The Testimony of the Society of Friends on the Continent of America (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916. Excerpt: ... THE TESTIMONY, &c. THE General Committee, appointed by the several Yearly Meetings of Friends on the American Continent, having met to take into consideration the important interests and common welfare of the Society, and been brought into exercise under a sense of the peculiar trials in which we are involved, have felt a united engagement for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness, in the earth. Our worthy predecessors, when first gathered to be a people, were enabled to hold up to the world a clear testimony to the doctrines of the Gospel, and to illustrate their excellence by a practical application of them to their lives and conversations. Thus they became preachers of righteousness and shining examples of the Christian virtues. The spirit of intolerance which unhappily prevailed in that day, subjected them to much cruel persecution. But, supported by Divine power, they boldly maintained the doctrines they were called to proclaim; and neither the hostility, nor the friendships or favors of the world, could drive them from their profession, or drazv them into any compromise of principle. Knowing that the doctrines of the Gospel have been revealed to be believed, and thus to influence the feelings and conduct of men--like the primitive believers, they preached those doctrines with a boldness proportioned to their importance, and tested the firmness of their faith through deep sufferings. The demonstration of the Spirit and power accompanying their ministry, and the uprightness and purity of their lives, had a reaching influence on those around them--their numbers were increased, and relief from persecution, in a great measure, was finally obtained. But in the enjoyment of ease, many of the successors of those faithful standard-bearers, no...