WEE your Friends and Brethren, who are Assembled togeth [...] in the fear of God, to consider of the affaires of the truth in [...] lation to our Christian Society in the County afforesaid, hav [...] under our tender and Christian Consideration the great Lo [...] Mercy and Favour of our God, in making known unto (with many more) the way of Life and Salvation, in and the Blessed Appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who by the di [...] veries of his Light, Grace and Holy Spirit, hath not only given us to see vanitys and wickedness of this present World, but also through Faith in him, a [...] by the Glorious power and vertue of his spirit and goodness; he hath in a g [...] measure gathered a Remnant out of those vanities, defilements and pollutio [...] wherein the World lyes, to walk with him in that Divine light and Heav [...] ly way which has alwayes been the Path of the Just, and wherein the Faith to God do find great peace, comfort and satisfaction in him, having been [...] cretly touch't and inwardly wrought upon by his power and spirit, not onl [...] the mortifying of Sin and evill, but also to the Quickning and raising up of soules of many unto newness of Life, and so are thereby brought into a capa [...] of worshiping and serving God; not in the oldness of the Letter, but in the [...] ness of that Spirit and Life, wherein acceptance with the Father is known, whereby we are brought into a spirituall fellowship and Communion with in the Son of his Love, and are made liveing members, of that Spirituall bo [...] whereof Christ our Lord is the head, who is to have the Rule and prehemin [...] in the Church that so every member therein may be acted and govern'd, by power and spirit, to the praise and glory of God and mutuall comfort o [...] another.

Yet in as much as we have all one common Enemy, to watch against wh [...] his temptations does endeavour to ensnare the weak and (if possible) by his [...]tillty and allurements to overcome many (whom the Lord by his grace and [...] has been at work withall) and draw them back again, into those vanities defilements which they have formerly been subject to, and which the Lord his spirit doth testifie against; therefore it is very necessary for every one [...] [Page 2] [...]ath known and experienced the goodness of the Lord in order to call and ga­ [...]er them out of the ways of the World, and his heavenly hand to be stretched [...] for their help and deliverance, that they be very carefull and watchfull in [...]eir ways, that the enemy prevaile not again upon any of them to darken [...]eir mindes, and bring them back into folly and vanity, and make them sub­ [...]ct to that power and spirit of darkness, whereby their minds may become alienated from God; and their understandings vailed, so that its possible, they [...]ay return again, into the practise of those things which they have formerly [...]een addicted to, and which once they have been sensible the Lord by his Spirit [...]ath testified against, and reproved them for, as also its possible that such may [...] too prone, to admit of, or otherwise Indulge, such things not only in them­ [...]ves, but also amongst their Children and Families, which in the time of their [...]st Convincement, they durst not allow of, nor are they to be allowed of in our [...]hristian society.

Therefore, we being thus sensible of the great love and kindness of our God, [...]wards his people on the one hand, and of the wiles of the Enemy, of the other [...]nd, and being Jealous that but too many (especially in a time of outward ease [...]d Liberty) who have proffest the truth of our God, and have outwardly walk­ [...] in society with us, both have been and still may be, not so Cautious, diligent [...]d circumspect as they ought to be, upon diverse accounts: And also having [...]der our Consideration the many Living, sound, wholesom and Christian testimonies, Cautions, Admonitions and directions which have formerly been [...]m time to time, and upon severall occasions given forth by our ancient Friends [...]d Brethren, who have Labour'd amongst Us, in the word and Doctrine; As [...]o the Counsell and advice of our Friends and Brethren Recommended unto [...] at sundry times, and in divers Letters and Epistles from the Yearly Meeting at [...]don, desiring Friends care in the matters and things hereafter mentioned; As [...]evivall of the former testimonies, cautious advice and directions as aforesaid, [...]d in order to stir up Friends in their severall and respective monthly and par­ [...]lar meetings, unto a holy care and diligence in these respects: We have [...]nd it to be our place and duty at this time in the love of God, and under the [...]y exercise, of his divine Grace and Goodness, wherein the Lord is pleased to [...]cerne us, with many more of his Children and People, to recommend the [...]owing particulars unto all our Friends and Brethren, at their severall Month­ [...] and particular meetings in the County aforesaid, and by way of caution and [...]otherly advice; in the same Love, we do tenderly lay these things before you, Questioning your Concurrance therewith, in this our holy and Christian [...]ncern for the Glory of God and comfort of his People.

