receding declarations are, that there
exist two distinct creations, and which are headed by two distinct
characters, so positive are the following:--that the subjects of
each kingdom bear a strong resemblance to their respective king,
and plainly represent the particular kingdom they inhabit; for,
'As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the
image of the heavenly.' (1 Cor. 15:49.)

"Also that no person can have demands upon, and privileges in,
these two men and creations at one and the same time. We must
either hold to the old, and have nothing to do with the new, or we
must come out and forsake the old, and come into the new. We must
either put off the old man, Adam, and his works, which are well
known to be multiplying and supporting of an earthly kingdom,
which is the kingdom of this world, or we must put on the new man,
Christ Jesus, and his works, which are well known to be a life
without spot, chaste, virgin, and unstained by indulgences in any
of those things which a beloved worthy said constitutes the world.
(1 John 2:15, 16.) To these principles of faith we are strict, and
may be called rigid, adherents; equally tenacious in the practical
part of the new man, and in the same degree pointed against the
old.

"The second part of this subject of singularity in us consists in
the manner in which we hold our property, which, perhaps, is well
known to be in common, after the order of the primitive church in
the days of the apostles, in which state we have lived rising
forty years, 'of one heart and one soul;' not any of us saying
that 'aught of the things which he possessed was his own,' (Acts
4:32;) 'buying as though we possessed not,' (1 Cor. 7:30;) and
'having nothing, and yet possessing all things.' (2 Cor. 6:10.) In
consequence thereof, we are retired from the world, as not of that
kingdom; 'My kingdom is not of this world,' &c., (John 18:36;) by
which we enjoy a closer communion with our God, and by which we
follow the instruction of the Spirit, which saith, 'Come ye out
from among them, and be ye separate,' &c. (2 Cor. 6:17.)

"Our society contains three distinct families, comprising 233
souls; 103 males, and 130 females. The number of persons over 70
is 18; between 60 and 70, 21; between 21 and 60, 125; under 21,
63. The oldest person is 8