ers of Christ are ever to be distinguished, we tenderly desire that it inay be always preserved among us, and that every thing which tends to rob us of it be carefully shunned; for without it, however earnest our zeal for the cause of truth in other respects may appear, formality will take place of the substance, and the life and power of true religion be withdrawn. Let every one therefore watch over his own heart, and often examine whether he therein finds love to God and to the brethren his motive to action on all occasions, but more especially when we meet together for Divine worship and the support of the Discipline.

Let a spirit of love and humility more and more diffuse itself among us, and influence the hearts of all; thus every one will be engaged to seek peace, and none be apt to take offence; but each in his

CHARITY AND UNITY.

7

own particular be more careful to rectify his own failings and imperfections than curious in observing, censuring and aggravating those of others.

Dear Friends seek peace and pursue it. Ye are called to love. O that the smallest germ of enmity might be eradicated from our inclosure! And verily there is a soil in which it cannot live, but naturally withers and dies. This soil is christian humility: a state highly becoming and indispensable for a being who depends continually on the favours of his Lord; a state in which of all others he can most acceptably approach his presence; and a state which naturally conducts frail man to love and compassion, for the companions of his frailty, and poverty, yet his fellow partakers of the offered riches of the Gospel.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

A fervent concern prevailing for the preservation of our members in a faithful maintenance of our religious testimonies, it is desired that all may be drawn to deep inward watchfulness against every presentation either for acquiring gain by trade and commerce dependent on war, or the attainment of worldly honour in accepting of posts or offices in civil government, which often expose to the violation of divers testimonies, particularly that respecting oaths.

It is earnestly desired and recommended that the members of our religious so

ciety may maintain aninoffensive, circumspect demeanour towards all men, manifesting in their lives and conversation a subjection to the peaceable spirit of Christ, which will preserve from giving just occasion of offence to any, and from being betrayed into those heats and controversies which frequently prevail respecting the policies and governments of this world: for as we are called to shew forth in life and practice our belief that the peaceful reign of the Messiah is begun in the earth and will advance to its designed completion, when according to the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,” we cannot be concerned in any combinations of a hostile nature, nor oppose those under whose outward government we are providentially placed; nor can we unite with

or encourage such as revile or asperse them but remembering that the Lord ruleth over the kingdoms of men, we should patiently resign to the dispensations of his wisdom and power, and seek to be endued with the spirit of prayer and supplication for all men, that we may be permitted to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (as said the apostle) is good and acceptable

"For this

in the sight of God our Saviour."