This is the covenant under which the members of Bible Baptist Church voluntarily unite themselves.
Having been led, as we believe, by the Holy Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and upon 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 congregation, most solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant one with another as the Body of Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to give this Church a sacred pre-eminence over all human institutions and organizations; to strive for its advancement, 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 its ministry, expenses, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations; and to honour, esteem, and love our pastors, to pray for them fervently and daily, to submit to them in the exercise of their office, to attend constantly upon their ministrations, and to manifest a tender regard for their reputations.
We also engage to maintain secret and family devotions; to bring up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord; 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 gossip, tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from all worldly and harmful indulgences; to oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian testimony and uphold high standards of Christian morality; and to be zealous in our service for the Lord.
We further engage to walk together in Christian charity; to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the command 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 Baptist church of like faith and order, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.