USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1854 > Part 6
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67
MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
None of the said meetings of Ministers and Elders are in any wise to interfere with the business of any meeting for discipline ; nor is the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders to suffer its adjournments to in- terfere with the sittings of the Yearly Meeting for dis- cipline.
If any acknowledged member of our meetings of Ministers and Elders shall at any time be thought, by negligence, unfaithfulness, or otherwise, to have lost his or her service in that station, so as to become bur- thensome, and the subject of uneasiness, (yet not so as to be under the care of a meeting of discipline on that account, or for misconduct) it is advised, that a timely and tender care be extended to such person, according to gospel order ; first by the individuals concerned, and then by the Preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders to which he or she may belong ; should these labors prove unavailing, report of the case should be made by that meeting to the Quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, where a few Friends should be deputed to assist the said Preparative meeting, in a further exten- sion of labor with the party : if this also prove una- vailing, and on report thereof to the said Quarterly meeting, it appears that the said Preparative meeting has fully discharged its duty to the individual, the case should then be transmitted to the Monthly meeting for discipline of which the party is a member, and left under its care, and he or she ought from that time to refrain from attending any such meetings, until they shall be again recommended or appointed, as at first.
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 anointed, 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 social and more private intercourse ; and
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MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
that their public communications may carry with them an evidence of authority which would be convincing to the hearers, encouraging to the true hearted, and arousing to the negligent and unbelieving; and by dwelling thus low and carefully, they might be preser- ved from extending their discourses to an unsavory length.
We further advise all Monthly meetings; to take great care in giving Certificates to those who travel, to prevent the uneasiness which sometimes falls on the church, from a weak and unskilful ministry : and let the Elders, when they see occasion, advise Ministers to be very prudent in their conduct, 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 giv- ing ear to, nor spreading reports tending to raise in the minds of others, a lessening or disesteem of any of the brotherhood ; and as soon as their serivice 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.)
MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
It is a consideration claiming our serious regard, that our worthy ancestors, having their views directed toward an enduring inheritance, and their affections established upon things above, sought not after the splendor of this world. In minds thus bent upon seek- ing a more glorious inheritance than temporals can afford, the love of the world had but little influence ; they were conspicuous examples of temperance and moderation. A defection from this simplicity of heart and heavenly-mindedness, leading into the inordinate love and pursuit of the things of this world, hath pre- vailed with too many amongst us, and produced the fruits of pride and ambition. These have introduced many imaginary wants from which our ancestors were
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MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
preserved by their simplicity. To satisfy these wants, some have been excited to enter into a larger extension of trade and commerce than they had stock and ability to conduct. Vain ambition, and an emulation incon- sistent with the truth, have led many into extravagant expenses. Reduced by these means in their circum- stances, yet unwilling to lessen their appearance in the world, some have resorted to indirect methods to procure a temporary support, which have too frequently ended in failures and bankruptcies.
Whilst, therefore, we hold it to be an indubitable truth, that Moderation and Temperance are inseparable from the christian religion, we affectionately beseech our members to abstain from all appearance of evil in relation thereto. And particularly as respects the use of intoxicating liquors of every description. . Is it not affectingly to be observed, that a baneful excess in drinking spirituous liquors, is prevalent amongst many of the inhabitants of our land ? How evident are the corrupting, debasing, and ruinous effects consequent upon the importation, distillation and retailing of them, whereby intemperance is greatly aided and encouraged, to the impoverishment of many, distempering the con- stitutions and understandings of many more, and in- creasing vice and dissoluteness in the land-with which many religiously attentive minds have long been pain- fully exercised !
It is the fervent desire of the Yearly Meeting, that Friends in all quarters may be earnestly excited to suf- fer the affecting importance of this evil, religiously to impress their minds, and that Monthly meetings may labor in the spirit of love and tenderness with those who use ardent spirits as an article of drink in harvest, or on other occasions, the medical and mechanical use only excepted, and also with those who sell or grind grain for distillation, or furnish fruit or other materials for that purpose ; and also such as aid the business by furnishing vessels to prepare or hold such liquors, or are concerned in conveying it to or from market, or vend, or in any wise aid the commerce of that article.
70
OATHS.
And if such labor prove ineffectual to reclaim from the practice or encouragementof so desolating an evil, and after the hope of gaining such by brotherly treatment is over, Monthly meetings may proceed to disown them.
OATHS.