First, It is desired that all such as proffess the truth of Our God, and them­ [...]es to be members of that body, whereof Christ our Lord is head; Be very [Page 3]Carefull, and diligent in their severall places, at seasonable and convenient time to meet and Assemble together in the Name and fear of God, to wait upon an [...] worship him in Spirit and truth, according to Divine Institution, and that non [...] grow careless or negligent therein, so as to forbear to meet together as aforesaid unless they have some urgent occasion to hinder them; and that Friends in thei [...] comeing together have regard to meet in due time, and as near all together a [...] well can be, and when so met; that every one Waite, to be gathered in mind an [...] Spirit near unto the Lord, that so, they may be exercised in that which Hevenly and pure, to the praise and Glory of God and mutuall comfort on [...] of another, and in their severall exercises, that they be very carefull to keep o [...] of all form'd and Affected notes, and sounds, that do not purely spring and arise from that life and birth which has acceptance with the Father, and where any such persons as profess the truth are found, to be either negligent in meetin [...] together, or in comeing in due time, or otherwise do give any just occasion [...] any in the matters aforesaid, that such be carefully spoken to, and dealt wi [...] by way of Caution, Advice and Admonition, and other such Christian, a [...] regular proceedings as in the wisdom of God may be seen convenient.

Secondly, That all such Friends as have any publick Testimony, or Servi [...] in the Meetings or Assemblies of Friends; Be very carefull and watchfull th [...] their Ministry and service stand in that Divine wisdom, Spirit and Power, which truly reaches, and Informes the minds and understandings of people in heave [...] ly and Spirituall things, as also in that which edifies, builds up, and confirm [...] the heritage of the Lord in that which is Pure and Holy, that so such as spe [...] may speak as the oracles of God: And those that minister may do it as of the [...] bility that God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, and as it is both a High and holy calling, so to Minister from God to [...] people, it is absolutely necessary, and we do advise, that all such as be exerci [...] or concerned therein, be very cautious in their Words, and Testimonies, a [...] that they speak the things which becomes sound Doctrine; in gravitie and sin [...] rity, recomending their Testimonies to every mans Conscience in the sight [...] God, as also, that they be watchfull and carefull in their wayes and practi [...] that their Lives and Conversations may answere their Testimonies; And such as becomes the Gospell, and in all things shewing themselves patterns of g [...] works, in Doctrine, Incorruptness, Gravity, Sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot [...] condemned: That those who are of the contrary part may be ashamed, hav [...] no evill thing justly to say of them, and that none be found to concerne th [...] selves in publick Testimonies amongst Friends, acting in their own will or w [...] dom, and not in a Holy Subjection to the power and wisdom of God, nor p [...] ceeding in a forward unqualified manner, speaking words without true kn [...] ledge, or not becoming sound Doctrine, nor medling with things they un [...] stand [Page 4]not, to the griefe and trouble of Friends; but that all such as are, or may [...]e concern'd in the Work and service of the Gospell, may in all things endeavour [...] shew themselves approved unto God and his People, in that which is pure and Holy, to the praise and Glory of him that has called them unto that excellent work, and also to the help, comfort, and edification of his People.

Thirdly. That all such as professe the truth be carefull to keep to the [...]ain and single Language unto all people, And that parents do not by any [...]eans, Indulge their Children in speaking to either of them in the plurall [...]mber, not in any other matter contrary to truths Testimony; nor allow [...]em the Liberty of those sports and plays which viciate their mindes, and [...]rrupt their manners, but traine them up in the fear of God, Restraining [...]em from evill folly and vanitie, and as much as in them Lyes cause them [...]hilst in their minoritys to read the holy Scriptures of truth, And such books, are profitable: And to frequent the Assemblies of God's People; and bring [...]em up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord; That so they may grow as a Generation to serve the Lord in their day: And that none go into, [...]r be found, in the Vain and Gaudy Habits, Dresses, Attires, nor Foolish, [...]atick Modes, and Fashions of the World; either in Apparell, Furniture, or [...]ther superfluities whatsoever, nor Joyne with any in observing and keeping the Feasts, Feast-dayes, banquets or vain customs of the World, but that all [...]ep both in Habit and Practise every way, unto that Decency, plainness, ver­ [...] and moderation which becoms the Truth, and as People professing the [...]spell of our blessed Lord: And where any fault, defect, or misdimenour [...] appear, and is manifest amongst such as profess the truth, in these respects, [...]any other: It is desired that such Persons be duly Cautioned, Warned, Ad­ [...]nished, and dealt with by honest Friends, in such manner as in the wisdom [...] God, and according to Truth's order may be seen convenient.

