covenant

Having been lead, 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 Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and in 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, 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 the kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise 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 the 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 take offence, 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 the live to the glory of God, Who hath called us out of darkness into the 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.