It is concluded, agreed, and assented unto, by Friends then present, that for the better ordering, managing, and regulating of the public affairs of Friends relating to the Truth and the service thereof, there be a General Meeting of Friends held at London, once a year, in the week called Whitsun-week, to consist of six Friends for the city of London, three for the city of Bristol, two for the town of Colchester, and one or two from each and every of the counties of England and Wales respectively [So far only printed in Book of Epistles.] That the Quarterly Meetings in London, Bristol, Colchester, and all and every the counties of England and Wales respectively, at their Quarterly Meetings immediately preceding the said week called Whitsun-week in every year, do take care to nominate and appoint the number of Friends aforesaid, to be present at the General Meeting aforesaid; there to advise about the managing of the public affairs of Friends throughout the nation. That the Friends so to be chosen for the purpose {Page 327} aforesaid, be desired to be at London by the Second day night of the Whitsun-week, so called, in every year at furthest. And upon their arrival there, the six Friends for the city of London, together with competent number of the other Friends of the country, may then examine and appoint the time and place for the then meeting of the said Greneral Meeting, sometime in the said week, called Whitsun-week in every year accordingly, until further order be taken therein. That as many Friends that labour in the Truth, as have freedom thereunto, may be present at the said General Meeting: that all others, except such as are nominated, appointed, and chosen, be desired to forbear to come to the said General Meeting, except such Friends as they, when met together, shall see meet to admit.
That copies hereof be sent to the respective Quarterly Meetings throughout England and Wales, for their better regulation in the matter.
Dear Friends and Brethren,
IN that universal love, wherein we are mutually concerned in the service of Truth and one another, do we dearly salute you; and therein do signify unto you, that upon consideration had, of the public charge relating to Friends and Truth, at a General Meeting for the city and country, held this day at this place, it was found of absolute necessity, that a public collection be again made amongst Friends, in the several counties throughout England and Wales. for the management of Truth’s affairs particularly for Friends supply who are called into the service of the Lord beyond seas; and for books that are disposed of and given away for the public {Page 328} service, to the chief rulers and others concerned: as likewise considerable charge hath been, and may be, for packets of letters, together with accounts of Friends general sufferings, with the charge of recording and often transcribing the same. Friends of London having made it appear, that for several years past, they have laid out near one hundred pounds a rear upon these general services aforesaid, (besides that of the service beyond seas, ) which do equally concern [Friends] in the country, as well as in the city, to bear, especially for the future. Wherefore we desire you that are concerned in the Quarterly Meetings, to take care that a collection be made accordingly in your county, for the intent and purpose afore-mentioned; and sent up, with as much convenient expedition as may be, to the hands of Gerrard Roberts, Gilbert Latye, Edward Man, John Nelson, Arthur Cooke, or any one of them.
So not doubting your care herein, for the Truth’ s sake, desiring that Friends may be open-hearted cheerful, diligent therein, as God hath blessed and prospered them; we remain your faithful Friends and brethren.
Signed in the name and by the appointment of the said General Meeting,
George Whitehead, Francis Rogers, Alexander Parker, John Crook, John Whitehead, William Welch, Thomas Grouldney, Stephen Crisp.
Devonshire House, London, 29th of 3rd month, 1672.
[Source: Letters, &c., of Early Friends; Illustrative of the History of the Society, From Nearly it’s Origin, to about the Period of George Fox’s Decease; with Documents Respecting It’s Early Discipline, also Epistles of Counsel and Exhortation, &c. London: Harvey And Dayton, Gracechurch Street, 1841 pages 326-328]
- The first part only of this minute is printed, as the introductory article in the volume of the Epistles of the early Meeting in London, 8vo. This copy is taken from one of the circulars issued on the occasion.↩
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