USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Extracts from the minutes of the yearly meeting of Friends held in Philadelphia, 1922 > Part 3
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Olive R. Haviland, who has been in close touch with Gertrude Sherer in her work for our Yearly Meeting Schools, has been appointed by your Committee on Educa- tion as Superintendent of these schools.
The appropriation of $5,000 for the use of the Committee has been approved.
The report of the Committee for the Extension of Chris- tian Fundamentals has been deeply interesting, showing much activity in the wide distribution of religious literature. Many recipients, not in membership with us, have expressed sincere appreciation of these publications.
There are unusual openings for distribution in Germany. It seems as though there was a fresh call from different countries-"Come over and help us."
Effort has been made to assist parents of this Yearly Meeting in procuring right literature for their children.
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A conference of Ministers, Elders, Overseers and mem- bers of the Extension Committee was held at Arch Street Meeting House, in which the communications and exercises for the spiritual welfare of the Church, were both stimulat- ing and inspiring.
This meeting is grateful for the efforts of these Friends in so many and varied fields.
Funds are much needed in order that this work may be enlarged to more fully meet the increasing demands.
It is desired that we shall all be ready to give our money, our suggestions, our prayers, and ourselves to this worthy cause.
Men's Meeting has been deeply stirred by this report and suggests that the Extension Committee shall be continued; also that they shall nominate a "Visitation Committee" for religious service. Such nominations shall be confirmed by the Representative Meeting.
Women's Meeting unites in this recommendation, and suggests that our younger Friends may be remembered in such appointments, believing that they can be especially helpful in this kind of missionary effort.
Then adjourned to 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Sixth-day, Third Month 31st.
Friends assembled near the time adjourned to.
The following suggestion has been submitted to this and Men's Meetings : That a small committee of men and women be appointed this year, to serve as a committee on epistles at our next Yearly Meeting; that to this committee be referred all epistles which shall come to the Yearly Meet- ing through the year, and that with it shall be left the deci- sion, as to which epistles shall be brought before the Yearly Meeting for reading.
The suggestion has been united with by both Men's and Women's Meetings, and the following Friends are appointed to receive such letters and to decide which epistles shall be read and to recommend to which we shall respond: William Bishop, James M. Moon, Walter T. Moore, Sarah W. Elkin- ton, Janet Payne Whitney and Anna Moore Cadbury.
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This Meeting recommends that the committee shall study the situations which call forth these epistles, and that they shall do such preliminary work as will facilitate the prepa- ration of letters in reply.
Selections were read from the report of the Board of Directors of Friends' Fiduciary Corporation for the year 1921.
The report of the committee to nominate Friends to study and report upon the missionary interests of our member- ship, etc., is approved.
The delegates proposed to the Conference of "Religious Bodies who regard War as Unchristian" were approved.
The Committee request the privilege of substituting another Friend, if any of the above are unable to attend the. Conference.
The Committee on "Race Relations" made their report. This encourages the belief that progress is being made toward better understanding between thoughtful people of both the white and colored races.
If we would be serviceable in the ministry of reconcilia- tion, we must more fully recognize the great fact that "God has made of one blood all peoples that dwell on the earth," and in the spirit of the golden rule learn to live and work together in sympathy. This Meeting appreciates "the quiet, earnest work" of these Friends in their effort to help solve the problem of race antagonism, which is one of the most difficult which faces the world today. It approves the con- tinuance of the Committee, to whom we are so indebted, and expresses warm thanks to Esther Morton Smith for her faithful service in the interests of the colored race.
The Committee on "Organic Union of Protestant Denom- inations" made a report :
The leaders of this movement recommend the union of "families of churches," for instance that Presbyterians should unite, and that various Methodist bodies should come together, and so forth.
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The Committee, under a fresh sense of duty feel best satisfied to request their continuance for further service. They cherish the hope that the Yearly Meeting may, this year, extend the hand of closer fellowship to Friends of both conservative and progressive tendency, that there may be a drawing together.
This Meeting approves the continuance of the Committee. Much appreciation has been expressed of their desire for closer fellowship among all Friends.