Fourthly, That all such as proffesse the truth, be carefull in their dealings [...]d concerns amongst men; that they be not forward or Lavish in praising [...] commending their wares and merchandizes beyond the reall and true de­ [...]; That they be cautious in their words, and expressions upon every ac [...]nt; And that they be punctuall in performing their promisses, And that [...] yea, be yea, and nay nay in all their Conversations: That they endea­ [...] both in their discourses and conversations to dwell inoffensively under the [...]vernement; and as much as in them lies labour to live peaceably with all men. And if any differrances happen to fall out one amongst another that care be [...]en to lay the matter before freinds in due time, in order to be heard and [...]rmind by them, And that none do forwardly engage themselves in suites, or [...]troversies at Law with any others, But upon Just and Righteous grounds, [...] with good advice and deliberation, And none Lanch forth or go into [Page 5]greater matters, bargaines dealings and concernes in the world then they are able to mannage well; and honourably go through with good credi [...] and reputation; Nor contract such debts, As they are not capable to make good and punctuall payment of in due time, But that in all things friends may so endeavour to keep, in such a holy; Just, Righteous, And self denying way and method, in all their dealings and concernes whatsoever, as may tend to truths praise and their comfort, And wherein any thing of the contrary i [...] found, in any of these cases or any other where truths reputation is or may be concerned, It is desired that freinds have a watchfull and carefull eye, in due time towards such, to advise caution admonish reprove and deal with then in a regular and Christian way, That so (if possible) a stop may be put to all such proceedings as may in the least be hurtfull or of an ill report, And if any have, already gone too far in contracting further or greater debts, the [...] they are capable of discharging: That such be advised by no means, to absen [...] themselves, nor flee from Justice, But yeild up what estate they have to th [...] creditors towards payment of their just debts, as also offer up their bodies to the Creditors, unlesse they will be pleased to give them leave to be at liberty to labour for more, towards their releif, and further Satisfaction or payment of their debts, And if any person that proffesses the truth do refuse or neglect to take the advice and counsell of freinds herein (or in any other matter [...] this or the like nature or tendency) that such may be dealt with in due time [...] ven as the nature of the fact may require, in order to clear the truth of suc [...] aspersions, as may arise through such persons acting contrary to Justice, reaso [...] and equity, and the advise of freinds in those cases.

Fiftly. That all such as professe the truth be very cautious in their proceedings relating to Marriage that their eye be not so much to the world and worldl [...] ends, as unto the Lord, and the concurrence of his grace and goodness, [...] all those concernes, that they be not hasty or forward in making such proposalls to any but with good advise, caution, and deliberation; and when ( [...] after) such proposalls be made and are not Imbraced that there be a waiting [...] patience for some reasonabletime to see what may be effected or done therein before there be attempts made, of such proposalls to another, That so not may be found in such Levity and unconstancy, as is manifest in the world, [...] runing hastily from one person to another: And that before any such proposalls be made, That the parents, or such as have those persons in tuitio [...] or Guardianship (if any such be) be first spoken to, And their consent obtain'd therein (if possible) and also that widdowers and widdows be not to forward in makeing or accepting proposalls, of Marriage again after the d [...] cease of former wives or husbands, but that there be some Considerable fo [...] bearance in those cases: And that care be taken before any such widdower [Page 6]widdows be permited to marry again, or consent be given thereto, That [...]uch provision and settlements in temporall things be made and done for the [...]ormer Issue, Child or Children of such deceased husband or wife, as shall be, [...]een and appear to be fair, just, honest, and reasonable: For the preserving of love peace and unity in famillies, and amongst relations; as also for preserving [...]he Rights of Infants, and those in minority, from being wasted and spent [...]ontrary to reason and equity: And that due examination be made, touching [...]he clearnesse of all parties concerned before consent be given, according to [...]ormer advice, and when any marriages are accomplished or soleminized [...]mongst friends, that they be performed in the fear of God, and in a grave, [...]ober, devout, and solemn manner; before severall witnesles, And Attested Certified, and Recorded, according to former advice. And that friends be care­ [...]ull at such times to keep out of the forms, modes, and customes of the world [...] feasting and other superfluities, as also in Rideing or going in great com­ [...]anies together in a vain splendor, or wanton manner, and that care be taken [...]mongst such as proffess the truth, (as much as possible may be;) that none that [...]ake proffession of truth, do concerne themselves, in matters of marriage any [...]ay, or in making proposalls relateing thereunto, with such as are not friends, [...]or reputed to be of our society, nor walk in fellowship with us in the grace [...]nd spirit of Christ, and that none marry or go about to endeavour the [...]me without the consent, or contray to the order and practice of friends.

