Note: This document has been altered slightly for publishing on the web.

THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE

containing the

FAITH AND PRACTICE

of

the

CLINTONDALE FRIENDS CHURCH

302 Crescent Avenue

P.O. Box 105

Clintondale, New York 12515

Approved April 19, 1996

SECTION ONE: FAITH

STATEMENTS OF FAITH

Clintondale Friends Church has for years used three basic documents of faith that have come from the Five Years/Friends United Meeting tradition.

1. Essential Truths

2. Extract from George Fox's Letter to the Governor of Barbadoes, 1671

3. Declaration of Faith Issued by the Richmond Conference in 1887

These three documents were originally circulated by Five Years Meeting in 1922 in a booklet titled Authorized Declaration of Faith of the Five Years Meeting of the Friends in America. The General Board of Friends United Meeting reprinted this booklet in 1974 under the title Friends...One in the Spirit.

It should be noted that New York Yearly Meeting (Orthodox), of which Clintondale Friends Meeting was a constituent member, accepted the 1887 Richmond Declaration of Faith "with entire unanimity as a True Declaration of Christian Doctrines held by the Religious Society of Friends. It was directed to be printed in the minutes and commended to the careful attention of our members." ⁽¹⁾

We reprint these three statements to point to the general shape and content of our faith. Where our church has made a departure from these documents, those affected passages will be [bracketed] and footnoted.

We offer these statements of faith in the spirit of the following quotation from a gathering of Friends elders in 1656.

"Dearly beloved Friends, these things we do not lay upon you as a rule or form to walk by, but that all, with the measure of light which is pure and holy, may be guided: and so in the light walking and abiding, these may be fulfilled in the Spirit, not from the letter, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life." Postscript to an epistle to `the brethren in the north' issued by a meeting of elders at Balby, 1656.

ESSENTIAL TRUTHS

The vital principle of the Christian faith is the truth that man's salvation and higher life are personal matters between the individual soul and God.

Salvation is deliverance from sin and the possession of spiritual life. This comes through a personal faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior, who, through his love and sacrifice draws us to Him.

Conviction for sin is awakened by the operation of the Holy Spirit causing the soul to feel its need of reconciliation with God. When Christ is seen as the only hope of salvation, and a man yields to Him, he is brought into newness of life, and realizes that his sonship to God has become an actual reality. This transformation is wrought without the necessary agency of any human priest, or ordinance, or ceremony whatsoever. A changed nature and life bear witness to this new relation to Him.

The whole spiritual life grows out of the soul's relation to God and its co-operation with Him, not from any outward or traditional observances.

Christ Himself baptizes the surrendered soul with the Holy Spirit, enduing it with power, bestowing gifts for service. This is an efficient baptism, a direct incoming of divine power for the transformation and control of the whole man. Christ Himself is the Spiritual bread which nourishes the soul, and He thus enters into and becomes a part of the being of those who partake of Him. This participation with Christ and apprehension of Him become the goal of life for the Christian. Those who thus enter into oneness with Him become also joined in living union with each other as members of one body.

Both worship and Christian fellowship spring out of this immediate relation of believing souls with their Lord.

The Holy Scriptures were given by inspiration of God and are the divinely authorized record of the doctrines which Christians are bound to accept, and of the moral principles which are to regulate their lives and actions. In them, as interpreted and unfolded by the Holy Spirit, is an ever fresh and unfailing source of spiritual truth for the proper guidance of life and practice.

The doctrines of the apostolic days are held by the Friends as essentials of Christianity. The Fatherhood of God, the Deity and humanity of the Son; the gift of the Holy Spirit; the atonement through Jesus Christ by which men are reconciled to God; the Resurrection, the Highpriesthood of Christ, and the individual priesthood of believers, are most precious truths, to be held, not as traditional dogmas, but as vital, life-giving realities.

The sinful condition of man and his proneness to yield to temptation, the world's absolute need of a Saviour, and the cleansing from sin in forgiveness and sanctification through the blood of Jesus Christ, are unceasing incentives to all who believe to become laborers together with God in extending His kingdom. By this high calling the Friends are pledged to the proclamation of the truth wherever the Spirit leads, both in home and in foreign fields.

The indwelling Spirit guides and controls the surrendered life, and the Christian's constant and supreme business is obedience to Him. But while the importance of individual guidance and obedience is thus emphasized, this fact gives no ground for license; the sanctified conclusions of the Church are above the judgment of a single individual.

[The Friends find no scriptural evidence or authority for any form or degree of sacerdotalism ⁽²⁾ in the Christian Church, or for the establishment of any ordinance or ceremonial rite for perpetual observance. The teachings of Jesus Christ concerning the spiritual nature of religion, the impossibility of promoting the spiritual life by the ceremonial application of material things, the fact that faith in Jesus Christ Himself is all-sufficient, the purpose of His life, death, resurrection and ascension, and His presence in the believer's heart, virtually destroy every ceremonial system and point the soul to the only satisfying source of spiritual life and power.] ⁽³⁾

With faith in the wisdom of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and believing that it is His purpose to make His Church on earth a power for righteousness and truth, the Friends labor for the alleviation of human suffering; for the intellectual, moral and spiritual elevation of mankind; and for purified and exalted citizenship. The Friends believe war to be incompatible with Christianity, and seek to promote peaceful methods for the settlement of all the differences between nations and between men.

It is an essential part of the faith that a man should be in truth what he professes in word, and the underlying principle of life and action for individuals, and also for society, is transformation through the power of God and implicit obedience to His revealed will.

For more explicit and extended statements of belief, reference is made to those officially put forth at various times, especially to the letter of George Fox to the Governor of Barbadoes in 1671, and to the Declaration of Faith issued by the Richmond Conference in 1887.

EXTRACT FROM GEORGE FOX'S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES, 1671

We do own and believe in God, the only wise, omnipotent, and everlasting God, the Creator of all things both in heaven and in earth, and the Preserver of all that He hath made; who is God over all, blessed forever; to whom be all honor and glory, dominion, praise and thanksgiving, both now and forevermore.

And we own and believe in Jesus Christ, His beloved and only-begotten Son, in whom He is well pleased; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the express image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, by whom were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him. And we do own and believe that He was made a sacrifice for sin, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth; that He was crucified for us in the flesh, without the gates of Jerusalem; and that He was buried, and rose again the third day by the power of His Father, for our justification; and that He ascended up into heaven, and now sitteth at the right hand of God. This Jesus, who was the foundation of the holy prophets and apostles, is our foundation; and we believe that there is no other foundation to be laid than that which is laid, even Christ Jesus; who tasted death for every man, shed His blood for all men and is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world according as John the Baptist testified of Him, when he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) We believe that He alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, even the captain of our salvation, who saves us from sin, as well as from hell and the wrath to come, and destroys the devil and his works; He is the Seed of the woman that bruises the serpent's head, to wit, Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. He is (as the Scriptures of truth say of Him) our wisdom and righteousness, justification, and redemption; neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we may be saved. It is He alone who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls: He is our Prophet, whom Moses long since testified of, saying, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you; and it shall come to pass, that every soul that will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people." (Acts 3:22,23)

He it is that is now come, "and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true." He rules in our hearts by His law of love and of life, and makes us free from the law of sin and death. We have no life, but of Him; for He is the quickening Spirit, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, by whose blood we are cleansed, and our consciences sprinkled from dead works, to serve the living God. He is our Mediator, that makes peace and reconciliation between God offended and us offending; He being the Oath of God, the new covenant of light, life, grace and peace; the author and finisher of our faith. This Lord Jesus Christ, the heavenly man, the Emmanuel, God with us, we all own and believe in; He whom the high-priest raged against and said, He had spoken blasphemy; whom the priest and elders of the Jews took counsel together against and put to death; the same whom Judas betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which the priests gave him as a reward for his treason; who also gave large money to the soldiers to broach a horrible lie, namely, "That his disciples came and stole him away by night whilst they slept." After He was arisen from the dead, the history of the acts of the apostles sets forth how the chief priests and elders persecuted the disciples of this Jesus, for preaching Christ and His resurrection. This, we say, is that Lord Jesus Christ, whom we own to be our life and salvation.

Concerning the Holy Scriptures, we do believe that they were given forth by the Holy Spirit of God, through the holy men of God, who, as the Scripture itself declares, (1 Pet. 1:21) spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We believe that they are to be read, believed, and fulfilled; (He that fulfills them is Christ), and they are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," (2 Tim. 3:15); and are able to make wise unto salvation, "through faith in Christ Jesus."

DECLARATION OF FAITH ISSUED BY THE RICHMOND CONFERENCE IN 1887

(N.B. It should be understood that the quotations from Scripture are made from the Authorized Version unless stated to be from the Revised Version.)

It is under a deep sense of what we owe to Him who has loved us that we feel called upon to offer a declaration of those fundamental doctrines of Christian truth that have always been professed by our branch of the Church of Christ.

