"TAKE FAST HOLD OF INSTRUCTION; LET HER NOT GO; KEEP HER; FOR SHE IS THY LIFE." VOL. XLI. PHILADELPHIA, ELEVENTH MONTH 8, 1884. No. 39. EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED AND PAYMENTS MADE TO JOHN COMLY, AGENT, AT PUBLICATION OFFICE, No. 1020 ARCH STREET. TERMS:-TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE. The Paper is issued every week. The FORTY-FIRST Volume commenced on the 16th of Second month, 1884, at Two Dollars and Fifty Cents to subscribers receiving it through mail, postage prepaid. SINGLE NUMBERS SIX CENTS. It is desirable that all subscriptions should commence at the beginning of the volume. REMITTANCES by mail should be in CHECKS, DRAFTS, or P. O. MONEY-ORDERS; the latter preferred. MONEY sent by mail will be at the risk of the person so sending. AGENTS:-Edwin Blackburn, Baltimore, Md. Benj. Strattan, Richmond, Ind. Entered at the Post-Office at Philadelphia, Penna. as second-class matter For Friends' Intelligencer. BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETING FOR 1884. The meeting of Ministers and Elders, representing this body, assembled at the accustomed time, at Lombard Street Meetinghouse, in the city of Baltimore, on the 25th of Tenth month, and transacted the usual business with the unity and harmony which pertains to true Christian love. Among the Friends in attendance from other Yearly Meetings were Daniel H. Griffin, of New York; Samuel B. Haines, of New York; Davis Furnas, of Ohio; Catharine Foulke, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and Elizabeth W. Thistlethwaite, of New York Yearly Meeting. Others, both with and without minutes, were present, and there was much close and searching testimony borne, which was felt to be edifying. On First-day, the 26th, a very large meeting assembled for public worship at Lombard Street Meeting-house, and many of the ministers present were drawn out in earnest and powerful testimony to the truths which have ever been so dear to this Society. The meeting closed with the voice of prayer, praise and thanksgiving, and the large assembly dispersed under a solemn feeling of the Divine Presence and favor. In the afternoon and evening public religious meetings were held at Lombard and Aisquith Street Houses, and the ministerial labors of Friends in at tendance deemed comforting and strengthening. On Second-day, the 27th, both Men's and Women's Meetings assembled at Lombard street, and proceeded to transact the usual work of the Yearly Meeting. Of the Men's Meeting Levi K. Brown acted as clerk and Thomas H. Matthews as assistant clerk at the first session. There was a full attendance of members, and reports were received from all the five Quarterly Meetings tributary to the Yearly Meeting: Baltimore, Warrington, Fairfax, Nottingham and Center. The roll of representatives being called they were nearly all present, and the first regular business after the usual opening routine was the reading of epistles of counsel and greeting from the six corresponding Yearly Meetings of Friends: Philadelphia, New York, Genesee, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. At the afternoon session of the 27th, Levi K. Brown was chosen for clerk and Edward Stabler, Jr., for assistant clerk. A committee was appointed to examine the Treasurer's account, and nominate a friend to hold that position during the ensuing year; another committee to assist the clerk in the revision of the minutes of this assembly for publication was set apart, and to yet another was assigned the duty of replying to the epistles from the corresponding Yearly Meetings. The subject of disposing of the present meeting-house at Lombard street, and taking measures toward the erection of one better located, and more suitable for the present needs of the Yearly Meeting, was put in the hands of a committee, and the co-operation of women Friends was asked. Then adjourned, after much religious exercise pertaining to the present status of this body. The Women's Meeting entered upon its deliberations with great dignity and thoughtful, religious earnestness. The attendance was large, and the representatives answered very fully. One Friend reminded the meeting that if all present were truly gathered inward to the source and center of all strength, each member will know a renewal of religious life. The usual routine then engaged the attention of the meeting, and a committee to audit and adjust the Treasurer's account and nominate a new Treasurer was appointed. A deputation from the Men's Meeting presented the credentials for ministers and other visiting Friends in attendance from other Yearly Meetings, as follows: For Thomas T. Baynes, a minister, and his wife, Mary C. Baynes, an elder, from Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, Pa.; for John E. Carpenter and his wife Mary Carpenter, members of Short Creek