The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1867-10-24

EpistIe from Yearly Meeting Of Friends held, in
New York, by adjournments from the 2lst day
Of the 5th Month. to the 3Oth of the same,
inclusive, 1867.
Z To the merit Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends
DEAR FRIENDS - Being again assembled to de
liberate upon the interesting concerns of our Re-
igous Society, we have, by the reading of your
acceptable Epistle of 10th Month last, been reas-
sured of your continued remembrance; and by the
evidence furnished of your concern, we have been
strengthened and encouraged in the belief, that
the Testimonies which our fathers .labored faith
fully and earnestly to maintain Through good re-
port and through evil report" still dear to
many protesting name. What is clearly
wanting amongst us is greater devotion; greater
individual faithfulness in living them out. Then,
example corresponding with profession, we shall
occupy higher position in the religious world,
and others seeing good works. would have
cause to glorify Father which is in Heaven,
our behalf.
In view of the unceasng and untiring efforts of
many of the various denominations of professors,
to proselyte TO religion resting, we fear, too
much upon the observance of forms and ceremo-
nies never before, it seems to US, were greater
watchfuness and devotion on our part more earn
esty called for since the founders Of this Society
proclaimed in the hearing of unbelieving
world, that the religion of Christ religion
that was efficacious, and saving to the soul, and
consisted not in adherence to creeds or forms, of
belief, but in living lives of righteousness, of
purity, Of holiness and self denial; by doing the
will Of God as made known to each by the imme-
date teachings of His spirit This was funda-
mental doctrine believed in and proclaimed by
faithful predecessors and its eternal truth
fulness is corroborated and in full accord with
the revealed will of the Divine mind enunciated
through one of the Prophets on this wise, 81 will
put my law in their inward parts, and write it in
their hearts, and they shall teach no more every
man his neighbor, and every man his brother,
saying know the Lord, for all shall know Me from
the least of them unto tn greatest of them.
How important then that should 10
first principles: that we should hold fast the pro-
fession of our faith without waverng Truly, no
other foundation can any man lay that accounta-
BILE beings can safely build upon, than that which
is already laid, s'Chrst in you the hope of glory
Fervent desires have been felt and expressed that
may individually give closer attention to the
Divine in dwelling principle of light and life, and
truly secure to ourselves the blessings that kind
Father is ever ready and willing to bestow upon
His dependent children.
The deficiencies spread before US in the an
swer to the queries, have now, heretofore,
casioned exercise which gave rise to much i'm
pressve advice. The first and great neglect
apparent, which has caused sorrow in the minds
of those who have the present and future welfare
of this Society at heart is that which relates to
the attendance of religious meetings. partic-s
uIarly those held in the middle of the week A
neglect in the fulfllment of this important duty,
furnishes evidence that the love of the world and
its pursuits, takes precedence and is stronger in
our affections than is the concern to secure our
present and future well being. ~ IS
sssaa ~ ss4sa*
Other subjects of deep interest have. at this
time claimed our attention. Among these was the
Importance of more liberal and guarded educa-
ton of our youth. The necessity al So of great
er diligence and care on the part of parents in
early to nstil into the minds of their
children religious thoughts and principles was q
earnestly brought into view. Were such labors
faithfully extended doubtless they would be bles-
sed to YOUTH and ere long the hopeful prom .
Use might be verified in them, "out of Zion, the
perfection of beauty God hath. shined. .,
The practice of war has been feekngIv alluded
to, and earnest desires expressed that we
might awake to the Importance of consistently +
and faithfully bearing our we'll known Testimony
to the sacredness and inviolability Of human life
No argument need be adduced to prove the truth
of this Testimony save that which in these few
words emanated from the Divine Lawgiyer Him.
sci {. Thou shalt not kill !"
We have also been admonished of the necessi-
ty of being more guarded against entering into
the field Of political strife of receiving offices
in the Government, whichzcannot be done without
our principles, and lessening our
influence as professedly peaceable people.
While some few instances are reported of the a
want of greater care in refraining from the of
liquors, rejoice in the belief that
the subject of Temperance is still claiming the
serious consideration of our Society; and that
onward progress of an evil that is fearfully spread
ing over the land. 10zEg &C., -
With atfectionate regard, we remain your
Friends aesfs "a 49, aa
Signed by direction and on behalf of the Meet
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