going to law with brother; returning evi for evil; or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.

The buying or selling goods that have not pail the duty.

The giving or taking things on usury, i. e. 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 and 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.

(5) 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 be free to it.”

By doing good, especially to them that 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 up 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.

(6) 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 ordi nances of God: such are,

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, and
Fasting or abstinence.

(7) These are the general rules of our societies all 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 ob serve them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul, as they who must give an account. We will admonish him 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.

delivered our own souls.

We have

SECTION II.

Of Receiving Members into the Church.

Quest. 1. How shall we prevent improper persons from insinuating themselves into the Church?

Answ. 1. Let none be received into the Church until they are recommended by a leader with whom they have met at least six monthɛ on trial, and have been baptized; and shall on examination by the minister in charge, before the Church, give satisfactory assurances both of the correctness of their faith, and their willingness to observe and keep the rules of the Church. Nevertheless, if a member in good standing in any other orthodox Church shall desire to unite with us, such applicant may, by giving satisfactory answers to the usual

inquiries, be received at once into full fellowship.

2. Let none be admitted on trial, except they are well recommended by one you know, or until they have met twice or thrice in class.

3. Read the rules to them the first time they meet.

Quest. 2. How shall we be more exact in receiving and excluding members?

Answ. The official minister or preacher shall, at every quarterly meeting, read the names of those that are received into the Church, and also those that are excluded therefrom.

CHAPTER III.

OF THE CONFERENCES.

SECTION I.

Of our Deportment at the Conferences. Ir is desired that all things be considered on these occasions as in the immediate presence of God: that every person speak freely whatever is in his heart.

Quest. How may we best improve our time at the conferences?

Answ. 1. While we are conversing, let us have an especial care to set God always before us.

2. In the intermediate hours, let us redeem all the time we can for private exercises.

3. Therein let us give ourselves to prayer for one another, and for a blessing on our labor.

SECTION II.

Of the General Conference.

Quest. Who shall compose the General Conference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it?

Answ. 1. The General Conference shall be composed of one member for every twenty-one members of each annual con ference, to be appointed either by seniority or choice, at the discretion of such annual conference: yet so that such representatives shall have travelled at least four full calendar years from the time that they were received on trial by an annual conference, and are in full connextion at the time of holding the conference.

2. The General Conference shall meet on the first day of May, in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city of New-York, and thenceforward on the first day of May once in four years perpetually, in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference from time to time: but the ge neral superintendents, with or by the advice of all the annual conferences, or if there be no general superintendent, all the annual conferences respectively, shall have power to call a General Conference, if they judge it necessary, at any time.

3. At all times when the General Conference is met, it shall take two-thirds of the