USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1854 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
POOR.
As mercy, compassion, and charity, are eminently required by the Gospel, it is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that the cases of our members who are in in- digent circumstances be duly inspected, in order that advice and relief may be seasonably extended, and assistance afforded them, in such business as they are capable of. To defray the expenses which their support and the education of their children will neces- sarily occasion, it is recommended to each Monthly and Preparative meeting of men and women Friends, to be open-hearted, and liberal in subscriptions, for raising and continuing funds for these purposes. And in the exercises of this benevolent care, it is desired that we may always guard against unnessarily exposing the names or situation of our fellow-members. Such also who need pecuniary aid, ought to accept the deliber- ate advice of their friends, and manifest a becoming disposition to conform to their solid judgment; remem- bering, that it is said, " In the multitude of counsellors " there is safety." (Prov. xi. 14.)
Where there is an obstinate refusal to conform to such advice, committees are to be governed in the dis- tribution of the intended liberality, by a prudent dis- cretion.
Women's Monthly meetings are to inspect and re- lieve the wants of the poor of their own sex ; and where their own funds are insufficient, they are to ap- ply to the Men's meeting for their aid, and for their concurrence, as cases shall require.
80
QUERIES.
PRIESTS' WAGES, OR HIRELING MINISTRY.
Let us keep in remembrance this fundamental prin- ciple of our profession, that it is under the immediate teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit, that all ac- ceptable worship is performed, and all Gospel Ministry supplied ; that this pure and powerful influence, in vessels sanctified and prepared by the Divine hand, is the essential qualification to that work. The gift, therefore, being divine, the service is freely and faith- fully to be discharged, without any view to reward from man, agreeably to the express command of Christ, our head and high-priest, "Freely ye have received, " freely give." (Matt. x. 8.)
And where any of our members are so regardless of this testimony, as to contribute to the support of an Hireling Ministry, and vindicate such conduct, they ought to be tenderly labored with, to convince them of their error ; but if this prove ineffectual, and they per- sist in their unfaithfulness, the Monthly meetings to which they belong, should proceed to declare our dis- unity with them-such conduct being opposed to our testimony for the Free Ministry of the Gospel, which is " without money and without price."
4
QUERIES.
In order that the Yearly Meeting may be clearly in- formed of the State of Society, the following Queries are directed to the subordinate meetings: and in de- siring answers to them, the design of the Yearly Meet- ing is, not only to be informed of the due observance of the several branches of our christian testimony ; but also, to impress on the minds of our members, a profit- able individual examination of themselves how far they act consistently with their religious profession ; and also to excite elders, overseers, and other concerned Friends, to discharge their duty faithfully, in adminis- tering counsel and admonition when necessary.
81
QUERIES.
It is concluded that the following eight Queries be read, deliberately considered, and answered, in each Preparative and Monthly meeting, once in the year, in order to convey an explicit account, in writing, to the Quarterly meetings, next preceding the Yearly Meet- ing ; and from thence, an account is to be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting.
"Also, that the first, second, and eighth of these Que- ries be read, and considered, and explicit written an- swers be prepared for them in the two Quarterly meet- ings preceding the one before mentioned, and also the Preparative and Monthly meetings which report thereto. But none of the Queries are to be read, or answered, in those Quarterly meetings for discipline which im- mediately succeed the Yearly Meeting, nor in the Pre- parative or Monthly meetings which report to those Quarters.
And further, it is not obligatory on meetings to read any other of the Queries than such as are to be an- swered : nor is the reading and answering of them en- ' joined on any Preparative meeting, where the mem- bers of that and the Monthly meetings are the same.
FIRST QUERY .- Are all the meetings for worship and discipline attended ? Do Friends avoid unbecoming behavior therein? And is the hour of meeting ob- served?
SECOND .- Are Friends preserved in christian love one toward another? Are tale-bearing and detraction dis- couraged ? And when differences arise, are endeavors used speedily to end them ?
