Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to
receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to
walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement
of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in
our affections, prayers and services above every organization
of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline
and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God
has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the relief of the poor
and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case
of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a
contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will
cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion;
to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our
children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplifyand commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort, and to
stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard
each other’s reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities
of others; to participate in each other’s joys, and with tender
sympathy, bear one another’s burdens and sorrows; to cultivate
Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always
ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior
in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay;
and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as
possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out
the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
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