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159 The Quakers 18 0The Society of Friends, popularly called Quakers, is a relatively small religious movement that has its roots in the religious excitement of Cromwell’s revolution. The original leaders started as Puritans and moved through various transformations (Independents, Baptists) to their final religious vision. The social teachings of the Society of Friends—their pacifism, rejection of slavery and openness to the needs of enemies—have influenced Christendom quite out of proportion to their small numbers. Selection 1: Rules of Discipline [Society of Friends] These Advices, which were to be read at least once a year in the meetings of the Society , give an impression of the spirit of the moment. Take heed, dear friends, we intreat you, to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, who leads, through unfeigned repentance and living faith in the Son of God, to reconciliation with our Heavenly Father, and to the blessed hope of eternal life, purchased for us by the one offering of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Be earnestly concerned in religious meetings reverently to present yourselves before the Lord, and seek, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to worship God through Jesus Christ. Be in the frequent practice of waiting upon God in private retirement, with prayer and supplication, honestly examining yourselves as to your growth in grace, and your preparation for the life to come. Be careful to make a profitable and religious use of those portions of time on the first day of the week, which are not occupied by our meetings for worship. Live in love as Christian brethren, ready to be helpful one to another, and to sympathize with each other in the trials and afflictions of life. Follow peace with all men, desiring the true happiness of all; and be liberal to the poor, endeavouring to promote their temporal, moral, and religious well-being. With a tender conscience, and in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel, take heed to the limitations of the Spirit of Truth, in the pursuit of the things of this life. Maintain strict integrity in all your transactions in trade, and in your other outward concerns, remembering that you will have to account for the mode of acquiring, and the manner of using, your possessions. 160 # Part 5: Post-Reformation England and America Watch, with Christian tenderness, over the opening minds of your offspring; enure them to habits of self-restraint and filial obedience; carefully instruct them in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and seek for ability to imbue their minds with the love of their Heavenly Father, their Redeemer, and their Sanctifier. Observe simplicity and moderation in the furniture of your houses, and in the supply of your tables, as well as in your personal attire, and that of your families. Be diligent in the private and daily family reading of the Holy Scriptures; and guard carefully against the introduction of improper books into your families. Be careful to place out children, or all degrees, with those friends whose care and example will be most likely to conduce to their preservation from evil; prefer such assistants, servants, and apprentices, as are members of our religious society; not demanding exorbitant apprentice fees, lest you frustrate the care of friends in these respects. Encourage your apprentices and servants of all descriptions to attend public worship , making way for them herein: and exercise a watchful care for their moral and religious improvement. Be careful to make your wills and settle your outward affairs in time of health; and, when you accept the office of guardian, executor, or trustee, be faithful and diligent in the fulfillment of your trust. Finally, dear friends, let your conversation be such as becometh the Gospel. Exercise yourselves to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. Watch over one another for good; and when occasions of uneasiness first appear in any, let them be treated with in privacy and tenderness, before the matter be communicated to another: and friends, every where, are advised to maintain “the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” Selection 2: Rules of Discipline [Opposition to War] The Quaker opposition to war is well known. It was repeatedly expressed in the Rules of Discipline. It has been a weighty concern on this meeting, that our ancient and honourable testimony against being concerned in bearing arms, or fighting, may be maintained; it being a doctrine and testimony agreeable to the nature and design of...

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