Page iii

INDEX:

ADVICE, page 25. 
Appeals, 5. 
Applicants for certificates--see Certificates. 
___ for admittance and membership--see Convinced Persons. 
___ for children--see Parents and Children. 
Arbitrations, 6. 
Births and burials, 9. 
Books, 9. 
Certificates, 9. 
___, marriage, form of, 17. 
___ for ministers and elders, 10. 
Charity and unity, 11. 
Civil government, 11. 
Conduct and conversation, 11. 
Connexions forbidden in marriage, 18. 
Connexion and subordination of meetings, 13. 
Convinced persons, 12. 
Days and times, 12. 
Defamation and detraction, 13. 
Differences in regard to property--see Arbitrations. 
Discipline, and meetings for discipline, 13. 
Drowsiness--see Meetings for worship. 
Gaming and diversions, 14. 
Guardians--see Overseers. 
Law and equity, 15. 
___, cases admissible for Friends to go to law--see Arbitrations. 
Marriages, 15. 
___, manner of procedure, 16. 
Meetings for worship, 19. 
Ministers and elders, and their meetings, 19. 
Ministers not to be chosen as arbitrators--see Arbitrations. 
Minutes to be recorded--see Discipline. 

Page iv

Moderation and temperance, 22. 
Negroes and slaves, 22. 
Oaths, 22. 
Offices, Friends not to accept--see Civil Government. 
Orphans--see Overseers. 
Overseers, 23. 
Parents and children, 23. 
Plainness, 24. 
Poor, 24. 
Queries, 24. 
___ for ministers and elders, 26. 
Records--see Births and Burials. 
Removals--see Certificates. 
Scriptures, 27. 
Spirituous liquors--see Moderation and Temperance. 
Talebearing--see Defamation and Detraction. 
Taverns, 27. 
Testimonies, 27. 
Trade, 27. 
War, 28. 
Women's meetings, 28. 




Page 5

APPEALS.

   WHILST the yearly meeting, in granting an appeal, considers it a 
precious privilege, it is affectionately desired that all may be careful 
how they encourage persons, of improper dispositions, to trouble superior 
meetings therewith.

   If any be dissatisfied with, or think themselves aggrieved by, the 
judgment of a monthly meeting, they may, after a copy of the testimony of 
disownment is delivered to them, notify the first or second monthly 
meeting following, (but not after,) of their intention of appealing to the 
ensuing quarterly meeting; which notification the monthly meeting should 
enter on minute, and appoint a committee to attend the quarterly meeting, 
with a copy of the proceedings relative to the case, signed by the clerk; 
there to show the reasons on which that judgment was founded: the 
quarterly meeting is then to refer the same to a committee of Friends, 
omiting those of the monthly meeting from whence it came; and they are to 
confirm or reverse the judgment, as, on impartial examination, shall 
appear to be right, except they find that the case has not been acted on 
in the monthly meeting according to discipline; and, if so, it is to be 
returned to the monthly meeting of such proceedings for reexamination; 
taking care to inform the appellant of the result.

   If any appellant, on being informed of the judgment of a quarterly 
meeting, shall be dissatisfied therewith, he or she may notify that, or 
the next quarterly meeting, (but not after,) of his or her intention of 
applying to the next yearly meeting for a rehearing: the said quarterly 
meeting, 

Page 6

after recording such notification, is, in like manner, to appoint a 
committee to attend the yearly meeting, with copies of the records of the 
monthly and quarterly meetings in the case, signed by the clerks. Here it 
is to be finally determined, except they find that the proceedings have 
not been acted on according to discipline by the monthly or quarterly 
meeting; in which case it is to be returned to the meeting of such 
proceedings for reexamination; but if the judgment of the quarterly 
meeting be confirmed, a copy of the determination is to be sent thereto, 
and from thence to the monthly meeting. Notices of appeals are to be 
forwarded from subordinate to superior meetings, in the regular reports of 
such meetings.

   It is our earnest solicitude, that Friends may maintain the discipline 
of the church in the spirit of the gospel, which breathes "peace on earth, 
and good will to men." Under the influence of this, they will be favoured 
with wisdom prudently to determine the affairs of society, and thereby be 
more likely to prevent appeals coming to the yearly meeting, which, 
besides tending to prolong it, sometimes occasion uneasiness to the body.


ARBITRATIONS.

   When differences arise between our members in regard to their property, 
they are to proceed in the following manner: The party who thinks himself 
or herself aggrieved, should, in the first place, calmly and kindly 
request the other to comply with the demand; and if this be refused, the 
complainant himself, (or agent, if residing at too great distance,) should 
take with him one or two overseers, or other discreet Friends; and, in 
their presence, repeat the demand.

   If this step also fail, and the matter appear a plain account or bond, 
against which no reasonable objection is made, the party complained of 
should be advised to settle it without farther trouble; but if there 
appear difficulty in the matter under dispute, or unsettled difference in 
accounts, or other reasonable objections, the parties should be advised to 
choose a suitable number of Friends as arbitrators.

