USA > Indiana > Discipline of the Society of friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1854 > Part 8
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Considering the snares and temptations to which those are exposed, who keep houses of public enter- tainment, and the corrupting influence of many who resort to them, it is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that our members may avoid engaging in such employ- ments for a livelihood, and attend to the pointing of pure wisdom for that end.
And it is also desired, that Friends may endeavor, as far as their influence extends in the community, to pre- vent the unnecessary increase of Taverns, and to be cautious af signing petitions in behalf of those who may apply for licenses on that account, especially if intoxicating liquors are to be kept for sale.
TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDG- MENT.
It is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that offen - ders, whether under dealing, or disowned, who incline
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TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
to make acknowledgment of their offenses, shall pre- pare the same in writing ; which ought to be shown, if under dealing, to the committee appointed in their case ; or if disowned, to the Overseers. And if the purport is judged to be suitable to the occasion, the party may present it to the Monthly meeting, and stay till it is read: and after time given for a solid pause, should with- draw, before either that, or any other business, is pro- ceeded upon. The meeting is then to consider the case, and appoint two or more Friends to inform the party of the result.
In all cases those who are under dealing for offen- ses, and who offer acknowledgments to Monthly meet- ings previous to disownment, ought to particularize in such offerings, the matter or matters charged upon them.
And in relation to applications to be received into membership, from those who have been disowned ; the ground upon which they ought to be accepted being a belief on the part of Monthly meetings of their sincer- ity and contrition ; when this is apparent, it is not ex- pedient to oblige such to recite the particular miscon- duct with which they have beeen charged, and which has been specified in testimonies of denial against them. Nor is it incumbent on Monthly meetings to re- quire acknowledgments in all cases, from those who have been disowned; that being left to the judgment and discretion of the Monthly meeting to which appli- cation is made.
In all cases when a Monthly meeting apprehends itself under a necessity to disown a member, it is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that such member, if his or her situation will admit of it, be previously inform- ed thereof ; and when a Testimony of Disownment is is- sued against such individual, a copy thereof should be retained on the minutes of the Monthly meeting, and one offered to the party testified against.
When females become delinquents, or violate the rules of our Dicipline, women Friends are to exercise a proper care in the case, according to the general
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order of the Society, until their Monthly meeting be- comes satisfied that the offenders should be disowned ; and in order that the men's and women's meetings may act in unity and equality, as to receiving and disown- ing members, it is directed that when either meeting shall have come to a judgment to disown a member, the other shall be consulted, and they may appoint joint committees in the case, if they should be most easy to do so, before a Testimony of Disownment is is- sued. And when a Testimonial is adopted in one meet- ing, it should be sent to the other for concurrence and signing.
When a disowned person removes without the verge of the Monthly meeting, of which he or she has been a member, and becomes concerned to be again united to the Society, such person may make application to the Monthly meeting within the compass of which he or she resides, giving information of their disownment, and by what Monthly meeting : the particular occasion of disownment such Monthly meeting is not enjoined to require. But if, upon noticing the application, the Monthly meeting believes in the sincerity of such in- dividual, and finds nothing to prevent amongst them, inquiry must be made of the Monthly meeting by which the applicant has been disowned, (provided such Monthly meeting exist,) concerning its consent to their reception of such person, and after information there- from that nothing appears to obstruct, such applicant may be by them received.
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It being evident, that where the manifestations and restraints of the spirit of truth are duly prized and re- garded, it leads out of a bondage to the spirit of this world, and preserves the minds of its followers from many fettering and disqualifying entanglements ; and contrarywise, that an inordinate love and pursuit of worldly riches often betrays those who are captivated by them, into many difficulties and dangers, to the
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great obstruction of the work of truth in the heart; we affectionately desire that the counsel and gracious promise of our blessed Redeemer to his followers, may be borne in remembrance by us, "Seek ye first the " kingdom of God, and his righteusness, and all these " shall be added unto you."
The Yearly Meeting being earnestly concerned that the service of our religious Society may not be ob- structed, or its reputation dishonored, by any impru- dence of its members in their wordly engagements, recommends to all, that they be careful not to venture upon business they do not understand ; nor to launch into trade beyond their abilities, and at the risk of others : but that they bound their engagements by their means : and when they enter into contracts, or agree- ments, whether written or by words, that they endea- vor, on all occasions, strictly to fulfil them, that no occasion of reproach may be given to truth, and the Society.
