Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Ernst Pfeiffer in The Hague, Holland. In response to Pfeiffer’s question regarding “coming of age” laws in America, Pendleton writes, “There are no ‘American’ laws on the subject of the coming of age of citizens. Each state has its own laws. In Pennsylvania we have the same law as that in Holland, and I think it is the same in the most of the states of the Union. However, common perception, as in the matter of marriage, recognizes the fact that women mature mentally and physically, sooner than men. The Writings indicate that this difference is about three years. . . On this our Church custom of regarding women of eighteen years as adult is based.” Regarding funds for the poor, Pendleton responds that the General Church does not have a fund for this purpose, although it does have a fund for assisting poor orphans. He comments, “I can see no inherent reason why the idea assisting orphans should not be enlarged to take in others of the Church who are in great need. I would certainly advise the acceptance of the gift of which you speak.” Pendleton regrets that the layman Pfeiffer suggested to represent The Hague Society on the Executive Committee has not been a member of the Church long enough to qualify. However, the Committee will try to keep a place open for him until he does.