USA > Indiana > The discipline of the Society of Friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1838 > Part 4
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
MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS.
In order that the Yearly Meeting, with its several branches, might be properly represented, during the recess thereof, a meeting has been instituted by the name of the " Meeting for Sufferings," which is to consist of twenty-six Friends, appointed by the Yearly Meeting, and four Friends appointed by each of the Quarterly Meetings; who are to meet at White- water meeting house, in Wayne county, Indiana, at eleven o'clock on Second-day preceding the Yearl V Meeting, and at ten o'clock on Fifth-day preceding the first Seventh-day in the Sixth month; but the said meeting is privileged to sit on its own adjourn- ments, or to call a special meeting whenever four members shall judge it necessary; and is to be sub- ject to the following rules:
I. The said meeting shall keep fair minutes of all its proceedings, and annually lay them before the Yearly Meeting.
II. No less number than twelve of the members attending, shall constitute a meeting, capable of transacting business.
III. On all occasions of uncommon importance, previous notice thereof shall be given or sent to all the members, if practicable.
IV. In case the decease of any member, or mem- bers, appointed either hv the Yearly Meeting, or
48
MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS.
Quarterly Meetings, should not be immediately supplied-or of any declining or greatly neglecting their attendance, the Meeting for Sufferings, are to notify said meeting, or meetings, of such death or delinquency, in order that the places of those may be supplied by new appointments.
V. The said meeting is not to adopt any article of faith or discipline, which has not been determined by the Yearly Meeting.
The further services confided to the said Meeting for Sufferings are:
I. In general to represent the Yearly Meeting, and to appear on its behalf, in cases where the in- terest or reputation of our religious society may render it needful.
II. To take the oversight and inspection of all writings proposed to be printed, relative to our reli- gious principles or testimonies; and to promote or suppress the same at their discretion; also to print and distribute any writings already published by the society, or which may be offered for inspection as aforesaid, and approved; and in all cases where ex- penses are incurred, in the execution of the duties assigned them, they are to draw on the treasurer of the Yearly Meeting for such sums as may be necessary.
III. To inspect and ascertain titles to lands, or other estates belonging to any of our meetings; also to attend to the appropriation of charitable legacies and donations; or to give such advice respecting the same as may appear necessary.
IV. To receive from the several Quarterly Meet- ings their annual accounts of sufferings, and also such memorials concerning deceased Friends, as those meetings may have concurred with: that when examined and approved, they may be laid before the Yearly Meeting.
V. To extend such advice and assistance, to any
49
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.
individuals under sufferings for our testimonies, as their cases may require; and if necessary, to apply to the government, or persons in authority, on their behalf.
VI. To correspond with such other Meetings for Sufferings, as are or may be established by any other Yearly Meeting of our religious society, on the common concerns of the society.
It is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that a Monthly or Quarterly Meeting, or committee of the Yearly Meeting, should not petition or memo- rialize Congress or a Legislature, in the name of the society,-but that if any necessity require, in any case of emergency, a meeting of the Meeting for Sufferings should be called, to which the subject of petition should be presented, and in the recess of the Yearly Meeting, full powers are conferred on the Meeting for Sufferings to act, as in their judg- ment, the case may require.
Approved ministers, and members of any other Meeting for Sufferings, corresponding with this, may also be permitted to attend its sittings, when they are so inclined.
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.
It is directed, that those who come late to meet- ings, or, when there, fall asleep, or are restless, or do not stay in the meeting, but go forth un- necessarily, or otherwise demean themselves un- becoming our holy profession, on these solemn occasions, be tenderly treated with and seasonably admonished: and that Friends who are exercised in the discipline, pay early attention, in the love of the gospel, to such as neglect their duty in attending our Meetings for Worship. A wilful neglect in this important duty, being a manifest evidence of in- gratitude to the Divine Author of all our mercies, and contrary to the practice of the primitive be- 5
r
50
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.
lievers in Christ, and our religious testimony-it is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that Monthly Meetings, after having fully discharged their duty towards such, and finding their endeavors to reclaim them ineffectual, should testify our disunity with them.
