barbarity; corrupting the minds and debasing the morals of their children, to the unspeakable prejudice of religion and virtue, and the exclusion of that holy spirit of universal love, meekness and charity, which is the unchangeable nature and the glory of true Christianity. We therefore can do no less than with the greatest earnestness impress it upon friends every where, that they endeavor to keep their hands clear of this unrighteous gain of oppression.

1760.

3. It is recommended to friends who have slaves in possession, to treat them with tenderness, impress God's fear in their minds, promote their attending places of religious worship, and give those that are young, at least, so much learning that they may be capable of reading.

4. It is our sense and judgment, that truth not only requires that the young, of capacity and ability, but likewise the aged and impotent, and also all in a state of infancy and non-age among friends, be discharged and set free from a state of slavery; that we do no more claim property in the human race, as we do in the brutes that perish. 1773.

Agreed, that no friend import, or in any ways purchase, dispose of or hold mankind as slaves; but that all those who have been held in a state of slavery be discharged therefrom; that all those be used well who are under friends' care, and are not in circumstances, through non-age or incapacity, to minister to their own necessities; and that they give those that are young such an education as becomes Christians, and encourage others in a religious and virtuous life. 1773, 1780.

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OATHS.

ADVISED, that our Christian testimony be faith fully maintained against the burthen and imposition of oaths, according to the express prohibition of Christ, and also of the apostle James, viz. "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shall perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all: neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black: but let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matt. v. 33-37.

"But above all things, my brethren, swear not; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." James, v. 12. 1693.

Believing therefore as we do, that no argument can invalidate a prohibition thus clear and positive, we are bound religiously to regard it; and whilst we feel gratitude for the continuance of that indul

gence, by which our affirmation is accepted, let us evince our sincerity in relation to this testimony, by faithfully maintaining it.

And when any of our members, either in courts or elsewhere, violate it, either by taking or administering oaths, monthly meetings are desired to extend brotherly labor towards them, and if they cannot be prevailed upon to give the necessary satisfaction, to testify their disunity with them.

Agreed, that oaths administered by judges, justices, selectmen, town-councils, or other officers, who are under the care of friends, is a violation of our ancient testimony, and that such persons ought to be dealt with as offenders. Nor are such officers clear, who admit of clerks or others to administer oaths before them, when sitting in their office, unless there be a number of others present, not of our society, sufficient to authorize the same. 1733.

ORPHANS, WILLS, EXECUTORS, &c.

ADVISED, that friends, in making their wills, have a strict regard to justice and equity, and be not actuated by caprice and prejudice, to the injury of those who may have a reasonable expectation from their kindred and near connection; nor carry any resentment, though occasion may have been given or taken, to the grave, remembering we all stand in need of mercy and forgiveness. Also, that none postpone making their wills to a sick bed; an improper season to settle our outward affairs, in the painful struggles of nature, even if we should be favored with a clear understanding; which ought not to be diverted from a solemn consideration of the approaching awful period of life.

Friends are earnestly recommended to employ persons capable, and of good repute, to write their wills; as great inconvenience and loss, and sometimes the ruin of families, have happened through the unskillfulness of some who have taken upon them to write wills, being unqualified to act in an affair of such importance. And all friends, who may become executors or administrators, are advised to make a full, clear and proper inventory of the estate and effects of the deceased, as soon as

may be after the interment; as many difficulties and disputes have arisen for want of it, where it has been deferred. 1782.

Recommended, that friends, who have young children, do in their wills appoint faithful friends to be guardians to them till they arrive at a lawful age; that monthly meetings take care that such guardians do discharge their trust with justice and uprightness; and that orphans be admonished to be subject to the wills of their deceased parents, as the said meeting shall see cause. 1706.

Executors and trustees, concerned in wills and settlements, are advised to take especial care that they faithfully discharge their respective trusts, according to the intent of the donors and testators; and that all charitable gifts, legacies, bequests, and settlement of estates, by will or deed, intended and given for the use of the poor, the aged, the impotent, or for putting poor friends' children to education or apprenticeships, may not be appropriated or converted to any other uses than such as the donors and testators have directed and enjoined by legal settlement, will or testament. 1715.