USA > Indiana > The discipline of the Society of Friends, of Indiana Yearly Meeting, 1838 > Part 6
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
77
QUERIES.
Also, that the first, second, and ninth of those queries be read, and considered, and explicit written answers be prepared for them in the two Quarterly Meetings 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 immediately succeed the Yearly Meeting, nor in the Preparative or Monthly Meet- ings 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 answered: nor is the reading and answering of them enjoined on any Preparative Meeting, where the members of that and the Monthly Meetings are the same.
FIRST QUERY .- Are all meetings for worship and discipline attended? Do Friends avoid unbecoming behaviour therein ? And is the hour of meeting ob- served ?
SECOND .- Do Friends maintain love towards each other, as becomes our christian profession? Are tale-bearing and detraction discouraged? And when differences arise, are endeavors used speedily to end them ?
THIRD .- Do Friends endeavor, by example and precept, to educate their children, and those under their care, in plainness of speech, deportment, and apparel? Do they guard them against reading per- nicious books; and from the corrupt conversation of the world? And are they encouraged frequently to read the holy scriptures ?
FOURTH .-- Are Friends clear of importing, vend- ing, distilling, or the unnecessary use of spirituous liquors; of frequenting taverns, or attending places of diversion? And do they observe moderation and temperance on all occasions?
FIFTH .- Are the necessities of the poor, and the 7*
78
ANNUAL QUERIES.
circumstances of those who may appear likely to require aid, inspected and relieved? Are they ad- vised and assisted 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 faithful testimony against a hireling ministry, oaths, military services, clandestine trade, prize-goods, and lotteries?
SEVENTH .- Are friends careful to live within the bounds of their circumstances, and to avoid invol- ving themselves in business beyond their ability to manage? Are they just in their dealings, and punc- tual in complying with their engagements? And where any give reasonable grounds for fear in these respects, is due care extended to them?
EIGHTH .- Are Friends careful to bear a testimony against slavery? Do they provide in a suitable man- ner, for those under their direction, who have had their freedom secured; and are they instructed in useful learning?
NINTH .- Is care taken to deal with offenders sea- sonably and impartially, and to endeavor to evince to those who will not be reclaimed, the spirit of meekness 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 education of our youth, under the tuition of teachers in membership with us; and is each family of Friends furnished with a copy of the Holy Scriptures?
79
GENERAL ADVICES.
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 mean of exciting those present to a considera- tion, whether there is any occasion for an extension of care in these respects, in relation either to them- selves or others.
FRIENDS ARE ADVISED
To observe due moderation in the furniture of their houses, and to avoid superfluity in their man- ner of living.
To attend to the limitations of truth in their tem- poral business.
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 pro- ducing certificates.
And it is advised, that when occasions of uneasi- ness appear in any, such may be treated with in privacy, and with tenderness, before the matter be communicated 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 departure from the true order of the gospel.
It is further recommended that all our meetings.
80
QUERIES FOR MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
-
for business be kept select, and that Friends endea- vor 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 follow- ing four queries, formed for the use of the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, the first three be read and distinctly answered in writing, three times in the year, by each Preparative Meeting of that kind, to its respective Quarterly Meeting: and that all the said four queries shall be in like manner read and answered, by the Preparative to their Quarterly Meetings, next preceding 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 the atten- dance of Meetings for Worship and Discipline; and concerned to encourage their families to that reli- gious duty ?
II. Are ministers, in the exercise of their gifts, careful 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 uprightness, temperance, and moderation, and care- ful to train up their families in plainness of dress, and simplicity of manners, becoming our religious profession ?
ADVICES TO MINISTERS AND ELDERS .- SCHOOLS. 81
ADVICES TO MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
It is also desired that the following advices be deliberately read in each subordinate Select Meet- ing, at least once in the year:
Let all, in their testimonies, be cautious of using unnecessary preambles, and of asserting too posi- tively a divine impulse; the baptizing power of truth accompanying their words, being the true evidence.
Let all read the holy scriptures frequently, 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 conclusion.
Let all be careful not to hurt their service by tones, avoiding all affectation, and those gestures which do not comport with christian gravity.