Of God

We believe in one holy (Is. 6:3; 57:15), almighty (Gen. 17:1), all-wise (Rom. 11:33, 16:27), and everlasting (Ps. 90:1,2) God, the Father (Matt. 11:25-27), the Creator (Gen. 1:1) and Preserver (Job 7:20) of all things; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, by whom all things were made (John 1:3) and by whom all things consist (Col. 1:17); and in one Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son (John 15:26; 16:7), the Reprover (John 16:8) of the world, the Witness for Christ, (John 15:26) and the Teacher (John 14:26), Guide (John 16:13), and Sanctifier (2 Thes. 2:13) of the people of God; and that these three are one in the eternal Godhead (Matt. 28:19; John 10:30, 17:21); to whom be honor, praise, and thanksgiving, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord Jesus Christ

It is with reverence and thanksgiving that we profess our unwavering allegiance to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him (John 1:18). In Him was life (John 1:4), and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). He is the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9); through whom the light of truth in all ages has proceeded from the Father of lights (James 1:17). He is the eternal Word (John 1:1) who was with God and was God, revealing Himself in infinite wisdom and love, both as man's Creator (Col. 1:13-16) and Redeemer (Col. 1:14); for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible. Conceived of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 1:20) born of the virgin Mary (Matt. 1:23-25; Luke 1:35), the word was made flesh (John 1:14), and dwelt amongst men. He came in the fulness (Gal. 4:4) of the appointed time, being verily foreordained before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20) that He might fulfill (Is. 11:1-5; 52:13-15) the eternal counsel of the righteousness and love of God for the redemption of man. (Is. 53) In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Co. 2:9) Though He was rich, yet, for our sakes, He became poor, veiling in the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7) the brightness of His glory, that, through Him the kindness and love of God (Titus 3:4) toward man might appear in a manner every way suited to our wants and finite capacities. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38); for us He endured (Is. 53:4; Luke 12:50; 19:41; 22:44) sorrow, hunger, thirst, weariness (John 4:6), pain, unutterable anguish (Luke 22:43,44) of body and of soul, being in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Thus humbling Himself that we might be exalted, He emphatically recognized the duties and the sufferings of humanity as among the means whereby, through the obedience of faith, we are to be disciplined for heaven, sanctifying them to us, by Himself performing and enduring them, leaving us the one perfect example (1 Pet. 2:21) of all righteousness (Matt. 3:15) in self-sacrificing love.

But not only in these blessed relations must the Lord Jesus be ever precious to His people. In Him is revealed as true God and perfect man (Eph. 4:13), a Redeemer, at once able to suffer and almighty to save. He became obedient (Phil. 2:8) unto death, even the death of the cross, and is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2); in whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:7), the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. It is our joy to confess that the remission of sins which any partake of is only in and by virtue of His most satisfactory sacrifice and no otherwise (Barclay's Apology, Propos.v. and vi. par. 15, p. 141) He was buried and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:4) according to the Scriptures, becoming the first fruits (1 Cor. 15:23) of them that sleep, and having shown Himself alive after His passion, by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3), He ascended into heaven, and hath sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 1:3; 9:24). With the apostles who beheld His ascension, we rest in the assurance of the angelic messengers, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11, and see v. 7) With the apostle John, we would desire to unite in the words "Amen; even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20) And now, whilst thus watching and waiting, we rejoice to believe that He is our King and Savior. He is the one Mediator of the new and everlasting covenant (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15), who makes peace and reconciliation between God offended and man offending (George Fox's Epistle to the Governor of Baradoes); the great High Priest whose priesthood is unchangeable (Heb. 4:14; 7:24). He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25) All power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18). By Him the world shall be judged in righteousness (Acts 17:31); for the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father (John 5:22,23). All that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of judgment (John 5:28,29 R.V.).

We reverently confess and believe that divine honor and worship are due to the Son of God, and that He is in true faith to be prayed unto, and His name to be called upon, as the Primitive Christians did because of the glorious oneness of the Father and the Son; and that we cannot acceptably offer prayers and praises to God, nor receive from Him a gracious answer or blessing, but in and through his dear Son. (Declaration of 1693, in Sewell's Hist., vol. II., 379)

We would, with humble thanksgiving, bear an especial testimony to our Lord's perpetual dominion and power in His Church. Through Him the redeemed in all generations have derived their light, their forgiveness, and their joy. All are members of this church, by whatsoever name they may be called among men, who have been baptized by the one Spirit into the one body; who are builded as living stones upon Christ, the Eternal Foundation, and are united in faith and love in that fellowship which is with the Father and with the Son. Of this church the Lord Jesus Christ is the alone Head. (Eph. 1:22) All its true members are made one in Him. They have washed their robes and made them white in His precious blood (Rev. 7:14), and He has made them priests unto God and His Father. (Rev. 1:6) He dwells in their hearts by faith, and gives them of his peace. His will is their law, and in Him they enjoy the true liberty, a freedom from the bondage of sin.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is, in the unity of the eternal Godhead, one with the Father and with the Son. (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14) He is the comforter "Whom," saith Christ, "the Father will send in my name." (John 14:26) He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8) He testifies of and glorifies Jesus. (John 16:14) It is the Holy Spirit who makes the evil manifest. He quickens them that are dead in trespasses and sins, and opens the inward eye to behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. (Eph. 2:1) Coming in the name and with the authority of the risen and ascended Savior, He is the precious pledge of the continued love and care of our exalted King. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them, as a realized possession, to the believing soul. (John 16:14) Dwelling in the hearts of believers (John 16:17), He opens their understandings that they may understand the Scriptures, and becomes, to the humbled and surrendered heart, the Guide, Comforter, Support, and Sanctifier.

We believe that the essential qualification for the Lord's service is bestowed upon His children through the recepton and baptism of the Holy Ghost. This Holy Spirit is the seal of reconciliation to the believer in Jesus (Eph. 1:13,14), the witness to his adoption into the family of the redeemed (Rom. 8:15,16); the earnest and the foretaste of the full communion and perfect joy which are reserved for them that endure unto the end.

We own no principle of spiritual light, life or holiness, inherent by nature in the mind or heart of man. We believe in no principle of spiritual light, life or holiness, but the influence of the Holy Spirit of God, bestowed on mankind, in various measures and degrees, through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is the capacity to receive this blessed influence, which, in an especial manner, gives man pre-eminence above the beasts that perish; which distinguishes him, in every nation and in every clime, as an object of the redeeming love of God; as a being not only intelligent but responsible; for whom the message of salvation through our crucified Redeemer is, under all possible circumstances, designed to be a joyful sound. The Holy Spirit must ever be distinguished, both from the conscience which He enlightens, and from the natural faculty of reason, which when unsubjected to His Holy influence, is, in the things of God, very foolishness. As the eye is to the body, so is the conscience to our inner being, the organ by which we see; and, as both light and life are essential to the eye, so conscience, as the inward eye, cannot see aright, without the quickening and illumination of the Spirit of God. One with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit can never disown or dishonor our once crucified and now risen and glorified Redeemer. We disavow all professed illumination or spirituality that is divorced from faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth, crucified for us without the gates of Jerusalem.

The Holy Scriptures

It has ever been, and still is, the belief of the Society of Friends that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that, therefore, there can be no appeal from them to any other authority whatsoever; that they are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Jesus Christ. "These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." (John 20:31) The Scriptures are the only divinely authorized record of the doctrines which we are bound, as Christians, to accept, and of the moral principles which are to regulate our actions. No one can be required to believe, as an article of faith, any doctrine which is not contained in them; and whatsoever any one says or does, contrary to the Scriptures, though under profession of the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit, must be reckoned and accounted a mere delusion. To the Christian, the Old Testament comes with the solemn and repeated attestation of his Lord. It is to be read in the light and completeness of the New; thus will its meaning be unveiled, and the humble disciple will be taught to discern the unity and mutual adaptation of the whole, and the many-sidedness and harmony of its testimony to Christ. The great Inspirer of Scripture is ever its true Interpreter. He performs this office in condescending love, not by superseding our understandings, but by renewing and enlightening them. Where Christ presides, idle speculation is hushed; His doctrine is learned in the doing of His will, and all knowledge ripens into a deeper and richer experience of His truth and love.

Man's Creation and Fall

It pleased God, in His wisdom and goodness, to create man out of the dust of the earth, and to breathe into his nostrils the breath of life, so that man became a living soul; formed after the image and likeness of God, capable of fulfilling the divine law, and of holding communion with his Maker. (Gen. 2:7; 1:26,27) Being free to obey, or to disobey, he fell into transgression, through unbelief, under the temptation of Satan (Gen. 3:1-7), and, thereby, lost that spiritual life of righteousness, in which he was created; and, so, death passed upon him, as the inevitable consequence of his sin. (Rom. 5:12) As the children of fallen Adam, all mankind bear his image. They partake of his nature, and are involved in the consequences of his fall. To every member of every successive generation, the words of the Redeemer are alike applicable, "Ye must be born again." (John 3:7) But while we hold these views of the lost condition of man in the fall, we rejoice to believe that sin is not imputed to any, until they transgress the divine law, after sufficient capacity has been given to understand it; and that infants, though inheriting this fallen nature, are saved in the infinite mercy of God through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

Justification and Sanctification

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) We believe that justification is of God's free grace, through which, upon repentance and faith, He pardons our sins, and imparts to us a new life. It is received, not for any works of righteousness that we have done (Titus 3:5), but in the unmerited mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Through faith in Him, and the shedding of His precious blood, the guilt of sin is taken away, and we stand reconciled to God. The offering up of Christ as the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, is the appointed manifestation both of the righteousness and of the love of God. In this propitiation the pardon of sin involves no abrogation or relaxation of the law of holiness. It is the vindication and establishment of that law (Rom. 3:31), in virtue of the free and righteous submission of the Son of God Himself to all its requirements. He, the unchangeably just, proclaims Himself the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. (Rom. 3:26) From age to age, the sufferings and death of Christ have been a hidden mystery, and a rock of offense to the unbelief and pride of man's fallen nature; yet, to the humble penitent whose heart is broken under the convicting power of the Spirit, life is revealed in that death. As he looks upon Him who was wounded for our transgressions (Is. 53:5), and upon whom the Lord was pleased to lay the iniquity of you all (Is. 53:6), his eye is more and more opened to see, and his heart to understand, the exceeding sinfulness of sin for which the Savior died; whilst, in the sense of pardoning grace, he will joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Rom 5:11)

