USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1854 > Part 3
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And whereas there may be some circumstances even in disputed matters, wherein the foregoing equitable mode of proceeding cannot be complied with ; such
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ARBITRATIONS.
as, first, the party absconding, or leaving the country with design to defraud his or her creditors ; or, second, apparent danger of bankruptcy, or being overloaded with debts, and other creditors generally coming on, which would occasion manifest damage to the claim- ant, by the time it would take in pursuing the above method; or, third, where there may be danger of dam- age, as in case of executors, administrators, or trus- tees : it may therefore be necessary, and it is directed, that the Monthly meetings where such cases happen, and on due inquiry appear truly so, do hold excused such as shall in the two first mentioned cases in this paragraph, appear to them really necessitated to pro- ceed at law ; and in the latter case, of executors, ad- ministrators, or trustees, where it shall appear to the meeting, that the matter is of importance, and that our friendly way would be unsafe, such may be per- mitted to have the matter tried at law, with this cau- tion, that the parties on both sides, 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 with others, under the laws of the land, take any of us there.
As it may sometimes occur that a member, either for want of a clear understanding of the business, or through an improper influence, may present a com- plaint against another member, wherein 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 inform the Preparative meeting, where the other party is a mem- ber, (without mentioning any name,) that having a matter in dispute with one of their members, he is de- sirous of their assistance in order to a settlement thereof. The said meeting is then to appoint a com- mittee who are to give such advice and assistance in
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BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
the case as they may apprehend necessary, but should they concur with the overseers, that a reference would not be proper, the complainant may have the privilege of requesting the assistance of the Monthly meeting, in like manner, where the question is to be finally de- termined whether the dispute ought to be submitted to referees, or the complaint dismissed.
It is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that our mem- bers, differing on account of worldly affairs, do avoid as much as possible to engage Friends in the ministry as arbitrators in such cases.
BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
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 assist- ance of those concerned, and to see that good order is observed.
In order that meetings may not be held at the inter- ment of our deceased members, in a formal way, or as a customary circumstance, the proposal for holding any such meeting, should be previously submitted to the consideration of the elders and overseers, or com- mittee on burials, and their approbation had previ- ously to the announcement of such a meeting. The time and place of holding should also be settled by said elders, overseers, or committee, in order that such meetings be not unseasonably or unsuitably arranged.
But in view of the solemn occasion of the decease of a Friend, which is well calculated to call up to our minds the uncertainty and short continuance of life, and the wisdom there would be in a preparation for death, it is earnestly advised that a solemn pause of some length should be had at all funerals : a (religious meeting, where it is believed by Friends as above stated, that such a meeting would be to the honor of truth ;) and that good order, quietness, and solemnity be maintained throughout the proceedings, in which the committee should render the needful assistance.
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BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
And to prevent the introduction of improper inter- ments amongst us-two or more Friends should be appointed by Monthly or Preparative meetings, (as the case may require,) to the care of our several burying grounds, and that no person who was not a member be buried therein, without a written permit, signed by one or two of those Friends; who should take care that such interment comport with our plain order : also that our burial grounds be properly enclosed and kept in decent order.
Friends are also enjoined, to maintain our testimony against affixing monuments of any description to graves, for the purpose of distinction one above an- other, in any one of our burying grounds ; and if any yet remain therein, that they be forthwith removed ; and that they avoid the imitation of the custom of wearing or giving mourning habits, and all extrava- gant expenses on account of the interment of the dead. And if a plain stone should be set to the grave, it should not exceed twelve inches in height or width, and contain only the name, date of the decease, and age.
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 meeting, 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 respec- tive limits, or which shall be offered to him for that purpose. But should the birth have occurred out of the limits of the meeting within which it may be de- sired to record it, an explanatory note should be in- serted in the record. And in order to engage the at- tention of Monthly meetings more closely to this sub- ject, it is further enjoined, that committees be ap- pointed annually, to examine the records, and to ex- tend such care as may appear necessary to effect the object.
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BOOKS.
The following forms of the records are proposed, being both simple and explicit.
BIRTHS.
Names of the Children.
When born.
Names of the Parents.
Their residence.
Occasional Notes.
DEATHS.
Names of the Deceased.
When deceased.
Age.
Where buried.
Late Residence.
Occasional Notes.
BOOKS.
