Church Covenant
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 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 devotions; 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 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 command 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 Saviour 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.
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