Monthly Meeting, Emerson, Jefferson county, Ohio; for Eliza W. Chandler, a minister, from Center Monthly Meeting, held at Poketet; for Amos Jones, a minister, from Makefield Monthly Meeting, Pa.; for Elizabeth W. Thistlethwaite, from Rahway and Plainfield Monthly Meeting, N. J.; for Daniel H. Griffin, a minister, and his wife, Amy Griffin, an elder, from Amawalk Monthly Meeting, New York; for Catharine P. Foulke, a minister, from Richland Monthly Meeting, Pa., and for Samuel B. Haines, a minister, from New York Monthly Meeting. All these were cordially welcomed, and gratitude was expressed that so many faithful Friends from other parts of our heritage are with this body for the comfort and help of those on whom depends the transaction of the business of the church. A committee was set apart to collect the exercises of the meeting, and the morning session was closed by the reading of epistles of counsel and of cheer from Genesee and Indiana Yearly Meetings. At the afternoon session of the 27th, Annie F. Matthews was appointed clerk and Elizabeth Koser assistant clerk. The reading of the remaining epistles, and the discussion arising therefrom, occupied the remainder of this session. Illinois epistle contained a clause recommending parents and heads of families to provide suitable amuse ments for their children, that might make their homes attractive, and prevent their diverging into forbidden paths. This called forth much expression of concern lest any should feel it commendable to open the door to such popular and customary pastimes as Friends have ever felt called away from as a serious, religious people, impressed with the value of time and their responsibility for the right improvement of all the hours of mortal life. The delights of pure literature, pleas ant and cheerful conversation on topics of real value in literature and science, and such tender and judicious unfoldings of high religious verities as pious mothers may be enabled by the help of Heavenly Wisdom to lay be fore the lambs of their flocks, were believed to be adequate to make homes such havens of joy and contentment that things of a less elevated character will not be able to draw any away. No lowering of the standard to meet the demands of worldly inclinations can surely be needful to those who are truly sensible of the beauty of holiness or of the excellence of pure truth. The noblest faculties must be called out and given wise and loving culture if Friends would hold closely to their religious communion, their precious youth. Deep sympathy and much wise counsel were extended to inexperienced young mothers, who feel great need of sympathy and counsel in view of their weighty responsibilities. On Third-day morning, the 28th, the Committee on Temperance made their report on the work of last year. They state that they have organized auxilliary associations in most of the counties of the Western shore of Maryland, and in parts of Virginia and Pennsyl vania. They have distributed temperance literature in the schools and through the country, delivering lectures, and making some progress towards introducing text books on the subject in the schools. In some cases they have deemed it best to unite their efforts with those of the Temperance Alliance. The work of the Committee was approved and their labors continued. The report of the standing committee on Indian affairs was then considered with deep interest, approved and directed to be forwarded to Women's Meeting. In the Women's Meeting on the morning of the 28th, the first business in order was the reading the report of the Indian Committee of this Yearly Meeting. The report of the standing committee on Indian affairs shows that the Baltimore Yearly Meeting has charge of three combined agencies-the Santee, Flandrau and Poucas. The work of civilizing these Indians has progressed very favorably. The agency is under the superintendency of Isaiah Lightner, of Western Maryland, who has been in charge societies should assist in civilizing the Indians of the work four years. To show how nearly by starting schools for them, or in any other self-sustaining they are, a comparative state- missionary way. It has been for some time ment of the supplies issued to them by the the conclusion of this committee that we turn Government shows: In 1878-Bacon, 19,- our attention more particularly to this branch 486 pounds; 1884, 783 pounds. Beef-1878, of Indian work, and that we endeavor to 514,430 pounds; 1884, 84,183 pounds. forward in every possible way the proper Beans-1878, 4,018 pounds; 1884, none. education of Indian children. If we cannot Coffee-1878, 3,765 pounds; 1884, 1,282 succeed in the establishment of an industrial pounds. Flour-1878, 137,393 pounds; school under the care and supervision of our 1884, 16,967 pounds. Hominy-1878, 2,900 own religious society, it is our desire to aid pounds; 