It is the fervent concern of the Yearly Meeting, to press upon the consideration of our members, the awful duty of pure and spiritual worship. It is not enough that, after the example of our forefathers, we meet together in one place, in outward silence; rejecting those forms and ceremonies which were invented by the wisdom, as well as that worship which is performed only in the will of man; it is not enough that with a commendable diligence, we attend all our religious meetings; unless also, like them, we wait in humble reverence for spiritual ability to worship acceptably the Lord of heaven and earth. May we therefore humbly and diligently wait in the spirit of our minds, for the coming of Him who told his disciples, "without me, ye can do nothing;" that we may experience the influence of his spirit, to enlighten and quicken the soul to a true sight of its condition; that feeling the spirit of supplica- tion, we may approach the throne of grace; and under a renewed sense of the Father's mercy and goodness, may be enabled to offer the tribute of worship and the sacrifice of praise.
This is the important purpose of our assembling together in silence: and though at times there may be amongst us but little instrumental ministry, or
51
MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP."
even none, let not this produce any abatement of diligence in the duty. Instrumental ministry, in the life and power of the gospel, is a great favor to the church; but the distinguishing excellence of the christian dispensation, is the immediate communica- tion with our Heavenly Father, through the inward revelation of the spirit of Christ. May, therefore, the deportment of our members, while engaged in this most solemn duty, be such as to demonstrate that they are earnest in the great duty of waiting upon, and worshipping God, in spirit; that serious and tender hearted inquirers may be encouraged to come, and partake in our assemblies of that in- ward and spiritual refreshment and consolation, which the Lord is graciously pleased to impart to the souls of such as are humble in his sight, and approach his holy presence with reverence and fear.
It is further directed, that Friends keep their children, and such (members) as are under their care, to a constant, seasonable, and orderly atten- dance of meetings, both on First-days, and on other days of the week, instructing them agreeably to the ability received, to wait in stillness upon the Lord, that they may receive a portion of his spiritual favor, and from the tendering virtue of his Holy Spirit, may be engaged, in heart and mind, to walk worthy of so great grace, and in a holy zeal for his honor, submit to bear the cross, endure the shame, and become dedicated witnesses for him among men.
52
MEMORIALS .- MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &C.
As the appearance of drowsiness in our religious meetings is offensive, and may be a cause of stum- bling to such sober inquirers as come among us, Friends are earnestly exhorted to strive against it, that no appearance thereof may be seen in our as- semblies; and if any give way to it, (as indulgence therein, must necessarily have a disqualifying influ- ence,) it is the desire of the Yearly Meeting, that Quarterly, Monthly, and other meetings, be cautious of employing such members, in the weighty services of discipline.
MEMORIALS.
To commemorate the lives of the righteous, is a tribute due to their memory; and may prove an in- centive to the living to follow after their virtues. If, therefore, any Monthly Meeting should, upon solid consideration, believe that it would be profitable to prepare a memorial concerning a deceased member, such memorial is to be sent to the respective Quar- terly Meeting, where it is to be further considered; and if approved, is from thence to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings, in order for inspection and approbation, previous to its being laid before the Yearly Meeting.
It is also required, that Quarterly and Monthly Meetings furnish the Yearly Meeting, annually, with an account of the decease of such of their members, in the station of ministers or elders, as have occurred within the year.
MINISTERS AND ELDERS,
AND
MEETINGS OF MINISTERS. AND ELDERS.
Persuaded as we are, that gospel ministry is not of man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, agree- ably to that apostolic charge-"As every man hath "received the gift, even so minister the same one to
53
MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &C.
"another, as good stewards of the manifold grace "of God; if any man speak, let him speak as the "oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it "as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all "things may be glorified." I. Peter, iv .- 10, 11. Holding it therefore to be a doctrine truly christian, that the spirit of God is the foundation of all true knowledge in relation to that duty which we owe to Him, and one to another, we earnestly exhort, that those amongst us who apprehend that they are called to the ministry of the gospel may, in their public services especially, attend closely to their several and peculiar gifts, waiting for that divine ability by which they may faithfully and availingly minister the word.
We also desire with earnest solicitude, that those who are placed in the very important department of elders in the church, may evince a correspondent qualification rightly to judge of the ministry, and manifest a concern for the support of our religious testimonies, and the preservation of our discipline, as well as for the advancement of truth and righ- teousness.