Page 7

   Should this proposal be acceded to, the arbitrators ought, as speedily 
as circumstances will admit, to appoint a time and place, and attend to 
the business without unnecessary delay; giving the parties a fair and full 
hearing in the presence of each other, but listening to neither of them 
apart, nor suffering their own sentiments to be known abroad till they 
have fully digested the subject, and come to a clear decision; which they 
should be careful to do within the time agreed on.

   But if either of the parties refuse the counsel of Friends in the 
matter under dispute; or when arbitrators are chosen, neglect to give his 
or her attendance when desired, without assigning sufficient reasons; or 
not abide by their award when issued; in either of these cases, the person 
so offending should be complained of to the monthly meeting of which he or 
she is a member; and if the brotherly endeavours and admonitions of 
society, in this capacity, fail to produce a conformity to justice in the 
case, the meeting should proceed to disown the offender, unless such 
person make it evident that the award or proceedings have been erroneous 
or unjust; in which case the matter in dispute may be referred to the 
same, or other arbitrators, as the meeting shall judge best, and their 
award shall be final. After which, if either of the parties prove so 
regardless of peace and unity, as not to acquiesce in such confirmed or 
corrected determination, the monthly meeting to which he or she belongs, 
should disown the person so refusing.

   That arbitrators may better answer the end of their appointment, and be 
helpful in conciliating the minds of the parties, they ought not to 
consider themselves as advocates for those by whom they are chosen, but as 
men whose duty it is to 'judge righteously, fearing the Lord.' They should 
shun all previous information respecting the case; or having heard any 
thing of it, remain, as much as possible, unbiased thereby. They should 
reject no evidence, nor receive any, but in the presence of both parties.

   And whereas there may be some circumstance, even in disputed matters, 
wherein the foregoing equitable mode of proceeding cannot be complied 
with; such as the party 

Page 8

absconding or leaving the country, with design to defraud his or her 
creditors; or apparent danger of bankruptcy, and other creditors generally 
coming on, which would occasion damage to the claimant, by the time it 
would take to pursue the above method; or where there may be danger of 
future damage, as in case of executors, administrators, trustees, and 
legatees: it may, therefore, be necessary, and it is directed, that 
monthly meetings, where such things happen, and which, on due inquiry, 
appear truly such, hold excused such as shall, in the before mentioned 
cases in this paragraph, appear to them really necessitated to proceed at 
law or equity. And in case of executors, administrators, trustees, and 
legatees, where it shall appear to the meeting that the matter is of 
importance, and that our friendly way would be unsafe, such may be 
permitted to have the matter tried at law or equity: also in cases 
concerning the titles of land, with this caution, 'that the parties on 
both sides behave towards each other in brotherly love, decency and 
moderation;' which will be a becoming testimony in courts, and show that 
nothing but the nature of the case, and our station, in common with others 
under the law of the land, take any of us there.

   As it may sometimes occur, that a member, either for want of a clear 
understanding of the business, or through improper influence, may present 
a complaint against another; in such case, the overseers, after fully 
hearing both parties, and being decidedly of opinion that the case does 
not require a reference, are to advise a speedy settlement of it; when, if 
that be ineffectual, and the complainant remain dissatisfied, he or she 
may have liberty to inform the preparative meeting of which the other is a 
member, that 'having a matter in dispute with one of its members, he or 
she is desirous of assistance in settling it.' The said meeting is then to 
appoint a judicious committee to inquire into the propriety of leaving the 
matter to arbitration: if they judge that the complaint ought to be 
referred, they are to advise that it be submitted accordingly; but if they 
concur in judgment with the overseers, the complaint is to be dismissed.

   If any preparative meeting thinks any matter too 

Page 9

weighty or inconvenient for it to manage, it may move it to the monthly 
meeting, which is to proceed in the same manner as directed to preparative 
meetings.

   It is the advice of the yearly meeting, that our members who differ on 
account of worldly affairs, avoid, as much as possible, choosing Friends 
in the ministry as arbitrators.


BIRTHS AND BURIALS.

   As inconvenience may arise from a want of due attention to keeping 
regular records 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, a record of all 
marriages, certificates, births and deaths within its limits, which shall 
be offered to him for that purpose.

   Friends are also enjoined to maintain our testimony against affixing 
superfluous monuments, of any description, to graves; and if any are 
placed thereat, that they be forthwith removed: and that they avoid the 
custom of wearing or giving mourning habits, and all extravagant expenses, 
on account of the dead.


BOOKS.

   It is the sense of the yearly meeting, that no member of our society 
shall print or publish any book or writing, having a tendency to excite 
disunity or discord; nor on any religious subject, without the perusal and 
approbation of such Friends as shall be appointed for that purpose. And if 
any shall print or publish any such book or writing, without consent of 
such committee, they are to be complained of to the monthly meeting to 
which they belong, and unless they condemn the same, to the satisfaction 
of said meeting, to be disowned.


CERTIFICATES.