1884, none. Rice-1878, 1,611 those that are already established, and thus pounds; 1884, 36 pounds. Soap-1878, assist in the important work of Indian educa6,520 pounds; 1884, none. Sugar-1878, tion. 9,960 pounds; 1881, 2,242 pounds. Tobacco After the usual action on the Indian con-1878, 520 pounds; 1884, none. In 1878 cern and the full approval and continuance they cultivated 1,000 acres of land, and in of the committee, a visit of Gospel love and 1884, 3,357, and raised: In 1878-Barley, ministration was received from Samuel B. none; 1884, 200 bushels. Wheat-1878, Haines, of New York, and William Wil850 bushels; 1884, 12,500 bushels. Corn-liams, of Waterford, Virginia. S. B. H. had 1878, 9,500 bushels; 1884, 17,500 bushels. an earnest exhortation for women to make Oats-1878, 500 bushels; 1884, 19,550 themselves companions for their husbands in bushels. Potatoes -1878, 1,800 bushels; the struggles and cares of business life. They 1884, 10,500 bushels. Hay-1878, 800 tons; should make themselves acquainted with the 1884, 2,700 tons. Cattle raised in 1878, 257; limitations of their husbands legitimate re1884, 487. One result is the discontinu- sources and be willing to co-operate in keepance of rations, except to children at school ing the demands upon the family purse withand to fifty old and infirm Indians. All in proper limits. So might many of those who are able-bodied work. At the last Con- violations of rectitude which bring disgrace gress efforts were made to turn over the and sorrow to so many, be avoided. He inspectorships of agencies to the War Depart- spoke under much emotion, and deeply imment, but the efforts of this Yearly Meeting pressed the meeting. William Williams foland all other friends of Indians prevented lowed in a kindred strain, calling women to a such a catastrophe. The General Homestead realization of their high mission in the world bill, which we endeavored for years to have as the conservators of Christian homes, and enacted, was passed by the Senate at the last the saviors of their weak brethren. He dwelt session, but failed to be acted upon in the feelingly and impressively on the dignity and House. Our Superintendent (Lightner) has honor of true Christian womanhood. These tendered his resignation, to take effect in the fervent exhortations and godly counsels called spring, but under the present usage of Secre- forth many devout responses, and the meettary Teller's administration we will not being set its seal to the testimony of these conasked to recommend any one to take his cerned brethren. place. When Superintendent Lightner's resignation is accepted the connection of the Baltimore Yearly Meeting with the Indian work will cease. We believe if the rule adopted by President Grant of calling upon various religious denominations to assist in taking care of Indians could have been continued, it would have been much better for them. But some of those who have succeeded him in office have been persistently changing that rule, until now we believe we have been for some time past the only religious society that has had any oversight of an Indian agent. There has been a great change wrought in the minds of these people in the past twelve years in regard to the Indians. There are now several large industrial schools for Indian children supported by the Government, and the present administration is not only willing, but anxious that all religious A committee for the nomination of Friends to serve on the representative committee for the ensuing year was then set apart; and the clerks proceeded to read the minutes of last year's meeting, thus reviewing the action of that assembly. The session closed after appointing a nominating committee to revise the list of names on the Temperance Committee. At the afternoon session, the review of the state of the Society, as this is shown by the answers to the queries, was proceeded with by both the men's and the women's meetings, and deep concern was manifested in consideration of the evident need that there is for a renewal of life and zeal, not only for the promotion of religious zeal and earnestness among our own membership, but for the advancement of the Kingdom of God upon earth. It was believed that the vitality of our Church organization will be found to be in proportion to its power to continue Christ's work upon earth. Quakerism should be powerful as a bringer of light and peace; and as the antagonist of all the evils and wrongs that trouble mankind. Unless it promotes aggressive as well as passive and negative righteousness, it is difficult to prove to the world that we have any valuable mission on the earth. A renewal of holy zeal and fervency of spirit, the cultivation of brotherly love and unity, and a pure hearted aim to follow the high teaching of the Blessed Jesus, both in the general conduct of life, and in the