We believe that in connection with Justification is Regeneration: that they who come to this experience know that they are not their own (1 Cor. 6:19), that being reconciled to God by the death of His Son, we are saved by His life (Rom. 5:10); a new heart is given and new desires; our wills being surrendered to His holy will, grace reigns through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom. 5:21)

Sanctification is experienced in the acceptance of Christ in living faith for justification, in so far as the pardoned sinner, through faith in Christ, is clothed with a measure of His righteousness and receives the Spirit of promise; for, as saith the Apostle, "Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Cor. 6:11) We rejoice to believe that the provisions of God's grace are sufficient to deliver from the power, as well as from the guilt, of sin, and to enable His believing children always to triumph in Christ. (2 Cor. 2:14) How full of encouragement is the declaration, "According to your faith be it unto you." (Matt. 9:29) Whosoever submits himself wholly to God, believing and appropriating His promises, and exercising faith in Christ Jesus, will have his heart continually cleansed from all sin, by His precious blood, and, through the renewing, refining power of the Holy Spirit, be kept in conformity to the will of God, will love Him with all his heart, mind, soul and strength, and be able to say, with the Apostle Paul, "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2) Thus, in its full experience, Sanctification is deliverance from the pollution, nature, and love of sin. To this we are every one called, that we may serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:74,75) It was the prayer of the apostle for the believers, "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it." ( 1 Thes. 5:23, 24) Yet the most holy Christian is still liable to temptation, is exposed to the subtle assaults of Satan, and can only continue to follow holiness as he humbly watches unto prayer, and is kept in constant dependence upon his Savior, walking in the light (1 John 1:7), in the loving obedience of faith.

The Resurrection and Final Judgment

We believe, according to the Scriptures, that there shall be a resurrection from the dead, both of the just and of the unjust (Acts 24:15), and that God hath appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ whom He hath ordained. (Acts 17:31) For, as saith the apostle, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10)

We sincerely believe, not only a resurrection in Christ from the fallen and sinful state here, but a rising and ascending into glory with Him hereafter; that when He at last appears we may appear with him in glory. But that all the wicked, who live in rebellion against the light of grace, and die finally impenitent, shall come forth to the resurrection of condemnation. And that the soul of every man and woman shall be reserved, in its own distinct and proper being, and shall have its proper body as God is pleased to give it. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:44); that being first which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual. And though it is said, "This corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality," (1 Cor. 15:53) the change shall be such as will accord with the declaration, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." (1 Cor. 15:50) We shall be raised out of all corruption and corruptibility, out of all mortality, and shall be the children of God, being the children of resurrection. (Luke 20:36) (See also Declaration of 1693, Sewell's History, vol. II, 383-384)

"Our citizenship is in heaven" (R.V.), from whence also we look for the Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Phil 3:20, 21)

We believe that the punishment of the wicked and the blessedness of the righteousness shall be everlasting; according to the declaration of the compassionate Redeemer, to whom the judgment is committed, "These shall go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (R.V., Matt. 25:46)

[Baptism

We would express our continued conviction that our Lord appointed no outward rite or ceremony for observance in His church. We accept every command of our Lord in what we believe to be its genuine import, as absolutely conclusive. The question of the use of outward ordinances is with us a question, not as to the authority of Christ, but as to His real meaning. We reverently believe that, as there is one Lord and one faith, so there is, under the Christian dispensation, but one baptism (Eph. 4:4,5), even that whereby all believers are baptized in the one Spirit into the one body. (1 Cor. 12:13, R.V.) This is not an outward baptism with water, but a spiritual experience; not the putting away of the filth of the flesh (1 Peter 3:21), but that inward work which, by transforming the heart and settling the soul upon Christ, brings forth the answer of a good conscience towards God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, in the experience of His love and power, as the risen and ascended Savior. No baptism in outward water can satisfy the description of the apostle, of being buried with Christ by baptism unto death. (Rom. 6:4) It is with the Spirit alone that any can thus be baptized. In this experience the announcement of the Forerunner of our Lord is fulfilled, "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Matt. 3:11) In this view we accept the commission of our blessed Lord as given in Matthew 28:18,19 and 20th verses: "And Jesus came to them and spake unto them saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you, and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (R.V.) This commission, as we believe, was not designed to set up a new ritual under the new covenant, or to connect the initiation into a membership, in its nature essentially spiritual, with a mere ceremony of a typical character. Otherwise it was not possible for the Apostle Paul, who was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostle (2 Cor. 11:5) to have disclaimed that which would, in that case, have been of the essence of his commission when he wrote, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel." (1 Cor. 1:17) Whenever an external ceremony is commanded, the particulars, the mode and incidents of that ceremony, become of its essence. There is an utter absence of these particulars in the text before us, which confirms our persuasion that the commission must be construed in connection with the spiritual power which the risen Lord promised should attend the witness of his apostles and of the church to Him, and which, after Pentecost, so mightily accompanied their ministry of the word and prayer, that those to whom they were sent were introduced into an experience wherein they had a saving knowledge of, and living fellowship with, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.] ⁽⁴⁾

[The Supper of the Lord

Intimately connected with the conviction already expressed is the view that we have ever maintained as to the true supper of the Lord. We are well aware that our Lord was pleased to make use of a variety of symbolical utterances, but He often gently upbraided His disciples for accepting literally what he had intended only in its spiritual meaning. His teaching, as in His parables or in the command to wash one another's feet, was often in symbols, and ought ever to be received in the light of His own emphatic declaration, "The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63) The old covenant was full of ceremonial symbols; the new covenant, to which our Savior alluded at the last supper, is expressly declared by the prophet to be "not according to the old." (Jeremiah 31:32; Hebrews 8:9) We cannot believe that in setting up this new covenant the Lord Jesus intended an institution out of harmony with the spirit of this prophecy. The eating of His body and the drinking of His blood cannot be an outward act. They truly partake of them who habitually rest upon the sufferings and death of their Lord as their only hope, and to whom the indwelling Spirit gives to drink of the fullness that is in Christ. It is this inward and spiritual partaking that is the true supper of the Lord.

The presence of Christ with His church is not designed to be by symbol or representation, but in the real communication of His own Spirit. "I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, who shall abide with you forever." (John 14:16) Convincing of sin, testifying of Jesus, taking of the things of Christ, this blessed Comforter communicates to the believer and to the church, in a gracious, abiding manifestation, the REAL PRESENCE of the Lord. As the great remembrancer, through whom the promise is fulfilled, He needs no ritual or priestly intervention in bringing to the experience of the true commemoration and communion. "Behold," saith the risen Redeemer, "I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) In an especial manner, when assembled for congregational worship, are believers invited to the festival of the Savior's peace, and, in a united act of faith and love, unfettered by any outward rite or ceremonial, to partake together of the body that was broken and of the blood that was shed for them, without the gates of Jerusalem. In such a worship they are enabled to understand the words of the apostle as expressive of a sweet and most real experience: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:16,17)] ⁽⁵⁾

Public Worship

Worship is the adoring response of the heart and mind to the influence of the Spirit of God. It stands neither in forms nor in the formal disuse of forms: it may be without words as well as with them, but it must be in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) We recognize the value of silence, not as an end, but as a means toward the attainment of the end; a silence, not of listlessness or of vacant musing, but of holy expectation before the Lord. Having become His adopted children through faith in the the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our privilege to meet together and unite in the worship of Almighty God, to wait upon Him for the renewal of our strength, for communion one with another, for the edification of believers in the exercise of various spiritual gifts, and for the declaration of the glad tidings of salvation to the unconverted who may gather with us. This worship depends not upon numbers. Where two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ there is a church, and Christ, the living Head, in the midst of them. Through His mediation without the necessity for any inferior instrumentality, is the Father to be approached and reverently worshiped. The Lord Jesus has forever fulfilled and ended the typical and sacrificial worship under the law, by the offering up of Himself upon the cross for us, once for all. He has opened the door of access into the inner sanctuary, and graciously provided spiritual offerings for the service of His temple, suited to the several conditions of all who worship in spirit and in truth. The broken and contrite heart, the confession of the soul prostrate before God, the prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed, the earnest wrestling of the spirit, the outpouring of humble thanksgiving, the spiritual song and melody of the heart (Ephesians 5:19), the simple exercise of faith, the self denying service of love, these are among the sacrifices which He, our merciful and faithful High Priest, is pleased to prepare, by His Spirit, in the hearts of them that receive Him, and to present with acceptance unto God.

By the immediate operations of the Holy Spirit, He as the Head of the church, alone selects and qualifies those who are to present His messages or engage in other service for Him; and, hence, we cannot commit any formal arrangement to any one in our regular meetings for worship. We are well aware that the Lord has provided a diversity of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) for the needs both of the church and of the world, and we desire that the church may feel her responsibility, under the government of her Great Head, in doing her part to foster these gifts, and in making arrangements for their proper exercise.

