The Church Covenent
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, 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 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, 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 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.
|