i r y h 6 as feel hts that for laid and me of which J to be ntious ard for uld, cut to speak ders who ures in the hat, from its no have been our doctrines, church governy their brethren hey were actuated nscientious scruples n of as so evidently nice, as to be unworthy nsideration. Such has trds the Vearly Meeting and towards those memiting with them. We canbelieve that this is right, or put an end to dissension and reconcile this unwillingness to ruples of Friends on their merits, s and Christian regard which beof the same household of faith, nor so often expressed that all cause of i be removed, and the Society once more ted. the Divine protection and merciful regard, of the Society, however small, can be excluded ir fellow-professors; and we trust that the afflicof the present day will draw all those who are ly concerned for the promotion of the truth, nearer Him, and increase the fervour of their petitions for a growth and establishment therein. We understand that those Friends who stopped at ert the close of the Yearly Meeting, after remaining together for some time, adjourned until the next morning, when, on re-assembling, they decided to take no further step; a conclusion at which we rejoice, being persuaded there is no cause for their separating from their brethren with whom they now mingle in religious and social intercourse; and that such a g* would not only break up that intercourse, it in the semination egard of the iety. 1 had occurred within it at different times since its rise-the great loss always sustained by those who persisted in taking part in them-the difficulties in which they had involved the Society-the testimony borne by the apostle against those which took place in the primitive church, and likewise by George Fox against the spirit of separation manifested in his day -saying he could fully unite with the sentiments respecting separations which we had just heard read, but regretted that, notwithstanding their correctness, London Yearly Meeting had given its sanction to separation. After some further observations from other members, the meeting adjourned. one adapted to the circumstances of the case, which was read and adopted. The Quarters having forwarded in their reportsaccounts of the result of the inquiries among their members respecting the habitual or occasional use of spirituous liquors as a drink, or furnishing it to their workmen-they were read, and seventy-five cases were found to be reported; seventeen of which use the article habitually, and fifty-four occasionally-nine have given it at times to those employed by them. One of the Quarters (a small one) reported all its members clear. It appeared that labour had been bestowed on some of those offending in this matter. Afternoon.-A proposition was made to send the The subject took hold on the feelings of the meeting, document from London into the Women's Meeting, and it being thought that considerable advance had which called forth some discussion, but it was finally been made within a few years in putting a stop to this concluded not to do so. The annual report of the pernicious indulgence, the subject was again recomcommittee having the oversight of West-town Board-mended to the serious attention of the subordinate ing School was read, giving the meeting full information of the manner in which the institution had been meetings, and they encouraged to labour earnestly in a proper spirit to persuade all who may use spirituous conducted during the past year, its present condition, liquors as a drink, either frequently or occasionally, and the various important improvements effected. to abandon it entirely; reports to be forwarded as The report contained two propositions-one to allow heretofore, next year. the superintendent to receive boys as pupils over the. The Quarters reported 1350 children of a suitable age age of fifteen and a half years [within which age they to go to school, disposed of as follows:-at select schools have heretofore been restricted]; and the other, to taught by members, 135; at mixed schools taught by give the committee power to raise the charge for members, 377; at West-town Boarding School, 228; board and tuition to ninety dols. per annum, if in in schools not select nor kept by members, 115; at their judgment it may appear to be expedient. Both Haverford, 10; at the public or district schools, 263; at of these propositions were united with, it being also family schools, 165; temporarily absent, 44; and five agreed that the superintendent should have authority have not been receiving any education at school durto discharge any scholar over the above-mentioned ing the past year. The value of a religiously-guarded age whose conduct should be such as to render his education was impressed on the meeting, and the substay prejudicial to the school. The report was satis-ordinate meetings and members encouraged to make factory, and the committee encouraged to persevere in their efforts to carry out the concern of the Yearly Meeting in the establishment of the seminary. An interesting report, from the committee charged with the care of that portion of Indian natives whose civilization and religious improvement have so long claimed the