Book of Discipline

Whoever has said: I have searched my heart and mind, and now before Jehovih, I desire to live a higher life.

I desire to put away my selfishness, passions, sentiments of unrighteousness, and unclean thoughts and words.

I desire more to serve others than myself.

I desire no possessions, nor preference over another, nor to be a leader or a chief.

I wish to discipline myself not to speak of myself.

I would learn to speak truth only.

I wish to be affiliative.

I desire to do good to others continually.

I long for association.

I will not criticize any person, or censure them or find fault with them.

I will conform to the rites and discipline of the fraternity.

I will fulfill my covenants with Jehovih, with all my wisdom and strength.

I renounce isolated labor.

I renounce the unorganized world.

I renounce the Uzians.

I consecrate myself to Jehovih.

I give up all to Him.

What I do from this time forward shall be by and through the fraternity in His name. ||

Then that man is prepared to enter the Father’s kingdom.

But those who say the following, are not prepared to enter the kingdom: I want a home for comfort’s sake, and where I may lead an easy life.

I desire this because I shall have the opportunity to improve myself.

I desire this because I cannot care for myself, and, I wish to be cared for.

Where I may shirk responsibilities. ||

Weigh this matter, O man, and be your own judge as to whether you are prepared in heart and soul. Neither flatter yourself that you can come in unprepared and not be discovered. For sooner or later, your innermost thoughts will become known, and the fraternity will not be your place.

To put away flesh-food is easy, but to put away dark thoughts and words—who can do this in a day?