THIRD .- Do Friends endeavor, by example and pre- cept, to educate their children, and those under their care, in the principles of the Christian religion, and in plainness of speech, deportment, and apparel? Do
they guard them against reading pernicious books, and from corrupt conversation ? And are they encouraged to read the Holy Scriptures diligently ?
FOURTH .- Are Friends clear of importing, vending, distilling, and the unnecessary use of all intoxicating 8
82
ANNUAL QUERIES.
liquors? And attending circus-shows and other places of diversion ? And do they observe moderation and tem- perance on all occasions ?
FIFTH .- Are the necessities of the poor, and the cir- cumstances of those who may appear likely to require aid, inspected and relieved ? Are they advised and as- sisted in such employments as they are capable of; and is due care taken to promote the school-education of their children ?
SIXTH .- Do Friends maintain a testimony against priests' and ministers' wages ? Against Slavery ; oaths ; bearing arms, and all military services; trading in goods taken in war; and against lotteries ?
SEVENTH .- Are Friends careful to live within the bounds of their circumstances, and to avoid involving themselves in business beyond their ability to manage; or in hazardous or speculative trade ? Are they just in their dealings, and punctual in complying with their contracts and engagements; and in paying their debts seasonably ? And where any give reasonable grounds for fear in these respects, is due care extended to them.
EIGHTH .- Is care taken to deal with offenders season- ably and impartially, and to endeavor to evince to those who will not be reclaimed, the spirit of meek- ness and love, before judgment is placed upon them?
It is also required that the following Queries be read and answered once in the year, in each Monthly and Quarterly meeting, and a written report thereof forwarded to the Yearly Meeting, by the respective Quarters.
ANNUAL QUERIES.
FIRST QUERY .- What new meeting settled ?
SECOND QUERY .- Are schools encouraged for the edu- cation of our youth, uuder the tuition of teachers in membership with us? And is each family of Friends furnished with a copy of the Holy Scriptures ?
83
GENERAL ADVICES, &C.
THIRD QUERY .- Are the Queries, addressed to the Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative meetings, read and answered therein, as directed ?
GENERAL ADVICES.
It is further directed, that in the Preparative and Monthly meetings, in which all the foregoing Queries are read and answered, the following Advices may also be read, with a suitable pause between them, as a means of exciting those present to a consideration, whether there is any occasion for an extension of care in these respects, in relation either to themselves or others.
FRIENDS ARE ADVISED
To observe due moderation in the furniture of their houses, and to avoid superfluity in their manner of living.
To attend to the limitations of truth in their tempo- ral business.
To be careful to make a profitable and religious use of those portions of time on the first day of the week, which are not occupied by our meetings for worship.
To be careful to place their children amongst Friends ; preferring those whose care and example will be most likely to conduce to their preservation.
To inspect the state of their temporal affairs once in the year, and make their Wills whilst in health.
To apply for Certificates, when about to remove, and to pay proper attention to those coming from other places, who appear as Friends, without producing Cer- tificates.
And it is advised, that when occasions of uneasiness appear in any, such may be treated with in privacy, and with tenderness, before the matter be communi- cated to another; thus, the hands of those concerned in the further exercise of the Discipline, will not be weakened by a consciousness on their part, of a de- parture from the true order of the gospel.
84
QUERIES FOR MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
It is further recommended that all our meetings for business be kept select, and that Friends endeavor to manage the affairs of Society in the spirit of meekness and wisdom; with decency, forbearance, and love to each other ; laboring to maintain the "unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace."
QUERIES FOR MEETINGS OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
The Yearly Meeting requires, that of the following four Queries, formed for the use of the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, the first three be read, and dis- tinctly answered in writing, three times in the year, by each Preparative meeting of that kind, to its res- pective Quarterly meeting : and that all the said four Queries shall be in like manner read and answered, by the Preparatives to their Quarterly meetings next pre- ceding the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; in order that the Quarterly meetings may be enabled to transmit a clear and distinct statement of those answers to that meeting
QUERIES FOR MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
I. Are ministers and elders diligent in their attend- ance of Meetings for Worship and Discipline season- ably ; and do they encourage their families to that religious duty, by taking them with them as circum- stances will admit ?
