5

these occa

tion of important events in the church, on certain specific days, arose and increased as the simplicity of Christianity declined; and though they bore the semblance of piety, and have doubtless often been observed with sincerity, yet they tended greatly to draw men from the constant duties and simple worship which Christianity enjoined; and led to a dependence on occasional exercises and imposing services.

The appointment of days for national humiliation, by the civil government, we consider to be liable to the preceding, and to other objections.

The imposition of religious exercises by the civil government, we conceive to be an infringement of the rights of conscience, and an intrusion on His province whose right it is to rule there. When we consider that the orders for such observances in this country are issued under the authority of the King, as head of the church of England, and that a form of prayer is commanded to be used under certain outward penalties, we feel additionally bound, with meekness, to refuse compliance with such orders, and thereby to testify against that usurpation which we believe to be anti-christian.

Whilst supporting these our views of the liberty of the gospel, let us be careful to prove, by our conduct and conversation, that we walk in the fear of God, and do indeed believe that He rules in the kingdoms of men. May we increasingly cherish that true love of our country which would lead us frequently to the throne of grace on its behalf; that so, whilst we cannot lift up the sword in its defence, our prayers and intercessions may ascend availingly to Him in whose hand are the prosperity of nations, and the issues of life and death. 1833.

This meeting having weightily considered the propriety of receiving Sufferings on and recording the sufferings of friends, for not illuminating their sions to be re- houses, and not shutting up their shops, on public occasions, is of the judgment that friends should send up an account of such sufferings, from time to time, to this meeting. 1789.

ported.

NATIONAL STOCK.

1

design.

AGREED, that a collection be occasionally made in the several counties and places for defraying the expenses of the society, as print- Origin and ing and distributing books for the service of truth, the passage of ministering friends who are called into the service of the Lord beyond sea, the salary of a clerk, and house-rent for keeping records, with other incidental charges; to be sent up to the correspondents of the several counties and places, and paid to the cashiers. 1672.-1676.

Disbursements out of the national stock to be such only, as shall be agreed to and directed by the meeting for sufferings in London. 1679.

It being represented to this meeting, that friends in some places have sent, as their contributions to the general stock, a certain stated sum taken from their meeting's stock; this meeting recommends to such places in future, to raise their contributions towards the general stock, by a separate, free, and liberal collection for the purpose, in a proportion adequate to the occasion. 1771.

It is agreed, that in future the cash of this meeting be kept at the bankers' in the names of six friends, under the denomination of trustees, to be appointed by the meeting for sufferings, and renewed from time to time, whenever by death, a desire to be excused, or any other reasonable cause, the trust shall be reduced to three; for which purpose, the names of the trustees shall be called over in the meeting for sufferings previous to the yearly meeting; and that the drafts be in future signed in the meeting by three of the members present, and afterwards countersigned by one or more of the trustees. 1793.

2

Control of payments.

3

Mode of collection.

4

Trustees.

5

propriation.

The original objects of the national stock appear to have been the Objects of ap- defraying of the necessary expenses of friends called to labour in the Gospel in foreign parts; and the charge for books for distribution on our religious principles both in our own and in foreign languages.

6

7

The printing of epistles and other papers issued on behalf of the society, as well as the providing of birth and burial notes, and marriage registers for the use of friends generally, have long formed a part of the expenditure.

An annual payment is also incurred of the remaining annuities on the money borrowed to supply the deficiency in the subscription raised to purchase the ground, and to erect thereon the meeting-houses for the use of the yearly meeting. A considerable charge is necessarily incurred in keeping in repair the said buildings, and the various offices connected with them, which are the property of the society at large.

A large proportion of the salary of the clerk in London, whose time is much occupied in the service of the society, is also paid out of the national stock.

In addition to the before-mentioned objects, numerous incidental expenses are constantly incurred; and there are some other annual charges of a smaller amount, which the meeting for sufferings has been authorized by this meeting to pay. 1833.

This meeting agrees that the national stock may be employed in defraying the expenses of ministering friends from other countries, who may be returning from visits to any part of Great Britain, although such visits may not have been general: such expenses having been examined and allowed by the quarterly meeting in which the same shall have been incurred. The said fund may also be expended in defraying the charges of ministers who may be called to travel in any foreign country, in which there are not any friends, or none suitable to bear such charges. 1793.

This meeting agrees that the expenses of ministering friends travel

ling to and on any of the islands adjacent to Great Britain, or on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, and also of their necessary guides from the residence of friends to and at the ports whence they may embark, and at the ports where they may disembark, and from thence to the residence of any neighbouring friends, except the expense occasioned by the holding of any public meetings, not held on the islands; and also that similar expenses incurred in such parts of Wales and Scotland as are out of the acknowledged limits of any monthly meeting, may be defrayed out of the national stock. The said expenses are to be previously examined and allowed by the quarterly or general meeting. It is further agreed, that the general meetings of Scotland and of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Wales, may be at liberty, when they think proper, to apply for reimbursement out of the national stock, of the whole or part of any similar expenses arising within the limits of the several meetings in Wales and Scotland. 1799.-1800.—1833.

This meeting agrees, that any expenses incurred by the general meeting of Dorsetshire and Hampshire, in its care of the members of our society on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, may be applied for by that general meeting, and paid at the discretion of the meeting for sufferings. 1817.-1833.

A A

1

Ground of our testimony.

OATHS AND AFFIRMATION.

ADVISED, that our Christian testimony be faithfully maintained roof against the burthen and imposition of oaths, according to the express prohibition of Christ, and also of the apostle James: "Ye have "heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not for"swear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; but I say "unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;

2

Enactments.

66

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, be66 cause thou canst not make one hair white or black: but let "munication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than "these, cometh of evil."1

your com

"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.": 1693. P. E.-1782.

We cannot but with great humility acknowledge the goodness of God, in disposing the legislature to grant us, the last session of parliament, such form of affirmation, as, by accounts received, we find very satisfactory to all the brethren: for which we are truly thankful to God, and those in authority. 1722. P. E.