of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
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ADVICES
AND
QUERIES
AND
QUERIES
- From earliest days, Friends have cherished the value of simplicity. Simplicity shows itself in sincerity. It results in a life and speech of integrity, free of sham and artificiality, unencumbered by unnecessary things and excessive activity. It implies freedom from harmful habits and addictions. Christian simplicity is one of the fruits of a primary commitment to the Spirit of God. Writing of simplicity, Thomas Kelly reminds us: "Life is meant to be lived from a center, a divine Center -- a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene. It takes no time, but it occupies all our time."
- Do we center
our lives in an awareness of the
presence of God so that
all things take their rightful place?
- Do we keep
our lives uncluttered with things and
activities, and avoid commitments
beyond our strength and light. Is the life of our Meeting so ordered
that
it helps us to simplicity in our lives? Do we offer our individual
lives
so as to nourish our spiritual growth?
- Are our
lives so filled by the Spirit that we are
free of the use of tobacco,
alcohol, and other drugs and of excesses of any kind? Do we choose
recreations
which strengthen our physical, mental and spiritual lives and avoid
those
which may prove harmful to ourselves and others?
- Do we keep to a single standard of truth, so that we are free from the use of judicial and other oaths? Are we punctual in keeping promises, prompt in the payment of debts, and just and honorable in all our dealings? Do we refrain from betting and gambling and from practices based on the principles of gambling? Do we keep to simplicity, moderation and honesty in our speech, our manner of living and daily work?
From
Claremont Monthly Meeting