II. Are ministers, in the exercise of their gifts, care- ful to wait for divine ability ? and are they sound in word and doctrine?
III. Are ministers and elders in unity one with another, and with the meetings to which they belong? manifesting a religious concern for the advancement of truth, and the support of our Discipline ?
IV. Are ministers and elders good examples in up- rightness, temperance, and moderation ; and careful to train up their families in plainness of dress, and sim- plicity of manners, becoming our religious profession?
85
SCHOOLS.
ADVICES TO MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
It is also desired that the following Advices be delib- erately read in each subordinate Select meeting, at least once in the year :
Let all, in their testimonies, be cautious of using unnecessary preambles, and of asserting too positively a divine impulse ; the baptizing power of truth accom- panying their words, being the true evidence.
Let all read the Holy Scriptures diligently, and be careful neither to misquote, nor misapply them.
Let ministers be careful how they enter upon dis- puted points in their testimony ; or of making such objections as they do not clearly answer.
Let all be cautious of interrupting the solemnity of meetings by unnecessary additions towards the con- clusion.
Let ministers avoid all unbecoming tones, sounds, gestures, and all affectation ; these not being agree- able to christian gravity. Let them be careful when they travel in the service of truth, not to make their visits burthensome, or the Gospel chargeable.
And lastly, let all dwell in that which gives ability to labor successfully in the church of Christ, adorning the doctrine they deliver to others, being examples of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
SCHOOLS.
The very important subject of the education of our youth, in piety and virtue, and giving them useful learning, under the tuition of religious, prudent per- sons ; having for many years engaged the attention of the Yearly Meeting, and advices having, from time to time been issued thereon to the several subordinate meetings, it is renewedly desired, that Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative meetings, may be excited to proper exertions for the establishment and support
86
SCRIPTURES.
of Schools ; there being but little doubt, that as Friends are united, and cherish a disposition of liberality for the assistance of each other in this interesting work, they will be enabled to make such provision as would encourage well qualified persons to engage in this arduous employment : for want of which, it has been observed, that children have been committed to the care of transient persons, of doubtful character, and sometimes of corrupt minds ; by whose example and influence, they have been betrayed into principles and habits which have had an injurious effect on them in more advanced life.
It is therefore indispensably incumbent on us, to guard against this danger, and procure such tutors, of our own religious persuasion, as are not only capable of instructing them in useful learning, to fit them for business in relation to temporal concerns, but to train them up in the knowledge of their duty to God, and one towards another.
And believing it important that the minds of our children should, at an early age, be stored with the truths relating to life and salvation, we propose that the reading of the Holy Scriptures should form a part of the daily exercises of our Schools ; and that this part of the order proposed, should be particularly under the care and direction of the superintending Committees , appointed by the Quarterly and Monthly meetings. (1830.) Each scholar that attends these Schools, whose progress in reading is sufficient, should be supplied with a copy of the Scriptures.
SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.
We tenderly and earnestly advise and exhort all parents and heads of families, that they endeavor to instruct their children and families in the doctrines and precepts of the Christian religion as contained in the Holy Scriptures; and that they excite them to the diligent reading of those excellent writings, which plainly set forth the miraculous conception, birth, holy
87
SCRIPTURES.
life, wonderful works, blessed example, meritorous death, and glorious resurrection, ascension and media- tion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; to educate their children in the belief of these important truths, as well as in the belief of the inward manifestation and operation of the Holy Spirit on their own minds, that they may reap the benefit and advantage thereof, for their own peace and everlasting happiness ; which is infinitely preferable to all other considerations. (1732.)