concern of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, was also read. It represented the Boarding School, established on the reservation at Tunessassah, about two years ago, to be in successful operation, there being seventeen of the Indian boys and girls residing in the family and participating in the advantages of the school, as well as in those arising from correct social and religious training. As the committee find it necessary that the funds at their disposal should be increased, in order to carry out the improved system of education now pursued, the meeting recommended opening voluntary subscriptions among the members in aid of the pecuniary means required to sustain this interesting work, and encouraged the members to contribute liberally. Fifth-day afternoon, the 24th.-Friends met, pursuant to adjournment. The Friends appointed at a former sitting to prepare a minute, in the necessary form, for releasing the trustees of the estate of Elizabeth Greenfield from the payment of the annuity bequeathed by her to this Yearly Meeting, produced what efforts may be in their power to carry out the long cherished concern of the Yearly Meeting-to secure to the children of all its members the benefits of a sound literary education, under the care of teachers in membership, and protected from the evils of corforward reports on this interesting subject, in the rupting associations. The Quarters were desired to usual manner, next year. Sixth-day, the 25th.-After the opening minutes letter, addressed to the Yearly Meeting, had been had been read, the clerk informed the meeting that a laid on the table, and asked the direction of the meeting respecting it. As it was an unusual circumstance, there was at first a diversity of sentiment, some thinking it ought to be referred to a committee for examination, to report as to its fitness to come before the whether meeting; while others wished the clerk to say it was such a communication as ought to claim the attention of the meeting. Upon the clerk reading the clause of the Discipline, relative to papers addressed to the Yearly Meeting, it was at once given in charge to four Friends, who left the meeting to examine it. On their return they reported, as the prevailing sense of the committee, that the paper should not be read, which was approved. Essays of epistles addressed to New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, London, and Dublin, having been prepared by the committee, they were now read, and a discussion at once ensued as to the propriety of forwarding any, or a part of them. Those Friends who have all along manifested opposition to the action of the Yearly Meeting, in recognizing the meeting of which B. Hoyle is clerk, as Ohio Yearly Meeting, protested against sending the epistle now addressed to it, and preferred that no epistles should be issued by the meeting this year; although the great fear expressed by them heretofore had been, that by the ceasing of correspondence with other Yearly Meetings, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting would be cut off from the Society. The subject was presented in various aspects, but upon no former occasion do we recollect a more general and decided expression of unity with the contents of the epistles, and their being forwarded as usual. After the clerk had made the minute directing the epistles to be signed by him on behalf of the meeting, and forwarded in time, the same Friend who last year desired those who united with him in opposition to the action of the meeting to stop at its rise, made a similar proposition, which was acceded to by those in unison with him, after which the meeting settled into a solemn quiet, when the clerk read the concluding minute, and the meeting closed. The argument most constantly urged by those Friends who objected to the action of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in relation to that of Ohio was, that by continuing to acknowledge fellowship with it, after other Yearly Meetings have united with the body of which J. Binns is clerk, we shall be cut off from the great body of the Society; and that Philadelphia Yearly Meeting ought to take no step in relation to this subject, contrary to the wishes of those of its members who so highly value their connection with the other Yearly Meetings-that rather than have that connection endangered or destroyed, they would prefer separation from their own Yearly Meeting. But they appear to forget that a question involving the principles this does, is not to be decided upon the supposition of absolute power in a majority of Yearly Meetings; nor do they seem to bear in mind that the judgment come to in the case, by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, both last year and this, is evidently from a conscientious conviction on the part of a very large proportion of its members, that the separation of those who appointed J. Binns for their clerk, is subversive of the order and discipline of the Society, and rests on errors, which, if carried out, must finally destroy its organization. It must, therefore, be presumed that Philadelphia Yearly Meeting feels religiously bound to bear its testimony against the violation of order