In the men’s meeting, and it is the same in the women’s, the names of the deputies beforementioned, are first entered in a book, for, until this act takes place, the meeting for discipline is not considered to be constituted.

The minutes of the last monthly meeting are then generally read, by which it is seen if any business of the society was left unfinished.  Should any thing occur of this sort, it becomes the [23]first object to be considered and dispatched.

[Footnote 23:  The London monthly meetings begin differently from those in the country.]

The new business, in which the deputies were said to have been previously instructed by the congregations which they represented comes on.  This business may be of various sorts.  One part of it uniformly relates to the poor.  The wants of these are provided for, and the education of their children taken care of, at this meeting.  Presentations of marriages are received, and births, marriages, and funerals are registered.  If disorderly members, after long and repeated admonitions, should have given no hopes of amendment, their case is first publicly cognizable in this court.  Committees are appointed to visit, advise, and try to reclaim them.  Persons, reclaimed by these visitations, are restored to membership, after having been well reported of by the parties deputed to visit them.  The fitness of persons, applying for membership, from other societies, is examined here.  Answers also are prepared to the [24]queries at the proper time.  Instructions also are given, if necessary, to particular meetings, suited to the exigencies of their cases; and certificates are granted to members on various occasions.

[Footnote 24:  These queries will be explained in the next chapter.]

In transacting this, and other business of the society, all members present we allowed to speak.  The poorest man in the meeting-house, though he may be receiving charitable contributions at the time, is entitled to deliver his sentiments upon any point.  He may bring forward new matter.  He may approve or object to what others have proposed before him.  No person may interrupt him, while he speaks.  The youth, who are sitting by, are gaining a knowledge of the affairs and discipline of the society, and are gradually acquiring sentiments and habits, that are to mark their character in life.  They learn, in the first place, the duty of a benevolent and respectful consideration for the poor.  In hearing the different cases argued and discussed, they learn, in some measure, the rudiments of justice, and imbibe opinions of the necessity of moral conduct.  In these courts they learn to reason.  They learn also to hear others patiently, and without interruption, and to transact business, that may come before them in maturer years with regularity and order.