reverent worship of the Father of Spirits, are needed to promote that renewal of the true life in this Society for which so many aspirations arise. building has been erected, costing $2,500, and a satisfactory school is now established there. In Baltimore, Harford, Cecil and Carroll counties of Maryland, the schools are reported on very favorably. The number of children attending the schools, which are under the care of our meetings, number 749; Friends' Elementary and High School, in the city of Baltimore, having 335 pupils, of whom only 55 are children of members. The committee was granted $300 for incidental expenses during the coming year. The committee on Treasurer's accounts reported them correct. There is a considerable balance in the treasury. They renominated the present incumbent, Edwin Blackburn, who was reappointed. $1,000 were ordered to be raised for incidental expenses during the coming year. The Yearly Meeting has about $27,000 of invested funds, and the income is applied for educational and other purposes. The committee to dispense the income of the educational fund reported having last year spent $1,100 The business of the Yearly Meeting was re- in the cause of education, and assisted eleven sumed by both Men's and Women's Meetings schools, in which were 165 children of memat 3 P. M. on the 29th. In the Men's Meet-bers. They also aided with money five persons ing the review of the state of the Society, was completed and the various points brought out in the queries were successively considered, and fervent desires were felt that the standard of righteousness might not in any degree be lowered, but exalted by our Church. On Fourth-day morning, the 29th, public religious services were held at the meetinghouses at Lombard and at Aisquith streets, living testimonies being borne to the truths so dear to this people. Right conduct will be the means of reveal ing correct doctrine for it is the pure in heart who "shall see God." In the Women's Meeting the answering of the queries was also finished and the report of the committee to revise the standing committee on temperance was received and approved. The committee to examine and adjust the Treasurer's account reported it correct with only a small balance in the Treasury. The committee recommended an increase in the quotas in order that the circulation of Friends' Intelligencer may be increased among the members of this Yearly Meeting. This suggestion was favorably consideredmuch approval being expressed for the work of the Intelligencer as it has been hitherto conducted. On Fifth-day, Tenth mo. 30th, the Men's Meeting considered an interesting and encouraging report of the standing committee on Education. This shows that great zeal and earnestness have been manifested in the prosecution of the work committed to their care. The schools under the care of Friends are everywhere in a flourishing condition. The school opened last year in Washington, D. C., on I street, on the Meeting-house property, is advancing in prosperity and effi ciency; and in Sandy Spring, Md., a school who are preparing to become teachers. The subject of disposing of the Lombard Street property, and the location of a new meeting-house and school buildings on a more eligible site further up town, was referred to the representative committee, with full power to act. The committee is composed of thirty members of each sex, who are members of the executive committee, and who have charge of all real estate and personal property of the Yearly Meeting. The members of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia will memorialize their state legislatures on the questions of prison reform, capital punishment and the settlement of disputes by arbitration. The Committee on Philanthropic Labor, which is to co-operate with other Yearly Meetings, submitted a full and interesting report. A question was introduced to see if the Society could not do something on the matter of education in the far states of the South, since it has been released from Indian labor. It was referred to the Committee on Philanthropic Labor, who will probably correspond with other Yearly Meetings. Two thousand two hundred copies of the proceedings were ordered to be printed. In the Women's Meeting on the 30th, the first business in order was the reading of the minutes of the representative committee, recording its transactions during the past year. Many important matters have come before this body, and the meeting heard the minutes. with careful attention and full approval. The report of the standing committee on education was then presented. It was also service. heard with deep interest and was fully ap- | the Fair Hill Fund was next presented, and proved. The committee was continued in the its action was entirely approved. Much quiet good is done by loaning small sums to those among our own