Puslapio vaizdai
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4. Not to mention the fault of any behind his back, and to stop those short that do.

5. To wear no needless ornaments, such as rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace, ruffles.

6. To use no needless, self-indulgence. II. Zealously to maintain good works: in particular,

1. To give alms of sach things as you possess, and that according to your ability.

2. To reprove those who sin in your sight, and that in love and meekness of wisdom.

3. To be patterns of diligence and frugality, of self-denial, and taking up the cross daily.

III. Constantly to attend on all the ordinances of God: in particular,

1. To be at church, and at the Lord's table, and at every public mecting of the bands, at every opportunity.

2. To use private prayer every day; and family prayer, if you are the head of a family.

3. Frequently to read the scrip tures, and meditate thereon. And, 4. To observe, as days of fasting or abstinence, all Fridays in the year.

SECTION IV.

Of the privileges granted to serious persons who are not of our society. Quest. 1. How often shall we permit those who are not of our society to meet in class or society?

Answ. At every other meeting of the society in every place, let no stranger be admitted. At other times they may; but the same person not above twice or thrice.

Quest. 2. How often shall we permit strangers to be present at our love feasts?

Answ. Let them be admitted with the utmost caution; and the same person on no account above twice or thrice, unless he become a member.

SECTION V.

Of Marriage.
Quest. 1. Do we observe any evi

which has prevailed among our societies with respect to marriage?

Answ. Many of our members have married with unawakened persons. This has produced bad effects; they have been either hindered for life, or have turned back to perdition.

Quest. 2. What can be done to discourage this?

Answ. 1. Let every preacher publicly enforce the apostle's caution, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." 2 Cor. vi. 14.

2. Let him declare, whoever does this, will be put back on trial six months.

3. When any such is put back on trial, let, a suitable exhortation be subjoined.

4. Let all be exhorted to take no step in so weighty a matter, without advising with the most serious of their brethren.

Quest. 3. Ought any woman to marry without the consent of her parents?

Answ. In general she ought not. Yet there may be exceptions. For if, 1. A woman believe it to be her duty to marry: If, 2. Her parents absolutely refuse to let her marry any christian: then she may, nay, ought to marry without their consent. Yet even then a Methodist preacher ought not to be married to her.

We do not prohibit our people from marrying persons who are not of our society, 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. And even in a doubtful case, the member shall be put back on trial.

SECTION VI.

Of Dress.

Quest. Should we insist on the rules concerning dress?

Answ. By all means. This is no time to give any encouragement to superfluity of apparel. Therefore, give no tickets to any, till they have left off superfluous ornaments. In order to this, 1, Let every one who has the charge of a circuit, read the Thoughts upon Dress, at least once a year in every large society. 2. In visiting the classes, be very mild, but very strict. 3. Allow of no exempt eases: Better one suffer than many. 4. Give no tickets to any that wear high heads, enormous bonnets, ruf. kes, or rings..

SECTION VII.

of bringing to Trial, finding Guilty,. and reproving, suspending, or excluding disorderly Persons from Society and Church privileges. Quest. How shall an accused member be brought to trial?

Answ. 1. Before the society of which he is a member, or a select number of them, in the presence of a biskop, elder, deacon, or preacher, in the following manner: Let the accused and accuser be brought face to face; but if this cannot be done,. let the next best evidence be procured. If the accused person be found guilty by the decision of a majorityof the members before whom he is

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