The Peace Committee introduced a recommendation that the Yearly Meeting endorse an appeal from the "Religious Society of Friends to the Churches of Christ in all Countries."
They furnished a draft of a letter which was read.
An earnest plea is made in the letter that we may give our united strength to uphold and advance the standards of peace, "which some followers of Christ have long cherished, as a fundamental Christian principle, which demands the "utter rejection of all war without com- promise."
This Meeting suggests a few verbal changes in the letter, and unites fully with the sending of the same.
The Friends appointed to write letters in response to those read in an earlier session have attended to their duties; these have been read to our satisfaction, as well as those to Conservative Yearly Meetings on this continent and to Fritchley, England.
Those appointed to address a letter to conservative bodies produced a draft, which was warmly approved. It is under- stood this letter is to be sent to Friends at Fritchley, England.
With some suggested verbal changes all the letters were approved. It is felt that the committees have been favored with Divine help, to express our love and desire for real sympathy and fellowship with all Friends.
A letter to President Harding was read, urging executive clemency toward political prisoners held at Fort Leaven- worth for the violation of war time legislation, now repealed.
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This Meeting approves the sending of this letter, signed by the clerks of Men's and Women's Meetings, and that it shall be delivered in person or in such manner as seems best.
A memorial to our late beloved Friend Samuel Emlen was read. Part of which is quoted:
We hold in grateful memory his dignified bearing and courtesy of manner, which had their roots deep in a loving heart. He was a living testimony to the love of which he spoke so frequently.
His loving and faithful wife, Sarah W. Emlen, "so exemplified the true companion and mother, that their home was to many the realized ideal of a Christian household."
A minister of another denomination, who was a neighbor and friend, said that Samuel Emlen's life was such a remarkable testimony for Christ, that it made it easier for all ministers in Germantown to preach Christ.
His deepening faith and trust gave to his ministry, and to his earnest personal talks with a great variety of people, a tender appeal which drew many to him, to learn the secret of that reliance on God and feeling for humanity which he showed so conspicuously in his own life.
As this memorial has been read, we have been afresh impressed with the preciousness of home life, and the influence which each one of us has upon those about us. .
It has been felt that the spirit of this beloved Friend might be hovering over us, saying: "Little children love one another."
At our assembling on Fourth-day morning (in separate sessions), a living and precious time of silent waiting refreshed our spirits, and prayer was made that our Lord would meet with us, and "show Himself strong on our behalf," and that all that was done in our meeting should be in His name.
In consideration of the First Query, strong pleas were made for a regular attendance of our week day meetings. "You have no idea what you miss" (by not attending), "and no idea how we miss you." * * "The Communing
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with our Heavenly Father in the presence of those who are * also communing with Him is of untold value." * * "We must measure up to the great opportunity of our Meetings." * * "Even what we call our wandering thoughts can be brought to our Heavenly Father. It is a time for intercessory prayer. A silent meeting may be a great instrument, in God's hands, to help the world." * *
"I am not bound to make the world go right,
But only to discover and to do,
With cheerful heart, the work that God appoints."
Because we have known the spiritual presence of God in our Meetings, we may make a distinct contribution to our community. It is Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's message that preaching is not essential to the highest spiritual wor- ship, though out of such worship will naturally come vocal expression as we grow in life. "Do not be discouraged if your meetings are often held in silence, if it is truly a living silence."
In considering the Second Query, the thought was expressed that we are slowly learning that it is not often necessary to pass judgment except on ourselves. "Love is the fulfilling of the law"-by this we should test our hearts. May He give us His love for all our relationships with others.
The need of a more real fellowship among ourselves was felt: "A fellowship with one another, with our Father, and with His Son." The reading of the Bible in our families needs to be encouraged.
The plea of the mother, to our Saviour, that her two sons might sit on His right hand and on His left, in His King- dom, was alluded to by a visiting minister, with an earnest concern for the Mothers of our Meeting. "We, as parents, cannot give what we do not have," but the Master will not be wanting, on His part, to give to us what we may hand to our children." * *
* "If we let in the Light the dark- ness will disappear."
