Name/Title
Epistles Addressed to the New York Yearly MeetingEntry/Object ID
002811Tags
Unknown CatagoryScope and Content
Here is a summary of the provided images, which consist of a multi-page document titled "EPISTLES ADDRESSED TO THE NEW-YORK YEARLY MEETING, 1845" printed by Baker, Crane & Day in New York (2811.jpg).
The document compiles letters (epistles) sent from various regional Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) Yearly Meetings to the New York Yearly Meeting, detailing their spiritual states, shared testimonies, and social concerns.
1. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (2811b.jpg)
Spiritual Discipline: Notes various "deficiencies" and "manifest unfaithfulness" within subordinate meetings, urging a return to first principles, regular meeting attendance, and adherence to plainness in dress and speech.
Social Issues:
Strongly condemns the "system of slavery" affecting the African race, urging Friends to examine their Christian duties regarding it.
Reports ongoing progress from their Indian Committee working alongside other Yearly Meetings.
Highlights the importance of educating youth according to religious principles.
Signatory: James Martin, Clerk.
2. Baltimore Yearly Meeting (2811b.jpg to 2811a.jpg)
Spiritual Concerns: Warns against the "spirit of delusion" and entanglement in political strife. It emphasizes Christian forbearance and cautions against maintaining a hireling ministry.
Social Issues: Expresses a deep interest in the "melioration of the condition of the African race" via a satisfactory committee report.
Signatory: William M'Kimmey, Clerk.
3. Ohio Yearly Meeting (2811a.jpg)
Youth & Education: Focuses heavily on the responsibility of parents to guard youth from corrupting worldly influences, recommending the careful selection of books—particularly the Holy Scriptures.
Signatory: John H. Price, Clerk.
4. Indiana Yearly Meeting (2811a.jpg)
Indian Affairs: Acknowledges co-operating with the New York Indian Committee, noting encouraging improvements in the habits and conditions of Indigenous peoples under their care.
Signatory: Thomas Stabler, Clerk.
5. Genesee Yearly Meeting (2811a.jpg to 2811.jpg)
General State: Laments a "sorrowful neglect" in meeting attendance and a departure from "primitive plainness," but rejoices in a mutual desire for brotherly love.
Abolitionism: Contains a passionate section championing "African brethren," praying that the time is near when this "distressed class of human beings will be freed from their cruel bondage."
Signatory: Sunderland P. Gardner, Clerk.