Our testimony against the imposition of Oaths is founded upon the following express and positive com- mand of the Author of the christian religion, viz :- " Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt per- form unto the Lord thine oath ; but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne ; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool ; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King; neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black; but let your communication be yea, yea ; nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil." (Mat. v. 33 to 37.)
This testimony we also find was clearly held up, and emphatically enjoined, by the apostle James, upon his christian brethren-" But above all things, my breth- ren," says he, " swear not ; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath : but let your yea, be yea , and your nay, nay ; lest ye fall into con- demnation."-(Jas. v. 12.)
Believing, therefore, as we do, that no argument can invalidate a prohibition thus clear and positive, we are bound religiously to regard it ; and whilst we feel grat- itude to our rulers for the continuance of that indul- gence, by which our Affirmation is accepted, let us evince our sincerity in relation to this testimony, by faithfully maintaining 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 bro- therly labor towards them ; and if they cannot be pre- vailed upon to give the necessary satisfaction, to tes- tify their disunity with them.
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OVERSEERS.
We also believe that a proper regard to the obliga- tions of this testimony, would lead our members to pro- cure such persons as witnesses to instruments of writ- ing rendering them necessary, as will attest them by Affirmation.
OVERSEERS.
It is the recommendation and desire of the Yearly Meeting, as productive of very beneficial consequences to Society, that in every Monthly meeting, a proper number of faithful and judicious men and women Friends, belonging to each of the particular or Prepar- ative meetings, be appointed to the station of Overseers within the same ; whose duty it is to exercise a vigi- lant and tender care over their fellow members ; that if any thing repugnant to the harmony and good order of the Society appears amongst them, it may be timely attended to. And to prevent the introduction of all unnecessary and premature complaints to meetings of business, it is advised, that if any member shall have cause of complaint against another, it be mentioned to the Overseers ; who are to see that the party com- plained of has been treated with, according to gospel order, previously to the case being reported to the Pre- parative or Monthly meeting. And should complaints be made to the Overseers, or other judicious Friends, against any of our members, by persons who have not a right of membership with us, the complaint ought not to be slighted or rejected because the complainant is not a member, but such care should be extended in the case, as may evince that our object is the equal and impartial administration of justice, without respect to persons. And it is desired, that in dealing with any, it be done in the spirit of meekness and love, patiently endeavoring to instruct and advise them ; which, if in- effectual, the Preparative meeting should be informed thereof ; that, if needful, the case may be laid before the Monthly meeting ; of which notice should be given to the party, when it can be conveniently done.
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PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
It is further recommended to our Monthly meetings, that a committee be appointed at least once in three years, or as much oftener as the occasion may require, to consider the propriety of changing the Overseers, and bringing forward to the improvement of their gifts other Friends, on whom a concern for the welfare of the Society rests. And we tenderly exhort all our mem- bers, who may be rightly called into this, or any other service of the church, not hastily to excuse themselves therefrom, but solidly to consider the weighty advice of the apostle : - "Feed the flock of God, which is " among you ; taking the oversight thereof, not by con- " straint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a " ready mind ; neither as being lords over God's heri- "tage, but being ensamples to the flock : and when the " chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown " of glory, that fadeth not away." (1 Pet. v. 2, 3, 4.)
PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
As next to our own souls, our offspring are the very. immediate objects of our care and concern, we entreat all who are parents and governors of families, that they lay to heart the great and lasting importance to the youth, of a 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. They would be concerned to im- press them with just sentiments in relation to the van- ity and fallacy of transitory enjoyments, directing them to seek after that solid peace and serenity of mind at- tendant upon true religion, as the pearl of great price.
The importance of an early instruction in the law of God, is set forth with peculiar strength, clearness, and solemnity, in Deut. vi. 4 to 9. - " Hear, O Irael, the " Lord our God is one Lord, and thou shalt love the " Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy " soul, and with all thy might. And these words which " I command thee this day shall be in thy heart, and
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PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
" thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, " and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy " house, and when thou walkest by the way, and " when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
It is requisite also that restraint be added to instruc= tion, it being much easier, as well as more prudent, to exercise it upon the first appearances of an inclination to dangerous or hurtful liberties, than afterward ; for where Children, through the prevalence of fond affec- tion, have been accustomed to improper indulgences, when they are grown to such a dangerous degree of ripeness, that the exertion of authority hath become absolutely necessary, the strength of their passions so habituated, hath often proved unconquerable, or very difficult to overcome ; to the great hurt of the unhappy youth, and the unspeakable grief of the imprudently indulgent Parents.