We have always believed that the Holy Scriptures were written by Divine inspiration; that they are able to make wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus : for as holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, they are therefore 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. But as we freely acknowledge that their authority does not depend upon the approbation of any Church or As- sembly, so neither can we subject them to the fallen corrupt reason of man. A true understanding of the divine will, and spiritual meaning and application of Holy Scripture, cannot be discerned by the natural, but only by the spiritual man ; it is therefore by the assistance of the Holy Spirit that they are read with great instruction and comfort.
We have always asserted our willingness, that all our doctrines and practices be tried by them ; and ad- mit it as a positive maxim, " That whatsoever any do, pretending to the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures, be accounted and reckoned a delusion of the devil."
A lively concern has been felt that parents and heads of families may be encouraged to the daily practice of calling their families together, and after a solemn pause, let a portion of the Holy Scriptures be read ; and as our minds arc humbly turned to the divine source of light and strength, there would be no danger
88
SCRIPTURES.
of the practice becoming formal. We have no doubt that this practice has proved a blessing, both to parents and children, where they have taken up the cross, and been faithful therein .- (1828, 1829.)
We are, also, concerned to recommend a more fre- quent use of the Scriptures in our Schools ; believing that such a practice would have a tendency, not only to advance their literary improvements, but to solem- nize the minds of our tender offspring, and make im- pressions on them which would be likely to continue through the various stages of life, and contribute, in no small degree, to the formation of sound principles, and to their preservation in the ways of righteousness.
Monthly meetings are recommended to make the necessary inspection to ascertain whether each family within its limits is provided with a copy of the Old and New Testaments ; and should any be found with- out these inestimable writings, that they be directed to procure them ; and to those in indigent circumstan- ces, assistance should be rendered, if necessary. (1828.)
We are concerned to revive the former advice of this meeting, relative to the daily practice of reading the Holy Scriptures in families properly convened for that purpose. We are aware that the cross may be much in the way of many Friends who measurably see the necessity of a compliance with this duty. Unto such we would hold out the language of encourage- ment ;- and, dear friends, whilst we are concerned to avoid formality, let us not despise or neglect the beau- tiful order which truth leads into. Where parents are united in this solemu duty ; where they fully submit to the yoke of Christ, they will experience the truth of his own declaration : "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." And how encouraging is the remembrance of some formerly, who, with divine approbation, brought little children to Christ.
They no doubt had become, in a degree, acquainted with the Divine Master, and were desirous that their children should be made par- takers of his blessing. (1830, 1831, 1832, 1837, &c.)
89
SLAVERY.
SLAVERY, AND THE PEOPLE OF COLOR.
As a religious Society, we have found it to be our indispensable duty to declare to the world our belief of the repugnancy of Slavery to the christian religion. It therefore remains to be our continued concern, to prohibit our members from holding in bondage our fel- low men. And, at the present time, we apprehend it to be incumbent on every individual deeply to consider his own particular share in this testimony. The slow progress in the emancipation of this part of the human family, we lament ; but nevertheless do not despair of their ultimate enlargement. And we desire that Friendsmay not suffer the deplorable condition of these, our enslaved fellow beings, to lose its force upon their minds, through the delay which the opposition of in- terested men may occasion in this work of justice and mercy ; but rather be animated to consider, that the longer the opposition remains, the greater is the neces- sity, on the side of righteousness and benevolence, for our steady perseverance in pleading their cause.
Let us also, amidst our sympathy for the sufferers, not forget to cultivate those sensations, which direct the mind in pity towards the deplorable state of such men, whether in foreign countries or our own, as pro- mote, procure, and execute, the tearing away of the Africans from their native land, as well as for those who detain them in bondage ; remembering that they are men, equally interested with us in the rewards of futurity. Believing, therefore, as we do, that a just and dreadful retribution awaits the unrepenting and obdurate oppressor, at that awful tribunal, where soph- istry will not prevail to exculpate ; let us seek for, and cherish, that disposition of mind which can pray for these enemies of humanity, and fervently breathe for their restoration to soundness of judgment, and purity of principle.