And lastly, let all dwell in that which gives ability to labor successfully in the church of Christ, adorn- ing the doctrine they deliver to others, being ex- amples 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 use- ful learning, under the tuition of religious, prudent persons; having for many years engaged the atten- tion 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 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
82
SCRIPTURES.
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 doubt- ful character, and sometimes of corrupt minds; by whose example and influence, they have been be- trayed 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 ca- pable 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.
SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.
The holy scriptures, being the external means of preserving and conveying to us, an account of the things most surely to be believed, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the fulfilling of the promises relating thereto, it is the earnest concern of the Yearly Meeting, to press upon Friends of all ranks, a diligent acquaintance with the sacred records; and that parents and heads of families, would, both by example and advice, im- press upon the susceptible and retentive minds of the youth, a reverent esteem for the doctrines and precepts of the christian religion, contained therein: inducing them to believe, that the same experience of the work of sanctification, through the operation of the spirit of God, to which the holy scriptures' abundantly bear testimony, is to be witnessed by
83
STOCK .- TAVERNS.
believers in all generations, as well as by those in the first ages of Christianity. Our dear youth, thus educated in the belief of these important truths, as well as of the inward manifestation and operation of the Spirit of God, may be prepared to receive his spiritual appearance in their hearts, according to our holy profession.
STOCK.
A stock having by experience been found useful for the occasions of the society, and particularly in the application from time to time made 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 con- tinued 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 society 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.
Women's meetings are also to have a stock of their own for such services as may fall more pro- perly under their notice.
TAVERNS.
It is the concern of the Yearly Meeting, to cau- tion not only the youth but those of riper age, to avoid the unnecessary frequenting of taverns, and other places of public resort, in order that they may not be exposed to evil company, and unprofitable conversation, or be betrayed into the use of strong liquors, by which many have been corrupted, both
.
84
TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
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 order to convince them thereof.
Considering the snares and temptations to which those are exposed, who keep houses of entertain" ment, and the corrupting influence of many who resort to them, it is the desire of the Yearly Meet- ing, that our members may avoid engaging in such employments for a livelihood, and attend to the pointings 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 prevent the unnecessary increase of taverns, and to be cautious of signing petitions in behalf of those who may apply for licenses on that account.
TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDG- MENTS.
It is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that offenders, whether under dealing, or disowned, who incline to make acknowledgment of their offences, shall prepare the same in writing; which ought to be shown, if under dealing, to the committee ap- pointed in their case; or if disowned, to the over- seers. 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 withdraw, be- fore either that, or any other business, is proceeded upon. The meeting is then to consider the case, and appoint two or more Friends to inform the party of the result.
85
TESTIMONIES OF DENIAL AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
In all cases, those who are under dealing for of- fences, and who offer acknowledgments to Monthly Meetings previous to disownment, ought to particu- larize in such offerings, the matter or matters charged upon them.
And in relation to acknowledgments, 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 sincerity and contri- tion; when this is apparent, it is not expedient to oblige such to recite the particular misconduct with which they have been charged, and which has been specified in testimonies of denial against them.
When females become delinquents or violate the rules of our discipline, women Friends are to exer- cise a proper care, in the case, according to the general order of the society, until their Monthly Meeting becomes satisfied that the offenders should be disowned; the men's meeting should then be in- formed of the case, and if that meeting unite in judgment with the women Friends, a minute thereof should be formed, and a committee appointed to prepare a testimony of disownment; the women Friends taking care to inform the party thereof. When the testimony of disownment is prepared, and approved by the men's meeting, it should be sent to the women's meeting for their concurrence and care in delivering it to the party.
But should the men, on considering the case, as reported from the women's meeting, not be easy to issue a testimony against the offender, without appointing a committee to visit her, they may be at liberty to appoint a few judicious Friends, to unite with a committee of women Friends, to take further opportunities with the delinquent; the report of which joint committee is to be presented to the women's meeting, and, with their sense thereon, 8
86
TRADE.
conveyed to the men's meeting, where the case is to be considered and finally settled.
