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obliged to subscribe if they remained in connexion. But where the light of Christ is regarded as the only sufficient guide, though order and propriety will be required, and even rules be entered into, yet all will harmonize with the evidence of his own blessed spirit, in the souls of men. Under a church government thus founded in the wisdom of God, and standing in connexion with the preservation of the souls of men, no conscientious ground of dissent can exist, while the members of the church are preserved upon the right foundation and therefore, if any prove unfaithful, and are overtaken in a fault, those who are spiritually minded will be concerned to restore such; and their labours being in the spirit of meekness and love, and having nothing in them that will kindle opposition, the offending brother, it may be expected, will confess his fault, and return to the unity of the church. But if after such brotherly entreaty, and without foundation for objection against the rule of the church, he remains on the offending ground, then the unavoidable consequence must be, that he will number among the transgressors; and in his obstinacy be separated from the unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace. To all

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such, there is given the fruit of their own doings; and while they shut out the light, and foster a spirit of opposition, they cannot partake of the consolations of the faithful, but are bound in heaven and on earth; and in the fetters of darkness they must remain until they are willing to cease from the spirit of opposition, and walk in the light of the son of God. Much more might be said on the ground and principle of church government; but the foregoing may serve to give the reader a view of our profession in the case, and to convince him that they who are turbulent and opposing, cannot at the same time be members of the church of Christ.

CONCLUDING ADDRESS TO THE READER, ES

PECIALLY TO MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY

OF FRIENDS.

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THE foregoing I have written in consequence of a belief, that many in the society of Friends are too little acquainted with the nature of our profession; also, with a prospect that strangers might be informed, without much reading, what we believe, and not be left to form opinions of the society from the reports they may hear, or from the ministry alone. Because, in either case, the means for a correct judgment would be insufficient. From the labours of those en-, gaged in the ministry, it would not be reasonable to expect a minute explanation of the doctrine of Friends in each particular case. Their service is much more frequently to speak to the states of the people, and to call home the mind to the light of Christ within, than to, offer extensive doctrinal testimony. It may bo thought by some, that the society have already a sufficient number of explanatory treatises, and that any thing further is unnecessary. But I believe that on deliberate examination, this

will not be found to be the case, though there are many valuable works extant. I feel particularly concerned that the rising generation may be drawn off from the deceptive glitter of the world, and that early attention may be given to their religious improvement. In consequence of this concern, my thoughts have been often exercised. In the course whereof, I have been led to take into view some of the disadvantages under which they labour; and it. has appeared to me, that the young and tender minds of children are often injured for want of proper religious weight in parents. Early in life, their attention is open to observe the conduct of parents; and if they see there is want of regularity, that parents are sometimes amiable and pleasant, and at others fretful and illnatured, this tends to produce difficulty to them, and they are at a loss to know how to conduct, so as to obtain approbation. But if, as they advance in years, the shepherd of souls should visit their tender minds by the word of his grace, which I have no doubt is the case at a much earlier period than many are aware of, they should then find that their parents were not subject to the divine principle, it must be a cause of stumbling, and thus the mind may be

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retarded in its progress from earth to heaven, The dispensations of divine love which are shed over the young minds, lead into love and affection for all around them; and when they are in this precious state, how must they be shocked, if for some trivial act, which may be the effect of want of judgment, they should be addressed in passion. And yet this is what all parents of children are liable to, unless they are themselves brought under the divine go vernment. That I have seen that while it is a beautiful and interesting task, it is a very im portant one, to educate and bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; nor do I believe that any can perform this duty as they ought to do, who are not subject to the light of Christ. And I have often thought,. that if parents were more heavenly minded, their children would be less hardy, and more passive to them and among their friends, than. is the case with many in, our day. The truly awakened and dedicated mind, may often find. occasion to shed the tear of sorrow over the children of this generation.. But I am of the opinion, that if we lived in the humility and reverence before God which our holy profes sion calls for, we should have greater access

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