And where any are found, to err or go aside in these respects, contrary [...] the advice and counsell of friends, and to that Righteousnesse self-denyall [...]rity plainness, and decency which becomes true Christanity and a people [...]offessing Godlinesse and vertue, or that do concern themselves, in matters [...] marriage with such as are not friends nor own'd to be of our society or do [...]arry without consent and contrary to the order and practice of friends, that [...] all these cases or any of them, let such be spoken to, advised admonish'd and [...]alt with by friends at their particular monthly meetings, even as the nature [...] the fact may require, and as in the wisdom of God and according to [...]ths order may be seen convenient.

Sixthly, That all such as profess the truth be carefull to keep up their testimo­ [...]es against that great oppression of Tythes, and other Impositions which the [...]rd by his Spirit doth testifie against; and are contrary to the Glorious liberty, [...]d freedom of the gospel dispensation; and that true records be kept of the [...]fering of friends in those cases (and all other) upon truths account, in every [...]onthly meeting and an account thereof fairely transcribed be brought up [...]ce every year (at least) to the quarterly meetings to be recorded there, and [...]t care be taken in every particuler meeting to nominate one or two faith­ [...] friends to attend each monthly meeting, as also that each monthly meeting [Page 7]do take care to nominate and appoint one or two such faithfull hones [...] weighty and disreet Friends to attend the quarterly meetings as are in good unity with friends whose service may be to God and his people, and are capable to represent that monthly meeting they do appear for, in giveing Judgement of things relateing to truth and in doing and mannageing bussiness relateing to our Christian Society at the quarterly meeting.

And, Lastly, as we desire that these perticulars may be taken notice of an [...] observed amongst friends in their severall places and stations. So to th [...] Intent that some care may be taken And Method used therein every wa [...] as the nature of the thing may require. It is agreed that a record hereof b [...] kept in the Quarterly meeting books, And Coppys of same be sent to ever [...] monthly meeting in this County, and we do advise and desire that it ma [...] be recorded there, and enquiry made at the monthly meetings as occasion [...] touching friends care about the things herein contain'd, And that Coppy hereof be sent to be read in every perticular meeting, And that every monthly meeting take care to nominate and appoint two or more honest sober weighty and discreet friends in every perticuler meeting to take care in the matter above-mentioned (some for one thing and some for another) as friends fin [...] a freedom and willingnesse in their minds to undertake the same, and [...] friends in the wisdom of God at the severall monthly meetings shall see conven [...] ent, That so in the spirit of love and meeknesse friends may advise, Cautio [...] Admonish, reprove, and deal with such persons as proffess the truth, and [...] not answer the principle, and testimony thereof in their lives and conve [...] sations, nor walk according the advice, and Counsell of friends in the [...] respects, in a sober, holy, plain, and Godly manner as becomes a people reform [...] in principle and practice; from the errors vanitys and superfluities, of th [...] present world: And that friends at their severall monthly meetings, do spe [...] or write to such friends, as shall be so appointed, desiring their care in t [...] premisses, Recording their names in the monthly meeting books, who th [...] are in every perticular meeting that are appointed and willing to take ca [...] in such things, and that if upon their advice, caution, reproof or admoniti [...] such person or persons shall happen to refuse, or neglect to take notice ther [...] so as to demean themselves, as becomes the truth, and the professors ther [...] That in those cases the persons so appointed do take care as afforesaid [...] lay the matter before friends at the monthly meeting they belong to, th [...] so the persons may be dealt with according to truths order, as the nature [...] fact may require, And as in the wisdom of God may be seen convenie [...] That so in all things relateing to our holy fellowship and Christian soci [...] friends in their severall places, may keep in that Righteous pure holy decent a [...] [Page 8]sanctified state and order, in principle doctrine devotion and conversation eve­ [...]y way as becomes the Gospell of our Lord Jesus Christ, And a people pro­ [...]essing the same, That God over all who is rich in his mercys favours and [...]essings to us every way, may have the glory and praise who is worthy for ever and ever. Amen.