Church Covenant
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, prayer and service 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 expense, 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 acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and
just tho 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 unto 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.