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fastly persevere in the support of that testimony committed to you; that, when the Great Shepherd shall appear, you may come before him with reverent assurance, and receive the reward of "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 1753.

As to the elders among you, and those whom God, having endued with knowledge and experience of the cleansing operations of his Spirit, hath concerned to minister unto others, let them adorn the doctrine of. the gospel, by showing, out of a good conversation, their works with meekness of wisdom. Such as these, being clothed with humility, and exemplary to the flock whom they feed; not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, are worthy of double honor, and to be highly esteemed in the church of Christ. 1751.

As the Lord is graciously pleased effectually to touch the hearts of many of the youth, and prepare them for the reception of his heavenly gifts, whereby many are called to the work of the ministry; and well knowing it is a due attention to the gift, and waiting for the heavenly power and life, to discharge themselves therein, which has ever proved a blessing to the individual, and to the churches in general; we earnestly recommend, that the elders and sensible solid friends do watch over such in a holy concern for their, and the churches' good; that the weak and tender may be encouraged in a faithful discharge of their duty; and where a forward spirit appears, that would lead into many words out of the power and life,

such may be properly admonished in the meekness of wisdom, that each may speak the language of truth, by the ability which the Lord only gives; and that the monthly meetings do not indulge any to travel and appoint meetings too soon, for many have been hurt thereby. 1753.

We recommend the apostolic advice, "Lay hands suddenly on no man;" for we have cause to believe, that injurious encouragement hath tended to promote an unsound ministry in some places. It is therefore recommended, that the approved ministers and elders, in the several monthly meetings, would tenderly advise those who come forth in public testimony, to wait patiently under a deep consideration of their state of infancy and childhood, without desiring to be introduced into the meeting of ministers and elders, until their fruits afford sufficient evidence of their qualifications for so important a service, and they be approved of by the monthly and quarterly meetings to which they belong; that such young ministers be reported to their monthly and quarterly meetings; which, upon solid and deliberate consideration, may, as in the wisdom of truth shall seem meet, recommend them to the select meeting of ministers and elders, in order to their becoming regular members of those meetings. 1773.

Looking into the state of this part of the society, which stands in a more conspicuous point of view than the more private members, the necessity of their being ensamples to the flock appears exceedingly great; particularly in a diligent attendance of all our meetings for solemn worship and the

discipline of the church, and therein to be very deep and weighty in spirit, laboring with an ardor of soul suited to the occasion, for the arising of the ancient spring of life; which, of a truth, is the crown of our assemblies, and the ground of our joy and rejoicing in Him, and one in another: it being this alone which preserves living, fresh and active members in the church of Christ, who are enabled to communicate a degree of warmth to the rising youth, and those of less experience in this most necessary exercise; not only in word and doctrine, but also in silent, humble waiting on God, for the renewings of help day by day.

Where it shall appear, upon due inspection made, that any members shall or do neglect or omit the due attendance of their meetings for worship and discipline, through sloth, indolence, love of the world, lukewarmness in religion, or other insufficient cause, let each monthly meeting take care, that all such be timely visited in love, and acquainted with the desire and mind of friends in that case, and admonished to faithfulness therein. And if, notwithstanding the due Christian labor and admonition, he, she or they, shall continue in the said neglect or omission; if a minister, his or her public testimony should be denied; and if an elder, he or she should be dismissed from that station. 1770.

Advised, to have a godly care of judging or contradicting one another in public meetings, or showing any marks or signs of division therein, among ministers or others; it being of a very pernicious consequence to bring blame or contempt upon the ministry, and a great hurt to our youth and others. 1716.

This meeting, taking under its serious consideration, the beauty and credit of keeping decency and good order in our meetings for worship, advises friends every where to avoid public opposition to a minister, not disowned by the monthly or quarterly meeting to which he or she shall belong, by keeping on their hats in time of prayer, or any other token of disunion.

But if any person, pretending to be a minister, shall give cause of uneasiness or dissatisfaction to friends, in doctrine, behavior or conversation, the person so offending is to be dealt with privately, in a gospel spirit and manner. If this shall not take effect, then let complaint be made of such person to the monthly meeting to which he or she belongs; that proceeding thereon may be had accordingly, and the affair settled with all possible expedition. 1723.

Where friends in any monthly meeting are really dissatisfied, or burthened with any that take upon them to preach among them, let such persons first be duly admonished in their own monthly meeting, with the assistance of the faithful approved ministers and elders of the same meeting, and adjacent meetings, if need be; and, if afterwards they will persist to impose upon and burthen friends, then let them be publicly testified against, where they so impose.

If any one, who has been a public minister or elder, shall be guilty of such practices as may justly deserve public censure, and shall be disowned, and afterwards, upon tokens of repentance, be again admitted into membership, such re-admission is not

to be interpreted so as to give him or her the liberty of appearing as a public minister, or of exercising the office of an elder, until the monthly meeting he or she belongs to shall judge the scandal given by such person to be so far removed, as that such public appearance, or exercising the office of an elder, may not administer occasion of reproach, either from friends or others; and in case they should show themselves too forward in so appearing, the meeting to which they belong is desired to give them such advice as it shall see suitable to their circumstances. 1737.

A MEMORIAL

Of some necessary advices recommended to ministers, and in the love of the gospel to be communicated to the several meetings of ministers and elders in the yearly meeting, as caution and counsel.

1. Against undue and restless behavior, under the ministry of any friend, whilst in the unity of the body.

2. That all be cautious of using unnecessary preambles, and of laying too great stress on their testimony, by too positively asserting a divine motion, and frequently repeating the same; seeing no such pretensions will obtain credit, when it is not manifestly so; and where it is, the baptizing power of truth, accompanying the words, is the best evidence.

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