III. LOVE-FEASTS
Ques. 1. What directions are given concerning love-feasts?
Ans. 1. Love-feasts shall be held quarterly, or at such other times as the preacher in charge may consider expedient, with closed doors, to which, besides Church members, other serious persons may be admitted by him.
2. In conducting the love-feast, after singing and prayer, the preacher may make a short address, setting forth the nature and design of this institution; every one present then partakes of a little bread and water in token of brotherly love; the members then give brief details of their religious experience; and the meeting is closed with singing and prayer.
Ques. 2. How often shall we permit strangers to be present at our love-feasts?
Ans. Let them be admitted with the utmost caution; and the same person on no account above twice or thrice.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHILDREN OF THE CHURCH
Ques. What directions are given concerning the children of the Church?
Ans. 1. Let the minister diligently instruct and exhort all parents to dedicate their children to the Lord in baptism as early as convenient.
2. In his pastoral visitations let him pay special attention to the children; speak to them personally and kindly on experimental and practical godliness, according to their capacity; pray earnestly for them, and cause them to be faithfully instructed in the nature, design, privileges, and obligations of their baptism.