USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1854 > Part 2
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
the heavenly man, the Emmanuel, God with us, we all own and believe in; he whom the high-priest raged against and said, he had spoken blasphemy ; whom the priests and elders of the Jews took counsel together against, and put to death; the same whom Judas betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which the priests gave him as a reward for his treason ; who also gave large money to the soldiers to broach a horrible lie, namely, " That his disciples came and stole him away by night whilst they slept." After 'he was risen from the dead, the history of the acts of the apostles sets forth how the chief priests and elders persecuted the disciples of this Jesus, for preaching Christ and his resurrection. This, we say, is that Lord Jesus Christ, whom we own to be our life and salvation:
Concerning the Holy Scriptures, we believe they were given forth by the Holy Spirit of God, through the holy men of God, who, as the Scripture itself declares, 2 Pet. i. 21, spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We believe they are to be read, believed, and fulfilled (he that fulfils them is Christ ;) and they are " profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17 ; and are able to make wise unto salvation, " through faith in Christ Jesus."
Extracts from a Statement of Christian Doctrine, issued on behalf of the Society, in the year 1693.
We sincerely profess faith in God by his only begotten Son Jesus Christ, as being our light and life, our only way to the Father, and also our only Mediator and Advocate with the Father.
That God created all things, he made the worlds, by his Son Jesus Christ, he being that powerful and living Word of God, by whom all things were made; and that the Father,
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
the Word, and the Holy Spirit are one, in divine being insep- arable ; one true, living, and eternal God, blessed for ever.
Yet that this Word, or Son of God, in the fulness of time, took place, became perfect man according to the flesh, de- scended and came of the seed of Abraham and David; but was miraculously conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary : and also, farther, declared powerfully to be the Son of God, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection from the dead.
That in the Word (or Son of God) was life, and the same life was the light of men ; and that he was that true light which enlightens every man coming into the world; and therefore that men are to believe in the light, that they may become the children of the light; hereby we believe in Christ the Son of God, as he is the light and life within us; and wherein we must needs have sincere respect and honor to (and belief in) Christ, as in his own unapproachable and incompre- hensible glory and fullness ; as he is the fountain of life and light, and giver thereof unto us ; Christ, as in himself, and as in us, being not divided. And that as man, Christ died for our sins, rose again, and was received up into glory, in the heavens. He having, in his dying for all, been that one great universal offering and sacrifice for peace, atonement and rec- onciliation between God and man; and he is the propitiation not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. We were reconciled by his death, but saved by his life.
That Jesus Christ, who sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, yet is he our King, High Priest, and Prophet; in his church, a Minister of the sanctu- ary, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. He is Intercessor and Advocate with the Father in heaven, and there appearing in the presence of God for us, being touched with the feeling of our infirmities, sufferings, and sorrows. And also by his spirit in our hearts, he mak- eth intercession according to the will of God, crying Abba, Father.
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
That the Gospel of the grace of God should be preached in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, being one in power, wisdom, and goodness, and indivisible, (or not to be divided, ) in the great work of man's salvation.
We sincerely confess (and believe in) Jesus Christ, both as he is true God, and perfect man, and that he is the author of our living faith in the power and goodness of God, as mani- fested in his Son Jesus Christ, and by his own blessed Spirit (or divine unction ) revealed in us, whereby we inwardly feel and taste of his goodness, life, and virtue ; so as our souls live and prosper by and in him : and the inward sense of this di- vine power of Christ, and faith in the same, and the inward experience, are absolutely necessary to make a true, sincere, and perfect Christian in spirit and life.
That divine honor and worship is due to the Son of God ; and that he is, in true faith to be prayed unto, and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ called upon (as the primitive Chris- tians did, ) because of the glorious union or oneness of the Fa- ther and the Son, and that we cannot acceptably offer up prayers and praises to God, nor receive a gracious answer or blessing from God, but in and through his dear Son Christ.