and proper subordination committed by those who separated; and it could hardly be expected to desert the cause for which it has been so long suffering, and to act so inconsistently as to cast off, in their time of deep trial, the large Yearly Meeting of Ohio, which has been long standing side by side with it in the maintenance of a testimony against the dissemination of unsound doctrines, and against a disregard of the discipline and usages of our religious Society. Many Friends seem to think it a matter not calling for any consideration, that the thousands of men, women, and children, composing Ohio Yearly Meeting, embracing as large a proportion of honest-hearted consistent members of the Society as any other Yearly Meeting of equal size, should be repudiated by all their brethren in profession with them--although it is to be supposed that those of them who are of age to estimate their right of membership value it as highly as any others do-are as deserving as any others of having those rights universally recognized, and feel as keenly as others, the withholding of those rights by other Yearly Meetings. Notwithstanding that neither unsoundness of doctrine, nor disregard for the testimonies held by the Society, can be justly laid to their charge, the hearts of many would seem to be so closed against them, because of their conscientious difference of opinion, that they have no regard for their rights as members, but would, if they could, cut them off in a body; and they allow themselves to speak of them as if they were no better than offenders who had been justly disowned. It has been one of the remarkable features in the controversy now agitating the Society, that, from its commencement in this country, those who have been labouring to maintain the purity of our doctrines, and inviolability of our principles of church government, have been invariably treated by their brethren who differed from them, as though they were actuated by unworthy motives; and their conscientious scruples and religious concern, are spoken of as so evidently the result of ignorance or prejudice, as to be unworthy of any deforence or serious consideration. Such has been the course pursued towards tho Vearly Meeting of Philadelphia and Ohio, and towards those members in other meetings uniting with them. We cannot bring ourselves to believe that this is right, or that it is calculated to put an end to dissension and difficulty; nor can we reconcile this unwillingness to meet the religious scruples of Friends on their merits, with that frankness and Christian regard which becomes brethren of the same household of faith, nor with the desire so often expressed that all cause of offence should be removed, and the Society once more become united. Out of the Divine protection and merciful regard, no part of the Society, however small, can be excluded by their fellow-professors; and we trust that the afflic tions of the present day will draw all those who are truly concerned for the promotion of the truth, nearer to Him, and increase the fervour of their petitions for a growth and establishment therein. We understand that those Friends who stopped at the close of the Yearly Meeting, after remaining together for some time, adjourned until the next morning, when, on re-assembling, they decided to take no further step; a conclusion at which we rejoice, being persuaded there is no cause for their separating from their brethren with whom they now mingle in religious and social intercourse; and that such a step would not only break up that intercourse, but be greatly prejudicial to the best interest of themselves then settling down to the consideration of the im and their children, and only increase the difficulties already pressing so heavily on the Society. DUBLIN YEARLY MEETING. THE Meeting of Ministers and Elders took place on Seventh-day, the 26th of 4th Month, at eleven o'clock, the Conference of Elders having been previously held at ten. The number in attendance appeared similar to that of several years past; and the business of the meeting was conducted in usual course. Certificates on behalf of SARAH SQUIRE, JOHN P. MILNER, and HENRY HOPKINS, with minutes on behalf of ROBERT and CHRISTINE ALSOP, and ELIZA P. GURNEY, were produced and read. The three first were on a general visit to Friends in Ireland; the others to attend the Yearly Meeting, and some few others. First-day, the 27th.-The meetings for worship in Dublin were largely attended, a goodly number of persons of other denominations forming part of the assembly. The following ministers were engaged in religious service during the day, viz., JOHN P. MILNER, SARAH SQUIRE, CHRISTINE ALSOP, CHARLES F. WAKEFIELD, RICHARD ALLEN (of Waterford), and ELIZA MALCOMSON; and the meetings were, we believe, satisfactory, and, it is to be hoped, to many, profitable opportunities. Second-day morning. The meeting assembled at the usual hour, rather small at first, but subsequently became considerably increased. Two ministering Friends were engaged briefly, but impressively, in religious communication, prior to the commencement of the business. All the representatives except four were present. Our Friend, JACOB GREEN, was among the