The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-08-20

societies is widely different from that which
obtained in the times of our predecessors, it
becomes US to be especially careful, that we
do not in any way compromise our ancient
! principles and pious testimonies. We be-
lieve that it is equally incumbent on us, as
| on those who were made instrumental in
the first gathering of our Society, to main
tain those views and practices by which
they were distinguished. And we feel de-
slrous that both in the performance of our
civil duties, and associating for objects OF
benevolence, all our dear friends may be
concerned not in any way to forfeit the
character of consistency, but in all things to
adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. 1t
IS, we believe, alike important 20 our benefit,
and that Of the universal Church of Christ
that we do not shrink from filling the sta
ton IN it which divine wisdom has assign
ed us, but in singleness of heart give our
selves up to what it may be our individual
duty to perform.
The amount of the suferings of our mem
bers as reported to this meeting, in support
OF our well known testimony against tithes
and ecclesiastical demands, including few
dlstraints for military purposes, together
with the few charges incurred, amount to
G14,SOO
We have received an epistle from Ireland.
and one from each of the Yearly Meetings
OF Friends on the American continent, ex-
cept Virginia; no communication from the
( last mentioned Yearly Meeting having vet
| reached us. 1t is comfort to us to know
that there are on the other side of the At
lantlc, many faithful and experienced Friends
who are steadfast in their attachment to the
cause of our Lord Jesus Christ sincere be-
levers in his propitiary sacrifice for the sins
OF mankind, and in the suffciency of his
grace to all who receive and obey it.
The important and affecting subject of
the continuance of slavery in the British
Colonies, has again occupied our attention.
deep conviction of the extent and enor-
nifty of the evil, and Of its utter inconsis-
tency with the purity and righteousness of
the Christian religion, has led this meeting,
with great unanimity, to direct that petit
ton be presented to the legislature, to con-
vey our feelings on the subject. And we
desire that Friends every where NAV en-
brace such opportunities as occur, in their
intercourse with others, to promote lust
and correct view of the rights of the en-
shaved.
And now, beloved brethren, at the con-
clusion of this meeting, we may inform you,
that various subjects of Importance have
come before us, Intimately connected with
our views of sound doctrine and Christian
practice, and with the promotion of the
cause of truth and righteousness. We have
been favored to conduct and to terminate
our deliberations thereon in much love and
harmony. We feel reverently thankful in
looking back on the unity which has pre-
vailed. May this renewed evidence of the
condescending goodness of our heavenly
Father to our religious Society, encourage
each of US on his return home, and all our
dear absent friends, faithfully and diligent-
ly to labor in our own hearts, and in our
respective allotments, for the advancement
ofpure and spiritual religion-for the peace
and prosperity of Zion
"The grace Of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen"
Signed IN and on behalf ofthe Meeting, By
JOSIAH FORSTER,
Clerk to the Meeting this Year.