That Christ's body that was crucified was not the Godhead, yet by the power of God was raised from the dead ; and that the same Christ that was therein crucified, ascended into heaven and glory, is not questioned by us. His flesh saw no corruption, it did not corrupt, but yet doubtless his body was changed into a more glorious and heavenly condition than it was in when subject to divers sufferings on earth ; but how and what manner of change it met withal after it was raised from the dead, so as to become such a glorious body, (as it is declared to be,) is too wonderful for mortals to conceive, ap- prehend, or pry into (and more meet for angels to see ;) the Scripture is silent therein, as to the manner thereof, and we are not curious to inquire or dispute it ; nor do we esteem it necessary to make ourselves wise above what is written, as
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
to the manner or condition of Christ's glorious body, as in heaven ; no more than to inquire how Christ appeared in di- vers manners or forms ; or how he came in among his disci- ples, the doors being shut ; or how he vanished out of their sight, after he was risen. However, we have cause to believe his body, as in heaven, is changed into a most glorious condi- tion, far transcending what it was in on earth, otherwise how should our low body be changed, so as to be made like unto his glorious body ; for when he was on earth, and attended with sufferings, he was said to be like unto us in all things, sin only excepted ; which may not be so said of him as now in a state of glory, as he prayed for; otherwise where would be the change both in him and in us.
Concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the great day of judgment yet to come, beyond the grave, or after death, and Christ's coming without us, to judge the quick and the dead : {as divers questions are put in such terms, ) what the ! Holy Scriptures plainly declare and testify in these matters, we have been always ready to embrace.
1. For the doctrine of the resurrection; if, in this life only, we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. xv. 19. We sincerely believe not only a resurrection in Christ from the fallen sinful state here, but a rising and as- cending into glory with him hereafter; that when he at last appears, we may appear with him in glory. Col. iii. 4; 1 John iii. 2.
But that all the wicked who live in rebellion against the light of grace, and die finally impenitent, shall come forth to the resurrection of condemnation.
And that the soul or spirit of every man and woman shall be reserved in its own distinct and proper being, and every seed (yea every soul) shall have its proper body, as God is pleased to give it, 1 Cor. xv. A natural body is sown, a spi-
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
ritual body is raised ; that being first which is natural, and af- terward that which is spiritual. And though it is said, this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality ; the change shall be such as flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption in- herit incorruption, 1 Cor. xv. We shall be raised out of all corruption and corruptibility, out of all mortality ; and the children of God and of the resurrection, shall be equal to the angels of God in heaven. And as the celestial bodies do far excel terrestrial, so we expect our spiritual bodies in the resur - rection shall far excel what our bodies now are. Howbeit we esteem it very unnecessary to dispute or question how the dead are raised, or with what body they come : but rather submit that to the wisdom and pleasure of Almighty God.
2. For the doctrine of eternal judgment ; God hath commit- ted all judgment unto his Son Jesus Christ ; and he is Judge both of quick and dead, and of the states and ends of all man- kind, John, v. 22, 27; Acts, x. 42 ; 2 Timothy, iv. 1; 1 Peter, iv. 5.
That there shall be hereafter a great harvest, which is the end of the world, a great day of judgment, and the judgment of that great day, the Holy Scripture is clear. Matt. xiii. 39, 40, 41 ; ch. x. 15, and xi. 24; Jude, 6. "When the Son of Man cometh in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations, &c. Matt. xxv. 31, 32, to the end, compared with ch. xxii. 31; Mark, viii. 38; Luke. ix. 26, and 1 Cor. xv. 52; 2 Thes. i. 7, 8, to the end, and 1 Thes. iv. 16; Rev. xx. 12, 13, 14, 15.
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Extract from the Minutes of the Yearly Meeting, 1829.
We feel ourselves called upon, at this time, to avow our be-
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITHI.
lief in the inspiration and divine authority of the Old and New Testament.
We further believe, that the promise made after the trans- gression of our first parents, in the consequence of whose fall all the posterity of Adam are involved, that the seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent ; and the declara- tion unto Abraham, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," had a direct reference to the coming in the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, also, did the prophet Isaiah bear testimony, when he declared, " Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace : of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end." And again, the same prophet spoke of him when he said, " Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted ; but he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed." The same blessed Redeemer is emphatically denominated by the prophet Jeremiah, " THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
At that period, and in that miraculous manner, which God in his perfect wisdom saw fit, the promised Messiah appeared personally upon earth, when "He took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." He " was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Having finished the work which was given him to do, he gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. He tasted
death for every man. " He is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." " We have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- ness of sins." He passed into the heavens ; and being the brightness of the glory of God, "and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITHI.
when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ;" and ever liveth to make inter- cession for us.