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The Fifth Query brought much exercise upon the Meeting on the subject of harmful diversions, and it was felt that "the whole subject should have our serious and prayerful consideration," that the "specific thing queried after, is the development of the spiritual life," and that this is of far greater importance than the social life of our young people. We must love and trust them, and freely and frankly discuss with them the evils of some social diversions, endeavoring to substitute the positive and constructive good, rather than merely to prohibit the evil.
It was felt that the reading of the summary answers only, was an advantage in our consideration of the Queries at this time-allowing more fully opportunity for expres- sion, and for "seeking to find the answers in our own hearts," as we are advised to do.
The Yearly Meeting has this year faced its duties and responsibilities with a deeper loyalty to Jesus Christ, newer courage, and a stronger faith. To the cry of a world struggling with doubt, perplexity and agony of body and soul it has not turned an indifferent ear. May He who has opened the door yet wider for service so deepen our experience of Him that with feet planted over the Rock Christ Jesus, we may be used of Him according to His divine Will and purpose.
We feel that we have been brought into fellowship with one another through Christ our Saviour. As we have come to the Mount of Vision, we have realized that Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on Calvary for our sins, and rose again, is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him, and to so fill us with Himself and His love, that we shall be enabled to serve Him as He wills.
With a humbling and grateful sense of the overshadow- ing love of our Lord and Master, which has favored us throughout our sessions, the Meeting concludes, to convene again next year, if consistent with our Heavenly Father's will.
MARY R. WILLIAMS,
Clerk.
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ANSWERS TO QUERIES
First :- Our First-day meetings have been well attended by our resident members; some reports state that several non-members are in the practice of attending more or less regularly.
The business meetings are in most cases attended by a considerable number and claim the attentive interest of those present, but other mid-week meetings are small.
More than one report laments the lack of punctuality on the part of a few, in observing the hour.
A spirit of reverent and impressive meditation gives evidence of earnest seeking for Truth, when assembled.
The meetings held regularly at the Poconos and Eagles Mere and at other places during the summer, and the volun- tary coming together of our Young Friends in some Col- leges for the Friendly way of worship are encouraging signs of loyalty.
The First-day evening meeting for worship, held in Phila- delphia, has shown some increase in attendance over former years.
For part of the year the children of Germantown Meeting under twelve years of age have met once a month in their own meetings for worship on First-day morning, and are believed to be gaining a clearer understanding and deeper appreciation of the purpose and value of our mode of worship.
One report speaks with appreciation of the presence at the mid-week meetings, of school children who seem to value the opportunity. The meeting at Tuckerton, N. J., formally "laid down" several years ago, is opened during the summer season.
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There have also been some "appointed meetings" at Barnegat, N. J., and in other "closed" Meeting-houses. These have been appreciated by their respective com- munities.
Owing to severe snowstorms on two meeting days a few small isolated meetings for worship have not been held, a few Preparative Meetings also have been omitted, and in one case a meeting difficult of access has not been held since Twelfth Month Ist, last, some of the members attending meeting elsewhere nearer their homes. One of the larger meetings was omitted three times during the winter months when all public assemblies in the town were prohibited by the Board of Health on account of an epidemic of smallpox.
Second :- A spirit of friendliness and fellowship, begotten of love and unity, exists among us in good degree. We try to avoid disparagement of one another and of other people, and we trust that we are learning that we are rarely called upon to place judgment except upon our individual selves.
Differences seldom occur, when they exist and are known we are concerned to end them.
Third :- We believe that our members generally uphold and cherish our form of worship and a free gospel ministry, as fundamental principles of our Christian faith.
Where we have experienced in some degree the freshness of Divine life and power, we should be encouraged humbly to seek for yet larger measure.
One report states-an increasing exercise of the vocal ministry is observed in one of our meetings, we trust, in dependence upon the Head of the Church, and under the authority of His Holy Spirit.
Fourth :- Reference is made in one answer to some ten- dency to exaggeration of language among members, it appears, however, that Friends generally in their manner of life evince the sincerity and simplicity which comport with Christian ideals.
At a time when progress in arts and invention tends to complexity and costliness of living, it is gratifying to find
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among Friends a relative simplicity and a fair degree of social equality.
