Belmont Baptist Church
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 contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered
us, towards its expenses, 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 acquaintance; 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 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 into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage 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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