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PART XIX.

References.

1 The resolutions referred to read as follows:

" Whereas, it is well known that unscriptural views of the marriage relation are becoming prevalent in some parts of our land, so that its obligations are disregarded by many, and separation of husband and wife, and divorces for slight and unwarrantable reasons, are becoming more frequent every year; and whereas, the horrible crime of infanticide is also on the increase; and whereas, the evils which these errors and crimes have already brought upon the Church and country, and the worse evils which they threaten in the future, make it imperative that the whole power of the ministry and Church of Jesus Christ should be put forth in maintenance of truth and virtue in regard to these things; therefore, be it

" Resolved, That we urge upon all the ministers of our church the duty of giving instruction to the people of their respective charges as to the Scriptural doctrine concerning the marriage relation, and that they warn them against joining in wedlock any who gain divorces upon other than Scriptural grounds; and we also exhort church associations to the exercise of due discipline in the case of those members who may be guilty of violating the laws of Christ in this particular.

" Resolved, That we regard the destruction by parents of their own offspring before birth as a crime against God and against nature, and that, as there are very many influences at work, in public and in secret, to corrupt the minds

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