Love and charity towards others are essential features in the religious character. They excite in us a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of our friends; they prompt us to sympathize with them in their troubles, and, in real kindness, to offer a word of encouragement, and to extend a hand of help. When they are the habitual clothing of the mind, they check the first inclination to speak to the disadvantage of another. These Christian virtues are compatible with a firm adherence to our own religious principles, and with a steadfast care to observe that line of conduct which it may be right for us to pursue. They enlarge the heart towards the whole human race; they lead us to rejoice in the extension of pure, vital Christianity, whatever may be the denomination amongst men, by which the disciples, engaged in its diffusion, are designated. 1822. P. E.

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Mutual love

ance recom

Dear friends, "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." May we labour after and forbearan increase of that fellowship and sympathy in which we can bear mended. one another's burdens; and in which, if one member of the church suffer, the others can suffer with it, and if one be honoured, the others can rejoice with it. May it be the prayer of us all, that the charity which hopeth, believeth, and endureth all things, may increase and abound amongst us. Bear one with the other in meekness and love, amidst the infirmities of flesh and spirit. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility;" and may we every one so hold out to the end, that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, we may each receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1833. P. E.

Now, dear friends, let us observe, that love, Christian love, is the parent of every virtue: it restrains our immoderate gratification of personal indulgence; it expands our hearts to every class of society, and to every modification of the human species; it makes us prompt to lend a

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Conclusion.

hand of help to such as may stray from the path of safety; it leads to universal benevolence and as it is the origin of every good work, so through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it will be the reward of a life passed in his service, in its native region, the realm of unmixed love, with Him for ever. Amen. 1812. P. E.

MARRIAGE.

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Counsel on

marriage.

WE earnestly advise and exhort all young and unmarried friends, that they do not make any procedure one with another upon the ac- the subject of count of marriage, without first applying to their parents or guardians for their consent and agreement therein. And we also advise, that, in the first place, all young persons concerned, seriously wait upon the Lord for counsel and clearness in this weighty concern, before they make any procedure with any, in order to marriage; that they may not be led by any forward or uncertain affections in this great concern ; to their own hurt, the grief of their friends, and the dishonour of truth. 1690. P. E.-1801.-1833.

It is further advised, that parents and guardians wait upon and seek the Lord for their children in proposals of marriage, before they give any encouragement thereunto; and that after they have suffered them to engage one another in affection, they do not consent to their breaking off upon any worldly account. 1707. P. E.

Parents are tenderly advised not to make it their first or chief care to obtain for their children large portions or settlements of marriage; but rather to be careful that their children be joined in marriage with persons of religious inclinations, suitable dispositions and temper, sobriety in manners, and diligence in business, (which are things essentially necessary to a comfortable life in a married state); and carefully to guard against all mixed marriages, and unequal yoking of their children. 1722. P. E.

As parents have a natural right to approve of, and consent to, the

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Counsel on

the subject of marriage.

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marriage of their children, so this meeting doth earnestly desire that friends' children would consult and advise with their parents and guardians, in that great and weighty point so essential to their happiness and comfort, before they let out their minds, or entangle their affections the too frequent examples that have happened to the contrary, have caused lamentation in honest parents, and great affliction to themselves. 1723. P. E.

And we do exhort friends, that in the great concern of marriage, whereon much of the comfort and happiness of life depend, they be mindful to proceed in the fear of the Lord, and have an eye to Him for counsel and instruction in their choice; the neglect of which has been the ruin of many.

1734. P. E.

This meeting strongly recommends friends to avoid and to discountenance very early proceedings in regard to marriage after the death of husband or wife; esteeming such conduct as tending to the dishonour and reproach of our Christian profession. 1691.-1833.

Friends are advised against running into excessive, sumptuous, and costly entertainments at marriage dinners; a great part of the cost of which would be better employed in relieving the necessities of the poor. 1718. W. E.

Rules for proceeding in relation to Marriage.

When the parties are members of the same monthly meeting.

I. The parties intending to join in marriage, are first to declare their Rules for pro- intention at the monthly meeting whereof they are members, in terms

ceeding in

marriage.

of the following import, viz. the man, that he intends to take D. E. to be his wife, if the Lord permit: the woman, that she intends to take A. B. to be her husband, if the Lord permit.

II. These declarations are to be made first before the women's meet- Rules for proing where such are held, and then before the men's meeting.

III. If parents or guardians be present, they are to declare their consent, if absent, a certificate or certificates are to be produced, signifying, that it is with their consent the parties proceed to accomplish their intended marriage; which certificates are to be signed by the parents or guardians, and attested by two competent witnesses.

IV. If there appear no sufficient objection, the said meetings are to appoint two men and two women friends to inquire into the clearness of the parties from any other marriage engagements. Those appointed by the men's monthly meeting are also to see if there be issue by a former marriage or marriages, that the children's rights are legally secured; and to take care that public notice of such intended marriage be given at the close of a first-day morning meeting to which the parties respectively belong: this is to be done as early as convenient after the appointment, and in the following form: Friends, there is an intention of marriage between A. B. of N. and D. E. of P.: if any person have any thing to object let timely notice be given.

V. The friends appointed are to make report at a subsequent monthly meeting of the day and place of the publication of the intended marriage, and on the other subjects of their appointment: the particulars of this report are to be recorded. If no sufficient obstruction appear in the monthly meeting, liberty is then to be granted to the parties to solemnize the marriage; and the women's monthly meeting is to be informed of this conclusion.

When the parties are members of different monthly meetings.

VI. If the parties be of different monthly meetings, the man is first to declare his intention to the men's monthly meeting to which he belongs, and there to produce certificates of his parents' or guardians' consent to his proceedings therein; also of the woman's consent, and of that of her parents or guardians; each signed by the respective party or parties, and attested by two competent witnesses. If there appear

ceeding in marriage.