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, 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,
disciplines and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has
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 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 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, and 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 to the glory of God, who hath called
us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we will 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.