We know that virtue does not descend by lineal suc- cession, nor piety by inheritance ; yet we trust, that the Almighty graciously regards the sincere endeavors of those Parents, whose early and unremitting care is over their offspring for good. Be ye, therefore, exam- ples to them in your meetings, your families and em- ployments .. Keep them, while young, out of the vain fashions, the corrupt customs, and unprofitable con- versation of the world; laboring to convince their young and tender minds, of the propriety of restraint, when necessary ; exhorting them in meekness, and commanding in wisdom. And, as they advance in age, guard them against the reading of plays, romances, and other licentious publications, of a nature prejudi- cial to the promotion of christianity ; likewise against public pastimes and pernicious diversions ; all which have a tendency to draw the incautious mind from a sense of religious duty, to bring it into a state of alien- ation from the divine life, and to deprive it of that inexpressible comfort and delight attendant upon the daily exercise of religion and virtue.
In much love to the rising generation, we exhort them to avoid the many vanities and ensnaring corruptions 7
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PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
to which they are exposed. Bear in mind, dear youth, that " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- dom." 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 offensive in the divine sight.
With tender solicitude we press it upon you-flee from every thing which may have a tendency to de- spoil your innocence, and to render your minds less receptive of that holy influence which your enlight- ened judgment demonstrates to be truth. We beseech you. attend to this heavenly instructer, and dutifully yield to the correspondent tender advice of your friends. Shrink not from the cross of Christ, in your dress, lan- guage, or manners, but through a subjection of your wills to the divine will ; in these, and all other respects, walk answerably to the purity of our profession, and the simplicity and spirituality of our worship ; so may you be instructive examples to serious inquirers after truth ; and not of those, who under a profession thereof, are preferring their own evil ways, and turning others aside from the footsteps of its followers.
When the pious exercise of parental care and au- thority is disregarded, and any of our youth departing from that simplicity corresponding with our profession, do obstinately run into, and copy after the vain and extravagant fashions of the world, in their dress and ad- dress, and do also expose themselves to the corrupting influence of evil companions, and a consequent irreg- ularity of conduct, such ought to be timely and tenderly expostulated with, to convince them of the dangerous tendency of their conduct; and if they cannot be pre- vailed on to amend their ways, they ought to be treat- ed with by their respective Preparative or Monthly meetings, as in other cases of offense ; and if, after due labor and forbearance, they prove irreclaimable, they should be testified against.
And if any Parents in membership with us, willingly indulge their Children, or youth under their care, in
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PLAINNESS IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.
such extravagance and excess as are here pointed out, and persist in vindicating their conduct, they ought, in like manner, to be treated with and disowned.
It is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that Friends may bring up the youth under their care, to habits of industry, placing them with sober and exemplary mem- bers of the Society for instruction, in such occupations as are consistent with our religious principles and tes- timgnies ; so that as far as in us lies, they may be pre- served in a becoming conduct and demeanor. Also, that those whose circumstances may furnish them with ability for instructing in useful and suitable employ- ments, the children of members who are in situations less affluent, may receive them into their families upon terms so moderate and equitable, as to remove every plausible reason for placing them with those not in membership with us.
PLAINNESS IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.
Upon the first of these subjects, our principle is, to let decency, simplicity, and utility, be our principal motives; and not to conform to the vain and change- able fashions of the world, though we may occasion- ally adopt alterations which appear convenient or useful. This is a principle, the propriety of which we apprehend no serious christian will deny; and whilst in ages of pride and extravagance in dress, the adop- tion of this rule may make us appear singular ; yet, in relation to us, this singularity is not without its use. It is in some respects like a hedge about us ; which, though it does not make the ground it encloses rich and fruitful, yet it frequently prevents those intrusions, by which the labor of the husbandman is injured or destroyed.
The conduct which our Society has adopted in this respect, is supported by many passages in holy writ. " Be not conformed to this world ; but be ye trans- formed by the renewing of your mind," was the advice of the apostle to the christians who dwelt at the seat
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PLAINNESS IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.
of Roman grandeur and luxury. And again, in rela- tion to the female sex, "I will," says he, " that women "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame- " facedness and sobriety ; not with broidered hair, or " gold, or pearls, or costly array ; but, which becometh " women professing godliness, with good works ;" plainly showing that such adornings are contrary to the profession of godliness. The apostle Peter also is very full in his exhortations upon this subject : "Whose adorning," saith he, " let it not be that outward adorn- ing of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel ; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in old time, the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves."
(1 Pet. iii. 3, 4, 5.)