We particularly exhort, that none engage in any such concerns as depend on the deceptive probabili- ties of hazardous enterprises ; but rather content them- selves with such a plain and moderate way of living as is consistent with the self-denying principle of which we make profession, whereby many disappointments and grievous perplexities may be avoided, and that tranquillity of mind obtained which is inseparable from the right enjoyment, even of temporal things. And it is advised, that, when any amongst us err, or are in danger of erring, in these respects, they be faithfully and timely admonished.
It is further recommended, that Friends frequently inspect the state of their affairs, and keep their ac- counts so clear and accurate, that they may, at any time easily know whether they live within the bounds of their circumstances or not; and, in cases of death, that these may not be perplexing to survivors. And whenever any find that they have no more property left than is sufficient to discharge their just debts, and their circumstances becoming worse, it is advised that.
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they immediately consult with some judicious Friends, and, without loss of time, make their circumstances known to their creditors, carefully avoiding the pay- ment of one in preference to another, that so none may be injured, nor any reproach incurred by mis- management. If any should proceed in trade at the hazard of the means of others, without their know- ledge and consent, such conduct is reprehensible ; and after having due care extended, if persisted in, a tes- timony should be borne against it by disowning them.
And where overseers, or other concerned Friends, have reason to fear that any person or family, by liv- ing above their means, or from a want of punctuality in fulfilling their contracts, or any other cause, are de- clining in their circumstances, and likely to fail, it is recommended that such be seasonably treated with, and, (if it appear requisite) advised to call their credi- tors together without delay; and if, notwithstanding this advice, such persons still persist, and run into em- barrassment, to the loss of others, and to their own disreputation, the Preparative or Monthly meeting to which they belong, ought to be timely informed thereof, and proceed to treat with them according to our Rules: when, if this labor also prove ineffectual, a testimony of denial may be issued against them.
It is directed, that where such failures occur, and the cases are under the care of Monthly meetings, that the Friends appointed to visit the parties, inquire of their assignees, or trustees, how their deficiencies have happened, and report accordingly. And it is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that neither Monthly nor other meetings should receive subscriptions, dona- tions, nor bequests, from persons so circumstanced, until they have paid off their deficiencies, or are vol- untarily acquitted thereof by their creditors : for it should be remembered, that though in such cases, the defaulter may have been legally discharged, the pro- perty he may afterwards acquire is not properly his own, till he has fairly paid off his former debts to the satisfaction of his creditors. Wherefore, we further
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direct, that if any such person or persons, on being suitably reminded of their duty in this respect, shall refuse to comply therewith, inquiry be made into the reason, and if it be not such as shall satisfy the Monthly meetings of which they are members, and they cannot be prevailed with ; the said meetings, after a proper time of labor and forbearance, may issue a testimony of denial against them.
We also desire, that when Friends accept the office of assignee, or trustee, they be active in collecting the effects of the estate, and punctual and speedy in mak- ing distribution.
We also caution all in membership with us, to be careful how they enter into joint securities with others, under the specious plea of rendering acts of kindness; many, by so doing, having been suddenly ruined, and their innocent wives and children reduced to deplorable circumstances. "Be not thou," said the wise man, " one of them that strike hands, or of them that are " sureties for debts : if thou hast nothing to pay, why " should he take away thy bed from under thee? "
It is the affectionate desire of the Yearly Meeting, that Friends may wait for divine counsel in all their en- gagements, and not suffer their minds to be carried away by an inordinate desire of wordly riches ; re- membering the observation of the Apostle in his day, and so often sorrowfully verified in ours ; " they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil : which some having coveted after, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim. vi. 9.) Even when riches to any extraordinary degree have been amassed, by the successful industry of parents, how often have they proved like wings to their children, carrying them beyond the limitations of truth, into lib- erties repugnant to our religious testimonies, and some- times into enterprises, which have terminated in irre- parable damage to their temporal affairs, if not an
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WAR.
entire forgetfulness of the great work of their souls' salvation.
We do not condemn industry ; we believe it to be not only praise-worthy, but indispensable; it is the" desire of great things, and the engrossment of the time and attention, from which we desire, that our dear friends may be preserved. We doubtless owe duties to ourselves, and our families, but do we not owe even ourselves to our all-wise, all-protecting and provident Creator ?
WAR.
Believing, as we do, that the spirit of the Gospel breathes " peace on earth and good will to men," it is the earnest concern of the Yearly Meeting that Friends may adhere faithfully to our ancient testimony against wars and fightings, avoiding to unite with any in war- like measures, either offensive or defensive ; that by the innocency of our conduct, we may convincingly de- monstrate ourselves to be real subjects of the Messiah's peaceful reign, and be instrumental in the promotion thereof, towards its desired completion ; when, accord- ing to ancient prophecy, " the earth shall be full of the " knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea ; " and its inhabitants shall learn War no more."
