RULES OF DISCIPLINE OF THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS
HELD IN PHILADELPHIA 1806

INTRODUCTION

AS it hath pleased the Lord in these latter days, by his spirit and power, to gather a people to himself; and, releasing them from the impositions and teachings of men, to inspire them with degrees of the same universal love and good will by which the dispensation of the gospel was ushered in, these have been engaged to meet together for the worship of God in Spirit, according to the direction of the holy Law-giver; as also for the exercise of a tender care over each other, that all may be preserved in unity of faith and practice, answerable to the description which He the ever-blessed Shepherd gave of his flock "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35.

This is the extent of the society's censure against irreclaimable offenders, they are disowned as members of our religious community; which is recommended to be done in such a disposition of mind, as may convince them, that we sincerely desire their recovery and restoration, "considering ourselves, lest we also be tempted." Gal. 6:1.

[Some disciplines add to this paragraph:

For the more regular and effectual support of this order of the society, beside the usual meetings for the purpose of Divine worship, others are instituted subordinate to each other; such as _First_. Preparative meetings, which commonly consist of the members of a meeting for worship; _Second_. Monthly meetings, each of which consists of several preparative meetings; _Third_. Quarterly meetings, each of which consists of several of the monthly meetings; and _Fourth_, the yearly meeting* which comprises the whole.

These meetings have all distinct allotments of service; and as experience shews that when this service is attended to in uprightness and dedication of heart, with a single eye to the honour of our Holy Head, and the help and edification one of another, in the love wherewith he has loved us, our assemblies are often favoured with his aid and direction; Friends are affectionately desired and exhorted, to be diligent in the attendance of them; and when met, humbly seek to be clothed with the spirit of wisdom and charity; this will divest the mind of a dependance on our own strength and abilities, endue us with patience and condescension towards each other; and being preserved in fellowship agreeably to our Lord's declaration, "One is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren," a qualification will be experienced in our several stations and movements to build up one another in that faith which works by love to the purifying of the heart.

So may we be living members of the church-militant on earth; and inhabitants of that city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder the Lord is; knowing indeed with exceeding joy that great is He the Holy One of Israel in the midst of her.

*In the society there are seven such yearly meetings, viz. one in Great Britain, and six on the American continent.