Ministers and elders thus united, become mutually useful to each other; and are as nursing fathers and mothers in the church; particularly to those who are young in the ministry : for this class we earnestly desire, that they may, with all care and diligence, be advised and admonished; and, if occasion appear, re- proved in a tender and christian spirit; let them also be exhorted frequently to read the holy scriptures, and earnestly to seek the mind of the spirit of truth, to open the mysteries contained in them. Ministers thus abiding in a simple and patient submission to the will of God, and keeping down to the openings 5*
54
MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &C.
of divine life in themselves, may witness a growth in their gifts, and will also be preserved from ex- tending their declarations further than they find the power of truth to accompany them.
If any, in the course of their ministry, shall mis- apply, or draw unsound inferences, or wrong con- clusions from the text, or shall misbehave themselves in point of conduct or conversation, let them be ad- monished in love and tenderness, by the elders or overseers where they live; and if they prove refrac- tory, and refuse to acknowledge their faults, they must be further treated with, in the wisdom of truth, as the case may require.
As the occasion of our religious meetings is solemn, a care should be maintained to guard against any thing that would tend to disorder or confusion therein; when any think they have aught against what is publicly delivered, they should speak to the party privately; and if any shall oppose a minister in his or her preaching or exhortation: or keep on the hat, or shew any remarkable dislike to such when engaged in prayer, let them be speedily ad- monished in such manner as may be requisite, un- less the ministry of the person against whom the uneasiness is expressed, has been disapproved by the Monthly Meeting.
In every Monthly Meeting two or more Friends of each sex are to be selected to sit with the minis- ters, and they together are to compose a meeting, to be denominated a Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Care should be taken that those cho- sen for the service be prudent discreet Friends, and that they duly discharge the trust confided to them.
When there is occasion for the appointment of one or more Elders in any meeting, the nomination
55
MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &C.
of a Friend or Friends for that station should take place in the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders, and, when concurred in, the proposition should be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, by which, if united in, it should be transmitted to the Preparative Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders, which may then introduce the pro- position to the consideration of the Monthly Meet- ing of men Friends, if the case be that of a man, and to the women, if the person be a female, where the subject is to be considered, and if united with, by both men's and women's meetings, they are to be appointed, and information given to the Prepara- tive meeting of Ministers and Elders, and by them forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders.
Certificates of removal are not to convey the rights of Elders, but the division of a Monthly Meeting is not to render the re-appointment of Elders necessary.
But when a Monthly Meeting is divided, should there not be a sufficient number of ministers and elders to compose a Select Meeting, within each of those Monthly Meetings, the members in both shall continue to compose one Preparative Meeting, until the number shall be sufficient to compose two.
When any Friend has frequently appeared in our religious meetings as a Minister, and the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders apprehends that it is seasonable the subject should claim the atten- tion of the Monthly Meeting for Discipline, of which the person is a member, the Select Preparative and Quarterly Meetings shall proceed as in the case of appointing Elders; and until the approbation of the Monthly Meeting is obtained, no such Friend is to be received as a minister, nor permitted to sit in the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, nor allowed to travel abroad as a minister.
56
MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &C.
When any approved minister apprehends it to be a duty to travel in the service of truth, beyond the limits of their Quarterly Meeting, he or she is to open their concern in the Monthly Meeting both of men and women Friends, to which they belong, and obtain a certificate or minute (as the occasion may be) of their unity and concurrence, directed to Friends within the parts proposed to be visited, and signed by the clerks of the men's and women's meeting; and it is required, that when the service is accomplished, the said meeting be informed thereof, and the certificate returned, without unne- cessary delay.
No minister is to appoint a meeting beyond the limits of the Quarterly Meeting to which he or she belongs, without the concurrence of their respec- tive Monthly Meetings. And if a minister is con- cerned to appoint a meeting within the verge of the Quarter, if to wait for the approbation of the Monthly Meeting appears to interfere with the pro- per time for appointing such meeting, the united sense of the elders of the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member, or of those of the Monthly Meeting within the compass of which such appoint- ment is proposed, may be accepted as sufficient privilege.
