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1. Having been
led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord
Jesus Christ as our Savior; and, on the public 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 assembled witness, most
solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant relation with one
another, as one body in Christ.
2. 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, its
ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute
cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry of
this Church and -its expenses, to the relief of the poor,
and the spread of the Gospel through all the world.
3. We also
engage to maintain family and private devotion; 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 of and the use of all intoxicating drinks or
beverages, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the
Kingdom of our Savior.
4. 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 courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense,
but always ready to reconcile, and always mindful of the
rules of the Savior, to secure such reconciliation without
delay.
5. We,
moreover, engage that when we remove from this place we will
as soon as possible unite with another Church of like faith
and practice where we can endeavor to carry out the spirit
of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
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