| 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, 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 doctrines, 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 devotion; to religiously educate our children;
to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; 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 of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to
be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
WE further engage to watch
over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in
prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress, to
cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy
in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for
reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour 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.
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