What does a GENERAL Rule: Do No Harm mean in 18th Century's "United Societies"?

 from

a longer 1743 document

"The NATURE, DESIGN, &

GENERAL RULES of the United Societies"

. . .it is expected of all who continue in the

societies to evidence their desire of salvation,

FIRST, by doing no harm

by avoiding evil in every kind - - -

especially that which is most generally practised.

SUCH AS:

the taking of the name of God in vain (Exodus 20:7)

the profaning the day of the Lord, by doing

ordinary work thereon_ or by buying or selling.

Drunkenness, buying or selling spiritous liquors,

or drinking them (unless in cases of extreme necessity).

Fighting, quarrelling, brawling;

brother going to law with brother;

returning evil for evil;

or railing for railing;

the using many words in buying or selling (Ben Sira 20:8).

The buying or selling uncustomed goods.

The giving or taking things on usury.

Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation,

especially speaking evil of ministers or those in authority.

Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us. 

Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, e.g.

putting on of gold or costly apparel particularly the

wearing of calashes_ (woman's silk hood), high-heads,

or enormous bonnets;

Taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name

of the Lord Jesus,

The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not

tend to the knowledge or love of God;

Softness and needless self-indulgence;

Laying up treasures upon earth;

Borrowing without a probability of paying: or taking

up goods without a probability of paying for them.

It is expected of all who continue in these societies

that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. . .