It being a business assigned to the Meeting for Suf- ferings, to take the oversight of all writings proposed to be printed, explanatory of our religious principles or testimonies, our members, who may have it in pros- pect to publish any such writings, for which the Soci- ety are to be responsible, are to lay them before said meeting, for its advice and concurrence. And if any of our members shall print or publish any writing against the advice of said meeting, or which shall have a tendency to excite disunity and discord, such persons should be complained of to the Monthly meeting to which they belong, and if they cannot be convinced of the impropriety of their conduct, and condemn the same, to the satisfaction of said meeting, they should be disowned, as opposed to the peace and good order of Society.
It is considered incumbent on parents and heads of families, to prevent as much as possible, all those un- der their direction, from perusing those pernicious pub- lications which are written for the purpose of weaken- ing the authority of the christian religion, or exciting doubts concerning the authenticity of the Holy Scrip- tures, and those saving truths declared in them ; lest
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CERTIFICATES.
the immature and feeble minds of such, should be poi- soned thereby, and a foundation laid for the greatest evils. It is also enjoined on all the members of our religious society, that they discourage and suppress the reading of plays, romances, and novels, which be- ing written by persons of corrupt minds, have a ten- dency to awaken and invigorate those impure pro- pensities, " which war against the soul," and which it is the duty and interest of every christian mind to keep in a state of suppression.
Friends are advised to procure for their families in- structive and suitable Books, so that they may be well provided for ; and Monthly meetings should take care that their Libraries be attended to; and consider, annu- ally, the propriety of an increase of the books. .
CERTIFICATES.
Quarterly and Monthly meetings are to take care, that all certificates or minutes which may be given to any Friends traveling in the service of the ministry be recorded, and upon the return of such Friend season- ably delivered back to the meeting; and that all cer- tificates of removal, brought by any Friends intending to become residents, shall be lodged in the Monthly meeting, where the same are accepted; and also, that every meeting keep a record of all certificates which they give forth.
We feel it our concern to caution Friends to be very circumspect how they remove themselves and families. It having been observed, that the dissolving of old, and forming of new connections, have in some instances been attended with effects prejudicial to a growth in the truth, both in the heads and younger branches of families, especially where the inclination to such re- movals has originated in worldly motives. And the religious growth and establishment of children, being the most interesting, ought to be the principal en- gagement of the minds of parents, it is the affectionate desire of the Yearly Meeting, that in putting them for- 4
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CERTIFICATES.
ward in a way of life, the probable effect it may have on their minds, be the chief' object in view. In these cases, we recommend to our members, both young and old, to give close attention to the pointings of di- vine wisdom, and also timely to consult experienced Friends, previously to their fixing a resolution of chang- ing their residence.
When Certificates of Removal from one Monthly meeting to another, are received, the persons recom- mended shall be considered members of the meeting to which they remove.
All members removing beyond the limits of their Monthly meetings, whether for a permanent or only a certain limited time, are to apply to their respective meetings for certificates, directed to those within the limits of which they propose to sojourn or settle. Whereupon, Monthly meetings should, previously to granting such certificates, appoint a committee of men Friends, if the applicant be a male, or of women, if a female; but if the applicants be males and fe- males, then a joint committee, to make careful inquiry respecting their conduct and the proper adjustment of their outward affairs, and if they find nothing to hinder, to prepare a certificate, and report it to the next Monthly meeting ; when, if no obstruction ap- pear, such certificate should be granted, and signed by the clerks of the men's and the women's meetings.
When certificates are adopted, signed, and re- corded, they should be immediately placed in the hands of the proper Correspondents, who should sign them, pre-pay the postage, and forward them without delay, to the regular Correspondent of the meeting to which they are addressed ; and when certificates are received, they are to be read in each meeting.
But if any shall remove without so applying, the Monthly meeting of which they are members, after making inquiry, as in cases of applicants, and finding no obstruction, should without improper delay, send certificates for them, to the Monthly meetings within the limits of which they have removed. But if their
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CERTIFICATES.
previous conduct require that they be treated with, and the distance be such as to render it inconveni- ent for the meeting they removed from, the Monthly meeting, within the verge of which they are, should be requested to treat with them, and report the effect of their care ; on which, if it prove satisfactory, certi- ficates of removal may be directed ; but if otherwise, and testimonies of disunion be issued, the meeting where they reside should be furnished with copies thereof, to be delivered to the parties.
Monthly meetings receiving certificates are to ac- knowledge the reception thereof to the Monthly meet- ings which issued them.
Monthly meetings are directed to acknowledge the reception of certificates of removal from Great Britain or Ireland, by transmitting, seasonably, to one of our proper Yearly Meeting Correspondents, for that pur- pose, a suitable extract of their minute of reception, properly signed by the clerk, and countersigned by their Correspondent.
