reached the end of the line which our Society took up, in 1869, upon the invitation of President Grant. But can we feel easy to have the work thus cease? The Society of Friends was almost the earliest friend of the American Indian. Can it rest from its care in his behalf so long as he stands in need of aid, and counsel, and protection? There is, we are sure, a desire to do something for him, yet; if the work at the agencies has ended, is there not another direction in which it should be begun?

So, too, with reference to the colored people. Edward H. Magill's presentation of a concern with regard to them awakened a sympathetic response, we feel sure, in many minds. The slaves are free, but as freedmen they still wear many shackles. Upon them are fetters of ignorance, of sloth, of vice, of superstition. To strike these off, to raise them morally, is a work which will take years and scores of years. It will call for the best aid that every concerned friend of theirs can give. Is it fit that our Society should be entirely inactive in that direction?

In considering the reappointment of the Temperance Committee, a suggestion was made which should be carefully regarded hereafter. This is to call over the names of the large Standing Committees at each Yearly Meeting, that they may be revised for their work. The opportunity should be thus given to fill vacancies, to replace uninterested members with those whose concern is lively, and so to revive the strength and energy of each committee. In this connection, too, was the obviously judicious proposal that in future the reports of the committees should be made at the earlier sittings of the meeting, in connection with the general subjects to which they belong. The report on Temperance naturally follows the answers to the fourth query, and that on Education properly accompanies the second of the annual queries. A systematic arrangement of the business is, in fact, very needful. There can be, only with real difficulty, a satisfactory consideration of the many subjects that come up. Much is disposed of under the pressure of inadequate time. In the Women's Meeting, especially, this was felt to be the case with several important subjects. And this suggests, too, the need there is that those who speak otherwise than directly to the business in hand should seriously and weightily consider their communications, to avoid all unnecessary words. Friends will bear much, even in their meetings for business, rather than incur the danger of quenching a true spirit, or checking a timely counsel, but it is the duty of each speaker to be cautious lest the spirit of the meeting be quenched by deliverances that are prolixtrivial or inopposite.

MAKE thy life better than thy work. Too oft
Our artists spend their skill in rounding soft
Fair curves upon their statues, while the rough
And ragged edges of the unhewn stuff
In their natures, startle and offend
The eye of critic and the heart of friend.

If in the too brief day thou must neglect
Thy labor or thy life, let men detect
Flaws in thy work! while their most searching gaze
Can fall on nothing which they may not praise
In thy well-chiseled character. The man
Should not be shadowed by the artisan.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING.-1885.

[Our report of the proceedings, last week, closed with those of Third-day afternoon.]

FOURTH-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

In the men's meeting, on Fourth-day morning, Ellison and David Newport spoke briefly at the of ening. Robert Hatton having expressed a desire to visit the women's meeting, he was set free to do so, and the afternoon appointed as a suitable time, Dillwyn Parrish and Ellwood Michener accompanying him. The answers to the Fifth Query were then read. As appears from these, the necessities of the poor among Friends are duly inspected and assistance is afforded; their children freely partake of learning to fit them for business; the children of or those under charge of Friends are not placed from among Friends, except in one report an exception was noted in the case of a boarding-school. Several Friends felt deep concern upon this topic. David Newport, Thomas Foulke, Oliver Evans, Jas. W. Janney, John L. Griffin, Ellison Newport Richard Watson, Samuel S. Ash and others spoke. Judge Watson thought that there was a great change in the situation of affairs since the query was formed. To-day all children are free to obtain at least the elements of a fair English education, and he suggested that the funds of the Society were not longer needed in the primary work, and should be devoted to providing better and more advanced schools for the benefit of the more advanced youth of the Society. Samuel S. Ash also expressed some very practical views. The Sixth Query was then read with the answers thereto. The summary minute is to the effect that Friends are careful to maintain a faithful testimony against oaths; bearing arms, training and other military services; being concerned in any fraudulent or clandestine trade; buying or vending goods so imported, or prize goods; and against encouraging lotteries of any kind. In three of the reports an exception was made in the attendance. upon a paid ministry. Considerable expression was brought out by the answers to this query. Robert Hatton, Oliver Evans, David Newport, James V. Watson, Abel A. Hull and others spoke on the topic. James V. Watson especially referred to the "hireling" ministry clause, taking a liberal and mild ground toward the treatment of other organizations and the leaders thereof, many of whom are undoubt edly conscientious, pure-minded, God-serving men.

