of Zion, cannot interrupt any that chuse to tarry on the plain of mere partnership and self-interest; but as an apology for our holding fast what we have received, let us for a moment take a view of a society constituted on the popular plan.

Here all are equally prepared and invited to flock together; the multitude must include whole families, old and young, rich and poor, weak and strong, with their several interests, talents and faculties. All go to work that are able and willing, and all derive their support from the joint stock, each has his property appraised, and his money and property, of course, going on interest.

Who, now, is to register those several sums, and calculate the annual interest, and keep book for a fair reckoning of loss or gain? Who is sufficiently versed in arithmetic to calculate the value of the days' works performed by this popular assembly, and make the proper deductions for boarding, washing, lodging, clothing, doctoring, and other necessary expenses? all which must be done, if each is to retain his personal interest, and a legal and just settlement is to be made. And without such regular accounts, what sworn jury could legally guess what the annual labor of an individual was worth, or how much ought to be deducted for necessary and contingent expenses. But we leave it to those who have attempted the experiment, or may wish to establish a community on such a plan, to make the calculation. If, indeed, any one should attempt to apply the principle, and make the calculation, he would soon find that a united body of people could never stand on that ground; because the selfish principle it would involve, and the difficulties and confusion it would occasion, would inevitably dissolve the institution. But if any chuse it, let them try the experiment. We have but one object in view, and that is to fulfil, in the most unequivocal manner, " all that the prophets have spoken" concerning the church of God in the latter day.

And thus, after examining the subject on every side, it evidently appears that the unity, purity and perpetuity of the church can never be gained and supported, except upon those very principles upon which this institution is founded.

And here we shall close this subject, with a few passing remarks on this pure principle of self-denial, and impartial regard to the welfare of others,-a principle which induces its subject to give, hoping for no remuneration in this world, and freely to exchange the selfish and contracted pleasures of time, for the more sublime and exalted enjoyments for which man was created.

That such a principle does exist, and that wherever seen, it ought to claim universal approbation, a few actions, under peculiar circumstances, seem to prove. A spirit of benevolence in doing good to the poor, in a man's hazarding his own life, to save the life of his fellow creature, in his suffering toil and danger for his country's sake, without pecuniary reward; how are these things admired! How are such characters eulogized! What an immortal renown accompanies their names!

Of this truth we have a signal instance in George Washington. And what, pray, did he do, which constrains all to honor him? Why, he perseveringly endured privations and hardships; was faithful, zealous and enterprising in the cause in which he was engaged; refused pecuniary reward for his arduous services; and lastly, (and this crowned all) he did not do what so many successful chiefs have done, he did not usurp the sovereign power when it was within his grasp, but resigned up his commission and retired in peace. What is it then, that calls forth unbounded and universal esteem, but a measure of self denial, so conspicuous through the different parts of his public life, as well as his private walks?

Here we see that God has a witness in every man's breast, which is compelled to honor and approve of the

principle of self-denial. How liitle soever they may exercise it, they are ready to testify its heavenly origin.

How must mankind feel when they come to see and know that the church, as to its principles, is founded wholly on the doctrine of self-denial, and that it is built up, entirely, by the practice thereof. If one man should be induced, through friendship, to give up his own life to save the life of his friend, and do it deliberately, his fame would be sounded far and near, especially if that friend should be some person of note. But how must the

world be confounded when all come to

know that every

simple, cross-bearing Believer, (and that there are hundreds of such) is constantly in the actual work of laying down his earthly and sensual life, for the sake of Christ, his everlasting friend. And can it be disputed that such are entitled, above all others, to the sure and certain hope of gaining a better and far more excellent life, according to the promise of Christ, his immutable friend and Lord: "Whosoever will save his life, shal! lose it: but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." And again: "He that loveth his life, shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it to life eternal." (Mark viii. 35, and John xii. 25.)

EXTRACTS FROM THE CHURCH COVENANT.

The following extracts are made from the written Covenant which was adopted and executed in the Church of the United Society in the year 1830. They show the essential object for which the Society was established, the manner in which the temporal interest of the Church is held, and the purposes for which it is used and appropriated by the Trustees. They also show the privileges enjoyed by, and the duties required of the members for whose benefit the temporal concerns of the Society have been regulated and managed since the first establishment of this Institution.

ARTICLE II.-The great object, purpose and design of

our uniting together as a Church, or Body of people, in social and religious compact, is faithfully and honestly to occupy, improve and diffuse the various gifts and talents, both of a spiritual and temporal nature, with which Divine Wisdom has blessed us, for the service of God, for the honor of the gospel, and for the mutual protection, support, comfort and happiness of each other, as brethren and sisters in the gospel, and for such other pious and charitable purposes as the gospel may require.

ART. III. Sec. 1.-The official Trustees of the Church are invested with power to take the general charge and oversight of all the property, estate and interest dedicated, devoted, consecrated and given up for the benefit of the Church; to hold in trust the fee of all lands belonging to the Church. And the said property, estate, interest, &c. shall constitute the united and consecrated interest of the Church, and shall be held in trust by the said Trustees, in their official capacity, and by their successors in said office and trust, forever.

Sec. 2.—It is, and shall be the duty of the Trustees, to improve, use and appropriate the said united interest, for the benefit of the Church, in all its departments, and for such other religious and charitable purposes as the gospel may require; and also to make all just and equitable defence in law, for the protection and security of the consecrated and united interest, rights and privileges of the Church and Society, jointly and severally, as an associated community, so far as circumstances and the nature of the case may require. Provided nevertheless, that all the transactions of the said Trustees, in the use, management, protection, defence and disposal of the aforesaid interest, shall be for the benefit and privilege, and in behalf of the Church or Society, as aforesaid; and not for any private interest, object or purpose whatever.

Sec. 3.-It shall be the duty of the Trustees to give information to the Ministry and Elders of the Church, of

the general state of the temporal concerns of the Church and Society committed to their charge; and also to report to said authority, all losses sustained in the united interest thereof, which shall come under their cognizance. And no disposal of any of the real estate of the Church, nor any important contract shall be considered valid without the previous approbation of the authority aforesaid, to whom the said Trustees are, and shall at all times be held responsible in all their transactions.

ART. VI. Sec. 1.-The united interest of the Church having been formed and established by the free-will offerings, and pious donations of the members respectively, from the commencement of the Institution, for the objects and purposes already stated, it cannot be considered either as a joint tenancy or a tenancy in common, but as a consecrated whole, designed for, and devoted to the uses and purposes of the gospel forever, agreeable to the established principles of the Church; therefore it shall be held, possessed and enjoyed by the Church, in their united capacity, as a sacred and covenant right; that is to say, all and every member thereof, while standing in gospel union, and maintaining the principles of this covenant, shall enjoy equal rights, benefits and privileges, in the use of all things pertaining to the Church, according to their several needs and circumstances; and no difference shall be made on account of what any one has contributed and devoted, or may hereafter contribute and devote to the support and benefit of the Institution.

Sec. 3. As subordination and obedience is the life and soul of every well regulated community, so our strength and protection, our happiness and prosperity in our capacity of church members, must depend on our faithful obedience to the rules and orders established in the Church, and to the instruction, counsel and advice of its leaders: Therefore we do hereby covenant and agree, that we will receive and acknowledge as our Elders in the gospel, those