Where apprentices, or persons under age, are under a necessity of going from one place to another, their parents or guardians, masters or mistresses, should apply for certificates for them, recommending them to the care and oversight of the Monthly meetings, whereunto they remove.
If any persons appearing as Friends, come within the compass of any Monthly meeting, not being rec- ommended by certificates, and be of disorderly con- duct, the overseers, or other concerned Friends, should inquire whether or not they are members of our Soci- ety ; and if they prove so to be, admonish them, or if the occasion require it, report the case to the Prepara- tive, and from thence to the Monthly meeting; which should thereupon inform the Monthly meetings of which they are members, of the circumstances, and take the direction of said meeting for treating further with them, agreeably to our rules in cases of that na- ture.
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CHARITY AND UNITY .- CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
CHARITY AND UNITY.
Where there is any appearance of dissension, or of resentment and shyness amongst our members, the parties should be timely and tenderly apprised of the danger to which they expose both themselves and others, and earnestly exhorted to mutual condescen- sion and forgiveness, becoming the followers of Christ; and if any, notwithstanding such endeavors for their welfare, continue to manifest an implacable enmity to others, the overseers or other judicious Friends of the Preparative or Monthly meeting to which they be- long, should be informed thereof; who are to labor further with them ; when, if they still prove inflexible, they ought to be complained of to the Monthly meet- ing to which they belong, which, after laboring with them without the desired effect, ought to testify against them.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
Liberty of conscience, being the common right of all men, and particularly essential to the well-being of religious societies, we hold it to be indispensably in- cumbent upon us, to maintain it inviolably amongst ourselves ; and therefore exhort all in profession with us, to decline accepting any office or station in civil government, the duties of which are inconsistent with our religious principles ; or in the exercise of which they may be, or apprehend themselves to be, under the necessity of exacting from others any compliances against which they are conscientiously scrupulous.
If any person in membership with us, notwithstand- ing the preceding admonition, shall persist in a con- duct so repugnant to our principles, it is the sense of the Yearly Meeting, that they be treated with as in other cases of offense ; and if they cannot be brought to see and acknowledge their error, the Monthly meet- ings to which they belong should proceed to testify against them.
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CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
It is also our judgment, that Friends ought not, in any wise, to be active or accessory in electing, or pro- moting to be elected, their brethren or others to such offices or stations in civil government, the execution whereof tends to lay waste our christian testimony, or subject their brethren or others to sufferings on account of their conscientious scruples. The principle of truth calls us out of contention ; it even seeks not its own ends by means productive of animosity ; much less therefore should its professors indulge themselves in strife for objects of a perishing nature.
Believing, therefore, that we are called to show forth to the world, in life and practice, that the blessed reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, is begun, and we doubt not, will proceed until it attain its com- pletion in the earth, when according to the prophe- cies of Isaiah and Micah, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," we cannot consistently join with such as form combinations of a hostile nature against any ; much less in opposition to those placed in authority ; nor can we unite with or encourage such as revile or as- perse them, for it is written, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." Acts, xxiii. 5.
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
Such are to be treated with, as are guilty of lying, drunkenness, swearing, or cursing ; or any other im- moral or scandalous practice : and when persons are guilty in these respects, or any of them, after being treated with by the overseers or other cencerned Friends, if they be brought to a sense of the iniquity thereof, such offenders are, without improper delay, to remove the scandal, and clear, as much as possible, our holy profession therefrom, by acknowledging and condemning the offense, in writing, under their hands, to the satisfaction of the Monthly meetings to which they belong. And if any such offenders refuse to ac-
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CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
knowledge and condemn their faults, the said meet- ings ought speedily to testify against them.
If any in membership with us shall blaspheme, or speak profanely of Almighty God, Christ Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, they ought to be timely and earnestly treated with for the convincement of their understand- ings, that they may experience repentance and for- giveness ; but should any, notwithstanding such bro- therly labor, persist in their error, or deny the divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures ; as it will be thereby manifest that they are not one in faith with us, the Monthly meetings where they belong, ought, after the afore- said earnest and religious endeavors without effect, to declare the same, and issue their testimony accord- ingly.
It is the earnest concern of the Yearly Meeting, that in all our dealings and transactions among men, strict justice may be observed, and that no motives of pecu- niary interest may induce any of our members to im- pose upon each other, or upon any with whom they may have commercial intercourse; and it is directed that Monthly meetings be careful to extend suitable admonition against all deviations in these respects, for the help and recovery of delinquents; and as it is obvious that there can be no just pretensions to reli- gious rectitude, without a conformity to moral justice, Monthly meetings are authorized to disown those who will not be reclaimed by their brotherly endeav- ors in these respects.