There appears to be a real concern to bring up those under our direction in the observance of the Christian duties queried after, in the same degree that we ourselves observe them; also to develop in a positive way a taste for profitable reading, to lead them to choose the good and to shun the evil, to substitute wholesome and uplifting influences for those that debase, preferring always whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report.
Reverent reading of the Bible we believe is a regular practice in many of our families and much attention is given by some to the study of Scripture truths. We believe, how- ever, that the practice of daily Bible reading in the family needs to be encouraged.
Fifth :- The unnecessary use and handling of intoxicants are avoided among us, viewing with apprehension the ten- dency to violate the laws in this matter. Simplicity is in very large measure observed at marriages, burials, home entertainments and other occasions.
We are not clear in regard to attendance at places of amusement. In some sections of our Yearly Meeting the inducements to attend at such are more potent than in others, the language of one answer is in some degree probably applicable to all-that the standards of values of many of our members seem to have changed, and they feel free to disregard our Discipline upon this subject.
There is evidence that this is done in the spirit of sincerity and thoughtfulness. It is desired that all of us shall realize our serious responsibility in this matter-we believe that the attendance at places of diversion mentioned in the Query is not habitual with many and we trust that an awakened conscience will readily detect the harmful effects of such practices; we feel that the whole subject should have our serious thought and prayer.
Sixth :- When Friends need assistance, relief appears to have been afforded as the cases seem to require, and a con-
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cern is maintained that all of our children shall receive sufficient education to fit them for the duties of life.
The loving care of meetings for their younger members has been variously shown in different places. Some lec- tures explanatory of Friends' principles and practices have been given, and young Friends' fellowship groups have been encouraged.
Some Monthly Meetings endeavor to foster this concern in the day schools under their care, as well as in First-day schools.
One report states, that, notwithstanding these evidences of loving care, greater effort is needed to give our young people an understanding of Friends' principles and practices, and to bring them under such influences as will promote their religious life.
Seventh :- Most of our members maintain a faithful testi- mony against oaths, bearing arms, training and other mili- tary services. Many are diligently helping to strengthen the forces actively working against militarism. Friends are generally clear of the practices mentioned in the latter part of this query, but it is felt that they should bear a more positive testimony against some of these, in the communities in which they live.
Eighth :- We believe the business dealings of our mem- bers, generally, have been characterized by moderation, honor and integrity, and that they are careful to live within the bounds of their circumstances.
When any give reasonable grounds for fear in these respects, due care is extended to them.
We feel the need, especially at this critical period in the history of the world, to have our hearts so filled with a deeper sense of our responsibility and of real Christian jus- tice to our fellowmen, that our lives may evince a recogni- tion of the universal brotherhood of mankind.
Ninth :- Many Friends are earnestly solicitous for the moral and spiritual welfare of their fellow members.
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While acknowledging our short-comings, we feel that there is a care exercised, when it is necessary to caution or rebuke any, to do so in a spirit of meekness and Christian love, with sincere desires for their help.
If it is necessary to place judgment, the same care is felt, that it shall be done in right authority.
It is cause for thankfulness that these occasions seldom occur.
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ADDITIONAL ANNUAL QUERIES
First :- Abel McCarty, an Elder of Muncy Monthly Meet- ing and Elkland Preparative Meeting, deceased on the Eighth of Fourth Month, 1921, in the 86th year of his age.
Jane S. Warner, an Elder of Birmingham Monthly Meet- ing and West Chester Preparative Meeting, deceased Eighth Month 13th, 1921, in the 95th year of her age.
Walter H. Wood, a minister and member of Westtown Monthly Meeting, deceased Third Month 22nd, 1921, in the 45th year of his age.
Brinton P. Cooper, an Elder of Bradford Monthly Meet- ing, deceased Seventh Month 27th, 1921, in the 64th year of his age.
John L. Balderston, an Elder of Kennett Monthly and Particular Meetings, deceased Fourth Month 26th, 1921, in the 73rd year of his age.
Joshua Sharpless, an Elder of London Grove Monthly and Particular Meetings, deceased Tenth Month 16th, 1921, in the 78th year of his age.