In relation to this oppressed people, we earnestly de- sire, that such of them as may be under the care of any
90
SLAVERY.
of our members, may be treated with kindness; and as objects of the common salvation instructed in the prin- ciples of the christian religion, as well as in such branches of school learning as may fit them to become useful members of civil society. Also, that Friends, in their respective neighborhoods, advise and assist them in the education of their children, and common worldly concerns.
If any in membership with us, should hire slaves to assist them in their business, it is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting that in so doing such promote the un- righteous traffic, and oppose our testimony against Slavery. And where they cannot be prevailed upon to desist therefrom, Monthly meetings are at liberty to de- clare their disunity with them.
If any of our members should purchase slaves, to be liberated after a term of years, however they may be induced thereto from an apparent motive of contribu- ting to the cause of humanity ; yet it is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting that it is a practice which ought to be discouraged ; believing that upon due re- flection it will be found that those do not support a faithful testimony against Slavery.
We believe also, that a proper regard to this testi- mony would lead our members to avoid acting as ex- ecutors or administrators to estates where slaves are bequeathed, or being accessary to any step whereby their bondage may be prolonged.
The situation of those People of Color who have been held as Slaves, by any of us or our predecessors, calls for our serious examination and inquiry, how far we are clear of withholding from them what, under such an exercise, may be opened to our view as their just right ; and we earnestly and affectionately entreat those in particular, who have released any of them, to attend to the further manifestations of duty. Even if no such obligations to this people existed amongst us, it is worthy of our consideration, whether any object of beneficence is more deserving of our regard, than that of training up their youth in such virtuous prin-
91
STOCK.
ciples and habits as may render them useful and res- pectable members of the community.
And further, it is the conclusion of the Yearly Meet- ing, that if any of our members are concerned in im- porting, selling, or purchasing ; or shall give away or transfer, any slave, with, or without any other consid- eration than to clear their estate of future incumb- rance, or in such manner that their bondage is contin- ued beyond the time limited by law or custom for white persons ; and also, if any shall accept of such gift or assignment, or the proceeds of the sale of such persons, they ought to be speedily treated with in the spirit of love and wisdom, in order to convince them of the iniquity of their conduct ; and if, after christian labor, they cannot be brought to such a sense of their injustice, as to do whatever the Monthly meeting shall judge to be neccessary, for the restoration of such slave to his or her natural and just liberty, and con- demn their deviation from the law of righteousness and equity, to the satisfaction of the said meeting, such ought to be disowned as other transgressors are, for immoral, unjust, and reproachful conduct.
STOCK.
A Stock having by experience been found useful for the occasions of the Society, and particularly in the application from time to time, by our Meeting for Sufferings, it is desired by the Yearly Meeting, that the same be occasionally renewed, by a collection from each Quarter ; 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 Meeting for Sufferings, as the exigencies of the Soci- ety may require.
The sums which may be thought necessary, are to be raised by each Quarter, in the proportions which may from time to time, be ascertained by the Yearly Meeting.
92
PUBLIC HOUSES, &C.
Women's meetings are also to have a Stock of their own for such services as may fall more properly un- der their notice.
TAVERNS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AND PLACES OF PUB- LIC RESORT.
It is the concern of the Yearly Meeting, to caution not only the youth, but those of riper age, to avoid the frequenting of Taverns, and all other places of public resort, without lawful and necessary business, or for the indulgence of idleness and conversation ; more espe- cially places where intoxicating liquors are kept for sale. About such places, the unwary are liable to be exposed to evil company, and uprofitable conversation, or be betrayed into the use of strong liquors, by which many have been corrupted, both in principle and practice, to the ruin of themselves and their families. And if any be in danger on these accounts, it is desired that they may be timely and tenderly treated with, in orderd to convince them thereof.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.