STOCK.

AGREED, that a collection be occasionally made for defraying the expenses of society, and that it be lodged in the hands of a treasurer to be annually appointed, and subject to be drawn out for the service of truth, by the meeting for sufferings, which is to account for the same; the treasurer's accounts to be audited annually by a committee, to be from time to time appointed for that purpose.

The sums which may be thought necessary to be raised, it is agreed shall be proportioned to each quarter by their representatives present, from time to time; and each quarterly meeting is desired to be punctual in sending up the same accordingly.

SUFFERINGS.

UPON consideration of sufferings in general, it is advised, that in cases of difficulty, and where friends who are sufferers, stand in need of advice in any particular case, they send up their respective cases to the meeting for sufferings. 1682.

That friends be careful of entangling themselves in law, because of some small irregularity in the proceeding; but if the law be materially transgressed, and the severity of it exceeded by the persecutor, that friends use their freedom, upon serious and good advice among themselves, so as the testimony of truth may be kept clear over all. 1676.

TESTIMONIES AND MEMORIALS.

Ir is recommended to the quarterly and monthly meetings, to appoint suitable friends to collect memorials of the living services and dying sayings of ministers, elders, and other friends, whose lives are remarkable for true piety and faithfulness; with the time of their birth and death as near as may be, (with a distinction between ministers, elders, and others,) and where they lived; and that such collections be inspected by each quarterly and monthly meeting, and from thence sent up to this mecting, to be again inspected by a committee, and when approved by this meeting to be here recorded. 1760.

The subject of inspecting testimonies and memorials of deceased friends, having claimed our attention, it is concluded that they have the inspection of the meeting for sufferings, after receiving the approbation of the quarterly and monthly meetings, previously to their being presented to this meeting. 1811.

TRADE.

ADVISED, that none launch into trading, and worldly business, beyond what they can manage honorably and with reputation; so that they may keep their words with all men, that their yea may prove yea indeed, and their nay, nay; for whatsoever is otherwise, cometh of evil; and that they use few words in their dealings, lest they bring dishonor to God through their forwardness. And such as make themselves guilty, by thus dishonoring God, and the holy profession of his name and truth, are for judgment, and the judgment of truth ought to be set over them; that those who walk and abide in the truth, may be clear of their iniquities. 1675, 1688.

It is advised, and earnestly desired, that the payment of just debts be not delayed by any professing truth, beyond the time promised and agreed upon; nor occasion given of complaint to those they deal with, by their backwardness of payment, where no time is limited; nor are any to overcharge themselves with too much trading, or with business beyond their capacities and abilities to manage in the truth. 1692.

It is the advice of this meeting, to the several quarterly meetings, that care may be taken, that

substantial friends be appointed to visit every family amongst us, where they think there is occasion to suspect they are going backwards in their worldly estate, in a manner that may be to the ill example of others, or prejudice of creditors; and to inquire and see how things are with them, advise them in tenderness according to our discipline; and if they do not manifest a disposition to take such advice, and comply with it, then to give them gospel order, and proceed therein against them.

And, dear friends, this meeting being under a holy care and deep concern, for the glory of God, the honor of our holy profession, and the safety and growth of every member of the body, doth advise and counsel all friends, for their own good, that they keep to such lawful and honest employments as they well understand, and are able to manage, for a necessary support of themselves and families; and not to launch out beyond their abilities, especially upon such credit as truth may have given them with their brethren or others, and more at their hazard who trust them than at their own; which is not only a dishonor to truth, but dishonest as men; and such cannot be owned, in such things, to have place in the body. 1710.

Advised, that such be dealt with as trade by sea or land, or buy, bargain or contract, beyond their abilities; such as keep not their words, promises or engagements, in their dealings; and do not pay or satisfy their just debts, according to time agreed on. These being a reproach to truth, and a manifest injury and injustice, advice to all such should be speedily given, and if they do not