USA > Indiana > The discipline of the Society of Friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1838 > Part 2
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Friends are also enjoined, to maintain our testi- mony against affixing monuments of any description to graves, for the purpose of distinction, 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 extravagant expenses on account of the interment of the dead.
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 respective 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 desired to record it, an explanatory note should be inserted in the record. And in order to engage the attention of Monthly meetings more closely to this subject, it is further enjoined, that committees be appointed annually to examine the records, and to extend 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 resi- dence.
Occasional notes.
DEATHS.
Names of the deceased.
When dec'd.
Age.
Where buried.
Late re- sidence.
Occasional notes.
BOOKS.
It being a business assigned to the Meeting for Sufferings, to take the oversight of all writings proposed to be printed, which relate to our religious principles or testimonies, our members who may have it in prospect to publish any such writings, 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, 10 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 under their direction, from perusing those pernicious publications which are written for the purpose of weakening the authority of the chistian religion, or exciting doubts concerning the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures, and those saving truths declared
21
CERTIFICATES.
in them; lest the immature and feeble minds of such, should be poisoned 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 being written by persons of corrupt minds, have a tendency to awaken and invigorate those impure propensities, " which war against the soul," and which it is the duty and interest of every christian mind to keep in a state of suppression.
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, seasonably delivered back to the meeting; and that all certificates 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 dissolv- ing 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 removals hath originated in worldly motives. And the religious growth and establishment of children, being the most interesting, ought to be the principal engage- ment of the minds of parents, it is the affectionate
22
CERTIFICATES.
desire of the Yearly meeting, that in putting them forward 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 Divine Wisdom, and also timely to consult experienced Friends, previously to their fixing a resolution of changing their residence.
When certificates of removal from one Monthly meeting to another, are received, the persons recommended 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. But if any shall remove without so applying, the Monthly meeting of which they are members, after making the usual inquiry, 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 previous conduct require that they be treated with, and the distance be such as to render it inconvenient for the meetings they removed from, the Monthly meetings, 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, certificates of re- moval 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 with informa- tion of their right of appeal.
If the person removed or about to remove be a
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CERTIFICATES.
female, the women's Monthly meeting is to appoint two or more of their members, to make the neces- sary inquiry, and prepare a certificate accordingly ; which after being considered in the women's, is to be laid before the men's meeting; and when there approved and signed, returned to the women's meeting for their signature. But if the certificate is intended to include one or more males, then the women are to report the result of their inquiry to the friends named on the like inquiry by the men's meeting; in which the certificate being approved and signed, is to be sent to the women's meeting for their concurrence and signing. And all cer- tificates received for women friends, are to be laid before the men's meeting, before they can be fully accepted by the women's meeting. The personal attendance of such women friends therewith in men's meeting is not required.
Where apprentices, or person's 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 recommended by certificates, and be of disorderly conduct, the overseers, or other concerned Friends. should inquire whether or not they are members of our society; and if they prove so to be, admonish them, or if the occasion require it, report the case to the Preparative, 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 nature.
Monthly meetings are to take due care, that
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CHARITY AND UNITY .- CIVIL GOVERMENT.
certificates of removal be seasonably forwarded, by suitable conveyances, to the Monthly meetings to which they are directed; they being the exclusive property of such meetings.
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 con- descension and forgiveness, becoming the followers of Christ; and if any, notwithstanding such en- deavors 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 belong, 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 meeting to which they belong, which, after laboring with them with- out the desired effect, ought to testify against them as out of the unity of the body; the very end of the existence of which is, to promote peace on earth, and good will amongst men.
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 incumbent upon us, to maintain it inviolably amongst ourselves; and therefore exhort all in pro- fession 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 conscienciously scrupulous.
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CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
If any persons in membership with us, notwith- standing the preceding admonition, shall persist in a conduct so repugnant to our principles, it is the sense of the Yearly Meeting, that they be treated with as in other cases of offence; and if they cannot be brought to see and acknowledge their error, the Monthly Meetings to which they belong should pro- ceed to testify against them.