It is by the Lord Jesus Christ that the world will be judged in righteousness. He is the mediator of the new covenant ; " the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every crea- ture : for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were created by him, and for him : and he is before all things, and by him all things consist." " In him dwelleth all the full- ness of the Godhead bodily ," and to him did the Evangelist bear testimony when he said, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him ; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life ; and the life was the light of men." He "was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
Our blessed Lord himself spoke of his perpetual dominion and power in his church, when he said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me ; and I give unto them eternal life :" and, when describing the spiritual food which he bestowed on the true believers, he declared, "I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." He spoke also of his saving grace, bestowed on those who come in faith unto him, when he said, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life."
Our religious society, from its earliest establishment to the present day, has received these most important doctrines of Holy Scripture in their plain and obvious acceptation ; and it is the earnest desire of this meeting, that all who profess our
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
name, may so live, and so walk before God, as that they may know these sacred truths to be blessed to them individually. We desire that, as the mere profession of sound Christian doc- trine will not avail to the salvation of the soul, all may attain to a living efficacious faith, which, through the power of the Holy Ghost, bringeth forth fruit unto holiness ; the end whereof is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Extract from the epistle of the Yearly Meeting, 1830.
Dear friends, we are again made sensible that we cannot meditate on a subject more fraught with instruction and com- fort, than the coming of the Son of God in the flesh, and the many blessings which through him have been conferred on the human race,-the coming of Him, who, being born of a virgin, " was made in the likeness of men :" " who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant." He " was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, he received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. He "sitteth on the right hand of God," making intercession for us. He " is made unto us of God, wisdom and righteous- ness, and sanctification, and redemption ;" and unto him we must look as our Mediator and Advocate with the Father. He emphatically describes himself as "the good Shepherd." He is our Lawgiver; and solemn indeed is the declaration, that we must all appear before his judgment seat, to receive our reward, according to the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad.
We feel that it is not a light matter thus to advert again to
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITH.
the various offices of the Son and sent of the Father; and we beseech all whom we are addressing, to contemplate these solemn truths with due reverence ; yet frequently to meditate thereon, seeking for the assistance of the grace of God to di- rect their understandings aright. As this is done with hum- ble and believing hearts, the conviction will increase, and ul- timately become settled, that it is a great mercy to know indi- vidually that we have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, but who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
But, blessed be God, he has not only provided the means of reconciliation unto himself, through the sacrifice of Christ ; he hath also, through [the same compassionate Savior, granted unto us the gift of the Holy Spirit. By this, the patriarchs, and the holy men of old who lived under the law, walked ac- ceptably before God. Its more plenteous effusion, and its powerful and life-giving effects, were distinctly foretold by the ancient prophets. Christ himself declared, that it was expe- dient that he should go away, that he might send the Com- forter, the Spirit of Truth, who should guide into all truth ; in allusion to whose coming he also said, " I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." To be guided by his Spirit is the practical application of the Christian religion. It is the light of Christ which enlightens the darkness of the heart of man ; and, by following this light, we are enabled to enjoy and maintain communion with him. The children of God are led by the Spirit of God ; and this is the appointed means of bringing us into that state of "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." It is not a doctrine of mysticism, but one of practical piety. The great office of the Holy Spirit, we firmly believe to be, to convince of sin, to bring the soul to a state of deep and sincere repentance, and to effect the work of sanctification. A holy and constant watchfulness is required, to preserve the mind alive to the guidance of this divine Teacher ; who, if diligently sought after and waited for,
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DECLARATIONS OF FAITHI.
will be found to be a swift witness for God in the soul, pro- ducing that tenderness of spirit, and that quickness of under- standing in the fear of the Lord, which are essential to our growth in grace.
It is through Him whom God hath set forth to be a propi- tiation, through faith in his blood, that we obtain pardon for sin; and it is through the power of his Spirit working mightily in us, that we come eventually to experience freedom from sin.
THE DISCIPLINE
OF THE
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, OF INDIANA YEARLY MEETING.
APPEALS.
WHILST the Yearly Meeting, in granting the liberty of an appeal, considers it as a precious privilege, it s affectionately desired that all may be careful how they encourage persons of improper dispositions to rouble superior meetings therewith.