   When Friends are about to remove from one monthly meeting to another, 
they ought to apply to the monthly 

Page 10

meeting to which they belong for certificates of their membership; and 
such meeting, if nothing appear to obstruct it, ought to grant such 
applicants certificates, setting forth their right of membership, directed 
to the monthly meetings within the limits of which they are going to 
reside. And when a person receives a certificate of removal, if it be not 
accepted by the monthly meeting to which it is directed, nor returned by 
the individual as a resident, within twelve months from the date thereof, 
the monthly meeting which granted the certificate may disown such, unless 
some satisfactory reason be given.

   If any in profession with us remove without first applying for 
certificates, and have not otherwise misbehaved, the monthly meeting shall 
send certificates to the monthly meetings within the limits of which they 
may reside, certifying their right of membership. If such have otherwise 
misbehaved, and removed without the acknowledged limits of any monthly 
meeting, the monthly meeting may disown them; and if within the limits of 
any monthly meeting, may forward a certificate with a statement of such 
misbehaviour, to such monthly meeting as they may have removed to, which 
monthly meeting may deal with or disown them.

   All certificates of removal, prepared for women Friends, after being 
considered in their meeting, are to be sent to the men's, and if there 
approved, signed by both clerks.

   When apprentices, or persons under age, are under the 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 meeting to which they remove.

   When approved ministers move from one monthly meeting to another, they 
are to have certificates, setting forth their station and the unity 
Friends have with them therein. But when elders remove out of the limits 
of their quarterly meetings, they have not a right to a certificate of 
their eldership, but only as other members.

Page 11

CHARITY AND UNITY.

   It is advised, that when any appearance of dissension, variance, or 
resentment, shall be discovered amongst our members, the parties be 
tenderly apprised of the danger to which it exposes them and others, and 
exhorted to mutual condescension and forgiveness; and if any, 
notwithstanding such admonition, manifest an implacable animosity, the 
overseers, or other solid Friends, of the monthly meeting to which they 
belong, should be informed thereof, and labour further with them; and if 
they still prove inflexible, they should be disowned, as out of the unity 
of the body.


CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

   It is the sense of the yearly meeting, that if any of our members 
accept, or act in, the office of member of the federal or state 
legislature, justice of the peace, clerk of a court, coroner, sheriff or 
constable, that they be dealt with, and if they cannot be convinced of the 
inconsistency of their conduct, after sufficient labour, they be disowned.


CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION.

   All who are guilty of lying, swearing, cursing; men and women 
unlawfully keeping company with each other, or any other scandalous 
practice; and all who occasion public scandal, should be dealt with by the 
overseers, or other concerned Friends; and if they are brought to a sense 
of their offence, they ought, without improper delay, to remove the 
scandal, and clear, as much as in them lies, our holy profession 
therefrom, by acknowledging the offence, and condemning the same, to the 
satisfaction of the monthly meeting. And when any such offenders refuse or 
neglect to acknowledge and condemn the fault, the monthly meeting should 
speedily disown them.

   If any in membership with us shall blaspheme, or speak profanely of 
ALMIGHTY GOD, CHRIST JESUS, or the HOLY SPIRIT, or deny the Divinity of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus 

Page 12

Christ, the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit, or the authenticity 
of the Scriptures,--as it is manifest, that they are not one in faith with 
us, the monthly meeting to which they belong, having extended due care for 
the benefit of such individuals without effect, should disown them.


CONVICED 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, or other discreet Friends, who are to lay the case before the 
preparative meeting; and after that meeting is fully satisfied, by paying 
a visit, or otherwise, they are to lay it before the monthly meeting; and 
if said meeting is not free to receive them at that time, it is to 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 to understand whether their motives for such request are sincere, 
and on the ground of convincement, and report their sense; with which, if 
the meeting is satisfied, a minute should be made, signifying the 
acceptance of such into membership. Such as have once been members, and 
have been disowned, are, if they wish to join in society again, to request 
as other applicants.


DAYS AND TIMES.

   As we are persuaded that no religious act can be 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 
authorised under the law, yet they who come to Christ, will assuredly 
find, that in Him all shadows end: and, therefore, when any in membership 
with us, do join with any of the above mentioned observances, 

Page 13

that they be admonished to a more circumspect conduct, and if they will 
not refrain, monthly meetings are to disown them.


DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION.

   Friends are exhorted to maintain a strict watch over themselves and one 
another, against the subtle and mischievous spirit of tale-bearing and 
detraction; the manifest tendency of which is, to lay waste the unity of 
the body, by sowing the seeds of disesteem, strife, and discord, among 
brethren and neighbours. It is advised, therefore, that in whomsoever this 
weakness appears, it may be immediately checked, and if persisted in, let 
such offenders be faithfully admonished; and unless they give due 
satisfaction, the preparative meeting should be informed, and deal further 
with them; when if that produce not the desired effect, the monthly 
meeting should proceed to disown them. And if any members who offend in 
this respect, should shelter themselves under pretence that they say no 
more than what they have heard from others, but will not discover who they 
are; such reporters or tale-bearers should, in like manner, be dealt with, 
and disowned, as being themselves the authors.