members who require aid in procuring suitable education to prepare for business. These are often able to refund the money. In this case, the same sum may do good again and again; and the feeling of independence cultivated in the recipients is very desirable. The memorial prepared by Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting concerning William John Thomas, deceased, was read. An honored elder of that meeting, a singularly useful and benevclent citizen, a husband, father and friend he was deeply beloved in all his relations in life. This record of a noble and consistent life was felt to be truthful, edifying and inspiring, and drew forth many testimonies to the excellence of the example of the friend who has left a vacant place among the faithful and trusted ones who may well be esteemed the salt of the earth. The world is better to-day for his having lived in it, exemplifying by his upright walk, his peaceful and tranquil spirit through life, and his happy passage into the life beyond, how blessed is the true Christian disciple who keeps his spirit ever through life, and unto death lovingly subject to the Indwelling Spirit. The Committee on the distribution of Friends Intelligencer was revised and reappointed. At the afternoon session Friends closed the business of this Yearly Meeting. The reading of the essays prepared by the Committee on Epistles was the first business. These were approved and directed to be transcribed, signed by the clerk and forwarded to the various annual assemblies of our body. The committee entrusted with the concern of disposing of the Lombard street property, and procuring in conjunction with Baltimore Monthly Meeting, a more eligible site for the erection of suitable new buildings reported favorably and recommended that the subject be entrusted to the care of the representative committee, as this body alone has the legal authority to take or give a title to real estate on behalf of the Yearly Meeting. All other committees on this subject are released. The transactions in both branches of the Yearly Meeting have been characterized by the spirit of brotherly love and Christian courtesy; and there has been much to encourage concerned Friends in the belief that there may be near at hand a renewal of the zeal and energy of other days, and a satisfactory re-establishment of loyalty to the testimonies of our Church, and faithful advancement of its fundamental principles. When the business was gone through with, by mutual consent the shutters were raised, and for a few minutes the two bodies sat together in deep religious silence. This was broken by a few solemn words of farewell from venerable ministers, and the voice of praise from a dear brother who could join in the sweet words of ascription used by the Psalmist: "In Thy presence is fulness of joy, and at Thy right hand are pleasures forevermore." S. R. Baltimore, Tenth mo. 30th, 1884. FROM THE EXERCISES OF MEN'S BRANCH OF At the morning meeting on First-day the spirit of love and peace seemed to brood over the assembly, under the covering whereof the streams of Gospel truth flowed to the instruction, comfort and tendering of our hearts. God is love. They that dwell in love dwell in Him, and He in them. Here is the precious nearness of our heavenly Father, all of whose dealings with the children of men are The Committee on Philanthropic Work in mercy, goodness and benevolence. Even reported the efforts they have made in the our severest trials and bereavements-necesfurtherance of the various objects of reform sary incidents to this life are blessed to us, and charity. They have visited prisons, as we keep our places in patience and receive almshouses and various reformatory institu- instruction from the source of all power, and tions, distributing suitable literature, and so dwell near the Divine Father. Toward the far as they could, have contributed to the close of the meeting, under a sense of Divine moral and spiritual welfare of those under favor, the voice of thanksgiving was heard, restraint. Wherever they could present it and the prayer went forth that the good seed effectually, they have urged the Christian sown might bring forth fruit unto righteousprinciple of arbitration for personal or na-ness. tional difficulties. A Court of Arbitration is In the afternoon, meetings were held at now established at Baltimore, but is as yet little used by citizens. The committee, however, see reason to hope for the speedy dawning of the day when this method of adjustment of differences shall supersede all others. The report of the committee to disburse Harveysburg and Waynesville, which were occasions of blessing and comfort. Our attention was called to the purposes of God, and the mission and work of Jesus Christ, as set forth in the language, "God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son |