Queries and Advices - 7th through 9th Month (Jul through Sep)
Third Section: To what extent is our personal life in accord with Quaker principles?​
Seventh Month: Self-Discipline and Responsibility
QUERIES
  • Do we attend meeting for worship regularly and punctually?
  • Do we participate in meeting for worship with a concern for business and support it financially and with personal service according to our resources and abilities?
  • Are we conscientious in fulfilling all obligations of state and society that are not contrary to our religious convictions?
  • Are we punctual in keeping promises, just in payment of debts, and honorable in all our dealings?
  • Do we choose recreations that strengthen our physical, mental, and spiritual life, avoiding those that may hinder others, our Earth, and ourselves?
  • Do we act responsibly concerning substances and behaviors that can become addictive?
ADVICES
  • Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in our hearts, which are the leadings of God.
  • Bring the whole of our life under the healing and ordering of the Holy Spirit, remembering that there is no time but this present.
  • When tempted to do wrong or to despair, call upon God with an open heart, confessing our weaknesses and our needs.
  • Be mindful at all times of our connection with the Divine and others–avoid substances, behaviors, and activities which diminish this connection.
  • Be aware of the ill effects of mind-altering or habit-forming drugs, intoxicants, gambling, and other detrimental practices.
  • Choose recreations that increase our vitality, self awareness, and peace of mind and strengthen our will to create what is good.
  • Make thoughtful use of our time.
  • Guard ourselves and our children in our choice of print, electronic media, and other entertainments. Avoid those that promote violence and disrespect for human beings.
  • Friends, strive to be courteous and responsible while driving.
Eighth Month: Personal Integrity and Right Action
QUERIES
  • Do we keep to simplicity and moderation in speech, manner of living, and vocation?
  • Do we make time in our day for silence, solitude, spiritual reflection, and the growth of our inner life?
  • Do we remind ourselves each day of our connections with people, other creatures, and all that sustains life?
  • Are we ready to live in the Spirit that heals estrangements that may arise from resentment, nagging fears, and alienation from others?
  • Do we listen to others, even beyond words, being sensitive to their personal needs and difficulties?
  • Are we free from the use of judicial oaths, thus affirming that our statement is only part of our usual integrity of speech?
  • Do we regard our possessions as given to us in trust, and do we part with them freely for the needs of others?
  • Are we careful to keep our jobs and social activities from absorbing time and energy that need to be given to spiritual growth and service to others?
  • Do we stay tender and open to the leadings of the Spirit?
ADVICES
  • Use our capabilities and possessions as God’s gifts entrusted to us to share with others in humility, courtesy, and affection.
  • Accept and encourage the creativity in others.
  • When we have a choice of employment, choose that which gives the fullest opportunity for the use of our talents in the service of others.
  • Be willing to seek and be faithful to God’s will.
  • Remember that we are all one in God.
Ninth Month: Witness
QUERIES
  • Do our lives reflect Quaker testimonies?
  • Are we open and responsive to continuing revelation, and do we incorporate it into our spiritual life?
  • Is our Quaker witness characterized by humility and a willingness to learn from others?
  • Do we recognize that the Spirit works in the world through us?
  • Does our witness lead us to the condition in which we “walk cheerfully over the earth answering that of God in everyone”?
  • Do we as a meeting try to share in the religious life of our wider community, availing ourselves of opportunities for worship and service with other local religious groups?
ADVICES
  • Strive to keep true to the testimonies of integrity and simplicity.
  • Try to keep before us the essential truths, and test our life by them.
  • Endeavor to make our lives consistent with the high principles we profess. This involves the often-difficult discernment not only between good and evil but also between the better and the best.
  • Live adventurously. Let not failure discourage us.
  • Witness so that others can perceive the presence of God within us.
  • Be as good as people think you are. E. St. John (Jack) Catchpool
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