It is also our judgment, that Friends ought not, in any wise, to be active or accessary in electing, or promoting to be elected, their brethren or others to such offices or stations in civil government, the exe- cution whereof tends to lay waste our christian testimony, or subject their brethren or others to sufferings on account of their conscientious scru- ples. The principle of truth calls us out of con- tention; 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 shew 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 completion in the earth, when according to the prophecies 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 na- ture against any; much less in opposition to those placed in authority; nor can we unite with or en- courage such as revile or asperse them, for it is 3
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CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
written, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." Acts, xxiii and 5th.
CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.
Such are to be treated with, as are guilty of lying, drunkenness, swearing, cursing; together with every other immoral or scandalous practice: and when per- sons are guilty in these respects, or any of them, after being treated with by the overseers or other concerned Friends, if they be brought to a sense of the iniquity thereof, such offenders are without im- proper delay, to remove the scandal, and clear, as much as possible, our holy profession therefrom, by acknowledging and condemning the offence, in wri- ting, under their hands, to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meetings, to which they belong. And if any such offenders refuse to acknowledge and con- demn their faults, the said meetings, 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 ear- nestly treated with for the convincement of their understandings, that they may experience repen- tance and forgiveness; but should any, notwith- standing such brotherly labor, persist in their error, or deny the divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity of the 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 aforesaid earnest and religious endeavors without effect, to declare the same and issue their testimony accordingly.
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 pecuniary interest may induce any of our mem- bers to impose upon each other, or upon any with
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CONVINCED PERSONS.
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 delin- quents; and as it is obvious that there can be no just pretensions to religious rectitude, without a confor- mity to moral justice, Monthly Meetings are author- ized to disown those, who will not be reclaimed by their brotherly endeavors 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 caution our members against the indulgence of pas_ sion, or the exercise of cruelty, even towards the brute creation, which a benificent Providence has made subservient to our comfort and convenience.
CONVINCED PERSONS.
It is directed that the following order be observed respecting persons who apply for admittance into membership. They are to apply to the overseers, who, when they are easy so to do, are to lay the case before the Preparative Meeting; and after that meeting is fully satisfied, by paying a visit or other- wise, they are to lay it before the Monthly Meeting; which meeting 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 under- stand whether their motives for such requests be sincere, and on the ground of convincement; and report their sense thereof, with which, if the meet- ing be satisfied, a minute should be made signifying the acceptance of such into membership, and ap- pointing a Friend or two to acquaint the persons thereof.
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DAYS AND TIMES.
When females apply for admittance into member- ship, women Friends are to extend the necessary care, as expressed in the foregoing paragraph, until their Monthly Meeting becomes satisfied to receive them, the men's meeting should then be informed of the case, and if that meeting unite in judgment with the women Friends, a minute thereof should be formed, and the care of informing the person re- ceived, left with the women's meeting. But should the men, on considering the case as reported from the women's meeting, not be easy to admit the applicants into membership, without appointing a committee to visit them, they may be at liberty to appoint a few judicious Friends to unite with a com- mittee of women Friends to take further opportu- nities of conference with them, the report of which united committee is to be presented to the women's meeting, and with their sense thereon conveyed to the men's meeting, where the case is to be con- sidered and finally settled.
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 without increasing its joy ; both of which, being circumstances of acknowledged importance. Monthly Meetings 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 subject 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.
DAYS AND TIMES.
As we are persuaded that no religious act can be
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DAYS AND TIMES.
acceptable to God, unless produced by the influence . and assistance of his 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 holy-days, 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 "he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also is he the Mediator of a better cove- nant, and established upon better promises." Heb. viii and 6 .- " Let no man therefore, says the apostle, judge you in meat or drink, or in respect of an holy- day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ." Col. ii. 16 and 17 .- 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 know God, how turn ye to the . 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 and 11.
Wherefore, under an humble and grateful sense of the abundant mercies and favors of our heavenly Father, 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 acknowledged 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 rioting, drunken- ness, and many other excesses incompatible with the christian name.
Whilst, therefore, it is the earnest concern of the Yearly Meeting that we may be found worshippers 3*
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DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.
within the temple, it is affectionately desired that our members may be individually cautious not to give occasion of additional suffering to the truly conscientious amongst us, by any compliance with such observances as our worthy ancestors, were rightly concerned to bear testimony against.
DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.
