discipline in practice against such offenders and when papers of acknowledgment and condemnation are offered, such meetings should be well assured that they proceed from a true ground of sincerity and conviction in the party, manifested by a consistency in life and conversation.

And it is advised, that in the accomplishment of marriage, all Friends, particularly those in affluent circumstances, be careful to set a becoming and encouraging example of moderation, that all unnecessarily expensive entertainments and large companies be avoided, and an especial guard maintained against inviting such as guests who are unlikely to conform to the order of our religious society; and that all the marriages amongst us be accomplished decently, gravely and weightily that the parties themselves, their parents and other Friends present,

do take care that no occasion of offence or reproach be given, by any intemperate or immoderate eating or drinking, or by any unseemly or rude discourse or actions; but that all behave with such sobriety as becomes a people fearing God.

MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP.

WE exhort all to a christian exercise and zeal in the performance of worship to Almighty God; and as we are not capable in our own strength to perform this great duty, we recommend to a diligent waiting in true silence and retirement of mind, for the renewed sense of the inward power and virtue of his spirit, whereby we shall be qualified to worship him in an acceptable manner.

Let our faithfulness and sincerity herein appear, by the humility, meekness and circumspection of our lives and conver

sation, adorning the doctrines and principles of truth, as they were declared by Christ and his apostles; those who have been preserved in faithfulness therein, having to testify from living experience, that it hath been very profitable, and therefore cannot be easy without encouraging and putting forward their children, apprentices and servants to this religious duty, as well as to other behaviour suitable thereunto.

And it is advised, that such of our members as come late to meetings, or fall asleep when there, or are restless, or do not stay in the meeting, but go forth unnecessarily, or otherwise demean themselves unbecoming our holy profession on those solemn occasions, be tenderly and seasonably admonished.

Let not the smallness of numbers dis

courage you from constantly attending

our religious meetings, inasmuch as the words of Christ remain unchangeably true and steadfast; "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." And with respect to temporal concerns, there are many witnesses to the verifying of his gracious promise, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." But when remissness and neglect of attending meetings for worship have prevailed, it hath been often an inlet to such undue liberties as truth and its guidance do not admit of.

- When gathered in our religious assemblies, let us be truly concerned to watch against every thought and imagination which have the least tendency to divert the mind from simplicity of desire after the Father of spirits, and Fountain of all