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 Ghost, 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, holiness, and comfort;
to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to
sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and
doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly
to the support of the ministry, the expenses of
the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread
of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage
to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously
educate our children; to seek the salvation of
our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly
in the world; to be just in our dealings; faithful
in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment;
to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive
anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating
drinks of beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts
to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage
to watch over one another in brotherly love; to
remember each other in prayer; to aid each other
in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian
sympathy in felling and courtesy in speech; to
be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation,
and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure
it without delay.
We moreover engage
that when we remove from this place we will, as
soon as possible, unite with some other church,
where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant
and the principles of God's Word.