It is, however, highly important to us, to maintain more than the form of godliness, and whilst we avoid a conformity to this world, to be careful to seek after that divine power which will enable us to fulfil the other part of the exhortation : " Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove whatis that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Rom. xii. 2.) Thus, having our minds and conduct rightly regulated, we shall fulfil another important apostolic injunction : " Let not your good be evil spo- ken of."
In our Address, also, we are bound to differ from the world in several respects ; such as our using the singular number in speaking to a single person ; our disuse of the apellation of Master, Mistress, &c. in a complimentary manner, to those who do not stand in these relations to us, and our calling the months, and days of the week, by their numerical names, in- stead of those which are derived from the heathen deities, &c. From these, and other erroneous and cor- rupt practices, the Spirit of Truth, in which we profess to believe, as guiding into all truth, led our predeces- sors in religious profession, and we believe, still leads
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PLAINNESS IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.
us as we follow it. Our conduct in these respects is supported by the practices mentioned in holy writ, as well as by the simplicity and reasonableness of it.
The origin of applying the plural number to an in- dividual, and of complimentary titles to one another, is to be traced to vanity and pride. Besides this con- sideration, our practice of using the singular number to a single person, is both more correct and more per- spicuous, to say nothing of its consistency with the form of sound words as recommended by Paul to Timothy. This is also the case with respect to our names of days and months ; nevertheless it is not by reason and pro- priety alone, that our conduct in these things may be supported. Religion, if an attention to the practice and precepts recorded in the Scriptures, has a claim to that name, also justifies our conduct. It was no doubt in allusion to the complimentary, and not to the proper use of the appellations of Rabbi, Father, and Master, that our Lord prohibited the practice amongst his fol- lowers. Speaking of the disposition of the Scribes and Pharisees, he says, " they love the uppermost rooms at " feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and " greetings in the markets ; and to be called of men " Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi, for one " is your master even Christ, and all ye are brethren. " And call no man your father upon the earth ; for one " is your father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye " called masters ; for one is your master, even Christ." (Matt. xxiii. 6 to 10.) The following expressions of Elihu, a pious young man, mentioned in the book of Job, are also applicable : " Let me not, I pray you, ac- " cept any man's person ; neither let me give flattering " titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering " titles, in so doing my Maker would soon take me " away." (Job xxxii. 21.)
Also, to give the names of heathen deities, &c. to days and months, we apprehend is not only inconsistent with the " form of sound words," just mentioned ; but is contrary to the spirit of the injunction given to the Israelites, as a preservative from contaminating them-
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PLAINNESS IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.
selves with idolatry. "In all things that I have said " unto you, be circumspect; and make no mention of " the names of other gods ; neither let it be heard out " of thy mouth." When the reformation of the Jews was foretold by the prophets, these amongst other things were stated as a part : " I will take the names " of Baalim out of her mouth : I will turn to the people " a pure language ; and I will cut off the names of the " idols out of the land, and they shall no more be re- " membered."
From religious scruples also, we cannot bow the body and take off the hat in order to express our res- pect to man. . The reason for this is, that it is a token of reverence enjoined and used in our solemn ap- proaches to the Supreme Being, when exercising the religious duties of preaching or prayer. On this ac- count, and not from any disrespect, we think it right not to confound this solemn act of reverence to the Almighty, with the marks of respect to our fellow-crea- tures. True civility, and due respect, may be better shown by conduct than by compliment ; and we are far from desiring to dismiss those social duties from our attention and regard in our salutations.
We, therefore, tenderly exhort all, seriously to con- sider the plainness and simplicity which the gospel en- joins, and to manifest it in their habit, speech and de- portment. A declension herein, we fear, is attended with hurtful consequences, in opening the way of some of our youth more easily and unobservedly, to attend places of public resort, for the exercise of sports, plays, and other pernicious diversions, from which truth taught our ancestors, and still teaches us, to refrain.
We also tenderly advise, that Friends take heed, es- pecially those who should be exemplary to those under their care, that they exercise plainness of speech, without respect of persons, in all their converse among men ; and not balk their testimony by a cowardly com- pliance, varying their language according to their com- pany ; a practice of very ill example, rendering those who use it contemptible, and to be looked upon as a
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POOR.
kind of hypocrites, even by those with whom they so comply. This seems to be cautioned against by the apostle, when he advises Timothy that "the deacons " be grave, and not double-tongued;" plainly import- ing, that it is inconsistent with the gravity of the gospel.
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