It is not for the individual exaltation, but for mutual profit, that the gifts are bestowed (1 Corinthians 12:7); and every living church, abiding under the government of Christ, is humbly and thankfully to receive and exercise them, in subjection to her Holy Head. The church that quenches the Spirit and lives to itself alone must die.

We believe the preaching of the Gospel to be one of the chief means, divinely appointed, for the spreading of the glad tidings of life and salvation through our crucified Redeemer, for the awakening and conversion of sinners, and for the comfort and edification of believers. As it is the prerogative of the Great Head of the church alone to select and call the ministers of His Gospel, so we believe that both the gift and the qualification to exercise it must be derived immediately from Him; and that, as in the primitive church, so now also, He confers spiritual gifts upon women as well as upon men, agreeable to the prophecy recited by the apostle Peter, "It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy," (Acts 2:17) respecting which the apostle declares, "the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:39) As the gift is freely received so it is to be freely exercised (Matthew 10:8. See also Acts 20:33-35), in simple obedience to the will of God.

Spiritual gifts, precious as they are, must not be mistaken for grace; they add to our responsibility, but do not raise the minister above his brethren or sisters. They must be exercised in continued dependence upon our Lord, and blessed is that ministry in which man is humbled, and Christ and His grace exalted. "He that is greatest among you," said our Lord and Master, "let him be as the younger; and he that is chief as he that doth serve. I am among you as he that serveth." (Luke 22:26-27)

While the church cannot confer spiritual gifts, it is its duty to recognize and foster them, and to promote their effeciency by all the means in its power. And while, on the one hand, the Gospel should never be preached for money (Acts 8:20; 20:33-35), on the other, it is the duty of the church to make such provision that it shall never be hindered for want of it.

The church, if true to her allegiance, cannot forget her part in the command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Knowing that it is the Spirit of God that can alone prepare and qualify the instruments who fulfill this command, the true disciple will be found still sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening that he may learn, and learning that he may obey. He humbly places himself at the Lord's disposal, and, when he hears the call, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" is prepared to respond, in childlike reverence and love, "Here am I, send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

Prayer and Praise

Prayer is the outcome of our sense of need, and of our continual dependence upon God. He who uttered the invitation, "Ask and it shall be given you," (Matthew 7:7) is himself the Mediator and High Priest who, by His Spirit, prompts the petition, and who presents it with the acceptance before God. With such an invitation, prayer becomes the duty and the privilege of all who are called by His name. Prayer is, in the awakened soul, the utterance of the cry, "God, be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13) and, at every stage of the believer's course, prayer is essential to his spiritual life. A life without prayer is a life practically without God. The Christian's life is a continual asking. The thirst that prompts the petition produces, as it is satisfied, still deeper longings, which prepare for yet more bounteous supplies, from Him who delights to bless. Prayer is not confined to the closet. When uttered in response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, it becomes an important part of public worship, and, whenever the Lord's people meet together in His name, it is their privilege to wait upon Him for the spirit of grace and supplications. (Zechariah 12:10) A life of prayer cannot be other than a life of praise. As the peace of Christ reigns in the church, her living members accept all that they receive, as from His pure bounty, and each day brings them fresh pledges of their Father's love. Satisfied with the goodness of His house, whether as individuals, in families, or in congregations, they will be still praising Him (Psalm 84:4), heart answering to heart, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

Liberty of Conscience in Its Relation to Civil Government

That conscience should be free, and that in matters of religious doctrine and worship man is accountable only to God, are truths which are plainly declared in the New Testament; and which are confirmed by the whole scope of the Gospel, and by the example of our Lord and His disciples. To rule over the conscience, and to command the spiritual allegiance of His creature man, is the high and sacred prerogative of God alone. In religion every act ought to be free. A forced worship is plainly a contradiction in terms, under that dispensation in which the worship of the Father must be in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

We have ever maintained that it is the duty of Christians to obey the enactments of civil government, except those which interfere with our allegiance to God. We owe much to its blessings. Through it we enjoy liberty and protection, in connection with law and order. Civil government is a divine ordinance (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-16), instituted to promote the best welfare of man, hence magistrates are to be regarded as God's ministers who should be a terror to evil doers and a praise to them that do well. Therefore, it is with us a matter of conscience to render them respect and obedience in the exercise of their proper functions.

Marriage

Marriage is an institution graciously ordained by the Creator Himself, for the help and continuance of the human family. It is not a mere civil contract, and ought never to be entered upon without a reference to the sanction and blessing of Him who ordained it. It is a solemn engagement for the term of life (Matthew 19:5,6), designed for the mutual assistance and comfort of both sexes, that they may be helpmeets to each other in things temporal and spiritual. To this end it should imply concurrence in spiritual as well as temporal concerns, and should be entered upon discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of the Lord. ⁽⁶⁾

Peace

We feel bound explicitly to avow our unshaken persuasion that all war is utterly incompatible with the plain precepts of our divine Lord and Law-giver, and the whole spirit of His Gospel, and that no plea of necessity or policy, however urgent or peculiar, can avail to release either individuals or nations from the paramount allegiance which they owe to Him who hath said, "Love your enemies." (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27) In enjoining this love, and the forgiveness of injuries, He who has bought us to Himself has not prescribed for man precepts which are incapable of being carried into practice, or of which the practice is to be postponed until all shall be persuaded to act upon them. We cannot doubt that they are incumbent now, and that we have in the prophetic Scriptures the distinct intimation of their direct application not only to individuals, but to nations also. (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:1) When nations conform their laws to this divine teaching, wars must necessarily cease.

We would, in humility, but in faithfulness to our Lord, express our firm persuasion that all the exegencies of civil government and social order may be met under the banner of the Prince of Peace, in strict conformity with His commands.

Oaths

We hold it to be the inalienable privilege of the disciple of the Lord Jesus that his statements concerning matters of fact within his knowledge should be accepted, under all circumstances, as expressing his belief as to the fact asserted. We rest upon the plain command of our Lord and Master, "Swear not at all" (Matthew 5:34); and we believe that any departure from this standard to be prejudicial to the cause of truth and to that confidence between man and man, the maintenance of which is indispensable to our mutual well being. This command, in our persuasion, applies not to profane swearing only, but to judicial oaths also. It abrogates any previous permission to the contrary, and is, for the Christian, absolutely conclusive.

The First Day of the Week

Whilst the remembrance of our Creator ought to be at all times present with the Christian, we would express our thankfulness to our Heavenly Father that He has been pleased to honor the setting apart of one day in seven for the purposes of holy rest, religious duties, and public worship; and we desire that all under our name may avail themselves of this great privilege as those who are called to be risen with Christ, and to seek those things that are above where He sitteth at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1) May the release thus granted from other occupations be dilegently improved. On this day of the week especially ought the households of Friends to be assembled for the reading of the Scriptures and for waiting upon the Lord; and we trust that, in a Christianly wise economy of our time and strength, the engagements of the day may be so ordered as not to frustrate the gracious provision thus made for us by our Heavenly Father, or to shut out the opportunity either for public worship or for private retirement and devotional reading.

In presenting this declaration of our Christian faith, we desire that all our members may be afresh encouraged, in humility and devotedness, to renewed faithfulness in fulfilling their part in the great mission of the Church, and through the Church to the world around us, in the name of our Crucified Redeemer. Life from Christ, life in Christ, must ever be the basis of life for Christ. For this we have been created and redeemed, and, by this alone, can the longings of our immortal souls be satisfied.

THE QUERIES ⁽⁷⁾

The Queries are thoughtful questions that remind people of the spiritual and moral values Friends seek to uphold. They help individuals and the church to consider the true source of spiritual strength, to nurture loving relationships, and to maintain a strong Christian witness to society. The Queries should be read frequently, as a whole or in part, in meetings for worship and business and other gatherings of Friends, and in private devotions. Always there should be time for reflection. Reading the Queries is a tradition of Friends.

Personal Faith

Query 1

Do you live in vital relationship with God, trusting in Jesus Christ as your saving Lord and obeying the leadings of the Holy Spirit? Is Christ's presence evident in your life?

Query 2

Do you cultivate your spiritual growth through prayer and Bible reading and through attendance at meetings for worship and study? Are you finding joy in the Lord?

Query 3

Does your inward faith turn outward? Do you pray for your friends and associates and for those engaged in spreading the Gospel? Have you examined your beliefs and prepared yourself to share them, with sensitivity and humility, as the Holy Spirit leads?

Query 4

Do you acknowledge God's ownership of all that is under your care? Do you give of your time and abilities in service to church and community and gratefully use your possessions as a trust to honor God?

The Individual and the Church

Query 5

Are meetings for worship and business duly held, and are you regular in attending them? Do you come ready to commune with God and to fellowship with believers, willing to participate in contemplation or in spoken ministry?

Query 6

As followers of Christ do you love and respect each other? Do patience and consideration govern your interactions; and when differences arise, do you resolve them promptly in a spirit of forgiveness and understanding? Are you careful with the reputation of others?

Query 7

Do you give generous financial support to the work of the Church? Do you contribute regularly to ministries of wider outreach? Are you aware of those likely to receive material aid, and do you give freely to those in need?

Query 8

Do you uphold the standards of the Church? Are you careful in appointing officers and Sunday School teachers, in calling the pastor and special speakers, in sending out missionaries and recognizing ministry of individuals, to see that they are in harmony with the principles of this church as stated in its Faith and Practice?

