REGULATIONS ing and assisting in the conveyance of soldiers, their baggage, arms, ADVICES. ammunition, or military stores. 1810. AND SPECIAL 18 arms for protection in times of trou ble, &c. It appearing to this meeting that some of our members have caused On providing their property to be protected by armed men; a tender concern has been felt, that friends may, on all occasions, endeavour to have their confidence placed on divine protection, and thus be enabled to support our Christian testimony against such modes of defence. This meeting further feels itself engaged to caution friends every where against keeping guns or arms of any kind in their houses, or on their premises, or in any manner uniting in armed associations; that so, whatever trials may take place, our society may not, by thus becoming liable to contribute to the destruction of their fellow-creatures, violate our peaceable principles; in the belief of the rectitude, and even safety of which, we feel our minds confirmed. 1812. 19 On the return of the bless ing of peace. Deeply impressed with gratitude to Almighty God, that the sword is again stayed in this quarter of the globe, and that the spirit of contention which has so long prevailed, has been succeeded by marks of Christian forbearance and charity, we desire to express our thankfulness for the prospect of peace. The judgments of the Lord have indeed been in the earth; and many have learned righteousness. May the number of these increase; may the peaceable spirit of the Gospel, the surest pledge of permanent tranquillity, spread and prevail! We of this island have cause to be doubly thankful: we have been preserved from witnessing the effusion of blood, and the ravages of war, which have spread over the greatest part of Europe; and we are now permitted, in common with other nations, to rejoice thus far in their cessation. In what way, therefore, beloved friends, shall we evince our sense of these unmerited favours? It is well known that we regard it as a Christian testimony,' to refrain from uniting in those public demonstrations of joy, which often prevail on such occasions. We are convinced AND SPECIAL that frequently they lead to practices, inconsistent with that meek and REGULATIONS quiet spirit which should clothe the disciple of Jesus, and are an inlet to excesses which estrange the mind from God. It is not in this way that we should manifest our grateful feelings; but by endeavouring, through the influence of redeeming love and power, to live more and more in the spirit of the Gospel, and thus to become examples of genuine Christian conduct. 1814. P. E. 20 On the continuance of The continuance of the blessing of peace to this nation has warmed our hearts with gratitude. Our refusal to bear arms is a testimony not only against the violence and cruelty of war, but against a confidence peace. in what is emphatically termed in Scripture, the "arm of flesh :" it is a testimony to the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and a resignation to suffer, in reliance on the power, the goodness, the protection, and the providence of the Almighty. Let us, even now, seek to have our trust so firmly fixed on this unfailing source of help, that if our faith should be again put to the test, we may have ground to look with humble confidence to Him in whom we have believed. 1819. P. E. 1 2 Chron. xxxii. 8. 1 Friends ad their wills; WILLS, EXECUTORS, AND ADMINISTRATORS. KNOWING how quickly many are removed by death, it is weightily vised to make recommended that care be taken in each monthly meeting, that friends who have estates to dispose of, by will or otherwise, be advised to make their wills in time of health, and strength of judgment, and to dispose of their substance as in justice and wisdom may be to their satisfaction; to prevent the inconveniences, loss, and trouble that may fall upon their relations and friends, through their dying intestate. Making such wills in due time can shorten no man's days, but the omission or delay thereof has proved very injurious to many. 1691.1695. P. E.-1703. P. E. 2 and appoint guardians. 3 Care in accepting trusts, &c. 4 Advice to executors and trustees. Recommended, that friends who have young children, do in their wills appoint faithful friends to be guardians to them, till they come to the age of twenty-one years. 1706. Advised, that friends take care that none do unadvisedly bring themselves, or others, into sufferings, by undertaking trusts or executorships, when they cannot legally and consistently discharge the trust. 1713. 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 settlements of estates, by will or deed, intended and given for the use of the poor, the aged, the impotent, or putting poor friends' children to education or apprenticeships, may not be appropriated or converted to other uses than such as the donors and testators have directed and enjoined by legal settlement, will, or testament. 1715. 6 Caution as to tion bond. As in cases of administration to the estate or effects of deceased 5 persons, a bond is required in the ecclesiastical courts, where the same the form of is granted; which bond contains several titles and designations of the administra archbishops or bishops, which it is inconsistent with our religious principles to acknowledge, such as The most' or 'right reverend father in God' by divine providence, lord,' &c. and as some friends have scrupled to sign such bonds on that account, and have been permitted to strike out the exceptionable parts; it is therefore recommended to friends in such cases, to offer a bond in the underwritten form; or at least to endeavour to obtain consent to strike out such parts as are inconsistent with our principles. 1773. are become bound unto , archbishop [or bishop as the case may be] of pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid to the said archbishop [or bishop] or his certain attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns: for which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and each of us, for the whole, our heirs, our executors, and administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, dated the day of the in the year of our Lord, one thousand month, called hundred and [Here to follow the condition of the Bond.] 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 connexion; nor (although occasion may have been given or taken,) carry any resentment 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 favoured with a clear understanding; which ought not to be diverted from a solemn consideration of the approaching awful period of life. ૨ ૨ 6 Advice to testators. Advice to tes tators and ex ecutors. Friends are earnestly recommended to employ persons skilful in law, and of good repute, to make their wills; as great inconvenience and loss, and sometimes the ruin of families, have happened through the unskilfulness of some who have taken upon them to make wills. 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 possible after the interment, as many difficulties and disputes have arisen for want of it, where it has been deferred; and seeing also that in the affirmation made at proving a will, there is a promise to make such inventory. 1782.-1801. |