In the afternoon, in men's meeting, the answers to the Seventh Query were read. In the discussion of them, Robert Hatton thought that keeping to moderation did not refer alone to pecuniary transactions, but to all the affairs of every-day life, and to habits and customs as well as business affairs. James V. Watson urged Friends to a greater promptness in the settlement of debts, dwelling upon the point that promptness among those who have abundant means was too little regarded. A strict compliance with the recommendation of the query might be the means of saving much distress in many instances. The answers to the Eighth Query showed that care has generally been taken to deal with offenders without unnecessary delay in the manner queried after. Due care is

also most universally observed in keeping records of births and deaths, as asked after in the Ninth Query. In reply to the First Annual Query several changes were noted in the times, and a few in the places of holding meetings. The reports on the Second Annual Query showed that there are within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 40 schools, superintended by committees of Monthly and Preparative Meetings; in direct charge of these are 119 teachers, of whom 89 are in membership with Friends; there are 2,697 pupils (so far as the reports give figures) in attendance at these schools, of whom 689 are members and 293 have one parent a member; 35 of the schools attend mid-week meeting, the others being so situated that this is impracticable. Immediately following this, to be considered with it, was read the report of the Yearly Meeting's Committee on Education. [This is elsewhere given in full.] The committee was continued for another year. The answers to the Third Annual Query indicated that the queries are regularly read and answered in the various Quarterly, Monthly and Preparative Meetings, as is directed. A memorial from Camden Monthly Meeting (Del.), upon the life and character of Patience H. Jenkins was read and met with expressions of much unity.

In the women's meeting, in the morning, after reading the minutes of the preceding day, embodying a summary of the religious exercises, the answers to the Fourth Query were read. One of these acknowledged a deficiency in observing the requirements of the first clause, as to clearness of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating beverages. This made some inquiry needful, and it was stated that in one instance a Friend had cider made, and had sold it to her neighbors. This minuteness of inquiry, and strict and rigid faithfulness in reporting to the Yearly Meeting was felt to be an indication of tender conscientiousness extending to the minutest particulars

of the conduct of life.

There seems to be the usual care to discourage the use of intoxicants, either as a beverage or medicinally.

The attendance at places of exciting diversion was feelingly and thoughtfully treated by Lydia H. Price. If the sentiments of the heart are stimulated by scenes of imaginary woe, it is certain that the holy sympathies which should impel us to deeds of mercy and love are fruitlessly expended. This objection applies as fully to sensational reading, as it operates in the same way to vitiate human activity, and substitute morbid sentimentality for Christian sensibility.

The report of the Temperance Committee was then read. [It will be found elsewhere in full.] This report was fully endorsed and accepted by the meeting, and the committee was encouraged in its course and continued in the service.

In the afternoon session, a visit of religious minis. tration was received from Robert Hatton. The fatherly exhortation of this dear Friend was listened to with attention, and on the retirement of R. H. and his friends, the business of the Yearly Meeting was resumed.

The Fifth Query, in regard to care for those in necessitous circumstances, was then considered. The

affirmative replies were an evidence of the warm fraternal feeling that indicates true brotherly love and true discipleship to Christ.

The Sixth Query was answered with scrupulous minuteness, even making an exception concerning those who are not clear of availing themselves of chances held out by merchants in disposing of their goods.

The Seventh Query was also answered with its usual affirmative fulness. To live wisely and heedfully within the bounds of their circumstances, to be just in the payment of debts, and to be watchful over one another for good, have long been held essential to the fulfillment of the law divine.

The Eighth Query, in relation to the treatment of offenders against the Discipline, was answered in much fulness, except in a few instances where the deficiency did not appear great.

The Ninth Query called forth the answer that care is generally taken to keep a regular record of births and deaths.

The First Annual Query was replied to, showing there had been several changes in the time and place of holding meetings. Amongst these, Evesham Monthly Meeting has been laid down and its members distributed between Chester and Medford.

The Second Annual Query was responded to. [The details are given under the men's meeting's action.]

FIFTH-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

Meetings for worship were held, as usual, in the morning, in the Meeting houses at Green street, the afternoon, the sessions for business were resumed. Spruce street, Girard avenue and Race street. In sentative Committee, for the past year, were read, In the men's meeting the minutes of the Repretogether with the names of members of the Committee for the ensuing year. The work of the Committee on "Deficiencies was then taken up, and the Clerk read, first, the report of last year, which was then referred to this session, and second, the report of the Committee for the year just past. [The latter report is given elsewhere in full.]

It was

these there was much earnest expression. In the consideration of the subjects presented by joined in by Edward H. Magill, Oliver Evans, James v. Watson, Joseph Flowers, Samuel Swain, Richard Watson, Clement M. Biddle and others.

V.

As the result of the meeting's labors concerning the First-day Schools, the following important minute prepared by the Clerk, was, with full unity, agreed to:

'The subject of the guarded religious education of our youth having claimed the attention of our Yearly ordinary school education so important in the affairs Meeting for many years past, in connection with the of life; it has been deemed of great importance by many of our members in different parts of our Yearly Meeting to gather the children on the First-day of the week to train them as expressed in our discipline 'in another.' Friends are encouraged to embrace every the knowledge of their duty to God and one toward right opening that may be presented to gather the children as well on the First-day of the week as at other times, to preserve them in the simplicity of our religious profession, and instil into their tender minds Divine truth, as held by us. Monthly Meetings are step by step as they mature in years the testimonies of encouraged as way may open to give attention and

judicious care to this concern so apparent amongst us, and by the appointment of suitable committees or otherwise, to extend, aid and encouragement thereto." In the women's meeting, the first business was the reading of the four essays for epistles to be sent to the corresponding Yearly Meetings. These were approved, and were directed to be transcribed and forwarded to the Clerks of those Meetings. One essay was general, and was sent to three Meetings.