Marriage, Children, Home

Query 9

Do you conduct yourself in a manner that supports and preserves the sanctity and permanence of marriage? Do you who are married yield to each other in decisions and build up each other as individuals, always cherishing your common bond?

Query 10

Do you who have children under your care educate them for upright and useful lives? Do you nurture them toward Christian faith and commitment, giving them the Scriptures for their guide? Are you watching over your young people with loving concern and providing a place for each one in the life of the church?

Query 11

Are you teaching your children the ways of Friends as reflected in the Faith and Practice of this church?

Query 12

Do you and your family use your free time in ways that refresh the spirit and benefit mind and body, that encourage creativity and friendliness? Is your home a pleasant, peaceful place?

Manner of Living

Query 13

Is your life marked by simplicity? Are you free from the burden of unnecessary possessions? Do you avoid waste? Do you refuse to let the prevailing culture and media dictate your needs and values?

Query 14

Are you careful to live within your income? Do you avoid involving yourself in business beyond your ability to manage or in highly speculative ventures? Are you willing to accept a lower economic standard rather than compromise Christian values?

Query 15

Are you honest and just in your dealings? Are you true to your promises, prompt in paying your debts, and responsible in handling money or property entrusted to you?

Query 16

Do you discipline your mind and body to serve as instruments of the Lord? Do you avoid pornography? Do you abstain from harmful, addictive, and unnecessary drugs - including alcoholic beverages, tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine - and from profiting through their use? Do you refrain from gambling and taking part in lotteries?

Concerns for Society

Query 17

Do you exercise your civic responsibilities and support acceptable legislation? Do you pray for those in authority? Are you careful to avoid defrauding the public treasury? In or out of court do you affirm instead of taking oaths?

Query 18

Do you speak out for justice and morality, and against oppression, exploitation, and public wrong? Do you recognize the equality of persons regardless of race, gender, or economic status?

Query 19

As a Christian steward, do you treat the earth with respect and with a sense of God's splendor in creation, guarding it against abuse by greed, misapplied technology, or your own carelessness?

Query 20

Do you observe and teach the Friends testimony against military training and service, making clear that war is incompatible with the spirit and teachings of the Gospel? Do you find appropriate ways to work for peace?

SECTION TWO: PRACTICE

BY-LAWS

CLINTONDALE FRIENDS CHURCH

CLINTONDALE, NEW YORK

Article I NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Clintondale Friends Church, Incorporated.

Article II PURPOSE

The purpose of the Clintondale Friends Church is manifold. It exists for

the worship of God,

the fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ,

the teaching and equipping of believers for the work of ministry,

the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person, and

acts of service in the name of Jesus Christ.

Article III HERITAGE

The Clintondale Friends Church acknowledges its debt to the Religious Society of Friends and shall continue to honor that heritage. We remember the words of Jesus, "I have called you friends." (John 15:15)

Article IV AFFILIATION

The Clintondale Friends Church is unaffiliated with any denomination or sect.

Article V STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Clintondale Friends Church acknowledges as the basis of its faith and fellowship the following documents from the Friends heritage:

1. Essential Truths

2. Extract from George Fox's Letter to the Governor of Barbadoes, 1671

3. Declaration of Faith Issued by the Richmond Conference in 1887

Where the Clintondale Friends Church differs from these basic documents, it shall be noted.

Article VI AUTHORITY

A. All authority in Clintondale Friends Church resides in its Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. We shall ever seek to listen to and obey God as disclosed in Jesus.

B. The written authority for the Clintondale Friends Church is the Bible in its entirety, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is to be read through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and in the light of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

C. Delegation of authority.

1. God delegates authority in the church. The final human authority in the Clintondale Friends Church resides in its membership.

2. The Clintondale Friends Church delegates its authority to its elders, officers, and pastors for the accomplishment of the purposes mentioned above.

3. Decision-making

Although all members and attenders are welcome at the meetings of the Clintondale Friends Church, only Active Members will have the privilege and responsibility of making decisions at such meetings.

4. The Clintondale Friends Church shall make all decisions according to the accepted procedure of the Religious Society of Friends.

D. The Clintondale Friends Church shall have authority to hold property and other assets.

E. The Clintondale Friends Church shall have authority to engage such staff as needed for the accomplishment of the purposes mentioned above.

Article VII ORGANIZATION

A. Members

Membership is a privilege and entails a corresponding responsibility. It indicates a commitment to this church and to its programs and activities, recognizing that the Clintondale Friends Church is a local expression of the universal Church of Jesus Christ. Such membership is to be taken seriously.

There shall be two types of membership in the Clintondale Friends Church.

1. Active Members

Full membership is open to all those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who endeavor to be faithful in keeping his commands, and who commit themselves to support the Clintondale Friends Church through their time, talents and financial resources.

2. Inactive Members

• Members may request to be designated inactive members if they are moving out of the area temporarily, or for other reasons they will not be able to participate fully in the life of the congregation.
• Members may be assigned inactive status from failure to attend worship, contribute financially as they are able and participate regularly in other church activities. Such members must be contacted by the Elder Board prior to being assigned inactive status.
• Inactive membership shall result in the forfeiture of participating fully in decision-making and office-holding privileges. This is a temporary status to be reviewed at least yearly.
• Upon application to the Board of Elders an individual may be restored to active status.

3. Associate Members

Associate membership is open to children of full members who have been enrolled for the purposes of training and nurture in the Christian faith, the end of which should be a profession of faith and reception into full membership at an age of accountability.

4. Procedure for active membership.

• Anyone seeking membership in the Clintondale Friends Church shall make application through letter to the Board of Elders. It is suggested that such application be made only after a reasonable time of attendance and participation in the life of the church, the applicant having made sure that this is the particular expression of the Body of Christ with which he or she wishes to identify.
• The Board of Elders shall interview the applicant. Such an interview is to determine if the applicant has been born again, gives evidence of a changed heart and life, is in agreement with the faith and practice of the Clintondale Friends Church and is willing to assume the responsibilities of membership.
• The Board of Elders shall recommend to the congregation that the applicant be received into full membership (or in the case of a child, associate membership.) Final approval for membership is reserved for the active membership of the congregation.

5. Termination of Membership

• Transfer. Letters of transfer shall be granted to members who apply for them, providing they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, their relationship with this church shall be considered terminated.
• Dismissal.
• An individual, after having been placed on the inactive list, may be dismissed by the congregation on the recommendation of the Elders as they revise the membership list.
• A member who joins another church without notifying this church shall be removed from membership without further investigation.
• Any member who is under the discipline of the Board of Elders may be dismissed from the fellowship only after proper procedures of biblical discipline have been followed (see Matthew 18:15-17.)

B. Elder Board

• The Clintondale Friends Church establishes an Elder Board consisting of men of the congregation who are called by God, qualified according to Scriptural standards and appointed as elders by the membership of the Clintondale Friends Church.
• The process of appointment is as follows:
• Nominees must be active members of the church. Nominations will be brought to the congregation by the Elder Board two weeks prior to a congregational meeting. The membership will be encouraged to pray about the nominations and speak to the Elders prior to the congregational meeting.
• The congregation will have the opportunity to accept or reject the nomination, but will not have the opportunity to nominate others from the floor.
• The membership shall receive a ballot upon which a positive or negative choice can be made. Ballots may be accompanied by comments for such choice, and the ballot must be signed. This assures that any reasons for not appointing an elder can be investigated thoroughly by the Elder Board. Such investigation shall be limited only to the person(s) having objections and the Elder Board. Ballots that are not signed are considered void.
• The Elders will consider the ballots of the meeting and announce the results as soon as possible.
• The elders shall serve until
• released by the Spirit of God from such service,
• they resign from office, or
• are removed for cause by the membership. Such removal shall follow the guidelines of Matthew 18.
• The elders are called by God to the position and are recognized as such by the congregation. Such a calling is for life, until a request to be removed is received from an elder, there is a problem that necessitates such removal or until it becomes obvious that the call on the elder's life has been removed by God. The elders of the church should rotate their active terms of service, thus providing over the course of time a group of "sitting" elders and another group of elders who take time off from official duties.
• The elders of the Clintondale Friends Church are co-equals in authority and ministry, seeking together for the mind of the Lord in all the affairs of the church. They shall be mutually accountable to each other.

