VOL. XL.

No. 41.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS.

CONTENTS.

JOHN COMLY, AGENT,

AT PUBLICATION OFFICE, No. 1020 ARCH STREET.

TERMS:—TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE. The Paper is issued every week.

The FORTIETH Volume commenced on the 17th of Second month, 1883, at Two Dollars and Fifty Cents to subscribers receiving it through mail, postage prepaid.

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AGENTS:-Edwin Blackburn, Baltimore, Md.
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Entered at the Post-Office at Philadelphia, Penna. as second-class

matter

ANCIENT RECORDS.

In Friend's Quarterly Examiner for Tenth month, Albert Linney gives some notes of the early history of Pontefract Meeting, Eng. obtained from the minute books of the Monthly Meeting.

After noticing the formation of some of the component portions of this Monthly Meeting, the writer proceeds to look into the discipline

and some other matters.

Much time was taken up in the early days by considerations of money matters connected with members imprisoned, principally at York Castle, and on whose behalf frequent remittances had to be made to Friends at York. As an example we may quote from Ninth month, 1681, when John Bradford and William Claughton, of Wakefield, had been committed to York Castle for Easter reckonings, and not being able to pay their own charges there, a Friend, John Hall, is written to, and asked "to administer to them for chamber rent or other necessaries, which is to be paid out of the public stock." Similar care is extended in 1683 towards John Land, committed for a meeting at his own house; and twenty others for being present at the meeting.

The last instance of this kind is in 1795, when money was collected for some Lothersdale Friends imprisoned at York. But in

Pleasant Memories.

641

645

1814, seven Friends were balloted for the local militia, of whom three were destrained upon, and four were sent to Wakefield Prison for a month.

About 1704 entries are not unfrequent of money paid to York Friends for "laces," so many gross at a time; these appear to have been made by the Friends in the Castle, and thus disposed of to Friends.

two Friends on behalf of the meeting in the In 1705 the sum of 25s. was expended by purchase of "a loom for weaving broadcloth " which was to be lent to a poor Friend.

Some pertinent advice in regard to collection was sent down by the Yearly Meeting in Sixth Month, 1709, when, collections being ordered both for the Public Stock and the redemption of Captives, "Friends whom God hath blessed with estates are desired "to contribute freely, so that the burden do not rest on the poorer sort.”

Much care was exercised in receiving Friends into the Monthly Meeting who were in any way likely to be chargeable; and there was often a considerable correspondence with their former meetings before accepting such; in some cases an agreement was required from the former meeting to contribute to the support in the case of necessity; these joint contributions were, however, a fruitful source of misunderstanding between Monthly Meetings. In Eighth month, 1695, "Friends send 2s. 6d. to R. Dobson, a poor Friend living at

Carlton, being he is in great distress, but not as a precedent for the future, till Friends be more fully satisfied concerning his leaving off from Leeds Meeting, formerly belonging thereto."

Insolvency on the part of Friends meets us early in the records; and also rather frequent cases of nonpayment of debts. In both these matters an appointment was made to inquire. into them, and if possible to prevent legal proceedings on the part of the creditor; but if the debtor were not amenable to reason, and clear of fraud, permission is given by minute for the creditor to take legal action to recover payment.

It was probably the frequency of such scandals, bringing "disgrace upon the cause of truth," in the words of those days, which led in 1706 to an appointment which survives in a modified form to the present time, the modification being no doubt caused by the greater jealousy of Church interference with individual liberty which characterises later times.

Two Friends were appointed in each meeting "to inspect the affairs of such as deal in trades, and to report to the Monthly Meeting." Were such an appointment attempted now we should hear loud complaints of "grandmotherly legislation," and "inquisitorial interference;" nor can we allege the experience of the past in support of the value of such an arrangement, for unsatisfactory dealing in trade appears to have been more frequent among our forefathers than with their descendants.

Another cause of scandal which is now almost unknown among our members was drunkenness. In these cases long forbearance was exercised by the body, and much exhortation given to the delinquents in private and even in the Monthly Meeting itself, but it is comparatively seldom that disownment did not eventually follow. We may notice here that it was the usual practice during the last century to require the attendance, at the next Monthly Meeting, of any delinquent brought upon the books, in order that personal dealing might take place, and the individual be allowed to give explanation or offer defence, and that the Friends present might judge of penitence or otherwise.

In some cases, where a hardened spirit was shown, the custom was to declare such a one a member not in unity," an improved spirit being followed by restoration to "unity," the reverse by disownment.

Testimonies of denial were drawn up by two or more Friends between the Monthly Meetings, and were recorded in a book, not in the minutes, several copies being made; one to be handed to the delinquent, another

to be read at the end of a First-day morning meeting in his own particular meeting, and the rest "to be dispersed as Friends might consider desirable."

In some cases a person was allowed, or even recommended, to send a paper of denial against himself; but this was rather a selfcondemnation than an official disuniting.