And believing, as we do, that meekness, modera- tion, and mercy, are among the distinguishing traits of the christian character, we are concerned to cau- tion our members against the indulgence of passion, or the exercise of cruelty, even towards the brute creation, which a beneficent Providence has made subservient to our comfort and convenience.
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CONVINCED PERSONS.
CONVINCED PERSONS.
It is directed that the following order be observed respecting persons who apply for admittance into mem- bership. They are to apply to the overseers, who, when they are easy so to do, are to lay the case be- fore the Preparative meeting; and after that meeting is fully satisfied, by paying a visit or otherwise, they are to lay it before the Monthly meeting ; which meet- ing shall appoint some suitable Friends to inquire into the lives and conversation of the applicants, and also to take solid opportunities of conference with them, in order the better to understand whether their motives for such requests be sincere, and on the ground of convincement, and report their sense thereof; where- upon, if a male, and the men's meeting be satisfied, the women's meeting is to be consulted ; but if a fe- male, the men's meeting is to be consulted ; and in either case, the meeting so consulted may appoint a committee if they judge best. When both meetings are satisfied, a minute should be made stating the ac- ceptance of such into membership; and a Friend or two should be appointed to acquaint the persons re- questing thereof.
But in all 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 Society : to them, by settling them in a false rest ; and to Society, by adding to its numbers with- out increasing its joy ; both of which, being circum- stances of acknowledged importance. Monthly meet- ings are desired to be weighty in their deliberations and results, on all such occasions ; and when united in believing that the applicants are clearly convinced of our religious principles, and in a good degree sub- ject to the government of the divine witness in their own hearts, manifested by circumspection of life and conduct, the said meetings should receive such into membership.
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DAYS AND TIMES.
DAYS AND TIMES.
As we are persuaded that no religious act can be acceptable to God, unless produced by the influence and assistance of the Holy Spirit, it is our judgment that our members cannot consistently join with any in the observance of public fasts, feasts, or what are termed holydays, or such injunctions and forms as are devised by the will of man in regard thereto : for though exterior observances of a similar kind were once authorized under the law, as shadows of things to come, yet they who come to Christ, will, we be- lieve, assuredly find that in Him all shadows end; and that " now he hath obtained a more excellent minis- try, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better prom- ises." (Heb. viii. 6.) "Let no man therefore," says the apostle, " judge you in meat or in drink, or in re- spect of an holyday, or the new moon, or of the sab- bath days; which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ." (Col. ii. 16.) The same apostle also thus expostulates with some, who it appears had fallen from the true faith in these respects : "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and 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 labor in vain." (Gal. iv. 9, 10, 11.)
Wherefore, under an humble and grateful sense of the abundant mercies and favors of our heavenly Fa- ther, let us, as a religious society, continually feel our hearts filled with thanksgiving and praise to Him; an aspiration which is ever his due, and to be acknowl- edged by his creatures with the deepest reverence, and not with the " bowing of the head like a bulrush for a day," nor with those tumultuous demonstrations of joy, and nightly illuminations, which are generally attended with excesses incompatible with the chris- tian name.
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DAYS AND TIMES.
Whilst, therefore, it is the earnest concern of the Yearly Meeting that we may be found worshipers within the temple, it is affectionately desired that our members may be individually cautious not to give oc- casion of additional suffering to the truly conscien- tious amongst us, by any compliance with such ob- servances as our worthy ancestors were rightly con- cerned to bear testimony against.
Friends are advised to be guarded against unprofit- ably spending their time on the First-day of the week ; that their temporal concerns be not suffered to en- gross their minds, so as to disqualify them for rightly performing their religious duty ; to watch over their children, subjecting them to obedience to all their law- ful commands ; believing that good impressions have been lost by indulging too much in company on the afternoon of First-days, when if proper attention were paid by spending this time more in retirement, and in reading the Scriptures and other good books, these seasons would be cherished, and a real advancement experienced. (1828.)
The First-day of the week being set apart for rest and religious engagements by the common consent of most christian professors, this meeting has been intro- duced into a concern that Friends individually, both old and young, may be renewedly stirred up to set a good example, by devoting that day to such engage- ments and to rest; and by abstaining from secular business and from traveling, except as required in re- ligious engagements or other christian duties, and also from unnecessary visiting. We do not doubt that our spiritual welfare, and the good of our families would be essentially promoted by a greater consistency of conduct, as aforesaid, with our profession as a reli- gious people, than has appeared in some heretofore ; and we should be further prompted to such consis- tency by respect to the consciences of others, and the wholesome laws of the land. (1853.)
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