This week's installment of the 19th-century discipline is about Meeting for Sufferings, an institution which later become known as Representative Meeting. (The 1843 Philadelphia Hicksite discipline heads this section, "Representative Committee or Meeting for Sufferings.") Text below is from the 1806 Philadelphia YM discipline, except where otherwise noted. _________________________________________________________________ MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS IN order that this yearly meeting with its several branches, might be properly represented in the intervals thereof, on emergent occasions, a meeting was instituted anno 1756 [the New York YM discipline here says 1759], by the name of the "Meeting for Sufferings;" which it was agreed should consist of twelve Friends appointed by the yearly meeting (living in or near Philadelphia, for the convenience of getting soon together) and also of four Friends chosen out of each of the quarterly meetings; who were directed to meet together in Philadelphia forthwith, for the regulation of its future meetings, which are subject to the following rules: First. The said meeting shall keep fair minutes of all its proceedings, and annually lay them before the yearly meeting. Second. No less number than twelve of the members attending shall constitute a meeting capable of transacting any business. [The 1810 New York YM discipline here adds "Four members may call a special meeting when they shall judge it necessary."] Third. On all occasions of uncommon importance, previous notice thereof shall be given or sent to all the members. [the Ohio discipline and the 1843 Philadelphia Hicksite discipline add here "if practicable"] [New York YM omits this paragraph.] Fourth. In case of the decease of any Friend or Friends, nominated either by the yearly meeting or quarterly meetings, or of their declining or neglecting their attendance for the space of twelve months, the meeting for sufferings (if it be thought expedient) may choose others in his or their stead, to serve to the time of the next yearly meeting, or till the places of those who have represented the quarterly meetings shall be supplied by new appointments. [Later Orthodox disciplines add here: "As a change in the representation of the Quarterly Meetings is not contemplated, ex- cept in the instances stated in this rule, it is therefore affec- tionately desired that Quarterly Meetings may be weighty in their consideration and appointments, that hence, such Friends may be selected, who, by a steady adherence to our Christian principles and testimonies, have become in good degree qualified to fulfil the services which devolve on this important station.--1834] Fifth. The said meeting may sit on its own adjournments, and order these, as well as the times of its stated meetings (if these do not exceed three months) according to the business before them. Sixth. The said meeting is not to meddle with any matter of faith or discipline, which has not been determined by the yearly meeting. [New York YM discipline omits this point.] The further services confided to the said meeting for sufferings, are: First. In general to represent this yearly meeting, and to appear on its behalf in any cases where [the cause of Truth, or] the interest or reputation of our religious society may render it needful. [bracketed phrase in this sentence is from a later Philadelphia Orthodox discipline] Second. To take the oversight and inspection of all writings proposed to be printed relative to our religious principles or testimonies; and to promote or suppress the same at their discretion; also to print and distribute any writings already published by the society, or which may be offered for inspection as aforesaid, and approved. [The Ohio discipline adds here: "and in all cases where expenses are incurred in the execution of the duties assigned them, they are to draw on the treasurer of the Yearly Meeting for such sums as may be necessary."] [In place of the above paragraph the 1843 Philadelphia Hicksite discipline reads: "To procure and distribute such books, or pamphlets, as may be a means of spreading the knowledge of our religious principles of testimonies; and to advise or assist any of our members, on their own application, who may incline to publish any such manuscript or work, as may tend to promote the cause of Truth, or be beneficial to society."] Third. To inspect and explain titles to land, or other estate, belonging to any of our meetings; also charitable legacies and donations; and to give such advice respecting the same as may appear to be necessary. Fourth. To receive from the several quarterly meetings their annual accounts of sufferings, and also such memorials concerning deceased Friends as those meetings may have concurred with: that when examined and approved they may be laid before the yearly meeting. [the 1843 Philadelphia Hicksite discipline adds here "or otherwise be returned to the respective Quarterly meetings for their revisal or correction."] [1810 New York YM discipline omits "annual accounts of sufferings" from this item.] Fifth. To extend such advice and assistance to any individuals under sufferings for our testimonies, as their cases may require; and, if necessary, to apply to the government, or persons in authority, on their behalf. Sixth. To correspond with the meeting for sufferings in London or elsewhere, on the common concerns of the society. On solid consideration it is agreed that though none are properly members of the meeting for sufferings, but such who are appointed by this yearly meeting, or by the several quarterly meetings; yet, that approved ministers, and members of any other meeting for sufferings corresponding with this, be permitted to attend when they be inclined so to do. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The New England Yearly Meeting (1809) section on Meeting for Sufferings reads as follows: This meeting being under a weighty concern for friends who are or may be under sufferings and difficulties, on account of our religious testimony, doth appoint a meeting for sufferings, consisting of not less than twenty-five members, who are desired, with diligence, caution and due care, to proceed in such weighty matters as may come before them, humbly waiting for the influence of divine wisdom to direct their minds from time to time, so that their results may tend to their own peace, and welfare of our religious society. They are desired to take cognizance of all grievances arising amongst us, wherein any friend or friends may be affected in his person or property, or in regard to our Christian testimony, to advise, counsel and assist, as best wisdom may direct: and any aggrieved friend or friends may apply to them, either in a collective or separate capacity, as the circumstances of the case may require. That the said meeting view manuscripts proposed to be printed, and correspond with the meetings for sufferings or yearly-meetings of London, Philadelphia, or elsewhere, to represent the state of the affairs of friends here, or as occasion may require; and in general to represent this meeting in all cases where the reputation and interest of truth and our religious society are concerned, provided they do not meddle with matters of faith and discipline not already determined in the yearly-meeting: And that at least there be ten members present to constitute a meeting, who should concur on all occasions, and that in matters of great importance notice be given, as far as may be to all the members. The said meeting is to draw on the treasury of this meeting in its recess, for the money lodged therein, from time to time as occasion may require; being accountable for the same, and keeping records of all their proceedings, which are annually to be laid before this meeting, or such committee as it may appoint to inspect or view the same. 1775, 1776, 1783. _________________________________________________________________ Next week: MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP Licia Kuenning Friends of Truth/Glenside Friends Meeting/Quaker Heritage Press