The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-06-14

The examination into the state of the society
began by the reading of queries addressed to
quarterly meetings and the answers thereto
Comments were freely offered upon the in
formation thus afforded, by ministers and
friends generally-words of congratulation on
the good report and of encouragement in sug-
gestions for improving the deficiencies. This
discussion was for moment suspended to APP
point Rufus P. King and Joseph Stanley as
visitors to women's meeting in response to an
invitation from that body The examination
continued during the rem ainder of the fore
noon and at the close of the meeting had
reached only the fifth query and answer. Dr.
Dougan Clarke spoke for nearly three-quarters
of an hour during the discussion of the first
query, vigorously urging the need of a general
and united revival of religious interest among
Friends and ardor in the Lords work
The first query was:
First. Are all the meetings for religious
worship and discipline regularly held? Do
Friends attend to them duly and at the hour
appointed; and are they preserved from un-
becoming behavior therein?
Anstcer. All our meetings for religious
worship and discipline have with few excep-
tions been regularly held; ON First day they
are usually attended by Friends generally;
they are much neglected during the middle of
the week by some of our members. The hour
nearly observed: unbecoming behavior avoided
with little exception.
Second. Are love and unity maintained
amonggou? Is detraction preached against?
And when any differences arise are endeavors
used to end them speedily?
Aas,oer. Lov We and unity are in good de-
gree maintained and detraction generally
guarded against, land when any differences
arise endeavors are used to end them.
Third Are Friends careful to maintain a
religious life and conversation? sAnd do those
who have children and others under their care
endeavor by example and precept to train
them up in accordance with our Christian pro-
fession?
Ansaoer. With few exceptions Friends are
careful to maintain religious lifo and CONVEX
sation, and endeavor by example and precept
to train their children and others under their
care in accordance with our Christian profes.
sion.
Fourth. Do Friends frequently read the
Holy Scriptures individually as well as col
lectively in their families, encouraging their
children and others in the daily practice Of
their religious duty? Do they faithfully main
tain our testimony to a free gospel ministry.
A,s,cer. We believe that most Friends FREE
quently read the Holy Scriptures individually,
as well as collectively, in their families, and
encourage those under their care in the prac-
tice of their religious duty. Our testimony to
free gospel ministry appears with very few
exceptions to be maintained.
Fifth. Do Friends abstain from the use of
intoxicating liquors as beverage? Are they
careful to avoid amusements and diversions
inconsistent with a Christian character and to
observe true moderation in all thugs?
Aa,soDer. Friends with few exceptions alb
stain from the use of Intoxicating liquors as
and diversions.
Si1th. Are the circumstances of the poor
and of such as seem likely to need assistance
daily inspected and their necessities relieved?
Are they assisted in obtaining suitable employ
ment? and is proper care taken of their chill
dren?
Ansaoer. The circumstances of the poor are
inspected and their necessities relieved; care is
taken to educate their children.
Seventh. Do Friends faithfully maintain
our testimony against bearing arms, and other
military matters, against oaths and against de-
frauding the public revenue?
4nSWer. Not quite clear in faithful MAIN
tanning of our testimony against military mat
ters and oaths; we hear no complaint of de-
fraudng the pu bile revenue.
Eighth. Do Friends frequently inspect their
affairs and settle their accounts? Are they
punctual to their promises and just in payment
of their debts, and careful to live within the
bounds of their circumstances?
AnSoyer. With few exceptions, in which
some care has been extended, Friends are care
full in these respects.
Ninth. Are friends careful to have all their
marriages, births, deaths, and burials carefully
recorded? Are there any Friends removed
from or come among you without certificates?
| Ans,oer Our records are attended to; few
removals without certificates, most of which
are under notice.
Tenth. Is the discipline administered in
Christian tenderness, timely and impartially?
and is judgment placed when it appears neces-
sary in the authority of truth and according to
discipline?
A'eswer. Friends are engaged to administer
the discipline in Christian tenderness and i'm
partially, and endeavor to bcstow timely care.
Judgment has boon placed according to disci-
pline
Before the reading of the last minute,
notice was given of a meeting of the commit
tee of reception at close of the morning meet
1890 o'clock to the afternoon hour. AT
| o'clock a maatino of tho nonmittee on cor