C. Other Appointed Positions

The following positions shall be established, and shall only be filled by active members of the church:

• Deacons. After demonstrating faithfulness and competency in a given area of ministry, an individual may be appointed a deacon to serve in that area. All of the deacons of the church will comprise a Board of Deacons and will meet regularly to coordinate their various ministries. The Board of Deacons as well as individual deacons shall report to the Board of Elders.
• Presiding Clerk. The Presiding Clerk conducts the quarterly meetings for business, developing an agenda for consideration, and determining the "sense of the meeting" regarding decisions that have been approved. The Presiding Clerk conducts the meetings for business so as to exercise a fruitful, uniting influence in reaching decisions with constant reference to the standard of the witness and teachings of Jesus and the relevance of these for our time. The Presiding Clerk is recognized for legal purposes to be the President of the Corporation.
• Recording Clerk. The Recording Clerk keeps a faithful record of the proceedings of the meetings for business, and is responsible for drafting and mailing correspondence as approved by the congregation. In carrying out these duties, the Recording Clerk works closely with the Presiding Clerk, clearing drafts of the minutes before they are presented for the approval of the church, securing approval of the Presiding Clerk and signatures, when required, for correspondence. The Recording Clerk is recognized for legal purposes to be the Secretary of the Corporation.
• Treasurer. The Treasurer receives and disburses funds as directed by the church, maintains regular accounts of the monies received and paid out, and makes regular reports to the Elder Board as well as quarterly and annual reports to the congregation. The Treasurer is available to offer annual reports to members of their contributions to the church. The Treasurer is recognized for legal purposes to be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.
• Process of appointment is as follows:
• The Elder Board will act as a nominating committee. The Elders will review regularly the appointments already made and will seek persons to serve when openings arise. After active discussion with possible appointees, the names will be brought to the congregation for approval.
• Appointments will generally be for a one year period, but may be continued from one year to the next if agreeable to all concerned.
• Dismissal. Those in other appointed positions may be dismissed if they become inactive or if they are removed for cause by the membership. Such removal shall follow the guidelines of Matthew 18.
• Senior Pastor

The senior pastor is accountable first of all to Jesus Christ, the Head of the church and, secondly, to the Clintondale Friends Church through the Elder Board. The senior pastor is to give spiritual leadership to the church and community, particularly through preaching and teaching the Word of God. He serves as an elder of the Clintondale Friends Church.

• Other positions of responsibility, including staff positions, may be established as deemed necessary by the Clintondale Friends Church.
• Specific duties and responsibilities of members, elders, officers, the pastor and other staff shall be listed in the Faith and Practice of the Clintondale Friends Church.

Article VIII FREQUENCY OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

The Clintondale Friends Church shall meet quarterly for the purpose of receiving reports from the Elder Board and others working on behalf of the congregation and for doing such business as is required. It shall have authority to modify its schedule of meetings if necessary.

The Clintondale Friends Church shall use the calendar year for appointments and budget. At the October meeting the Clintondale Friends Church shall approve any appointments to office and the budget for the coming year. The October meeting shall serve as the annual meeting of the Corporation.

Special called meetings will need two week's notice, except in emergency situations.

Article IX BUSINESS PROCEDURE

The Clintondale Friends Church shall conduct its business according to the manner of the Religious Society of Friends.

Article X PECUNIARY GAINS OR PROFITS

No part of the net earnings, properties or assets of the Clintondale Friends Church, on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the benefit of any private person or individual or any member or officer of this corporation.

Article XI DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION

On dissolution of this corporation, all properties and assets of this corporation remaining after paying or providing for all debts and obligations shall be distributed and paid over to such fund, foundation or corporation as the membership shall determine, for such purposes as they shall prescribe and with the concurrence of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Article XII CHANGES IN THE BY-LAWS

The Clintondale Friends Church shall have authority to make changes in the By-Laws, with written notice mailed to the membership 30 days prior to the meeting at which time such changes will be considered.

The above By-Laws were approved by Clintondale Friends Church, Inc. on December 3, 2000. The remaining text of Faith and Practice needs to be modified to fit the newly approved By-Laws.

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

It is preferable that officers and committee members be church members in regular attendance.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Presiding Clerk

The Presiding Clerk conducts the Monthly Meeting for Business, developing an agenda for consideration, and determining the "sense of the meeting" regarding decisions that have been approved. The Presiding Clerk conducts the Meeting for Business so as to exercise a fruitful, uniting influence in reaching decisions with constant reference to the standard of the witness and teachings of Jesus and the relevance of these for our time.

The Presiding Clerk carries out the instructions of the Meeting, assures that minutes are accurately made and kept, signs necessary documents on behalf of the Meeting, and ascertains that committees understand the activities the Meeting has assigned to them.

The Presiding Clerk is responsible for working harmoniously with the Pastor with regard to the Meeting's business and ministry.

The Presiding Clerk supervises the correspondence of the Meeting, and reminds committee chairmen and convenors to prepare and submit annual reports in January. ⁽⁹⁾

The Presiding Clerk is an ex-officio member of Ministry and Counsel.

Recording Clerk

The Recording Clerk keeps a faithful record of the proceedings of the Meeting for Business, and is responsible for drafting and mailing correspondence as approved by the Monthly Meeting. In carrying out these duties, the Recording Clerk works closely with the Presiding Clerk, clearing drafts of the minutes before they are presented for the approval of the Meeting, securing approval of the Presiding Clerk and signatures, when required, for correspondence.

Treasurer

The Treasurer receives and disburses funds as directed by the Monthly Meeting, maintains regular accounts of the monies received and paid out, and makes monthly and annual reports of the Meeting's financial status to the Monthly Meeting. The Treasurer serves as an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer is expected to offer annual reports to members of their contributions to the church.

Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall undertake such tasks as mutually agreed upon with the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer shall assume the responsibilities of the Treasurer.

Recorder

The Recorder maintains correct records of the membership of Clintondale Friends Church, including births, marriages, deaths, transfers, and resignations.

Annually the Recorder's records shall be presented for the inspection of the Monthly Meeting and an accurate list of the membership should be posted on the bulletin board in the meetinghouse.

Historian

The Historian is responsible for the research and preservation of material (oral and written history, documents, photographs and the like) regarding the origins and life of Clintondale Friends Church. Annually the Historian should present a review of the year's work.

DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

Ministry and Counsel

Ministry and Counsel shall consist of six members. The Presiding Clerk and the Pastor shall serve ex-officio on Ministry and Counsel. The committee shall meet each month prior to Monthly Meeting for Business. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Its officers shall be appointed internally, and shall consist of a Clerk and Recording Clerk. The Clerk shall work closely with the Pastor regarding the concerns of this body, and the Recording Clerk shall keep faithful minutes of the committee's proceedings.

Ministry and Counsel is expected to foster the spiritual growth of the church; to consider individual needs for counsel and guidance; to assist in the development of programs for worship and ministry; to receive and consider applications for membership; to oversee weddings under the care of the Meeting; to assist with funeral and memorial meetings as bereaved members may desire; to prepare and maintain written memorials for deceased members; and, to oversee and keep a record of memorial funds received by the Meeting.

Ministry and Counsel shall work with the pastor, when asked, on confidential matters within the church.

Ministry and Counsel shall prepare and present to the Monthly Meeting an annual review of the life of the church.

Ministry and Counsel, in cooperation with the Pastor, is responsible for conducting Meetings for Worship in the Pastor's absence.

Ministry and Counsel is responsible for recognizing, encouraging and recording gifts in ministry among its membership.

Ministry and Counsel is responsible for the search and engagement of the Pastor, as well as for oversight of the Pastor's ministry.

Christian Education

The Christian Education Committee shall consist of six members. The officers and teachers of the Sunday School shall serve as ex-officio members.

The Christian Education Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the Christian Education program of the church, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and any special educational events.

The Committee shall assist in the selection of curriculum and other materials for its programs.

The Christian Education Committee shall be permitted to hold funds in its own name for the support of its programs. A Treasurer for the committee shall be empowered to open and maintain necessary accounts for such funds.

Finance and Management

The Finance and Management Committee shall consist of six members. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member. The Committee is responsible for developing the annual financial budget of the church. This budget must be presented to the November Monthly Meeting for Business prior to the new calendar year for discussion and approval.

The Finance and Management Committee is also responsible for soliciting the necessary support for underwriting the approved budget.

The Finance and Management Committee is to work closely with the Pastor in the development of a program of tithing within the membership of the church.

The Finance and Management Committee is responsible for investing funds owned by the Meeting, and for reporting on their stewardship annually and as required by the Meeting for Business periodically.

The Committee shall manage the real estate and property of the Meeting, keep all deeds legally recorded, and preserve essential legal records and documents.

The Committee shall secure and maintain insurance for properties and assets of the Meeting.

Auditing

The Auditing Committee shall consist of three members. The Committee is responsible for the annual review/audit of the Treasurer's books and those of organizations within the church handling funds. The audit should take place as soon as practicable after the close of the calendar year. The Auditing Committee should give the Treasurer and organizaitons of the church at least a week's notice before such an audit is held.

Buildings and Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds Committee shall consist of six members. The Vice President of the Friends Circle serves as an ex-officio member. The Committee is responsible for the maintenance, repair and improvement of the buildings and grounds owned by the Clintondale Friends Church.

On or before October of each year the Buildings and Grounds Committee should submit to the Finance and Stewardship Committee a budget of anticipated expenses for meeting its responsibilities, to be included in the budget for the forthcoming year.

Nominating

The Nominating Committee shall consist of six members. The Committee shall nominate members for the offices and committees of Clintondale Friends Church, whose tenures begin January 1st of each year. The Nominating Committee shall report its recommendations at the November Monthly Meeting for Business for consideration and action. The Nominating Committee is expected to confer with proposed nominees for their consent prior to presenting their names to the Monthly Meeting.

Music

The Music Committee may vary in membership and shall be responsible for the instrumental and vocal music for the Meeting for Worship and any special occasions. Organists and pianists shall serve ex-offico on the Music Committee. When appropriate, the Music Committee shall recruit participants for vocal and instrumental presentations, review and select hymnals and other music, authorize the maintenance, tuning and general care of the Meeting's musical instruments and such related equipment such as the electronic carillon.

Flower

The Flower Committee shall consist of six members. The Committee shall supply floral decorations for Meeting for Worship and other occasions as desired by the church. The Flower Committee may solicit floral donations from our members for these purposes.

