Independent of the pecuniary assistance which these societies bestow, they encourage in a variety of ways the good order of the community.

For example, no one is allowed to receive assistance who is "disabled by drunkenness, debauchery, or disorderly living;" also, "if any member of the society, male or female, is guilty of adultery or fornication, the offending member shall be suspended for so long a time as the members shall see fit, and shall lose all claim on the society for any benefit during the suspension, and shall not be readmitted until clear and satisfactory evidence is given of penitence." Furthermore, "If any member of the society shall be expelled from the church to which he or she belongs, or shall commit any offence punishable by a magistrate, that member forfeits his membership in the society." Again, the society directly encourages marriage, by "making a present of a young pig to every child born in wedlock, and according as their funds will admit of it, giving rewards to those married persons living faithfully, or single persons living virtuously, who take a pride in keeping their houses neat and tidy, and their gardens flourishing." These societies have been more than doubled, both in the number of members and in the annual receipts, since emancipation.
Of the societies connected with the established church, the rector of St.John's thus speaks: "At the beginning of 1834 there were eleven societies, embracing 1602 members.

At the beginning of 1835 they numbered 4197; and in 1836 there were 4560 members," _almost quadrupled in two years!_ The societies connected with the Moravian church, have more than doubled, both in members and funds, since emancipation.

The funds now amount to $10,000 per year.
The Wesleyans have four Friendly societies.

The largest society, which contained six hundred and fifty members, was organized in the _month of August_, 1834.