DISCIPLINE, AND MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE.

   The connexion and subordination of our meetings for discipline are 
thus: preparative meetings are accountable to monthly; monthly to 
quarterly; and quarterly to the yearly meeting. So that if the yearly 
meeting be at any time dissatisfied with the proceedings of any 
subordinate meeting; or a quarterly meeting, with the proceedings of 
either of its monthly meetings; or a monthly meeting with the proceedings 
of either of its preparative meetings,--such meetings ought, with 
readiness and meekness, to render account thereof when required.

   It is agreed that no quarterly meeting be set up, or put down, without 
consent of the yearly meeting; no monthly meeting, without consent of the 
quarterly meeting; nor 

Page 14

any preparative, or other meeting for business or worship, till 
application to the monthly meeting is first made, and when there approved, 
the consent of the quarterly meeting be had also.

   It is directed, that a book be provided by every monthly and quarterly 
meeting, and fair minutes kept therein, of all matters which such meetings 
shall deem necessary to be recorded. Monthly meetings, particularly, are 
advised to attend to, and finish all business, with care and dispatch; 
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 assistance. It is 
the sense of this meeting, as a general rule, in all cases, that when any 
monthly or quarterly meeting has occasion for, and requests copies of any 
of the papers, minutes, or records of another monthly or quarterly 
meeting, that the same be granted.

   Each monthly meeting should appoint a suitable number of Friends to 
attend the service of the quarterly meeting, with such written reports, 
signed by the clerk, as may be given them in charge. Also, a suitable 
number of Friends, should be appointed by each quarterly meeting, to 
attend the service of the yearly meeting. And it is earnestly advised and 
desired, that all Friends who submit to these, or any other services of 
the society, may be punctual in their attendance thereto: or, if prevented 
by sickness, or any other unavoidable occurrence, that they be careful to 
send information thereof. Also, that those who are under appointments to 
meetings, do not withdraw therefrom, before the conclusion, without 
obtaining the meeting's consent.


GAMING AND DIVERSIONS.

   It is advised that a watchful care be exercised over our members, to 
prevent their going to stage plays, taverns, horse-races, music and 
dancing, or any such sports and pastimes; or being concerned in lotteries, 
wagering, or any species of gaming: and if any of our members fall into 
those practices, and cannot be prevailed on by private labour, to 

Page 15

decline them, the monthly meeting to which the offenders belong, should be 
informed thereof, and if they be not reclaimed by further labour, to 
proceed to disown them.


LAW.

   It is the sense and judgment of the yearly meeting, that if any in 
membership with us, disregarding the gospel order prescribed by our 
discipline, shall arrest, or sue at law or equity, any other members of 
any meeting, except in the cases admissible under the head "Arbitrations," 
without first obtaining leave of the monthly meeting of which the 
complainant is a member, they, in so doing, depart from the peaceable 
principles of which we make profession; and if, on being treated with, by 
the monthly meeting to which they belong, they cannot be prevailed upon to 
withdraw the suit, and pay the costs of it, they should be disowned.


MARRIAGES.

   It is affectionately desired by the yearly meeting, that all young or 
unmarried persons, in membership with us, previously to their making any 
procedure in order to marriage, do seriously, and humbly wait upon the 
Lord, for his counsel and direction in this important concern: and when 
favoured with satifactory clearness therein, they should early acquaint 
their parents or guardians with their intentions, and wait for their 
consent. Thus, preservation from the dangerous bias of forward and 
uncertain affections. would be experienced, to the real benefit of the 
parties, and the comfort of their friends. And it is earnestly recommended 
to Friends, that they carefully and tenderly watch over one another; and 
extend seasonable caution and admonitions, relative to this interesting 
subject, as occasion may require.

   All single persons about to marry at a distance from home, are to 
procure, from the monthly meeting, to which they belong, certificates of 
their right of membership, and clearness from any other person in respect 
to marriage engagements; and none are to be permitted to join themselves 
in marriage, until such certificates are produced.

Page 16

   No monthly meeting is to permit any marriage to be proposed therein, 
sooner than one year after the decease of a former wife or husband.

   The yearly meeting, being tender concerning marriages, desires that no 
misdemeanor be treasured up against a person until the time of presenting 
marriage to the meeting, and then disclosed, though, perhaps, long before 
done, and known to those who so object to it at that time; which being a 
wrong thing, should be prohibited in all meetings.

   It is recommended to Friends to be careful that men and women who make 
or receive proposals of marriage do not dwell together in the same house, 
from the commencement of such concern, until the marriage is accomplished; 
that no ground may be furnished for evil reports or surmises, but that our 
holy profession be maintained unsullied in the view of men.