Very plain language was used in some of these documents, as the following specimen may show:

"Twelfth month, 1712.-Mary Naylor. We have seen thy letter, but can see no reason to go from the judgment of the four Friends appointed to inquire into the difference between thee and the Friends of your Meeting; for it appears to us that notwithstanding thy long profession of the truth, thy heart hath not been upright before the Lord, and thou art manifest to be a woman of a wrong spirit and not fit for our Society, until it please the Lord to give thee a place of repentance, which we heartily desire for thee, notwithstanding thy railing expressions, which must return to that evil fountain from whence they came. Being truly sorry to observe the darkness and ignorance wherewith thy mind is clouded after all thy great and specious pretence to religion. But not wishing to enlarge, we remain thy Friends."

In 1732 is first mentioned an appointment by order of the Quarterly Meeting, "of two Friends in each meeting to see to the orderly conversation of Friends." At first these are spoken of as Elders, but in course of time the word Overseer comes to be regularly used; and it is evident that the two offices became distinct, though it is not easy to find how the Elders were appointed.

One form of somewhat minute care exercised over Friends was no doubt found very useful in days when railways were not, and newspapers few and expensive. "Friends wanting servants, and Friends' servants wanting places, were directed to send their names to the Quarterly Meeting," and we find occasional entries, such as—

"Third month, 1755.-John Powell, of Pontefract, wanteth an apprentice to be an edge tool maker;" and "James Booth, of Wakefield, wanteth an apprentice to be a white cloth maker."

The system of certificates, which is now so largely become one of mere registering of names, arose at first in a very natural manner, and when membership was much less defined than it now is. A Friend coming into the Monthly Meeting brought a letter of introduction from one or more Friends of his former place of residence, and usually presented it at the Monthly Meeting in person, and so was made known to his new fellow-members.

And when moving away he similarly asked his neighbors for such a letter, which was at first drawn up by some Friends of his own meeting, and passed by the Monthly Meeting if his character and conduct allowed of it. The system, like all systems, gradually stiffened (if we may use the expression,) and became compulsory, Friends being sharply called to order who left without asking for such a certificate, which in case of those unmarried specified whether or not they were under engagement of marriage.

Another system, whose growth can be readily observed, is that of the Preparative Meetings' Libraries, now so nearly gone into disuse. In the seventeenth century, when books were expensive and scarce, works by Friends were purchased by the Monthly Meeting and circulated in the different meetings. As may readily be understood they were not passed on in due order, and much time had to be spent in inquiry as to their whereabouts. Thus, in Second month, 1696, "Friends in the particular meetings are directed to make diligent search for a book entitled, 'Several letters by W. D., J. N., J. W., G. F.,' the first and last words of the book being given.

Later the books were divided as they became more numerous, and each meeting had its own stock. There were also not infrequent inquiries at the meetings how many copies of forthcoming Friends' works the various meetings were prepared to subscribe for.

Any one who has had occasion to look into early" registers" must have had experience of the disappointing character of these records. It is evident that our forefathers were at first very careless about such matters, and they had frequently to receive reminders from the higher meetings of the need of care. It was not until the Monthly Meeting had been in existence forty years that any mention is made of a place for keeping important deeds, &c. They were previously simply handed to a Friend. But in Fourth month, 1708, Joshua Marsden is requested to buy a box with a lock, at the meeting's expense, in which to keep writings and evidences relating to meeting-houses and burial-grounds." It took some time, however, to collect these, as some of the meeting-houses were partly private property.

In Eighth month, 1680, at Barnsley, we have the first notice of a kind of business which occupied much time in the earlier portion of our history, but which now comes in so little as to puzzle our clerks when it does occur, viz., passing of marriages. The Friends wishing to be married appeared twice at the Monthly Meeting and signified their intentions, showing needful consent of parents or

guardians. Between the two Monthly Meetings the usual inquiry as to clearness was made, and if all was correct they were left at liberty to accomplish their marriage. The mode of celebrating the marriage is variously described in the minutes, either "according to the order of truth and the good example of the people of God in this our day and generation," or "according to the good order of the people of God as recorded in the Scriptures.' No reference is given to the parts of Scripture where this record is to be found.

In case of the marriage of a widow or widower strict inquiry was made in regard to proper settlements for the children of the former marriage. On one occasion Brighouse Monthly Meeting was called sharply to account for passing the marriage of a widow previously resident in this Monthly Meeting, and without making sufficient inquiry here. Brighouse, however, made a conciliatory reply, and the matter passed over.

The appointment which some of us can remember discussions over--viz., the one to see to the orderly carrying out of the proceedings, was in early times not an unnecessary one; as witness an entry in.

