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 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 salva tion,

Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances 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 so. cieties: 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 observe 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. We have delivered our own souls.

SECTION III.

Relation of Baptized Children to the Church.

Quest. 1. Are all young children entitled to baptism?

Answ. We hold that all children, by virtue of the unconditional benefits of the

atonement, are members of the kingdom of God, and, therefore, graciously entitled to baptism; but as infant baptism contemplates a course of religious instruction and discipline, it is expected of all parents or guardians who present their children for baptism, that they use all diligence in bringing them up in conformity to the word of God, and they should be solemnly admonished of this obligation, and earnestly exhorted to faithfulness therein.

Quest. 2. What is the relation of baptized children to the Church?

Answ. We regard all children who have been baptized, as placed in visible covenant relation to God, and under the special care and supervision of the Church.

Quest. 3. What shall be done for the baptized children of our Church?

Answ. 1. The preacher in charge shall preserve a full and accurate register of the names of all the baptized children within his pastoral care; the dates of their birth, baptism, their parentage, and places of residence.

Answ. 2. As early as they shall be able to understand, let them be taught the nature, design, and obligations of their baptism, and the truths of religion necessary

to make them wise unto salvation; let them be encouraged to attend class, and to give regular attendance upon all the means of grace, according to their age, capacity, and religious experience.

Answ. 3. Whenever they shall have attained an age sufficient to understand the obligations of religion, and shall give evidence of a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins, their names shall be enrolled in the list of probationers; and if they shall continue to give evidence of a principle and habit of piety, they may be admitted into full membership in our Church, on the recommendation of a leader with whom they have met at least six months in class, by publicly assenting before the Church to the baptismal covenant, and also the usual questions on doctrines and discipline.

Answ. 4. Whenever a baptized child shall by orphanage, or otherwise, become deprived of Christian guardianship, the preacher in charge shall ascertain and report to the Leaders' Meeting the facts in the case; and such provision shall be made for the Christian training of the child, as the circumstances of the case admit and require.