If any be dissatisfied with, or think themselves ag- grieved by the judgment of a Monthly meeting, they nay, after a copy of the testimony of disownment is offered to them, notify the first or second Monthly meet- ng following, (but no other) of their intention of ap- Dealing to the ensuing Quarterly meeting, which noti- ication, the Monthly meeting should enter on its min- ites, and appoint four or more Friends, to attend the Quarterly meeting, with a copy of the proceedings relative to the case, signed by the clerk, to show the reasons whereon that judgment was founded. The Quarterly meeting is then to refer the same to a solid committee of Friends, noticing the propriety of any objection made by the appellant against persons thus nominated, (omitting those of the Monthly meeting rom which the appeal comes,) and to confirm or re- erse the said judgment, as on impartial examination, hall appear to be right.
When the Quarterly meeting's committee report
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APPEALS.
their judgment, and the meeting is satisfied therewith, then a committee should be appointed to inform the appellant of the meeting's decision in the case. The committee should give him the information as soon after the Quarter as is practicable, and report to next meeting; and if the appellant is dissatisfied with the meeting's decision, he may notify the first or second Quarterly meeting after he receives such information, of his further intention of appealing to the Yearly Meeting, but not afterwards. The said Quarterly meeting, after recording such notification, is in likes manner to appoint at least three Friends, to attend the Yearly Meeting, with copies of the records of both e Monthly and Quarterly meetings in the case, signed by their clerks ; here it is to be finally determined, and as copy of the determination is to be sent to the Quar- terly meeting from which the appeal came. Notices of appeals are to be forwarded from subordinate to b superior meetings, in the regular reports of such meet- ings.
All committees in cases of appeals should makes written report, and state therein the ground upon a which their judgment is founded.
In all cases of appeal, in which a female is an ap- pellant, the notice should be first given to the womeu'sa meeting, and by them forwarded to the men's, and the a business afterwards conducted by joint committees off men and women Friends; the report of which united to committee, is to be made to cach meeting, and the women's meeting, having considered the same, are toin convey their sense thereon to the men's meeting, where the subject should be considered and finally settled.
But when the proceedings of a subordinate meeting are nullified in consequence of irregular proceedings, s said meeting, or the overseers should resume the con-a sideration of the offence, if it be such as to require it,m and proceed therein, according to gospel order.
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ARBITRATIONS.
ARBITRATIONS.
When differences arise between our members in re- gard to their property, they are to proceed in the fol- lowing manner :
The party who thinks him or herself aggrieved, should in the first place, calmly and kindly, request the other to comply with the demand, and, if this be disputed, 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 pres- ence repeat the demand.
If this step also fail of the desired effect, the parties should be advised to choose a suitable number of Friends as arbitrators, and mutually engage, by bond, or other written 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; giving the parties a fair and full hearing, in the pres- ence 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 matter in dispute to arbitrators ; or, when that is done, neglect to give his or her attendance when desired, without assigning a sufficient reason ; or not abide by their award when issued; in either of these cases, such person so offending, should be complained of, or treated with ; and if the brotherly endeavors and ad- monition of Society, fail to produce a conformity to justice in the case, the Monthly meeting should pro- ceed to disown the offender, unless such person make it evident to the satisfaction of the meeting, that the award or proceedings have been erroneous or unjust.
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ARBITRATIONS.
In which case, the matter in dispute may be referred to the same, or other arbitrators, as the meeting shall judge best ; and their award shall be final. Or should either party be dissatisfied with the award, and the subject not be carried forward as a complaint, the party so dissatisfied, may apply to the Monthly meet- ing of which the other party is a member, for the privi- lege of another arbitration. In which case, a judicious committee should be appointed to examine the grounds of the complaint; and should it be made appear that the award is erroneous or unjust, (but not otherwise,) another trial may be granted before the same or other arbitrators, at the discretion of the meeting, for a final decision.
After which, if either of the parties at variance, prove so regardless of peace and unity, as not to ac- quiesce in such confirmed, or corrected determination, the Monthly meeting to which he or she belongs, should proceed to issue a testimony against the person so re- fusing.
Where 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 giving 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 not to 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 respecting the case ; or, having heard any thing 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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