GLOSSARY

Quaker - Unofficial name of the Religious Society of Friends. It
is of uncertain origin, and was originally used in derision.

Elder - Elders originally were appointed for life. Their purpose
was to foster the spiritual life of the Meeting and of the individual's
behavior and expression of his or her concerns.

Ministers - Ministers have been those recognized and "recorded" by
a Monthly Meeting as having a special gift for the ministry.

Overseers - Overseers had particular care of the membership. They
also suggested answers to the Queries to be sent from the Monthly
Meeting to the Quarterly Meeting.

Worship Group - A group concerned to worship after the manner of
Friends.

Preparative Meeting - Meeting formed through the development of a
worship group, under the care of a Monthly Meeting.

The Inner Light - This refers to the presence of God in our hearts
and lives, a reality which guides and directs us, which gives us
strength to act on this guidance, and which brings us into unity
with the Spirit of God. Also called "The Inward Light," "The
Light Within," "The Christ Within," and "The Holy Spirit".

That of God in everyone - An expression used by George Fox:
"... answering to that of God in everyone". (Also see Inner Light.)

To center down - An endeavor to direct our conscious thought and
open our minds, in order that we may hear God speak to us directly.

The plain language - This refers to the use of "thee, thy, and
thine" by Friends. The plain language bears witness to the testimony
of early Friends for democracy and equality. Three hundred
years ago class distinctions were expressed by the use of the
plural pronoun "you" when addressing those considered as one's
superiors, and the singular pronoun "thee" was used when addressing
those considered as one's equals or inferiors. The followers
of George Fox refused to recognize such distinctions; they said
"thee" to everyone and thus brought on themselves much persecution
which the use of "you" might have spared them. It was their concern
that their language should place all people on the same
level. (It is ungrammatical to say "thee is," but it became
established usage. Honorary titles were omitted.

Because the months and days were named for heathen gods, goddesses
and emperors, Friends preferred to use "First-day," "Second-day,"
and also "First Month," "Second Month," etc.

To proceed as way opens - This means to wait for guidance, to
avoid hasty judgment or action, to wait for future circumstances
to help solve a problem. The spiritual guidance which may come
is referred to as a "leading." Leadings may come in a time of
seeking or entirely unexpectedly, bringing suggestions for
previously unforeseen action.

Leading - See To proceed as way opens.

Opening - See To proceed as way opens.

Continuing revelation - The belief that God still speaks to people
directly. George Fox advised us to "live in the life and power of
those who gave forth the Scriptures."

Testimonies - Friends' beliefs are reflected in what are called
testimonies. Some of these are simplicity, honesty, temperance in
all things, waiting for divine guidance, peace as opposed to war,
"affirmation" instead of "swearing" in court, the worth of each
individual regardless of race, sex or religion.

Clearness - In proposed marriage, a committee of Friend is
appointed to determine the "clearness" of the people intending
marriage--from from conflicting obligations. It also refers to
any project the Meeting feels it should undertake.

Concern - A concern, whether of an individual or a Meeting,
implies a deep interest in some spiritual or social matter, an
interest so deep and vigorous that it often moves to action.

The sense of the Meeting - The collective judgment of the Meeting
for Business. This is gathered and expressed by the Clerk for the
approval of the Meeting. No vote is taken. (See pages 20 and
21, Qualifications and Responsibilities of a Clerk.)

To speak to one's condition - This refers to the experience of
receiving a message directly from God or from another person, which
ehlpe one solve a problem or make a right decision. The phrase
originated with George Fox, who felt, "There is one, even Christ
Jesus, that can speak to thy condition."

The gathered Meeting - A phrase to describe those special
occasions when the Friends' Meeting attains a more than usual sense
of divine presence, which touches the hearts of all worshipers and
unites them in a common experience of holy fellowship.

Unprogrammed Meeting - These are sometimes referred to as "silent
Meetings," although they never were intended to be, and rarely
are, conducted in complete silence. There is no pastor in charge.
The gathered Friends sit in silence, waiting upon God and "leadings
of the Spirit." (See page 19, The Meeting for Worship.)

Exercises - Vocal ministry and prayer in a Meeting for Worship and
Business.

Birthright members - Friends born of Quaker families, registered
at birth.

Convinced Friends - Friends admitted to membership on their own
request.

Meeting for Sufferings - The executive committee for the Society
of Friends in England. (See page 1, Summary of Quaker History.)

Marrying out of Meeting - Marrying a person who might be a member
of a different church, or of a different branch of Friends.

Disownment - Termination of membership by action of the Monthly
Meeting.