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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,
worship. ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute
cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards
its expenses, for the support of the 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 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
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 toward 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.
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