Cherish the privilege of communion with God through prayer and worship, being mindful to express praise and thanksgiving.

Do not be content with a traditional knowledge of the Gospel. Make it your own by proving its truth in your own experience. Wait patiently on God privately in prayer. Give time to the consideration of your spiritual growth.

The Bible is worthy of regular and searching study in private, in family and in other groups. There we learn of God's relationship with man and of Christ's redemptive love and find guidance and inspiration for our lives today. Encourage the reading of literature which may reveal the ways of God.

Come regularly to meeting with heart and mind prepared. In a sensitive waiting upon God, we are led by the Holy Spirit into communion with Him and fellowship with one another. In vocal ministry, the sharing of spiritual experience and insights can be a way through which fresh understanding is conveyed to others. Receive the ministry in a loving spirit, avoiding hurtful criticism.

Encourage and help one another to attend public worship, remembering that by our example we may influence others. Use Sunday as a day of rest and refreshment for body, mind and spirit; regard every day as an opportunity for service.

Watch lovingly over the opening minds and spiritual growth of your children, appreciating their desire for knowledge and maintaining a caring interest in their activities and use of leisure time. See that they have opportunity to learn about our Christian faith, and its Biblical basis. Encourage in them a love of God as expressed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Seek by your example to instil in them truthfulness, sincerity and self-discipline. Remember that each person is unique and that God's Spirit may lead along paths you have not yourself travelled.

When contemplating marriage, seek God's guidance, desiring above all that your union may continually be blessed and strengthened by Him. Consider the importance of mutual understanding of religious principles and practice; lifelong happiness depends on respect and perceptive love of one another. Bear in mind the views of your parents, but also let parents be careful with the advice they give their children.

Live in love with one another as commanded by Christ, watching over one another for good, bearing with each other's failings, upholding one another prayerfully in times of difficulty and sorrow, and sharing in each other's joys.

Seek to live in peace with all people; foster the spiritual, moral and material well- being of all; be concerned to help those in need through-out the world.

Be faithful in maintaining our witness against all war as inconsistent with the spirit and teaching of Christ. Endeavour, through His power and grace, to overcome in your own hearts the emotions which lie at the root of violent conflict. These may arise from too close an attachment to possessions, from untempered pride and from reluctance to be open to change. In industrial strife, racial enmity, religious, political and international tension, stand firmly by Christian principles, seeking to foster understanding between individuals, groups and nations. Remain responsive to the Holy Spirit and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

As the Bible teaches, respond with sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the limits this may put on the pursuit of the things in this life.

Be honest in your daily work, in your personal relations with others, and in all your business transactions. Guard against a spirit of speculation, and the dangers of the accumulation of wealth. Remember that our talents as well as our possessions are held as a trust. Each one of us is accountable for the manner of acquiring as well as of using and disposing of these possessions. When making your will or giving to others, be concerned to do so wisely and justly.

Practise simplicity and moderation in your manner of living and use of leisure. Try to make your home a place of friendship, refreshment and peace, where the presence of God is felt. Be careful in the use of natural resources and bear in mind the interdependence of the whole living world.

Be on your guard against the degrading influence which is present in some television and radio programmes, and the introduction into your home of books and publications with a harmful content. Encourage companionships and recreations which benefit the mind and body.

The social acceptance of alcoholic drink does not diminish the dangers inherent in its consumption. It is often addictive and, in view of the misuse of income and possible breakdown of health and family life it should be avoided. Indulgence in alcohol is a major factor in crime and accidents, especially those on the road. Consider whether anything you do contributes to this widespread evil.

Exercise care in the use of all drugs and be alert to the problems of their misuse. As with alcohol, many other drugs, including tobacco, have harmful effects on the individual and may lead to addiction. The abundant life does not come from artificial stimulation but from personal growth in physical, mental and spiritual awareness.

Avoid all kinds of gambling and such activities as are cruel or demoralizing.

Finally, dear Friends, let your whole life be worthy of a disciple of Christ, living in a right relationship with God and your neighbour.

Quoting from an epistle written by the Elders at Balby in 1656: "Dearly beloved Friends, theses things we do not lay upon you as a rule or form to walk by, but that all, with the measure of Light which is pure and holy, may be guided; and so in the light walking and abiding, these may be fulfilled in the Spirit, not from the letter, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life."

The Religious Society of Friends,
Swanbrook House, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road,
Dublin 4, Ireland.