|
|


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, for the support of a faithful and evangelical
ministry among us, 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.
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 purity of heart
and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our
holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray
for, to exhort and 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 Saviour 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.
|