Having
been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive
the
Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our
faith, have 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 doctrines;
to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God as prospered
us, towards its expenses, 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, and if we can not 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 to others;
endeavoring in the purity of heart and goodwill 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 reconcillation, being mindful of the rules of our 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 in the glory of God, who hath called us our 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.