tenance of our christian testimony against the trading in and use of distilled spirituous liquors, a travail being felt that a gradual and steady advancement thereof may in no respect be impeded, quarterly and monthly meetings are afresh urged to renewed patient, persevering labour with such as are in this practice, manifesting, that if continued in by any of our members, it cannot admit of any countenance while there is a faithful adherence to the divine principle of goodwill to men.

And let endeavours be used to dissuade the members of our religious society from being either owners of distilleries, or proeuring their fruit to be converted into spirits.

F

NEGROES OR SLAVES.

UNDERSTANDING that some in membership with us, either through inadvertence, or from selfish motives, have hired slaves to assist them in their business; we desire such to consider that in so doing they promote the unrighteous traffic, and oppose our testimony against it.

Friends are also cautioned against acting as executors or administrators to estates where slaves are bequeathed; and against doing any thing whereby their bondage may be prolonged.

And we earnestly desire it may become the concern of our members generally,

to use the influence they have with those who hold slaves by inheritance or otherwise, that they may be treated with moderation and kindness, and instructed as objects of the common salvation, in the principles of the christian religion; as well as in such branches of school-learning as may fit them for freedom, and to become useful members of civil society. Also that Friends in their several neighbourhoods advise and assist such of the black people as are at liberty, in the education of their children, and common worldly concerns.

OATHS.

ADVISED, that our christian testimony be faithfully maintained against the burthen and imposition of oaths, according to the express command of Christ, and the injunction of the apostle James, viz. "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; but I say unto you swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne: nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, be

cause thou canst not make one hair white or black: but let your communication be, yea, yea, nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matt. v. 33 to 37.

"But above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea, be your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." James

v. 12.

yea; and

Friends in all places are exhorted carefully to avoid electing or promoting their brethren to such stations in civil government as may subject them to the temptation of violating this testimony and in the execution of instruments of writing requiring witnesses, it is recommended that Friends endeavour to procure such persons for this purpose, as will attest the same by affirmation.