absent, through indisposition. The certificates and minutes on behalf of our English friends were read in course. Then came a written report from the Meeting of Ministers and Elders, an improvement, it was considered, on previous practice, which had been given verbally. The London and Foreign epistles came next in order of reading, Ohio excepted, these documents giving rise to little remark. There was no epistle received from North Carolina; the others were referred as usual to a committee; and after transacting some routine business, the meeting adjourned to allow time for the representatives to meet and choose clerks. This body agreed to the continuance of last year's clerk, with HENRY RUSSELL and JAMES N. RICHARDSON as assistants. In the afternoon, the Yearly Meeting took up the question involved in the Ohio separation; the meeting last year having concluded to adopt the report of its committee, that no decision should, at that time, be come to, and to leave it for further consideration at the present. After some interchange of sentiment, it was decided to open in the meeting at large, the question as to which of the two Yearly Meetings in Ohio we should recognize. Accordingly there were read the various official documents, received from or on behalf of both bodies, which occupied several hours. The meeting portant subject thus brought before it, after solid deliberation and much expression of sentiment, the judgment of the meeting was recorded in favour of the body in Ohio, represented by JONATHAN BINNS and JANE M. PLUMMER as clerks. This sitting occupied five-and-a-half hours, and after such protracted deliberation, the meeting was fairly exhausted. There was, however, much unanimity in this decision, but one Friend advocating further delay, and no voice being raised in favour of the other body. The Friends at the table were intrusted with the bringing in to another sitting, a suitable minute as a record of the judgment come to by the meeting. Third-day morning, 4th Month, 29th.-Soon after coming together, the Friends appointed produced the draft of minute ordered at the previous sitting, which was approved and adopted. A duly authenticated copy to be sent to the correspondent of the body recognized; and a similar copy, together with the epistle forwarded therefrom, to be sent to BENJAMIN HOYLE, the clerk of the other body. The answers to the queries were then proceeded with, as far as the seventh inclusive. Deficiencies were reported as to the attendance of our religious meetings; also in relation to the important duty of parental care in training of young persons-and with reference to the maintenance of our testimony relative to ecclesiastical demands, &c. Much weighty counsel went forth on some of the subjects above alluded to, and the deficiencies reported as to our testimony against a hireling ministry, took such hold of the meeting, as to cause reference of the subject to the Large Committee. This was a solid sitting, and we trust it will be remembered by some as an instructive opportunity. Evening. The remaining queries and answers were read, and the whole referred to three Friends, to prepare answers therefrom to the first eleven, for London. The consideration now arose, in usual course, as to whether the state of the body, as depicted in the answers brought up, claimed the further care and attention of the meeting. No particular concern being expressed, a minute was made expressive of the exercise of the meeting in view of our present condition as a Society; which being read, was approved, and adopted. It concludes with a 66 desire that all among us may be aroused to a serious consideration of our great responsibilities as professors of the Christian name; and by increased devotedness of heart to the Lord, be strengthened of Him to greater dedication to His service, and to that measure of individual faithfulness by which our own growth in grace will be advanced, and the cause of truth and righteousness be promoted." The Accounts of Sufferings sustained by Friends in the three provinces were read, the amount being £494, 10s. 9d. Large Committee met at eight P.M., and separated sub-committees for the London and Foreign epistles. Some discussion arose as to sending an epistle to Philadelphia, not knowing the present state of that Yearly Meeting as to a division this year; but it was believed best not to omit addressing them at this time. Though no epistle was received from North Carolina, yet it was concluded to address their next Yearly Meeting as usual. Fourth-day morning, 4th Month, 30th.- Meeting for worship, which was a large gathering; and a number of Friends were engaged to minister to the assembly. Soon after the meeting dispersed, the Yearly Meeting's Committee (a standing body analogous in function to the Meeting for Sufferings in London) met by appointment of the Yearly Meeting, and was occupied about two hours in considering some provisions of the Tithe Rent Charge Act. Afternoon.