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tion, First, By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practised; such as,-The taking of the name of God in vain; the profaning of the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling; drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in case of extreme necessity; the buying or selling of men, women, and children, with the intention to enslave them; fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling; the buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty; the giving or taking on usury, that is, unlawful interest; uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers; doing to others as we would not they should do unto us; doing what we know is not for the glory of God; as,-The putting on of gold or costly apparel; the taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus; the singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God; softness and needless self-indulgence; laying up treasure upon earth; borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.

32. It is expected of all who continue in these Societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Secondly, By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible, to all men: To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by

giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison: To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all we have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that "we are not to do good, unless our hearts are free to it." By doing good, especially to them who are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more because the world will love its own and them only: By all possible diligence and frugality, that the Gospel be not blamed: By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord's sake.

33. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these Societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such as,-The public worship of God; the ministry of the word, either read or expounded; the Supper of the Lord; family and private prayer; searching the Scriptures; fasting or abstinence.

34. These are the General Rules of our Societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observes them not, who habitually breaks any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul,

We will admonish him

as they who must give an account. of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.

35. NOTE: The General Rules are to be understood as forbidding neglect of duties of any kind, imprudent conduct, indulging in sinful tempers or words, the buying, selling or using intoxicating liquors as a beverage, dancing, playing at games of chance, encouraging lotteries, attending theatres, horse-races, circuses, dancing parties, patronizing dancing. schools, taking such other amusements as are obviously of a misleading or questionable moral tendency, and all acts of disobedience to the Order and Discipline of the Church.

SECTION III.
Baptism.

36. The proper subjects for baptism are infants, and believing adults who have not been baptized in infancy.

37. The mode of baptism is by sprinkling or pouring; but should any candidates for baptism prefer another mode, the officiating minister may comply with their request. Wherever practicable let the ordinance be administered in the public congregation. Let the minister, when receiv ing persons on trial for membership, particularly inquire whether they have been baptized, and if not, let that rite be administered as soon as practicable.

SECTION IV.

The Lord's Supper.

38. Let those persons that do not desire to receive the Lord's Supper kneeling receive it either sitting or standing.

39. Let no person who is not a member of our Church be habitually admitted to the Lord's Supper without examination, and some token given by the minister.

40. No person shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a member of our Church.

In the public administration of the Lord's Supper nonalcoholic wines shall be used wherever possible.

SECTION V.

On Marriage.

41. Members of our Church sometimes marry with careless, unawakened persons. This has produced bad effects; they have either been hindered for life, or have turned back to perdition. To discourage this practice let every minister enforce the Apostle's caution,-" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. vi. 14); and let them exhort all to take no step in so weighty a matter without earnest prayer to God and consultation with judicious Christian friends.

42. We do not prohibit our people from marrying persons who are not of our Church, provided such persons have the form and are seeking the power of godliness; but we are

determined to discourage their marrying persons who do not come up to this description.

43. In general, no young woman should marry without the consent, much less without the knowledge, of her parents or natural guardians. Nevertheless, there may be exceptional cases, as when they refuse to allow her to marry at all; or when they refuse to allow her to marry any Christian. But even in such cases she should seriously consult with those competent to give godly counsel.

SECTION VI.

On Dress.

44. While the New Testament gives no specific directions in regard to dress, yet its spirit is manifestly against the use of costly or gaudy apparel, and the wearing of needless ornaments; therefore, let all our ministers discourage in the Church whatever, in this respect, is contrary to Christian simplicity; and in order to do this, let them read the thoughts upon dress at least once a year, in every society where such counsels seem to be needed.

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