The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-11-17
WESTERN DEMOCRAT.
THE oUAKERs OF N. CAROLINA

We learn from theGreensboro Times thai
the Society of Friends" or Quakers of this
State recently held their yearly meeting al
New Garden in Guilford county. From ar
article in the Times on the Rules and Doc
trlnes of this Society of Christians, we take
the following:
lowing to the civil war and persecution
in the first days of the Society, great care
was taken of the poor and destitute; and
this has ever been kept up, no one of them
ever being thrown upon the public for sup
port. They also make special provision for
the education of all poor children, by pro-
viding good seminaries of learning, taught
by members of the society, where the moral
and religious training of the pupils. as well
as their Literary instruction may be attend
ed TO, and to which the children of all their
members may have free access.
In reference to Marriage, the Society be-
Heves that It is a divine ordinance, and that
none but the Lord alone can rightly join
any in this solemn covenant. 1t has there
fore always had a conscientious scruple
against acknowledging The authority of
priests, ministers, or magistrates, in the
solemnization of marriage. Those intend
ing to marry, appear before monthly meet
ing, with their parents or certificate of
consent. 4 committee is then appointed
to examine into the matter and report at the
next meeting. IF no objection is reported.
the parties have the consent of the meeting
to accomplish the marriage. This is done
i'll a public meeting for worship where the
parties stand up and solemnly take each
other for husband aud wife.
Burials are conducted in a simple and
unostentatious manner. To avoid unne-
ecssary expense, which night be oppressive
to the poor, they wear no mourning appar-
el-their Collins are plain-they discourage
long professions of carriages and the cree
tinn of tomb stones.
In reference to war, the society believes
it is wholly at variance with the spirit of
the Gospel, which continually breathcs
peace OH earth and goodwill to men. They
receive in their full Specification, the plain
unto you that ye resist not evil,''-''love
your enemies bless them that curse you,
and d" good to them that hate you, &C."
They hold, also, that under the Gospe!
dispCnSatiOm there is no inherent holiness in
any one day above another, and hence they
observe the sabbath merely as necessary
FOX rest to man and beast
As to slavery, the Friends believe, it !
crying sin, entirely at variance with tho |
Commands of Christ and the spirit of Chris
tiGn Religion.
In conformity with what the Society be-
Hercs the precepts and examples of the
apostles and primitive believers, it ''enioins
upon It's members a simple and unostenta-
tious mode of living. free from needless care
aud expense; moderation in the pursuit of
business; and that they discountenance
lotteries of every kind, music, dancing.
stage plays. horse races, and all other vain
and Improbable amusements as well as
the changeable fashions and manners of the
world, III dress, or furniture of their houses:
that daily living in the fear of God and I'M
der the power of the cross of Christ which
crucfies to the world and all its lusts, thew
may show forth conduct and conversation
becoming their Christian profession, and
ndorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in
all things"