Sixth month, 1724.-" Joseph Broadhead gives account that the marriage was orderly accomplished, and that things for the most part that evening was well; save that some of the neighbors clubbed and sent for ale, and one professor with us amongst them, a thing disagreeable to our profession; of which the said Joseph spoke to them; but they stayed too long; and this meeting being under a concern especially for that person (though unknown to most of us,) doth appoint Wm. Francis and 'R. Rhodes to speak to him." The next meeting they reported speaking to him, and "he intended never to do the like again."

At one time it would seem as if a naughty spirit had crept in among "The sisters," for we find the following minute in Third month, 1708:

"WHEREAS, There appears some difference in the manner of publishing our marriages, it is the sense of this meeting that the women, as well as the men, do express their consent to the marriage in the Men's and Women's Monthly Meeting. And when they shall solemnise the marriage that they do it in a very solemn and serious manner, and they shall keep to the form of sound words as hath been used, and that the Woman do promise obedience to the man."

But sometimes these marriage affairs did not go very smoothly. Thus, in 1685, "James Askwith did publish his intention of marriage with Sara Claughton. Whereupon Friends have been in great dissatisfactiou

with James (having received two letters in opposition from Brighouse,) and did desire James to go to Brighouse Monthly Meeting, and see if he can remove the occasion given, and clear up the matter to their satisfaction. Which, if he have done, and bring an account thereof under their hands, then Friends of this meeting may further consider of it."

But in four months' time, "Friends being met about the concerns of truth, James Askwith came, and declared his intention of marriage; but Friends, upon several reasons laid down before him, could not give their consent thereunto, yet he declared he purposed to proceed in order to marriage, though Friends of this meeting could not have unity therewith. And Friends also did desire him to desist from accomplishing the said marriage till next meeting, for to have the approbation of more eminent Friends than was at this meeting.'

But James married his friend, and declined to appear further till half a year after, when he sent a penitent letter, saying:-"Not think ing it would have given such an occasion as it hath done, but thinking Friends would be passive in it, caused me to be more bold in it, being as I had waited so long, and was somewhat persuaded that if I tarried longer some would be backward in it, put me to go forward. Which within a few days became a burden to me, which hath wounded me so very much, and burdened me very sore, so that I have wished many times it had rather been yet undone, than I had given such an occasion by doing it so soon and without the unity and consent of Friends." He, therefore acknowledges that he was in a wrong spirit, and desires to be reconciled with Fr.ends.

A different side of the care of Friends over their members in this matter is shown in Eighth month 1754. Two women, Brooks, who had married out of the Society, sent papers of condemnation of their course in so doing and desired reinstatement, when the following note is appended:

"Some may query how it is these two sisters being married should write their maiden names, which was Brooks. Their husbands being Brooks did not change their names.' "These two brothers come frequently to our meetings, we think not chiefly to please their wives, but we think they are truly convinced of our principles, and we believe hath resolved to take up the cross and follow Christ in selfdenial, and we very much desire they may keep to the cross and be obedient to the grace of God, which the Apostle says brings salvation."

At a very early period of the organization of the Monthly Meeting, however, disown

ments for marriage were somewhat frequent, and it is striking to notice how decidedly it was looked on as a moral delinquency. The minutes of disownment usually spoke of it as an offence against truth, and expressed desire for the offender to well under the Divine chastening until a place of repentance was found. By degrees this ceased, and it was spoken of simply as an offence against the rules of our Society.

We have hitherto spoken of things affecting good order and discipline, and it might seem as though the deeper and more earnest religious life of the body had been kept out of sight. To some extent this is sure to be so in records of business meetings, for it is impossible to put down in words the life and earnestness which may be nevertheless deeply felt by those present. But there are not wanting occasions on which something of this zeal and earnestness make themselves felt, though we must not forget our fore-fathers in these things were men of like passions with ourselves.

In Twelfth Month, 1695, the various Preparative Meetings had to be stirred up for neglect in attending Monthly Meetings, and similar deficiency in particular meetings appears at times. But the "Publick Friends" (as ministers were called) had their regular meetings apart from the Monthly Meetings, though no records of their business appear to exist; they were afterwards joined by the Elders, and from a very early date the meeting was known as the Meeting of Ministers and Elders. This body, so early as 1704, excited the jealousy of the general body of Friends to such a degree as to require a reference to the Quarterly Meeting.

In 1709, and for many years after, a General Meeting for the whole Monthly Meeting was held at Burton on an appointed Firstday. A note in 1699 of the business which the Monthly Meeting ought to inquire of from the particular Meetings will not be without value perhaps even now:

1. Whether poor Friends are in present necessity?

2. Whether any desolate widows stand in need of advice or assistance?

3. Whether there be any orphans left to Friend's care?

4. Whether of those that were truly convinced and come once into the knowledge and obedience of the Truth there be any lost among you?

5. Whether any that profess the precious Truth have dishonored it by going into open offences.

6. Whether there be any that have been spoken to for any private offence or wickedness that refuse to hear and return.