Many religious exercises, taking a wide range, occupied most of the early part of the session. Mothers were exhorted to watch religiously over the early years of their sons, before they go forth to the business world. So may they carry with them high religious principles which will preserve them pure from the contaminations of the world. Elizabeth H. Plummer spoke at considerable length on the precious character of our testimonies, and the excellence of the Rules of Discipline which former generations have framed.

The reading and review of the minutes of the Representative Committee next engaged the meeting and the roll of the present members of that Committee was read.

A beautiful and touching memorial concerning our friend Patience H. Jenkins, deceased, of Camden, Del., was then laid before the meeting. Lydia H. Price responded, giving a loving tribute to this venerable and honored mother in Israel, gone home to the Heavenly Father's rest. Many bore witness to the peculiar beauty of her character, her meekness, her charity, her gentle faithfulness, her ministration of the Word of life, are still present in memory. The language of one whose experience had been kindred to that of our departed Friend was, "Oh, that we may be also ready." A. R. Paul said, "The fathers and mothers, where are they-and the prophets, do they live forever?" She mourned for many under whose baptizing ministry she had often sat in days gone by. These have borne the mantle of God's power and love worthily.

SIXTH-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

The men's meeting resumed the consideration of the work of the "Deficiency" Committee. The minute of the previous afternoon having disposed of the chief recommendation in last year's report-in reference to First-day Schools-the recommendation in last year's report, as follows:

"Parents are supposed to be concerned for their children and to give them counsel on religious subjects, but find at times that they need outward assistance. Without relieving parents of their responsibilities, or overseers from a diligent performance of their duties, we believe much good would result from the appointment by Monthly Meetings of standing committees, to report annually, composed of persons who are alive to the importance of their appointment, to visit in the spirit of love their members from time to time; to correspond with those who are absent, and encourage all to the performance of their religious duties; and who shall be expected to look after the children as they are growing up to maturity, and manifest an interest in their welfare, thus endeavoring to aid parents in bringing their children up to feel an increased interest in our religious Society and its im

portant testimonies."

And also the recommendation in this year's report, as follows:

pline that in conducting the affairs of our meetings, Feeling the importance of the advice in our DisciFriends should endeavor to manage them with forbearance and love of each other, we believe it right to recommend that those who may feel a concern for the their views should not manifest an over-anxious care adoption of any measure, after having fully expressed whether they prevail, and that those who may not feel prepared for the adoption of a proposition shall not endeavor to prevent its success by undue opposition, but after having spoken, submit to the generally expressed views of the meeting."

Were both adopted by the Yearly Meeting, as its expression, in the following minute:

"On consideration thereof by the meeting, it concluded to adopt these two recommendations and refer the same to the careful attention of our subordinate meetings."

The sense of the meeting clearly being that the inquiry into "Deficiencies" had reached its proper limit, it was agreed to discharge the committee, but it was felt that the work which it had pointed out should be pursued, and the following minute was made by the clerk, and fully united with:

"The concern and labors of the Deficiencies Committee have been satisfactory to the meeting, and they are released from further care in relation to the deficiencies amongst us, but are continued for the purpose of considering and proposing to our next sitting the names of a suitable committee to have the care of visiting the branches of this Yearly Meeting, and encouraging Friends in the more faithful attention to the requirements of our Discipline and upholding and sustaining the testimonies of our religious Society.'

The report of the joint Committee on Indian Affairs was read. [It will be found elsewhere.] The Committee was continued for another year.

The Committee on Temperance and Intoxicating Beverages presented its report. [This is elsewhere printed.] The Committee was continued for another year, after some discussion of the need for revising its membership, it having been appointed in 1881. It was concluded to leave the matter for another year, but there was decided expression that all such standing committees should be called over and revised at each Yearly Meeting.

The Treasurer's account for the past year was reported by the Committee which had been appointed to examine it, and Thomas J. Husband appointed Treasurer for the ensuing year. It was shown that a balance of $3,791.47 remained in his hands, and that $1,250, the proceeds of the sale of the Sarah Zane property and a legacy of $285 (nett) had been received and invested. The expenditures included among other items $1,216.28 to the use of the Representative Committee, $1,858.70 to the Committee on Education, and $137.63 to the Committee on Temperance. It was recommended that $3,000 be raised for the use of the Meeting in the present year. Dillwyn Parrish and Joseph C. Turnpenny were appointed to act as correspondents of the Yearly Meeting. mainder of the morning session was devoted to the reading of a memorial of the late Caleb Clothier, prepared and forwarded by Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, of which he was a member. Remarks pertaining to the high character and valuable labors of the

The re