When any minister is religiously concerned to make a general visit to the meetings of Friends, either within or beyond the limits of the Yearly Meeting, and has obtained a certificate for that pur- pose from the Monthly Meeting of which he or she is a member, the certificate must also be laid before the respective Quarterly Meeting; and if the con- cern is concurred with, an endorsement must be entered upon the certificate, and signed by the clerks of the men's and women's Meetings.
The Ministers and Elders of each Monthly Meeting are required to meet once in three months,
57
MINISTERS AND ELDERS, &c.
at such time and place as the Monthly Meeting may direct, in the capacity of a Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders: when, after a time of solid retirement, the queries addressed to such meetings are to be read and considered, and distinct answers made to them in writing, which, when signed by the clerk, are to be conveyed to the ensuing Quar- terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, by two or more Friends to be mentioned in the report, as rep- resentatives; here also, if, in the course of inquiry, any deficiency has appeared, care should be taken that it be remedied.
And in the Quarterly Meetings the same queries are also to be read, together with the answers which are brought from their Preparative Meetings. In these meetings the state of the members is to be weightily considered, that where occasion requires it, advice and counsel may be seasonably extended; and once in the year, those answers comprised in a written report and signed by the clerk, are to be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, by four or more Friends appointed as repre- sentatives; in this meeting the queries are also to be read, with the answers from the several Quarters, and the state of this part of the society being col- lected and considered, advices adapted thereto, may, if requisite, be issued to the subordinate Select Meetings. Here all such ministers as apprehend they are required to go in truth's service beyond sea, after obtaining a certificate of the concur- rence of the Monthly Meeting, endorsed by the respective Quarter, are to communicate their pros- pects of duty relative thereto, and produce the said certificates; and if upon solid consideration, the same are united with by the said Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders, a certificate thereof, signed by the clerk, should be granted.
None of the said Meetings of Ministers and
58
MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
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 ad- journments to interfere with the sittings of the Yearly Meeting for Discipline.
And finally, if any acknowledged member of our Meetings of Ministers and Elders shall at any time be thought, by negligence, unfaithfulness, or other- wise, to have lost his or her service in that station, so as to become burthensome and the subject of un- easiness, (yet not so as to be under the care of a meeting of Discipline on that account, or for mis- conduct) 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 Mooting of Min- isters and Elders, where a few Friends should be deputed to assist the said Preparative Meeting, in a further extension of labor with the party: if this also prove unavailing, 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 recom- mended or appointed as at first.
-
MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
It is a consideration claiming our serious regard, that our worthy ancestors, having their views directed towards an enduring inheritance, and their affections established upon things above, sought not
59
MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.
after the splendor of this world. In minds thus bent upon seeking a more glorious inheritance than tem- porals can afford, the love of this 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 prevailed with too many amongst us, and produced the fruits of pride and ambition. These have introduced many imaginary wants from which our ancestors were 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 in- consistent with the truth, have led many into extravagant expenses. Reduced by these means in their circumstances, yet unwilling to lessen their appearance in the world, some have resorted to in- direct 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 insepara- ble 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
60
NEGROES AND SLAVES.
is prevalent amongst many of the inhabitants of our land? How evident are the corrupting, debasing, and ruinous effects consequent upon the importa- tion, 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 increasing vice and dissoluteness in the land, with which many religiously attentive minds have long been painfully exercised!
It is the fervent desire of the Yearly Meeting, that Friends in all quarters may be earnestly ex- cited to suffer the affecting importance of this evil, religiously to impress their minds, and that Monthly Meetings may labor in the spirit of love and ten- derness with those who use ardent spirits as an article of drink in harvest, or on other occasions, the medical 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. And if such labor prove ineffectual to reclaim from the practice or encouragement of so desolating an evil, and after the hope of gaining such by brotherly treatment is over, Monthly Meetings may proceed to disown them.
NEGROES AND SLAVES.
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 reli- gion. It therefore remains to be our continued
61
NEGROES AND SLAVES.
concern, to prohibit our members from holding in bondage our fellow 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 en- largement. And we desire that Friends may 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 interested 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 necessity, 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 promote, 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 unre- penting and obdurate oppressor, at that awful tribu- nal, where sophistry will not prevail to exculpate; let us seek for, and cherish, that disposition of mind which can pray for these enemies of humanity, and
6
1
62
NEGROES AND SLAVES.
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.