As the manifest tendency of the mischievous spirit of talebearing and detraction, is to lay waste the unity of society, by disseminating discord and strife among brethren and neighbors; Friends are enjoined to watch over themselves and each other, in order to discourage and suppress every appearance of such dispositions. The order prescribed by our blessed Lord should be strictly observed in every case of apprehended injury-viz. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
It is further directed, that, in whomsoever this weakness appear, it may be immediately checked; and if any give way to it, to the obvious injury of the reputation or interest of others, let them be faithfully admonished, by elders, overseers, or other concerned Friends; and if they persist, or cannot be prevailed with to give due satisfaction, the Prepa- rative, and (if expedient) Monthly Meetings should be informed of it, and treat further with them; when, if this also fail to produce the desired effect, they should be disowned.
Should any offenders in these respects shelter themselves under a pretence, that they say no more
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DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
than they have heard from others, but refuse to dis- cover who those are, such should in like manner be treated with as tale-bearers, and testified against.
DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
The existence of our Meetings for Discipline, having, on experience, been found extensively ben- eficial, it is earnestly recommended that they may be maintained in that authority wherein they were established; for, where any have been negligent in attending them, or opposed to their usefulness, it has been perceived that carnality and spiritual death have been the consequence.
Where any transgress the rules of our discipline, they should, without partiality, be admonished, and sought in the spirit of love and divine charity, so that it may be seen by all, that the restoring dispo- sitions of meekness and christian affection abound, before church censure takes place; that a gospel spirit is the spring and motive of all our perform-, ances, as well in discipline, as in worship.
The connexion and subordination of our Meetings for Discipline are thus: Preparative Meetings are accountable to the Monthly; Monthly to the Quar- terly; and Quarterly to the Yearly Meetings; so that if the Yearly Meeting be at any time dissatis- fied with the proceedings of any inferior meetings: or a Quarterly Meeting, with the proceedings of either of its Monthly Meetings; or a Monthly Meet- ing with the proceedings of either of its Preparative Meetings; such meetings ought, with readiness and meekness, to render accounts thereof when required; and correct or expunge any of the minutes, ac- cording to the direction of the superior meeting.
No Quarterly Meeting should be set up or laid down, without the consent of the Yearly Meeting; no Monthly Meeting without the consent of the Quarterly Meeting; nor any Preparative or other meeting for business or worship, until application to
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DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
the Monthly Meeting be first made; and, when there approved, the consent of the Quarterly Meet- ing be also obtained. Also, no meeting for worship, intended to consist of Friends belonging to two or more Monthly Meetings, shall be established, until the proposal be offered to, and approved by, those Monthly Meetings, and the consent of their res- pective Quarterly Meeting or meetings be obtained; when the meeting proposed, is opened, it should be attended by a few solid Friends, deputed by each of the said Monthly Meetings. And if at any time it be thought expedient, that a Preparative Meeting should be held at the same place, the con- sent of the said Monthly and Quarterly Meetings should be in like manner applied for and obtained; and the Preparative Meeting should be annexed to either of those Monthly Meetings, as may appear most likely to conduce to the benefit and conve- nience of the individuals who compose it, and the advantage of society.
Monthly Meetings may be at liberty to indulge meetings under the care of a committec, whose duty it shall be to report every three months, the situation and number of such indulgences, which report the Monthly Meeting should forward to the Quarterly Meeting: and that no marriage shall be consummated at such meeting until it is known to the Quarter.
It is directed that a book be provided by every Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, and fair records kept therein of their proceedings. Monthly Meet- ings, particularly, are advised to attend to, and finish all such business with care and despatch, that it may, at no time, suffer by improper delay; and if any case under consideration, prove too weighty or difficult for them to determine, they should apply to their respective Quarterly Meetings for assis- tance; or, if the circumstances be such as to require it, refer it thereto by minute.
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DISCIPLINE AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.
It is the conclusion of the Yearly Meeting, as a general rule in all cases, that where any Monthly or Quarterly Meeting has occasion for, and requests copies of any papers, minutes or records of another Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, the same should be accordingly granted.
Where any difference happens among Friends, and the same be entered in any Monthly or Quar- terly Meeting book, if the parties, or either of them think that copies of such entries may be useful, or necessary for them, and request the same; such Monthly or Quarterly Meetings shall have a discretionary power to give or refuse such copies, according to the circumstances and motives at- tending.
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