The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-06-16

Pertinent Questions Regarding the observ-
ance of the Discipline Throughout the
Yearly NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Arbitra-
ton Heartily Sanctioned.
But one more day remains of the yearly
meeting of the New England Society OF
Friends, in session at the Oak street
church. A number of delegates were
Obliged to leave for their homes yester-
day. The meetings throughout the day,
however, were well attended and full of
fervor and interest.
The usual early forenoon devotional
service was held, beginning at O'Clock.
and containing nearly two hours
The forenoon business session opened at
10 o'clock with prayer by David E. Samp-
son of North Carolina and others. The
clerk announced that William P. Pink
ham had something on his heart which
asked that he be privileged to express it.
The privilege was granted and the mes
sage from the Woonsocket brother was
delivered. He spoke half an hour, urging
a strict compliance with Gods will, and
an unwillingness to ally with the modern
tendency toward so-called "higher criti
cism.'' He believed that there is a posi-
bility OF dwelling SO continually on the
love of God that we overlook the truths
and teachings laid down in His book and
so that we become one-sided. II
The records of the executive meeting
were then read by the assistant clerk,
Daniel c. Maxfield. Among other mat
tiers the records contained copy of the
petition sent by the New England Friends
to the United States senators of Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire and
Rhode Island urging an adoption of the
Anglo-American treaty of arbitration.
Regarding the matter of birthright mem
bership the representatives submitted a
request of the committee that the matter
remain in its hands another year.
Isom P Wooson of Indiana, congratu
lated the meeting on its possession of
about 1916, 100 of trust funds.
Expressions of satisfaction at the re-
all parts of the house.
In accord with a proposition of Ben
jamin f. Trueblood of Boston, the ques
ion of birthright membership was referred
to the committee to whom was pre-
viously assigned consideration of the
subject of revision of the discipline. This
committee was further instructed to pre-
sent the question to the general con-
ference for the latter's consideration.
The subject of state of the society was
next taken up, and list of answers to
queries from the quarterly meetings was
submitted by the committee, only the
summaries being read.
Thesqueries and answers are here given
IA full:
Question: Are all meetings for religi-
Gus worship and discipline regularly
held?
Answer; Nearly all meetings for relig-
ious worship and discipline have been
regularly held. Fifty-three omissions are
reported, and two quarterly meetings
speak of several being omitted These
omissions are due largely to inclement
weather. Most Friends attend them duly
on first day at the hour appointed. Much
neglect of mid-week meetings and some
of meetings for discipline.
Question: Are love and unity main
tanned among you? Is detraction guarded
against? And, when any differences arise,
are endeavors used to end them?
Answer: We believe a good degree of
quarterly meetings report ''detraction
guarded against" two quarterly meet
ings, ''clear Of differences. Some de-
fractions and differences exist in the
others and efforts are made to end them.
Question: Are Friends careful to main
And, do those who have children or others
under their care, endeavor, by example
and precept, to train them up in accord
ance with our Christian profession?
Answer: Nearly all of our members
are careful to MAINTAIN a religious life and
in accordance with our Christian profess
sion.
Question: Do Friends efrequently rad
the Holy Scriptures, individually, as we'll
as collectively in their families, encour-
aging their children and others in the
daily practice Of this religious duty? Do
they faithfully maintain our testimony
to free gospel ministry?
Answer: With few exceptions our
members frequently read the Holy Scrip
lures individually, as well as collectively,