   Let such of our members be admonished who keep company in order for 
marriage, with persons not of our society; or with bond servants or 
apprentices, without leave of their masters or mistresses. And all who are 
either present themselves, or consent to their children's being present, 
at marriages or marriage entertainments, of a member or members, 
accomplished contrary to our order, are to be dealt with; and where they 
cannot be brought to a sense of their error, let them be disowned. And 
when any of our members accomplish their marriage contrary to our well-
known and established order monthly meetings may accordingly disown them.

   When parents or guardians have approved the visits or addresses of a 
member of society to any of their children, or those under their care, 
they ought not to retract the same, without giving such reasons as shall 
be satisfactory to the monthly meeting.

   For the accomplishment of marriage, the following order is to be 
observed:--If both parties belong to the same monthly meeting, the men's 
and women's monthly meeting should be informed of their intentions, and 
the man, at a proper time, be accompanied into the women's apartment, 

Page 17

by a friend or two; there the parties are first to declare, "That they 
intend marriage with one another:" whereupon, two women Friends are to be 
appointed to make inquiry respecting the woman; they then proceed to the 
men's meeting, where they are to make the same declaration; and two men 
Friends be, in like manner, appointed to inquire into the clearness of the 
man, from any other marriage engagements. If the parties have parents or 
guardians present, their consent should be expressed. If the woman is a 
widow having children, two men Friends should be appointed to see that the 
rights of her children be legally secured.

   At next meeting, if the committees report that careful inquiry has been 
made, and no obstruction to the further proceedings of the parties 
appears, the meetings are to leave them at liberty to accomplish their 
marriage, according to our rules; and appoint two Friends of each sex, to 
attend the marriage and marriage-entertainment, and see that good order be 
observed.

   Marriages are to be solemnized at the meeting-house where the woman 
belongs, on a week-day, except that the monthly meeting consents that it 
shall be elsewhere, or on first-day. Towards the conclusion of the 
meeting, the parties are to stand up, and, taking each other by the hand, 
are to declare to the following effect: the man first--"I take this my 
friend D. E. to be my wife, promising, through divine assistance, to be 
unto her a loving and faithful husband, until death separates us." And the 
woman also,--"I take this my friend A. B. to be my husband, promising, 
with divine assistance, to be unto him, a loving and faithful wife, until 
death separates us." The marriage certificate is then to be audibly read 
by some suitable Friend; they are then to sign it, the man first, then the 
woman, with the assumed name of her husband; the relatives next, and such 
others as are disposed to subscribe as witnesses.

   The form of the marriage certificate shall be as follows, or to the 
same effect:

   "Whereas A. B. son of C. and D. B. in the county of , and state of , 
and E. F. daughter of H. and J. F. of same place, having expressed their 
intention 

Page 18

of marriage with each other, before a monthly meeting of Friends, held at, 
in the county and state aforesaid; and after due inquiry, nothing 
appearing to obstruct, were allowed by said meeting to proceed.

   Now these are to certify whom it may concern,--That for the full 
accomplishment of their said intentions, this day of the month, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and , they, the said A. B. and 
E. F. appeared at a public meeting of Friends, held at meeting house, in 
the county of ; and they, the said A. B. and E. F. did, in a solemn 
manner, openly declare, that 'they took each other for husband and wife;' 
and, as a further confirmation thereof, did to these presents set their 
hands; she, according to the custom of marriage, assuming the name of her 
husband.

   A. B.

   E. B.

   We whose names are hereunto subscribed, were present at the 
solemnization of the abovesaid marriage.


   It is further directed, that marriages be accomplished decently, 
gravely, and weightily; and that the parties, their parents, and others 
concerned, take care, at the house to which they go after the 
solemnization is over, that no reproach arise, by any intemperate feasting 
or drinking, or by any unseemly, wanton, or rude discourse or action; but 
that all behave with such sobriety as becomes a people fearing God; and 
that the company retire in seasonable time. And the overseers are to make 
report to the next monthly meeting, whether good order has been observed, 
and take care that the marriage certificate be produced to be recorded.

   That marriages of persons too nearly related, may, as much as possible, 
be prevented, it is the conclusion of the yearly meeting, that no 
marriages between any so near as first cousins, nor the children of half 
brothers or half sisters, shall be permitted amongst us; and when any such 
persons intermarry, their so doing shall be considered as a relinquishment 
of their right in our religious society, and they may be disowned by the 
monthly meeting of which they are members.

Page 19

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.

   This meeting recommends that Friends who are exercised in the 
discipline, would early extend their brotherly love and care, in visiting 
such amongst us who neglect to attend our meetings for public worship. 
And, as a wilful neglect of this important duty is a manifest evidence of 
ingratitude to the Divine Being, contrary to the example and practice of 
primitive believers in Christ, and our religious testimony,--it is the 
sense of this meeting, that as such disunite themselves from christian 
fellowship with Friends, monthly meetings, after having fully discharged 
their duty towards them, and finding their endeavors to reclaim them 
ineffectual, should disown them.