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 com- pass 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 be- lieves in the sincerity of such individual, and finds nothing to prevent amongst them, inquiry must be made of the Monthly Meeting, by which the appli- cant has been disowned (provided such Monthly Meeting exist) concerning its consent to their re- ception of such person, and after information there- from, that nothing appears to obstruct, such appli- cant may be by them received.
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 informed thereof; and when a testimony of disown- ment is issued against such individual, a copy there- of should be retained on the minutes of the Monthly Meeting, and one offered to the party testified against, with a notification of his or her right of appeal.
TRADE.
It being evident, that where the manifestations and restraints of the spirit of truth are duly prized and regarded, it leads out of a bondage to the spirit of this world, and preserves the minds of its follow. ers from many fettering and disqualifying entangle-
87
TRADE.
ments: 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 great obstruction of the work of truth in the heart: we affectionately desire that the counsel and gracious promise of our blessed Re- deemer to his followers, may be borne in remem- brance by us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, " and his righteousness, and all these shall be added " unto you."
The Yearly Meeting being earnestly concerned that the service of our religious society may not be obstructed, or its reputation dishonored, by any imprudence of its members in their worldly engage- ments, 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 agreements, whether written or by words, that they endeavor on all occasions strictly to fulfil them, that no occasions 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 enterprizes; but rather content themselves with such a plain and moderate way of living, as is consistent with the self-denying princi- ple of which we make profession, whereby many disappointments and grievous perplexities may be
88
TRADE.
avoided, and that tranquility 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, it is advised that they immediately consult with some judicious Friends, and, without loss of time, make their circumstances known to their creditors, care- fully avoiding the payment of one in preference to another, that so none may be injured, nor any re- proach incurred by mismanagement.
And where overseers, or other concerned Friends, have reason to fear that any person or family, by living above their means, or from a want of punc- tuality in fulfilling their contracts, or any other cause, are declining 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 creditors together without delay; and if, notwithstanding this advice, such persons still per- sist, and run into embarrassment, to the loss of others, and to their own disreputation, the Prepara- tive 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
89
TRADE.
the cases are under the care of Monthly Meetings, that the Friends appointed to visit the parties, in- quire of their assignees, or trustees, how their defi- ciencies have happened, and report accordingly. And it is the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, that neither Monthly nor other Meetings should receive subscriptions, donations, nor bequests, from persons so circumstanced, until they have paid off their de- ficiencies, or are voluntarily acquitted thereof by their creditors: for it should be remembered, that though in such cases, the defaulter may have been legally discharged, the property he may afterwards acquire is not properly his own, till he has fairly paid off his former debts, to the satisfaction of the credi- tors. Wherefore, we further 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 col- lecting the effects of the estate, and punctual and speedy in making distribution.
We warn our members against a pernicious prac- tice amongst the trading part of the community, which has often terminated in the ruin of those con- cerned therein, viz. that of raising and circulating a kind of paper credit, with endorsements, to give it an appearance of value, without an intrinsic reality; a practice, which as it appears to be inconsistent with the truth we profess, we declare our disappro- 8*
90
TRADE.
bation of, and entreat every member of our society to avoid and discourage.
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 re- duced 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 Meet- ing, that Friends may wait for divine counsel in all their engagements, and not suffer their minds to be carried away by an inordinate desire of worldly riches; remembering the observation of the Apostle in his day, and so often sorrowfully verified in ours; " they who will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and erring from the faith, pierce themselves through with many sorrows." 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 liberties repugnant to our religious testimonies, and some- times into enterprises, which have terminated in irreparable damage to their temporal affairs, if not an entire forgetfulness of the great work of their souls' salvation.
91
WAR.
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 testi- mony against wars and fightings, avoiding to unite with any in warlike measures, either offensive or defensive; that by the innocency of our conduct, we may convincingly demonstrate ourselves to be real subjects of the Messiah's peaceful reign, and be instrumental in the promotion thereof, towards its desired completion; when, according 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 military 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 a part of it is returned, without a change of the species.
That furnishing wagons, or other means for con- veying of military stores, is a military service: and the care of elders, overseers, and faithful Friends,
92
WAR.
should be extended, in christian tenderness and love, to such as deviate herein, in order to convince them of their error.
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.