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.

35. 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, and fasting or abstinence.

36. 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 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 IV.
Baptism.

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

38. II. The mode of baptism is by sprinkling or pouring; but should any candidate 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 receiving

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 V.

The Lord's Supper.

39. I. Let those persons who have scruples concerning the receiving of the Lord's Supper kneeling, be permitted to receive it either standing or sitting.

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

41. III. 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.

SECTION VI.

On Marriage.

42. 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 steps in so weighty a matter, without earnest prayer to God, and consultation with judicious christian friends.

43. We do not prohibit onr 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.

44. 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 VII.

On Dress.

45. 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.

CHAPTER II.

THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHURCH.

SECTION I.

Of Receiving Members into the Church.

46. In order to prevent improper persons from insinuating themselves into the Church

I. Let no one be received into the Church until such person has been at least three months on trial, and has been recommended by the Leaders' Meeting, or where no such meeting is held, by the Leader. Members in connection with any other body of Methodists, or other Evangelical Churches, who make application for admission into our Church, may be received by the Superintendent of the Circuit or Mission as members, without the usual term of probation.

47. II. Let none be admitted on trial, nor receive tickets, but those who are recommended by one you know, or until they have met three or four times in class.

48. III. Read the Rules to them the first time they

meet.

SECTION II.

Of the Relation of Baptized Children to the Church.

49. 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.

50. 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; therefore, let every Superintendent urge upon all parents, in his congregation, the duty and importance of presenting their children to God in the ordinance of baptism.

51. As soon as the children shall have attained an age sufficient 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 our Catechisms be placed in their hands, and let all who can, read and commit the same to memory; 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. Pray earnestly for them, and talk with them at every suitable opportunity.

52. As far as practicable, it shall be the duty of every Superintendent to obtain the names of the children of his congregation, to form them into classes for the purpose of