Terms of Office

The terms of office for the officers of the church shall be one year, but they may be renominated and appointed for successive terms at the discretion of the Monthly Meeting.

The terms of office for committees in the church shall be three years, with classes staggered at three year intervals. Committee members should not be re-nominated to the same office after serving two successive three-year terms, without one year off the committee.

The Friends Circle

As stated in the By-Laws, the Friends circle is not a committee of the church, but rather an independent women's organization of members and attenders who support the work of the church and provide fellowship and spiritual growth among the women.

The Friends Circle appoints its own officers, committees, convenor of the Sewing Group, the hostesses for Sunday fellowship hour, and Monthly Meeting Fellowship Dinners. The Friends Circle also takes major responsibility for the upkeep of the parsonage. The Vice President of the Circle is an ex-officio member of the House Committee.

MEMBERSHIP IN CLINTONDALE FRIENDS CHURCH

Full Membership

"Full membership is open to all those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who endeavor to be faithful in keeping his commands, and who commit themselves to support the church through their time, talents and financial resources." ⁽¹¹⁾

Once an individual has attended Clintondale Friends Church and has come to feel a leading to ask for membership, he or she will write a letter to the church expressing a desire to join. It is the responsibility of Ministry and Counsel to follow up on the letter of application. The committee will seek to learn of the individual's discipleship to Christ, understanding of Christian truth and willingness to share in the responsibilities of the Meeting. Then the recommendation is forwarded to the Monthly Meeting for final action. If membership is approved, there should be those appointed to welcome them into the church family. In addition, there should be a public recognition for the new member.

Associate Membership

"Associate membership is open to children of full members who have been enrolled for the purposes of training and nurture in the Christian faith, the end of which should be a profession of faith and reception into full membership at an age of accountability." ⁽¹²⁾

Associate membership is for children who are not yet ready for full membership. Children born to parents who are members may be enrolled as associate members at the request of the parents. If only one parent is a member, then the member parent may request associate membership for the child with the consent of the non-member parent. Parents may also request associate membership for their children who were born prior to the membership of the parents. Four methods are suggested to assist parents and their children:

1. A dedication service soon after an infant is first carried to church, or later at the request of the parents.

2. Special training classes for young parents.

3. Well-trained teachers and good materials in the Sunday School.

4. A class in training for membership.

Associate members should be transferred to full membership when they give evidence of having accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and when it is evident that they are in harmony with Christian truth.

If a young person is not prepared for full membership by the time he or she reaches eighteen years of age, he or she should no longer be carried as an associate member. When it is carefully explained that associate membership is for children only, adults will not want to be continued in that classification. It is important to note that the Meeting has not necessarily failed just because an associate member does not enter into full membership. A decision to receive or reject Christ must ever be the responsibility of the individual concerned.

Attenders

Clintondale Friends Church welcomes attenders who wish to worship and participate in the life of the church but, for whatever reasons, do not feel ready for membership. Attenders will be ecouraged periodically to consider membership.

It is important for people to attend a church and become familiar with the membership, the styles of worship, particular doctrinal emphases, etc. before entering into membership. Friends have always recognized attenders as important to the life of the church and have encouraged their participation in as many ways as possible. There are no "first class" citizens in the Kingdom of God. All who profess faith in Jesus Christ and exhibit that faith in their lives are members of the church universal. To join a particular Christian fellowship takes time and attenders are encouraged to come at their own pace.

Water Baptism

Clintondale Friends Church continues to support the essence of the Friends testimony on water baptism,⁽¹³⁾ and we seek to be sure that those who want to be baptized understand the important inward significance of this Christian symbol. It is an especially important symbol for those who have just come to new life in Christ and wish to express that new life as they join the church. We recognize the importance for many of the outward sign of water baptism, and those who so desire water baptism are encouraged to request it of Ministry and Counsel or the pastor.

Discipline

We must remember that persons are to be received into membership in our church when their faith in Christ as a personal Savior is manifest in their lives. After persons are received into membership, should they not be expected to maintain the standard under which they were received? There is no license given in the New Testament for immorality, dishonesty, ungodly behavior or any other kind of sin. Known sin must be dealt with by the person involved, and if a person who is a member continues in willful sin, it is the responsibility of the pastor and Ministry and Counsel to deal with that person.

We deal with offenders to restore them to fellowship with Christ, with the Meeting, and with any who may have been injured. The process for dealing with sin in the church is clearly spelled out by Jesus Himself:

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' ⁽¹⁴⁾ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:15-20)

Friends call this process "Gospel Order." It should ever be borne in mind that the object of Gospel Order is restoration, and that the one who restores is Jesus Himself. Verse 20 of Matthew 18 is the solemn statement that Jesus is in our midst settling our differences Himself. This is His church, not ours. We live under His Gospel Order, or we are not His church.

Responsibilities of a Member

They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

The church is a fellowship of believers, and as such, members are expected to participate faithfully in worship services and other programs which involve the entire body of believers. In the passage quoted above from the book of Acts we see that the early Christians met together every day. They met at the temple, which was the equivalent of their church building, and they met in one another's homes.

There will be programs that are designed for different groups in the church, or for specific human interests and needs. These programs should be supported enthusiastically by those for whom they are designed. They include, but are not limited to, Sunday School classes, Ladies Circle, men's groups, Bible studies, sewing group, parenting group, etc.

From time to time our church joins with other congregations to worship and celebrate our common Christian faith, and the membership is expected to support such ecumenical gatherings.

Members are expected to attend our monthly meetings for business. The health of a Friends church depends upon the participation of all members and attenders, especially in those areas that have to do with spiritual growth, policy and program development, financial support and property.

Members are expected to contribute generously to the financial needs of the church. The Bible suggests the tithe (ten percent) as the appropriate contribution.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:10-12)

There are many worthwhile Christian ministries deserving of our support, and after we have met our responsibility to support the local church through the tithe, then we can give offerings as led by the Lord to those organizations he specifies. In our giving, both through tithes and through offerings, we should be cognizant of the following biblical passage:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Ministry of All Believers

In Acts 2:42-47, quoted above, we see that there was an excitement among the believers about their fellowship. They participated together in all things. As we watch the book of Acts unfold and read the epistles of the New Testament, we see that the ministry of the church grows from its fellowship. Although there are leaders in the church who have specified tasks to perform, their main function is to equip the saints (membership) for the work of ministry.

It was [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13, italics added)

From this passage in Ephesians it is clear that the ministry resides primarily with the membership. Members are expected to participate in this ministry of the Body of Christ. They are to find their giftedness in Christ, and rely upon Jesus to empower them to exercise their gifts, whether in preaching and teaching, pastoral care, evangelism, caring for the needs of the poor, music or management of financial and property matters.

Members are expected to bear a witness to the Lord Jesus Christ with a view to bring others to salvation through him. The church "gathers to scatter," ⁽¹⁵⁾ that is, the church comes together to receive grace and truth from the Lord in order to go out and share the Gospel with those who do not have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. On the day of Pentecost, three thousand came to Christ through Peter, and "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:41,47)

Members are encouraged to serve on committees when asked. Serving on a committee goes beyond merely having one's name placed on a list. It means taking seriously the concerns and tasks of the committee, attending committee meetings and doing the work that the committee decides needs to be done.

Inactive Members

If greater care were taken in receiving members, there would be less need to deal with inactive members. It seems, however, inevitable that some members will become inactive. When this happens, and when all efforts of the Meeting to restore such a person to participation in the life of the Meeting fail, then membership should be terminated.

OUTREACH

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

The church is to be salt and light to the world. Therefore we should find opportunities to be of help both physically and spiritually to the surrounding community as well as the furthest corners of the earth. As the Body of Christ, the church should speak up concerning the right way to conduct ourselves as people created in God's image for God's glory.

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

The fruit of a Christian is another Christian. We are to be a beacon in a dark world, preaching Christ Jesus to a dying people. By our ministry of compassion and evangelism we will bear fruit, thus showing ourselves to be disciples.

It is each member's responsibility to seek ways to be salt and light and to bear fruit. Also, as a church community we work collectively to minister to those in need and to bring them to a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

FRIENDS' PROCEDURE FOR DOING BUSINESS

If a real religious fellowship grows out of our meetings for worship, it will naturally be carried over into our business meetings and into our social life, so that the whole congregation will be interested in all its members, and be knit together as a body of workers for the cause of Christ. The right conduct of our business meetings even in matters of routine is important to the spiritual life of our Society, and in so far as Friends are concerned in promoting the kingdom of God, we may rightly feel that its business is a service for him. ⁽¹⁶⁾

The Friends Church has always conducted its business meetings with an eye to being led by the Spirit of God in all things. We have sought not unanimity but unity. And not just unity of human opinion, but rather unity in the Spirit of God.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and is able to lead us himself. Not just in matters of church discipline but in all of our affairs, where two or three are gathered in his name, there is Christ in the midst. (Matthew 18:20)

We do not vote, but rather seek to arrive at the "sense of the Meeting." That is, the presiding clerk will listen to the various voices in a given business meeting to see if he or she is able to sense where God might be leading us. From time to time in the meeting the clerk will put forward what seems to be God's will, and the members will offer feedback to the clerk's offerings. When all present feel that they have agreement regarding God's will, then it will be minuted and the matter concluded.