   As the appearance of a drowsy spirit in our religious meetings is 
offensive, and may be a cause of stumbling to sober inquirers, it is 
earnestly desired that this weakness may not exist amongst us. And as 
indulgence therein must have a disqualifying effect, it is the sense and 
judgment of this meeting, that quarterly, monthly, and other meetings, 
should be cautious of appointing such, who give way to this weakness, in 
the weighty affairs of the church.


MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND THEIR MEETINGS.

   When there is occasion for the appointment of one elder or more in any 
meeting, a proposal of name or names should be offered to the monthly 
meeting, and a committee appointed to inquire into the unity Friends have 
with forwarding such to that station. If, upon due consideration, the 
nomination is approved, a minute should be made, and a copy thereof 
forwarded to the quarterly meeting, and, if there concurred in, the person 
or persons are to be appointed to that station.

   When any concerned Friend has frequently appeared in our religious 
meetings, as a minister, and the preparative meeting of ministers and 
elders apprehends it seasonable the subject should then claim the 
attention of the monthly meeting for discipline of which the person is a 
member, 

Page 20

it may here be opened, by a member of said preparative meeting, when, if 
the monthly meeting, after deliberate consideration, shall unite in 
believing that a gift in the ministry has been committed to him or her, a 
minute expression thereof should be forwarded to the quarterly meeting; 
where the case being solidly weighed and concurred in, information thereof 
should be sent to the preparative meeting of ministers and elders, of 
which the person is to be a member. And, until the approbation of the 
quarterly meeting is obtained, no such Friend is to be received as a 
minister, or permitted to travel abroad, or appoint any meeting without 
consent of the monthly meeting to which he or she belongs; neither is any 
approved minister to appoint any meeting, without consent of the monthly 
meeting.

   When any approved minister apprehends it to be his or her duty to 
travel in truth's service, out of the limits of the yearly meeting, he or 
she is to open the concern in the monthly meeting to which he or she 
belongs, and obtain a certificate of its unity and concurrence, directed 
to Friends in the parts proposed to be visited, and obtain the consent of 
the quarterly meeting.--And when the service is accomplished, the said 
monthly meeting ought to be informed, and the certificate returned, 
without unnecessary delay.

   No minister may go beyond sea, to Europe, or the West Indies, without 
the concurrence of the yearly meeting of ministers and elders.

   Friends are advised to be cautious of receiving travelling Friends 
without certificates.

   If any shall oppose a ministering Friend, whether recommended or not, 
in his or her preaching or exhortation, keep on the hat, or show any 
remarkable dislike to such, when engaged in prayer, let them be speedily 
admonished, in such manner as may be requisite; unless the person against 
whom the uneasiness is expressed, has been disowned, or his or her 
appearance disapproved by the monthly meeting.

   On the contrary, when any have ought against what has been publicly 
delivered, they are to speak to the party, privately and orderly.

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   The ministers and elders of each monthly meeting, should meet once in 
three months, at such time and place as the monthly meeting may direct, in 
the capacity of a preparative meeting of ministers and elders,--when the 
queries addressed to such meeting are to be read, and answers made to 
them, signed by the clerk, and conveyed to the ensuing quarterly meeting 
of ministers and elders, by a suitable number of representatives. And in 
the said quarterly meetings, the queries are also to be read, and the 
answers from the respective preparative meetings, and the state of the 
members weightily considered; and, once a year, those answers, comprised 
in a report, signed by the clerk, are to be forwarded to the yearly 
meeting of ministers and elders, by representatives appointed for that 
purpose. In this meeting, the queries are also to be read, and the answers 
from the several quarters; and the state of this part of society, being 
thus collected and considered, advices adapted thereto, may, if requisite, 
be issued to the subordinate meetings of the like kind.

   None of the said meetings of ministers and elders are, in any wise, to 
interfere with the business of any meeting for discipline; nor is the 
yearly meeting for ministers and elders, to suffer its adjournments to 
interfere with the sittings of the yearly meeting for discipline.

   When any acknowledged member of the select meeting shall, at any time, 
be thought, by negligence or otherwise, to have lost his or her service in 
that station, so as to become burthensome, (yet not so as to be under the 
care of the monthly meeting for discipline, for misconduct,) it is 
advised, that timely and tender care be extended to such, according to 
gospel order; and if such care prove ineffectual, that some discreet 
Friend lay the same before the monthly meeting of which he or she is a 
member, and if the meeting concur therewith, that the subject be forwarded 
to the quarterly meeting for is approbation, and discontinuance of such 
Friend from his or her station, which is to be certified to the meeting of 
ministers and elders.

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MODERATION AND TEMPERANCE.

   It is earnestly recommended to our members, to guard against the 
unnecessary use of intoxicating liquors, and distilling, or having them 
distilled, importing, or vending them, as articles of commerce; or giving 
them at vendues to excite bidding: and if any proceed in either of the 
practices aforesaid, to the dissatisfaction of the monthly meeting to 
which they belong, said meeting is to extend labour and advice in the 
matter, as it may think best; and if such members neglect, or refuse the 
counsel of their friends, they are to be disowned.


