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thoug h , sensible of the loss of the labour and counsel of some who have recently been removed from the probations of time , we have felt the consoling assurance that the Divine Power is both ancient and new . It is from this holy Source that every enjoyment both spiritual and temporal flows ; it is to the Lord Almighty that we are indebtd
for the blessingof existence , for the means of redemption , and for that lively hope of immortality which comes by Jesus Christ . To his service , then , dear friends , in obedience to the manifestation of his power , let us offer our talents ; to the glory of his gregt and excellent name , let us devote our strength and the residue of our days .
The state of our religious Society , as transmitted from the several bodies which constitute this Yearly Meeting * , lias been again brought under oar view . Accounts of the sufferings of out members , chiefly for tithes and other ecclesiastical demands , and for claims of a military nature , to the amount of Fifteen thousand seven hundred
and twenty-seven pounds , hare been reported ; and we are informed that teu of our young men have been imprisoned since last year , for refusing- to serve in the local militia . We are encouraged in believing fhat oiiiancient Christian testimony to the inward teaching of the Spirit of Christ- and to a
free gospel ministry , not only continues to be precious to many , but is gaining ground amongst us . The sufferings to which we are exposed , are , through the lenity of our government , far less severe than were those of our predecessors . To some , however , we believe that these operate at times as a trial of their faith and love to the truth
We are disposed to remind such , that patience and meekness on their part will tend both to exalt the testimony in the view of others , and to promote their own advancement in the Christian course . The epistle from our friends in Ireland , and those from the several Yearly
Meetings on the American Continent , have again convinced us that we are brethren , bound together by the endearing ties of Christian fellowship , desiring as fellowdisciples to follow the same Lord ; and we feel , that there is in the gospel of Christ a union that is not dissolved by distance , nor affected by the jarring contentions of
men . We are engaged tenderly to caution friends against an eager pursuit after the things of this life . We believe that many who beg-in the world with moderate views , meeting at first with success in trade , goon
extending their commercial concerns , until they become involved therein to a degree prohibited by the precepts of Christ , and incompatible with their own safety . Thus situated , some may he tempted to adopt a line of conduct , dishonourable in itself and injurious to others . On this subject , we
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thiak it right to repeat some advice giv by the Yearly Meeting in its printed e- > istle of 1771 : —We « warn all against a ' most pernicious practice , too much prevaiiin , f amongst the trading part of mankind , which hath often issued in the utter ruia of those concerned therein namely , that of raisins
and circulating a fictitious kind of pandered it , with indorsements and acceptances to give it an appearance of value without * an intrinsic reality : a practice highly unbecoming * that uprightness which- ou ^ ht to appear in every member of our religions Society , and of which therefore we flunk it
our incumbent duty to declare our disapprobation , ( alid disunity therewith .. ) as absolutely inconsistent with that Truth wo make profession of . "—Epistle , 1771 . That contentment which characterizes the
pjous Christian , is a treasure which we covet for all our members ; and we especially desire that those who are setting out in life may so circumscribe their expectations , and limit their domestic establishments , as not to bring upon themselves expenses
which could only he supported ' oy , au imprudent extension of their trade . Care in this respect will enable them to allot more of their time to the service of their fellowmen , and to the promotion of the Lord ' s cause . We belfeve that , were parents to
instil into the minds of their children principles of moderation and oeconomy , suited to their future expectations , it would under the Divine blessing * not only conduce t& their preservation , but promote their safety and comfort in life - We are far from
wishing to discourage honest industry ; audturther still from countenancing in any degree a spirit of avarice . We are not insensible , that the situation , of many of our members is such as renders necessary to them a diligent attention to the concerns of this life . Christian simplicity and self-denial we would , however , earnestly recommend : these attained , the object which > in this respect , we have at heart for all our dear
friends , will b . e accomplished . Amongst other deficiencies reported to us at this time , we have been pained in observing-, that many appear to be still satisfied with attending- meeting's for Divine worship but once in the week . We lament in believing- that , where indifference to this primary religious duty prevails in any , the spirit o
the world bath obtained the ascendancy m their minds for these we have often at former times expressed our concern , and now again entreat them to consider the privations of good to -which they subject themselves , and those over whom their cxamp « prevails , in omitttag this most reasonable service . The habit of constant attendanc e on these occasions , forms anio ' P ^ branch of the religious education ot ou youth 9 we are therefore desiro us of mipwi - sing on the minds of those to whom uuy are intrusted , and who themselves may
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454 Intelligence . E — -Quakers * Yearly pistle .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1815, page 454, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1762/page/54/
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