If there are individuals present who feel strongly that a matter should not go forward, it can be held up for a time, usually through tabling it to the next meeting. If after several attempts to reach unity, the same individuals feel strongly opposed, they will be asked if they are willing to "stand aside," in order to allow the matter to pass in spite of their reservations. If they refuse to stand aside and the Meeting feels easy to proceed with the decision, such opposition will be minuted (by name, if desired) and the matter can then be approved by the Meeting.

This sometimes rather lengthy process is designed to make sure that we have heard God's will. It is not always the case that the majority is able to hear God better than a lone individual. The most important thing is that we hear God and act on what we hear.

SECTION THREE: HISTORICAL STATEMENTS

This section contains some historical statements from various Friends writings.

The Church

The Church of Jesus Christ is composed of those persons who, through repentance of their sins and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, have been born into His kingdom by the Holy Spirit. By the revelation of the Holy Spirit they look to Christ as their Prophet, Priest and King, and, by the Spirit's baptism and power, are enabled to resist temptation and to live in obedience to God's holy will. ⁽¹⁷⁾

A Meeting

A congregation of members is called a meeting or a church. It is under the supervision of ministers and elders as to its spiritual interests, and of overseers as to the moral conduct of the members. These are officers of the Monthly Meeting of which the particular meeting forms a part.

The business affairs of a congregation are cared for by the regular officers and by such committees as may be appointed by the Monthly Meeting for this purpose from the members of the congregation. Monthly Meetings may establish a business meeting for a particular congregation when its local interests make such meeting advisable. ⁽¹⁸⁾

The Form of Government

1. The Friends recognize and emphasize the fundamental and essential truth that Jesus Christ is the Head of His Church; that He dwells in the hearts of His believers; that, as they look for His guidance, their understandings are enlightened and they are enabled to do His will. Associated with this is the further truth that the Head of the Church is pleased to confer upon each believer some especial gift or gifts which he is to exercise with such ability as may be possessed. Members have equal rights and privileges in the denomination, modified only by the gifts they have received and their faithfulness in the exercise thereof. It is therefore both theocratic and democratic in the principle of its government.

2. Positions in the organization relating to spiritual matters result from the official recognition of these gifts by the body rather than from appointment to office. Appointments are made to other positions. Each member has duties to perform and responsibilities to meet, and the business of the organization is conducted in recognition of this equality of rank in the membership, with the further recognition of the special gifts.

3. There are no distinctions in the rights, privileges or responsibilities of the members because of sex.

4. The business of the organization is transacted in meetings, in which every member of the body has a right to participate.... ⁽¹⁹⁾

Membership

The Friends admit into membership all who make a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose lives testify to their union with Him, and who accept the doctrines of the Gospel as held by The Friends. The children of members are enrolled as Associate members. They are thus recognized, not because their birthright can of itself make them members of the body of Christ, for they can only become such by experiencing the new birth by the Holy Spirit, but because of the promises in the Holy Scriptures to believers and households, and the conviction that true Christians will so make their children the objects of living prayer, and will so instruct them in the Gospel and go with them to the Throne of Grace, that they will surrender their hearts to God in their youth, and early take a natural and living interest in the Church as they do in the family. Persons thus enrolled as Associate members shall be enrolled as Active members of the Church when they shall have made a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, and shall have accepted the doctrines of the Gospel as held by The Friends. If the member does not make such profession when he reaches matured years, his name may be dropped from the list of members, at the direction of the Monthly Meeting. Where but one parent is a member the children may be enrolled as Associate members upon the request of that parent and with the consent of the other. ⁽²⁰⁾

George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends

1. As I had forsaken all the priests, so I left the separate preachers also, and those called the most experienced people; for I saw there was none among them all that could speak to my condition. And when all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, nor could tell what to do, then, oh then, I heard a voice which said, `There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition', and when I heard it my heart did leap for joy. Then the Lord did let me see why there was none upon the earth that could speak to my condition, namely that I might give him all the glory; for all are concluded under sin, and shut up in unbelief as I had been, that Jesus Christ might have the pre-eminence who enlightens, and gives grace, and faith, and power. Thus, when God doth work, who shall let [hinder] it? And this I knew experimentally. ⁽²¹⁾

2. Now I was sent to turn people from darkness to the light that they might receive Christ Jesus, for to as many as should receive him in his light, I saw that he would give power to become the sons of God, which I had obtained by receiving Christ. And I was to direct people to the Spirit that gave forth the Scriptures, by which they might be led into all Truth, and so up to Christ and God, as they had been who gave them forth. And I was to turn them to the grace of God, and to the Truth in the heart, which came by Jesus.....I was to bring people off from all their own ways to Christ, the new and living way...to know the spirit of Truth in the inward parts, and to be led thereby, that in it they might worship the Father of spirits...making melody in their hearts to the Lord who hath sent his beloved Son to be their Saviour, and caused his heavenly sun to shine upon all the world, and through them all, and his heavenly rain to fall upon the just and the unjust (as his outward rain doth fall, and his outward sun doth shine on all), which is God's unspeakable love to the world. ⁽²²⁾

A Testimony of William Penn concerning the early Friends:

They were changed men themselves before they went about to change others. Their hearts were rent as well as their garments, and they knew the power and work of God upon them...And as they freely received what they had to say from the Lord, so they freely administered it to others. The bent and stress of their ministry was conversion to God, regeneration and holiness, not schemes of doctrines and verbal creeds or new forms of worship, but a leaving off in religion the superfluous and reducing the ceremonious and formal part, and pressing earnestly the substantial, the necessary and profitable part, as all upon a serious reflection must and do acknowledge. ⁽²³⁾

James Nayler

James Nayler's last words, spoken about two hours before his departure out of this life:

There is a spirit which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all temptations. As it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thoughts to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears it, for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God. Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love unfeigned; it takes its kingdom with entreaty and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life. It's conceived in sorrow, and brought forth without any to pity it, nor doth it murmur at grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but through sufferings; for with the world's joy it is murdered. I found it alone, being fosaken. I have fellowsihp therein with them who lived in dens and desolate places in the earth, who through death obtained this resurrection and eternal holy life.

Thou was with me when I fled from the face of mine enemies: then didst Thou warn me in the night: Thou carriedst me in Thy power into the hiding-place Thou hadst prepared for me: there Thou coveredst me with Thy Hand that in time Thou mightst bring me forth a rock before all the world. When I was weak Thou stayedst me with Thy Hand, that in Thy time Thou mightst present me to the world in Thy strength in which I stand, and cannot be moved. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Let this be written for those that come after. Praise the Lord. J.N. ⁽²⁴⁾

1. Minutes of the New York Yearly Meeting of Friends, 1888, p. 39

2. def. "religious belief emphasizing the powers of priests as essential mediators between God and mankind"

3. Here and in other places reference is made to the lack of outward observances among Friends of ordinances or sacraments. Friends have always held that baptism and communion are essentially inward experiences. The Religious Society of Friends developed in seventeenth century England at a time when the established church was spiritually bankrupt and the outward forms of religion were hollow. In reaction to the dead forms of religion, early Friends dispensed altogether with those forms. Clintondale Friends Church honors the principle of inward spiritual experience, dependent upon no outward form, while at the same time allowing the observance of water baptism and the Lord's Supper for those who so desire them.

4. While we accept the truth that baptism into the body of Christ is essentially spritual, and that the inward experience of the new birth can never be replaced by an outward observance or ceremony, nevertheless, we have come to a position of liberty regarding water baptism. On May 21, 1995 our church approved the following minute:

Water baptism will be allowed for those who have requested it and have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be at a time other than a regular worship service. A class or discussion with the person(s) requesting water baptism will be held prior to the event.

5. Recognizing that true communion is inward and must never be substituted with an outward form, Clintondale Friends Church approved the following minute on February 27, 1994:

Clintondale Monthly Meeting approves of allowing those members and attenders who feel led to observe the Lord's Supper, to do so at pre-scheduled times other than on Sunday morning during Meeting for Worship or Thursday evening during the mid-week worship service.

6. Marriage involves a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, sealed by the following vows from the Friends tradition: "In the presence of the Lord, and before these friends, I take thee [NAME] to be my wife (husband), promising, with divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband (wife) as long as we both shall live."

7. Faith and Practice, a Book of Christian Discipline, Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church, Approved July 1987. Edited slightly to fit Clintondale's situation.

8. Printed above in this document.

9. With the exception of Nominating and Budget Committees which are given in November.

10. It has been customary, when there is a change in Presiding Clerk of the Meeting, to appoint the immediate past Presiding Clerk to Ministry and Counsel.

11. See Article VII ORGANIZATION, Section A Members, 1 Full Members in By-Laws above.

12. See Article VII ORGANIZATION, Section A Members, 2 Associate Members in B-Laws above.

13. See sections on "Baptism" and "The Supper of the Lord" in the Richmond Declaration of Faith above.

14. Deuteronomy 19:15

15. A phrase often used by D. Elton Trueblood

16. London Yearly Meeting, 1925. In Christian faith and practice in the experience of the Society of Friends, ¶349

17. Uniform Discipline, New York Yearly Meeting 1901, p.7

18. Ibid., p. 18

19. Ibid., pp. 16-17

20. Ibid., pp. 17-18

21. George Fox's Journal, entry dated 1647, quoted in Christian faith and practice in the experience of the Society of Friends, ¶5

22. George Fox's Journal, dated 1638, Ibid., ¶10

23. William Penn's Preface to Fox's Journal (1694), Ibid., ¶16

24. Ibid., ¶25