object. We know not how a more simple, effective method of raising funds could be adopted than that practiced in our religious Society. We would enjoin upon all our subordinate meetings to be exceedingly careful to lay no im- proper burdens upon any one, and not to ask for contributions beyond the means of any member ; but when this care has been taken, we believe it to be the imperative duty of every member to respond to the calls of the Church. It will be impossible, probably, to satisfy every member as to the details of every branch of the great work being carried for-
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MEETING HOUSES.
ward; but a generous confidence in their brethren and in the assembled church should be exercised. and a willingness shown to surrender, to some extent, our personal views and opinions. We believe it to be the duty of subordinate meetings to labor earnestly and lovingly with those who decline to pay, and if their objections can be removed, to see that it is done ; but if, after this kind of labor and care, any who are able still refuse to pay, it is the judgment of this Meeting that they are not sufli- ciently in unity with the body to fill any position of responsibility in the Church, or to be active partici- pants in its business. (1875.)
MEETING HOUSES.
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings are directed to make timely and careful inspection into the situa- tion of the titles of meeting houses, and burial grounds ; and other estates which have been vested in trustees, and by them held for the use and bene- fit of the Society at large, or of any of those meet- ings ; so that if it should appear needful, by the death of any such trustees, or otherwise, due and season- able 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 avoided. And it is further directed that Quarterly and Monthly Meetings respectively, as the case may require, keep
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FUNERALS.
exact records of all such trusts and conveyances, and see that the same be duly recorded in the county record, as required by law ; and also that a clear and regular account be kept by each respective meeting. of the place where, and the persons with whom, the papers, minutes, and records belonging to our reli- gious Society, are from time to time deposited ; and due care should be taken to lodge them with suita- ble 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 as- sistance of those concerned, and to see that good order is observed.
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 maintained. The committee shall decide as to the propriety 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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BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
BURIAL GROUNDS.
The same committee shall have the care of the burial grounds, and see that they are properly in- closed and kept in decent order, and the graves filled up and kept distinct; and if application be made for the interment of a person who was not a mem- ber therein, the consent of said committee should be obtained, who should take care that such inter- ment comport with good order.
Friends are advised against imitating the vain custom of wearing mourning habits; and all ex- travagant expenses about the interment of the dead, including ostentatious tombstones.
BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
As great inconvenience may arise from a want of due attention to keeping a regular record of births and deaths, it is enjoined upon each Monthly Meet- ing, to appoint a careful Friend, whose duty it shall be, to keep, in a book provided at the expense of the Monthly Meeting, for the purpose, a record of all births and deaths of members, which occur within their respective limits.
It is further enjoined that committees be ap- pointed annually, to examine the records, and to assist in bringing them up.
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MEMORIALS.
MEMORIALS.
Monthly Meetings are advised to exercise due care and deliberation before they conclude on issuing testimonies 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 documents, when it is judged proper to issue them, Monthly Meetings are desired to pay due re- gard to conciseness, 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 servants. Testimonies, when drawn up, are to be presented by the Monthly Meeting to its Quar- terly Meeting, which meeting is recommended, in each case, to revise the testimony so presented (by the appointment of a committee or otherwise) ; and it is left to the discretion of the Quarterly Meeting, either to send forward the same or a new testimony prepared by itself, to the Representative Meeting ; or', if thought expedient, to withhold altogether any such testimony. If approved by the Representa- tive Meeting, such testimony is to be laid before the Yearly Meeting for its action before being printed.
It is also required that Quarterly and Monthly Meetings furnish the Yearly Meeting, annually, with an account of the decease of such of their ministers as have occurred within the year.
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CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL.
.
CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL.
[The following is recommended as a suitable Form of Certificate of Removal, to be varied according to circumstances.]
To M ---- Monthly Meeting of Friends :
DEAR FRIENDS :- A. B., and C., his wife, members of this- meeting, having removed with their minor children, D. E. and F., and settled within the limits of your meeting, re- quest has been made for our certificate of their right of membership. This is therefore to certify, that on due in- quiry respecting their conduct, and the proper adjustment of their outward affairs, no obstruction appears to the issu- ing of a certificate in their behalf. We therefore recommend them to your Christian care, and remain in love, your Friends. Signed by direction and on behalf of S -- Monthly Meeting of Friends, held ---- month - --- , 18 --.
Y. Y., Correspondent. R. T. S Clerks.
T. R.
.
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