In relation to this testimony, it is our judgment that when goods have been distrained from any, on account of a refusal to pay fines for non-performance of mili- tary services, and the officers after deducting the fines and costs, propose to return the remainder, that Friends should maintain their testimony by suffering, rather than accept such overplus, unless the same, or part of it is returned, without a change of the species.
That furnishing wagons, or other means for convey- ing of military stores, is a military service : and the care of elders, overseers, and faithful Friends, should be extended, in christian tenderness and love, to such as deviate herein, in order to convince them of their error.
And that a tax levied for the purchasing of drums,
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colors, or for other warlike uses, cannot be paid consis- tently with our christian testimony.
It is the fervent concern of the Yearly Meeting, to recommend to the deep attention of all our members, that they be religiously guarded against approving or showing the least connivance at War, either by attend- ing at, or viewing of military operations, or in any- wise encouraging the unstable, deceitful spirit of party, by joining with political devices or associations, how- ever speciously disguised, under the ensnaring subtle- ties commonly attendant thereon ; but that they sin- cerely labor to experience a settlement on the alone sure foundation of pure, unchangeable truth ; whereby, through the prevalence of unfeigned christian love, and good will to men, we may convincingly demon- strate, that the kingdom we seek is not of this world ; but a kingdom and government, whose subjects are free indeed, redeemed from those captivating lusts. from whence come wars and fightings.
And that the members of our religious Society would carefully avoid engaging in any trade or business pro- motive of War, sharing or partaking of the spoils of War, by purchasing or selling prize-goods, importing or shipping goods in armed vessels, paying taxes for the express purpose of War, or from pecuniary motives grinding of grain, feeding of cattle, or disposing of their property, for the use of the army ; that through a close attention to the monitions of divine grace, and guarding against the suppression of it, either in them- selves or others, they may be preserved in a conduct consistent with our holy profession, and from wound- ing the minds or increasing the sufferings of each other ; not at all doubting that He to whom apper- tains the kingdom, and the power, who is wonderful in working, will continue to carry on and perfect his blessed cause of peace on the earth. A due attention to this concern is recommended to Quarterly, Monthly, and Preparative meetings, and to Friends in general ; it being the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that if any of our members do, either openly, or by conni-
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vance, pay any fine, penalty, or tax, in lieu of per- sonal service for carrying on War, or allow their chil- dren, apprentices, or servants, who are members, to act therein, or are concerned in arming or equipping vessels with guns, or deal in public certificates issued as a compensation for expenses accrued, or services performed in War, that they be tenderly treated with, and if they cannot be brought to an acknowledgment of their error, Monthly meetings are authorized to dis- own them.
It is further the sense and judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that it is inconsistent with our religious testi- mony and principle for any Friend to pay a fine or tax, levied on account of their refusal to muster or to serve in the militia, although such fine or imposition may be applied towards defraying the expenses of civil government ; and where deviations in this respect occur, tender dealing and advice should be extended to the party, in order to their convincement and resto- ration ; and if this prove ineffectual, Monthly meetings should proceed to disown them.
And finally, dear Friends, upon the calamitous sub- ject of War, you are not ignorant of what adorns our profession. Let us seek Peace and pursue it, remem- bering that we are called to love. Oh ! that the small- est germ of enmity might be eradicated from our inclo- sure : and truly there is a soil in which it cannot live ; this soil is christian humility. May we therefore be peaceable ourselves, in words and actions, seeking for that disposition, in which we can pray to the Father of the universe, that he may breathe the spirit of recon- ciliation into the hearts of his erring and contending creatures.
WILLS.
Knowing how quickly many are removed by death, it is weightily recommended by the Yearly Meeting, that care be taken by each Monthly meeting, that Friends who have estates to dispose of, be advised to
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YEARLY MEETING.
make their Wills in time of health and strength of judg- ment, and therein to direct their substance as in jus- tice and wisdom may be to their satisfaction and peace; laying aside all resentment, though occasion may have been given, lest it should go with them to the grave; remembering we all stand in need of mercy and forgiveness. Making such Wills in due time can shorten no one's days ; but the omission or delay thereof to a time of sickness, when the mind should not be diverted from a solemn consideration of the approach- ing awful period of life, has often proved very inju- rious to many, and been the occasion of creating dis- contents and animosities in families, which the more seasonable and deliberate performance of this neces- sary duty might have prevented.
