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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, because 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." Mat. 5:33-37.

"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 yea; and your nay,nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." James 5:12.

From the year 1718 to 1771, divers minutes of this meeting appear, declaring that oaths administered by clerks or others, under the notice and connivance of Friends, either in court or elsewhere, violate our ancient testimony. And it is earnestly recommended to quarterly and monthly meetings, that where any under our name are parties to the administration of oaths, to be careful to proceed in dealing with them; and if they will not decline the practice and give suitable satisfaction to the meeting they belong to, to testify against them agreeably to the rules of our discipline.

As it is our duty to support our Christian testimony against oaths, faithful Friends are desired to extend brotherly labour towards those who deviate therefrom, and if such labour proves unsuccessful, monthly meetings should testify their disunity with them.

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 where any members shew an inclination or desire of soliciting or accepting of such offices, timely care should be taken to caution them against it. 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. -- 1762, 1806.

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