-Last year, a proposition was received from the Quarterly Meeting of Leinster, to assimilate our mode of answering the queries to that of England, viz., to answer the first eleven only in spring, and to this meeting; and the remainder to the Autumn Quarterly Meeting, with those answered there in usual course. The subject underwent some discussion last year, and was referred for further consideration to this Yearly Meeting. It was now spoken to at much length, but the meeting not being prepared to adopt the proposition, it was therefore set aside. After the appointing of a Committee to audit the treasurer's account, the meeting adjourned. At seven o'clock the Large Committee assembled, and being an open one, it was numerously attended. The Yearly Meeting had referred the subject of Tithe Rent Charge to this body for consideration. It had been stated in that meeting, that many Friends, holders, or rather occupiers of land, had come to the conclusion that Tithe Rent Charge being now a fixed tax on land, and not on industry, as heretofore, the objection to its payment was done away. This being inconsistent with the judgment of this Yearly Meeting in 1840, which decided that Tithe and Tithe Rent Charge are identical-the application, in both cases, being the same-it was believed right to give Friends another opportunity of stating their views on the subject. A long discussion of this matter was accordingly entered on, and a free interchange of sentiment having taken place, the judgment of the meeting was obviously in entire harmony with the former conclusion above referred to, a few only being of an opposite view. A verbal report to this effect was agreed on to the Yearly Meeting, and the committee separated at a late hour. Fifth-day morning, 1st of 5th Month.-The General Meeting of the Irish Friends' Tract Association was held at nine o'clock, and was well attended by both men and women Friends. The report of the committee did not present much to engage the attention of the meeting, beyond a pretty strong desire to encourage Friends to greater diligence in the work of tract distribution. A number of reports from auxiliary associations, conveying interesting information relative to distribution of tracts, were read. At eleven o'clock the Yearly Meeting assembled. After several Friends had been engaged in ministry, the report of the Large Committee on the Tithe Rent Charge discussion was verbally given in; but no further time was occupied with the subject. The committee appointed to audit the treasurer's account, gave in their report, and recommended £200 to be assessed on the Quarterly Meetings, for the use of the Yearly Meeting, which was accordingly done. Next 'followed a minute of last Yearly Meeting in London, submitted for adoption by our Yearly Meeting's Committee, recommending Monthly Meetings to bestow care and oversight towards young persons, not members, educated at our public schools. This opened a discussion of considerable length and interest, respecting the class alluded to in the minute, as well as our own members in early life. A number of young persons took part in this discussion, and it was generally conceded that more kindly care and interest needed to be exercised towards the youth. The subject of the early religious training of children was much dwelt upon, and some systematic and associated plan of religious instruction of young persons spoken to by various individuals, without anything, however, of a practical nature being suggested. The deliberation on this subject was agreeably conducted, and manifested that the minds of many of our young people are thoughtful about their best interests. There is, however, in our judgment, too much of a looking outward for that instruction, which is more convincingly to be learned within. Outward means, doubtless, have their use, where judiciously administered; but there is much reason to believe, that an increased watchful attention to the teachings of the Spirit of Truth in the heart is that which is mainly wanting; and a fear impresses us, that this important part of Christian truth is not sufficiently and practically recognised hy some who may even be measurably awakened to a sense of the unspeakable value of eternal things. Did this watchful care more prevail, it would manifest its good fruits in greater solidity and gravity of demeanour, in the daily walk amongst men, and greater willingness to yield to those restraints of the cross of Christ, which are ever opposed to a conformity to the world, in attire, deportment, and language-in harmony with the apostolic exhortation, not to be "conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." The minute was adopted, and recommended to the attention of Monthly Meetings, soon after which, the Meeting adjourned. Fifth-day evening.-The first matter for consideration was a proposition, received last year from Leinster Quarterly Meeting, for the sanction of the Yearly In Ireland Meeting to the use of grave stones. there has never been any rule of discipline, or minute of advice, on this subject, long established practice having discountenanced the use of stones indicating where our Friends were laid; but of later time and especially since Friends in England have adopted a different course-a growing desire, on the part of many, has been manifested for the introduction of these memorials of the dead. There appeared a considerable diversity of sentiment on this subject, |