world; let them guard against the snare of accumulating wealth, and be examples of Christian moderation and contentment in all things. Let ministers at all times be tender of each other's reputation; and let them be watchful not to hurt each other's service in religious meetings, but let every one have a tender regard for others. Let nothing be done or offered with a view to popularity, but in humility and in the fear of the Lord. Let ministers avoid all unbecoming tones, sounds, gestures, and all affectation; these not being agreeable to Christian gravity. Let them be careful, when they travel in the service of truth, not to make their visits burthensome, or the Gospel chargeable. Men and women are cautioned against travelling together as companions in the work of the ministry, to avoid all occasions of offence. Let none presume to prophesy in their own spirits against any nation, town, people, or person. Let all beware of too much familiarity, which, biassing the judgment and producing an undue attachment, tends to hurt. Let ministers and elders be careful to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, keeping their whole conversation unspotted, and being examples of meekness, temperance, patience, and charity. Let the elders cherish a deep religious interest on behalf of those who are called to the ministry. Let them watch especially over the young and inexperienced with tender Christian concern, encouraging them in the right way of the Lord. And lastly, as prayer and thanksgiving are an especial part of worship, they must be performed in spirit and in truth, with a right understanding seasoned with grace. Therefore let ministers be careful how and what they offer in prayer, avoiding many words and repetitions; and let all be cautious of too often repeating the high and holy name of God, or his attributes, by a long conclusion; neither let prayer be in a formal and customary way to conclude a meeting; nor without an awful sense of Divine influence. 1775.-1792.-1833. 34 1 MORNING MEETING OF MINISTERS AND THE meeting which is held monthly in London, under the denominaConstitution. tion of the Morning Meeting, first established in the year 1672, is considered by this meeting as constituted of the acknowledged ministers and appointed elders of the quarterly meeting of London and Middlesex, together with all other friends in those stations who incline to attend. 1833. 2 Duties. 3 Care in re This meeting considers, that, agreeably to the established usage of the society, it is the duty of the morning meeting to exercise a tender Christian care over those ministers who may from time to time visit the city of London and its vicinity. It is also the office of that meeting to judge of the religious concerns of such ministers as may have been liberated by their monthly and quarterly meetings to travel in the service of the Gospel in foreign parts, when great inconvenience would ensue from their waiting for the occurrence of the yearly meeting of ministers and elders: the said meeting is also left at liberty to grant certificates to ministering friends returning to America under similar circumstances. On all such occasions the morning meeting is to inform the yearly meeting of ministers and elders of its proceedings. 1833. This meeting recommends to friends generally, the observance of gard to publi- the ancient and approved practice of our religious society, of submitting manuscripts which relate to our Christian principles and practices to the morning meeting in London. cations. The said meeting is annually to appoint a committee, with whom those who are concerned to publish works of the above description may consult and advise. And the friends of the said committee are encouraged in brotherly openness to communicate and confer with such authors. The manuscripts thus submitted are to be first presented to the meeting, but not read there; and the committee are to make report of the result of their judgment. Authors are at liberty to sit with committees so appointed, if they incline to do so. 1801.-1833. 2 Illumination of windows. 3 ings. NATIONAL FASTS, AND TIMES OF ADVISED that friends keep to their wonted example and testimony, against the superstitious observance of days. 1691. P. E. There being some disagreement in the conduct of friends, respecting the illumination of the windows of their houses, upon what are called rejoicing nights; which increases the weight of the sufferings of such friends as are conscientiously concerned to maintain inviolably our ancient and Christian testimony in these respects; it is desired and advised by this meeting, that wherever a defection of this kind appears, some friends treat with the unfaithful herein, in a spirit of love and tenderness, in order that such may be awakened to a serious consideration of their duty, and encouraged to a faithful discharge thereof. 1759.-1801.-1833. As the merciful visitations of the God of all grace are still renewed, Public rejoic- through Jesus Christ our Lord, by him to reconcile all things unto himself, let us receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save our souls; that we may experience an advancement in the work of redemption from the lusts of this world, and our minds be established in peace. And as we are preserved in a constant sense of his justice, wisdom, and mercy, we shall fear always, and therein fast acceptably to the Lord; and being enabled to wash our hands in innocency, may compass the altar of God; and, under these necessary qualifications, pour forth our souls before him, for the enlargement of his kingdom on earth, and the increase of that righteousness which exalts a nation. A humble and grateful sense of the mercies of our heavenly Father, every way extended, will also remain with us, and fill our hearts with thanksgiving and praise to himself; a tribute ever due to him from all his people, and to be acknowledged with the deepest solemnity; not with those tumultuous demonstrations of joy, which are often attended with rioting and drunkenness; and instead of being acceptable to a holy, pure God, rather tend to increase the weight of national transgressions. Let us therefore be found worshippers within the temple, and be cautious how any of us give occasion of additional suffering to the truly conscientious amongst us, by any compliance with such observances, as our worthy ancestors were rightly concerned to bear testimony against. 1759. P. E. We believe that at times the Lord is pleased, in an especial manner, to visit nations by his judgments, and that they call for deep humiliation before him, and for that repentance which includes a real turning away from all our evil works. This was the great feature of that memorable fast which obtained the divine favour for Nineveh, after the prophet had been sent to pronounce its destruction. The true and acceptable fast to the Lord was declared, by the prophet Isaiah, to be, not the bowing of the head for a day, but the right performance of acts of justice and mercy.' How loudly then are we, as Christians, called upon to beware of depending upon any temporary or external performances, and to observe that daily and continual fast, which consists in the obedient homage of the soul to its Almighty Creator and Redeemer. We have thought it right, as a society, to abstain from the observance of days set apart, without a divine direction, for the religious commemoration of particular events, or for national humiliation under peculiar trials. We consider the dictation, by man, of specific acts of worship, as opposed to those views of the spirituality of true worship, which it is our duty and privilege to hold. The public commemora 1 Is. lviii. 5-7. 4 National fasts and other ap pointed ob servances. |