, that her members
enjoy privileges, so in both they are called to duty. The actions of an
individual are not those of any society to which he may belong, except
he act for them, and according to their appointment. But the deeds of a
society are those of every member thereof, who does not disapprove of
them; nay, of every one who, because of these deeds, does not leave its
communion. The engagements of society are understood to be acceded to by
every member of it existing when these are made, and of every one who
may become connected with it before they be fulfilled. Every one who
joins a society is understood by his act of joining it, to approve of
its organization, to accept of its privileges, and become engaged to its
duties. It would be impossible for society to continue, were obligation
to cease so soon as the individuals who may have come under it should
leave it, by death, or otherwise. Were the duties of social bodies to
cease in this manner, it might be held that these communities should be
re-constructed on the death of every individual member of them, and also
on the accession of each one who might become connected with them. What
accomplishes the same end which such practices would lead to, is secured
in a far better manner by the whole body coming under, and fulfilling,
obligations which do not become void either by the increase or the
diminution of its members.

Every individual capable of making a choice, who, by receiving the
ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, becomes connected with the
Church, engages to accept its privileges, and to perform its duties. In
the most solemn manner, by vow before God, this is done. All that is
incumbent on each member of the Church, then, devolves also on him. The
obligations that bind it, may have been conferred ages before; but when
he makes his profession, even then, by his own act, they descend upon
him. The representation given of such a one, shews that formerly he was
a heathen, or else one living in a Christian land, without the pale of
the true Church. Before making his solemn acknowledgment, he was under
obligation to become connected with the Church, and the evils that are
threatened against those who are far from God hung over him. By entering
the communion of the Church, he becomes an integral part of her society,
and whatever advantage or responsibility attaches to membership within
her, is extended to him.

The children of Church members, are membe