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 religion. It therefore remains to be our continued concern, to 
prohibit our members from holding in bondage our fellow men.

   If any in membership with us, shall hire any in slavery, of their 
master or mistress, to assist them in their business, it is the judgment 
of the yearly meeting, that, in so doing, they promote the unrighteous 
traffic, and oppose our testimony against slavery; and if they cannot be 
prevailed upon to desist, monthly meetings are at liberty to disown them.

   A proper regard to this testimony, would lead our members to avoid 
acting as executors or administrators to estates in which slaves are 
bequeathed, or being accessary to any step whereby their bondage may be 
prolonged.

   If any of our members are concerned in selling or purchasing, or shall 
give away or transfer, any negro or slave, or accept of any such gift or 
assignment, so as to prolong his or her slavery, or prevent such from the 
benefit of their labour; they ought, speedily, to be treated with, in the 
spirit of love and wisdom, in order to convince them of the iniquity of 
their conduct; and if, after such christian labour, they are not brought 
to such a sense of their injustice as to do whatever the monthly meeting 
shall judge 

Page 23

to be necessary for the restoration of such slave to his or her natural 
liberty, and condemn their deviation from the laws of righteousness and 
equity, to the satisfaction of said meeting, such shall be disowned.


OATHS.

   If any in membership with us shall be guilty of swearing before legal 
authority, or of administering an oath, instead of our approved, 
privileged, and ancient manner of affirming,--as it is a deviation from 
our principles, such ought to be treated with; and if they do not come to 
a sense and acknowledgment of their error, monthly meetings should disown 
them.


OVERSEERS.

   It is the recommendation of the yearly meeting, as productive of very 
beneficial consequences to society, that in every monthly meeting a proper 
number of faithful and discreet Friends be appointed to the station of 
overseers within the same; whose duty it is to exercise a vigilant and 
tender care over their fellow members, and to render accounts to monthly 
meetings when required; and also to inform the monthly meeting of all 
orphans and others, belonging to the same, who need guardians; and, on 
such information, the meeting is to appoint a committee to examine their 
situation, and promote suitable persons to the guardianships.


PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

   In case of parents making application for their children to be received 
into membership, if monthly meetings are fully satisfied concerning the 
clear convincement of such parents, they may receive such children in 
minority into membership. If only one of the parents come in by request, 
their children should have no right in society, till monthly meetings are 
free to receive them by their own request; but if parents have both been 
members after marriage, and one of them be disowned, and they have 
children 

Page 24

afterwards, such children should be looked upon as having full right in 
our society. It is further the judgment of the yearly meeting, that no 
illegitimate child should be considered as having a birth-right in our 
society.


PLAINNESS, IN DRESS AND ADDRESS.

   It is earnestly desired that all our members may keep themselves, and 
their children which are in minority, to moderation and plainness, in 
gesture, speech, apparel, and furniture of houses; and it is hoped that 
when any deviate from the above advice, that Friends will be strict in 
wisdom, to take prudent care therein; and if such pious care and 
endeavours prove ineffectual, monthly meetings may disown them.


POOR.

   It is advised that the case of all indigent Friends may be duly 
inspected, advice and relief may be seasonably afforded, their necessities 
relieved, and prudent care taken for the education of their children.


QUERIES.

   It is agreed, that once in the second and third quarters each, 
succeeding the yearly meeting, the first four of the following queries, 
and once in the quarter immediately preceding the yearly meeting, all of 
them, be read, deliberately considered, and answered, in the preparative, 
monthly, and quarterly meetings, and an explicit account, in writing, 
conveyed to each yearly meeting.

   Query 1. Are meetings for worship and discipline duly attended? the 
hour observed? and do Friends avoid all unbecoming behaviour therein? And 
is due care taken, when any thing appears amiss, that the rules of our 
discipline be timely put in practice?

   Query 2. Are love and unity preserved among you? and do you discourage 
all tale-bearing and detraction? and when differences arise, are 
endeavours speedily used to end them?

Page 25

   Query 3. Do Friends keep to plainness and moderation in every part of 
their conduct? And do those who have children endeavour to train them up 
in the principles of our religious profession, to reading the holy 
scriptures and use the necessary restraints for their preservation?

   Query 4. Are Friends clear of the unnecessary use of intoxicating? of 
distilling, or having them distilled, importing, or vending them, as 
articles of commerce? Are they careful to guard against frequenting 
taverns and places for diversion? or are they concerned in gaming, or 
lotteries?

   Query 5. Are Friends clear of purchasing, disposing of, or holding 
mankind as slaves, so as to prevent them from the benefit of their labour? 
And do they use those well who are set free, and under their care, through 
non-age or otherwise, endeavouring to encourage them in a virtuous life?

   Query 6. Are Friends careful to live within the bounds of their 
circumstances? do they avoid launching into trade or business beyond their 
abilities? are they just in their dealings, and punctual in fulfilling 
their engagements? or are they concerned in any fraudulent or clandestine 
trade?