We also recommend to Friends, to employ persons of competent legal knowledge, to write their Wills, as great inconvenience and injury to families has some- times happened through the unskilfulness of some who have taken upon them to write Wills.
We further desire that executors and trustees con- cerned in Wills, and settlements, may take especial care to discharge faithfully their respective trusts, accord- ing to the intent of the donors and testators ; and that all charitable gifts, legacies, bequests and settlements of estates, by Will or deed, intended and given for the use of the poor, the aged, the impotent, or for the education or apprenticeships of the children of poor Friends, may not be appropriated or converted to any other uses than such as the donors or testators have directed. A violation herein, being an obvious per- version of justice, offenders in these respects should be dealt with; and unless they make due satisfaction to the injured parties, and to the meeting to which they belong, should be disowned.
YEARLY MEETING.
Indiana Yearly Meeting was set off from the Yearly Meeting of Ohio, and is composed of Friends in the States of Indiana and Illinois and in the western parts
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YEARLY MEETING.
of the State of Ohio, &c. The first Yearly Meeting in Indiana was held at White Water, in the Tenth month, 1821. It is now established to be held at White Water, in Wayne county, Indiana, on Fifth-day, pre- ceding the first First-day in the Tenth month each year, at eleven o'clock in the morning. A meeting for wor- ship to be held on Fourth-day preceding, at eleven o'clock, and two on First-day following, one at ten in the morning, and the other at three in the afternoon.
The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders is held on Third-day preceding the Yearly Meeting, at ten o'clock in the morning.
The Representatives from the Quarterly meetings, both men and women, are annually to choose a Clerk, and an assistant or assistants, at the close of the first sitting of the Meeting for Discipline, whose names are to be reported at the opening of the next sitting.
Representatives having the care of the Reports from the Quarterly meetings, are to put them into the hands of the Clerk of the meeting for the preceding year, before the opening of the meeting for Discipline, in order that time may be saved to the meeting, by a previous entry of the names of Representatives. No Representative ought to withdraw from the Yearly Meeting before it ends, without leave being first re- quested and granted.
All communications directed to the Yearly Meeting, except from such meetings as correspond regularly therewith, are to be previously perused by a nomination of Friends for the purpose ; who are to consider and report, whether the same be proper to be read in the Yearly Meeting.
The design of our Annual meetings, in their first constitution, being in order to a general oversight, and care of the Churches, pertaining to our christian com- munion, it remains to be our fervent desire, that good order, unity and concord may be maintained amongst us. We know that love and unity, founded upon chris- tian principles, are promotive of truth and righteous- ness amongst ourselves, and we believe also, that when
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conspicuous in us, they have their influence upon those around us. Under these considerations, we fervently desire, and humbly hope, that He who hath to the pre- sent day, preserved us a people highly favored, will be graciously pleased still to animate us with a zealous concern, that love and good will may predominate in us individually, and that union, peace, and concord, may prevail in every department of the family. And finally, Friends, collectively and individually, may all our meetings be held with weight, as in the immediate presence of the Head of the church; may the aged amongst us be examples of every christian virtue, and evince by the calmness of their evening, that their day has been blest : May the middle aged not faint in their stations ; but together with their elder and younger brethren, firmly support, yea, exalt the several testimo- nies which we are called to maintain. And, Oh ! may the beloved youth bend early and cheerfully, under the forming power of truth; that each, standing in his allottment, the harmony of the building may be pre- served, and we truly grow up into a holy temple for the Lord.
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CERTIFICATE AND TESTIMONIAL.
The following are recommended as suitable Forms for Certificates Removal and Testimonials of Disownment, to be varied according to circumstances :
CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL.
To M- Monthly meeting of Friends :
DEAR FRIENDS,
A B, and C his wife, members of this meeting, having re- moved with their minor children, D, E, and F, and settled within the limits of your meeting, request has been made for our Certificate of their right of membership. This is there- fore to certify, that on due inquiry respecting their conduct, and the proper adjustment of their outward affairs, no obstruction appears to the issuing of a Certificate in their behalf. We therefore recommend them to you, and remain in love, your friends.
Signed by direction and on behalf of S- Monthly Meeting of Friends, held - month - 18 -. TRI
Y Y, Correspondent. RT
Clerk.
TESTIMONIAL OF DISOWNMENT.
A B, who has had a right of membership in the Society of Friends, has for which he has been treated with without the desired effect :- we therefore disown him from being a member with us. 4
Signed in and by direction of Monthly meeting of Friends, held - day of - 18 -.
CD, Clerk.
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