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Wills
WILLS
Knowing how quickly many are removed by death, it is weightily
recommended, that care be taken by each monthly meeting, that Friends
who have estates to dispose of, be advised to make their wills in time
of health, and strength of judgment, and therein to direct their
substance as in justice and wisdom may be to their satisfaction and
peace; laying aside all resentment, though occasion may have been given,
lest it should go with them to the grave; remembering we all stand in
need of mercy and forgiveness. Making such wills in due time can
shorten no one's days, but the omission, or delay thereof to a time of
sickness, when the mind should not be diverted from a solemn consideration
of the approaching awful period of life, has often proved very injurious
to many, and been the occasion of creating animosities in families,
which the seasonable performance of this necessary duty might have
effectually prevented. -- 1691, 1703.
Friends are earnestly recommended to employ persons skilful in the
law, and of good repute, to make their wills, as great inconvenience and
loss, and sometimes the ruin of families have happened through the
unskilfulness of some who have taken upon them to write wills, being
unqualified to act in a matter of such importance. And all Friends who
may become executors or administrators are advised to make a full, clear
and perfect inventory of the estate and effects of the deceased, early
after the interment, as many difficulties and disputes have arisen, and
sometimes injustice been done for want of it, or by deferring it too
long. -- 1782, 1801.