1735 QUAKER MSs. On the Sinfulness of Gravestones. Early Quaker Discipline.

A fascinating little manuscript dating from between 1735 and perhaps the late 1740's. Contained in a very fine, bespoke 16mo single signature sewn pamphlet, it consists of two parts:

1. A brief account of some of the books held by the Providence Meeting [Society of Friends], including Robert Barclay, New England Judged by George Bishoip, works by Richard Davis, John Woolman, John Jeffrey, and John Rutty. This occupies just 1.25pp.

2. A six-page manuscript history of the judgments of the Quaker Books of Discipline, dating from 1706 through to 1735, entirely on the subject of the use of gravestones. The present appears to have originally been the property of the Providence Meeting House, and would therefore likely have been drawn up to address an updated concern on the issue during the late 1730's or 1740's. 

There also appear to be local notes of compliance and/or non-compliance.

1706. This meeting do give it as their Sense & Judgment that it is altogether wrong and of an evil Tendency to leave any Grave Stones or any other Sort of Monuments, over or about the Graves in any of Friends Burying Grounds: and further that these Monuments are already in the Burying Grounds; either of Wood or Stone, shall be taken aay, and no new put up, but to be as sparing as Friends well can respecting those who were not Friends, & put before the burying Ground was solely confined to Friends.

1717. The same Advice repeated with this Addition, that each Monthly Meeting take particular Care that those Things may be taken out of the Way and if any particular Friend or Friends oppose it, he or she should be dealt with as disorderly persons.

1708. Report was made that the above Advice was complied with and it was further Advised that nothing of that Nature be introduced amongst us for the future.

1729. Tho it was the early Care of Friends to advise & Caution against the Vanity and Superstition of erecting Monuments and entombing the dead with singular notes or marks of distinction, which is but worldly Pomp and Grandeur; for no Encomium; nor pompous Interments add Worth to the deceased, yet some professing with us, having set up Tomb or Grave Stones in some burying Grounds, which coming under our Notice brought a Concern on this Meeting to advise against them; and the Monthly Meetings whereunto such burying Grounds belong, are desired to take Care to put a Stop thereto according to the direction of this Meeting given by a Minute on this Occasion, Viz.

The texts then become rather more extreme, threatening discipline, charging those who continue in the practice to examine themselves and see what manner of spirit they are of, etc. 

A bit handled, but complete with no losses.