Ann Elizabeth Comfort, an Elder of Falls Monthly Meet- ing, deceased Seventh Month 31st, 1921, in the 85th year of her age.
Joseph S. Leeds, an Elder of Chester Monthly Meeting, N. J., deceased Seventh Month 5th, 1921, in the 60th year of his age.
Elizabeth L. Evans, an Elder of Upper Evesham Monthly and Cropwell Particular Meeting, deceased First Month 25th, 1922, in the 84th year of her age.
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Second :- Mid-week meetings at Birmingham and Con- cordville, except those sessions which are preparative Meet- ings have been discontinued. The Meeting at Springfield, omitted for a few months last winter, is now being regularly held, with a slightly increased attendance. Decision was reached to hold mid-week meetings for worship at Westtown, during both the long and short vacations of the school.
The mid-week meetings of Westfield Preparative Meeting, N. J., were omitted from Eleventh Month to Third Month, inclusive, except on Fifth Day preceding the Third Month session of Chester Monthly Meeting. This course has been authorized for the future until otherwise directed.
Third :- It appears that the records of Membership have been kept and compared as enjoined by the Yearly Meeting.
Fourth :- There are eleven schools of the class queried after. There are other large schools known as Friends' Schools within our limits, but not supervised by Monthly Meeting Committees. Of the eleven: Three are large schools, one numbering 578 pupils. The answers do not permit us to give exact figures of the total enrollment. Sev- eral of the teachers are non-members, but all are warmly sympathetic towards the aims and standards of our schools. Two of the schools are under joint committees of the two bodies of Friends. The practice of attending mid-week Meetings for worship is maintained.
Fifth :- The Queries addressed to Quarterly, Monthly and Preparative Meetings have been read and answered therein as directed.
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REPORT
OF COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN LABOR IN FOREIGN LANDS.
TO THE YEARLY MEETING :-
This Committee was appointed three years ago experi- mentally to give an official recognition to the missionary outreach of our membership and to discover, if possible, how the Yearly Meeting could better function in the culture of missionary concern.
Last year we told of the missionary activities of our mem- bers and the call for expansion of missionary effort. Since then Esther B. Rhoads has entered upon her chosen work in Japan under the Foreign Missionary Association of Friends of Philadelphia. Edith Stratton Platt has gone to Moukden, North China; Margaret W. Rhoads has also gone to Tokyo, Japan, for a year's service under the F. F. M. A. M. Wistar Wood, Harold M. Lane and Alfred Nicholson have teach- ing positions in Canton Christian College, Imperial Univer- sity, Sapporo, Japan, and Christian University, Cairo, respectively. The opportunity and need for expansion have been brought freshly to our attention by the presence among us of Gurney and Elizabeth J. S. Binford, Herbert V. Nicholson and Madeline W. Nicholson, Dr. William W. Cadbury and Catherine Jones Cadbury and Anna Brown Nipps, home on furlough from their respective spheres of work, and telling of whitened fields and fewness of laborers.
Our Committee feels keenly its lack of tangible achieve- ment and believes that it may be more helpful in this report to consider on the basis of our three years' experience, the adequacy of the present arrangement rather than to detail the work of this committee or of the Foreign Missionary Association during the year.
We wish to state as fundamental to the question, our supreme conviction that Christianity is a universal and an essentially missionary religion, and that in so far as Quakerism realizes its early designation a "primitive Chris-
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tianity revived," it, too, will be driven by its world vision to the ends of the earth, recognizing no barriers of race or nation or class. The great epochs of Christian history have been epochs of missionary expansion. The early Christians went to the borders of the known world as messengers of news, good enough to defy torture and ignominy and death. Again and again down through the centuries men have gone out with the passion of their Lord to win others to the new life of joy. One of these high moments of mission was the early Quaker movement, when men and women with the fire and vision of youth swept throughout England, to America and Germany, Holland, Russia and Barbados, by the force of their great discovery of God. During the late war this sense of mission was signally revived, and meetings were again fired by the giving of young life to minister to the great needs of those, whom having not seen we loved. We caught once again the power that comes from losing life in surrender of ourselves to the needs of the world.
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