   Query 7. Are the necessities of poor Friends relieved, and care taken 
for the education of their children? Are not the rights of Friends' 
children neglected, nor they placed from amongst us without consent of the 
monthly meeting?

   Query 8. Do any commence a suit at law or equity, against a Friend in 
unity, contrary to discipline, without consent of the monthly meeting?

   Directed, that the following advice be read over after the queries, in 
a solemn, deliberate manner, and carefully attended to, and answered in 
writing annually:

   Advised, That Friends be careful to keep wills by them.

   That public gifts or legacies be applied to the uses intended by the 
donor.

   That care be taken respecting removals, and that Friends about to 
remove apply for certificates.

   That early care be taken to advise, and deal with, such as appear 
inclinable to marry contrary to discipline, and if parents give their 
consent, or connive at their children 

Page 26

therein, that they, and those who may attend such marriages, be dealt with 
accordingly.

   That Friends keep proper records of marriages, births and deaths.

   That care be taken to advise those who may appear inclinable, against 
marrying with too near kindred.

   And we recommend, that Friends, every where, behave themselves orderly, 
both in their converse and commerce, so as to answer the witness for truth 
in them with whom they are concerned.


QUERIES FOR MINISTERS AND ELDERS.

   The yearly meeting directs that once a quarter, excepting that 
following each yearly meeting, the following queries, for the use of the 
select meeting, be read and answered, and distinct answers sent to the 
like quarterly meeting, in order that a summary may be made out for the 
yearly meeting of ministers and elders.

   Query 1. Are ministers and elders careful to attend all their meetings 
in due time, taking their families with them, as circumstances will admit? 
and are they good examples in waiting therein?

   Query 2. Are all public Friends sound in their ministry, and careful to 
administer in the right ability?

   Query 3. Are the lives and conversation of ministers and elders clean 
and blameless among men, ruling their own houses well, and being exemplary 
themselves?

   Query 4. Are ministers and elders in unity one with another, and with 
the meeting to which they belong? and do none overcharge themselves with 
business to the hurting of their service?

   Query 5. Do any travel abroad as ministers, without being first 
recommended to, and accepted by, the quarterly meeting to which they 
belong, as such, or appoint meetings disorderly?

   Query 6. Do you watch over one another for good? and are you careful to 
help those who are young in the ministry in the right line thereof?

Page 27

SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.

   We tenderly advise and exhort all parents and heads of families, to 
advise and instruct their children and families in the doctrines and 
precepts of the christian religion, as contained in the scriptures; and 
that they excite them to the diligent reading of those excellent books.


TAVERNS.

   We think it necessary to caution all our members against frequenting 
taverns, and other places of public resort; and it is the judgment of this 
meeting, that none of our members engage in tavern-keeping, or any such 
employ, for a livelihood. And if any are in danger on those accounts, they 
should be timely and tenderly treated with in order to convince them of 
their danger, and if they cannot be prevailed upon to desist, they should 
be disowned.


TESTIMONIES.

   It is the judgment of the yearly meeting, that offenders who incline to 
make acknowledgment of their offences, may prepare the same in writing, 
and therein particularize the matter or matters charged upon them, and 
show it to the overseers, or committee appointed in their case, and if the 
purport is judged to be suitable to the occasion, such may present it to 
the preparative or monthly meeting.


TRADE.

   This meeting recommends to all of its members, that they be careful not 
to venture on such business as they do not understand, or to involve 
themselves in trade beyond their abilities to manage; but that they bound 
their engagements by their means; and when they give their words or enter 
into contracts, that they endeavour, on all occasions, strictly to fulfil 
them.

   And that Friends be cautioned against purchasing any 

Page 28

kind of prize goods, or running any contraband goods from any port, or 
being concerned in any fraudulent or clandestine trade. And if any depart 
from the counsel of their friends in those respects, they should be 
speedily treated with for their restoration; and if such treatment prove 
ineffectual, they should be disowned.


WAR.

   Friends are exhorted faithfully to adhere to our testimony against wars 
and fightings, and in no way to unite with any in warlike measures, either 
offensive or defensive, or in carrying guns for defending their ships or 
persons; or privateering; or, as owners of ships, going with letters of 
marque:--that by the inoffensiveness of our lives, we may convincingly 
demonstrate ourselves to be the real subjects of the Messiah's peaceful 
reign.

   And if any deviate from this our ancient testimony, or approve or show 
the least connivance at war, by attending at muster-fields or viewing 
military operations; or in any wise encouraging the unstable, deceitful 
spirit of party; illuminating their houses in token of rejoicing for 
victory obtained in war; or by joining political devices or associations; 
they are to be tenderly dealt with, and if they can- to be brought to 
acknowledge and forsake their error, monthly meetings should disown them.


WOMEN'S MEETINGS.

   Recommended, that women Friends continue to hold preparative, monthly, 
quarterly and yearly meetings, in separate apartments; and therein to have 
the care and oversight of their own sex, and exercise the discipline 
relative thereto.