Part 2
XIII. I believe, that in the new testament Church of Christ, there are two Sacraments: Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. I believe, Baptism to be an outward and visible sign; first, of the sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; secondly, of an inward and spiritual operation of the Holy Ghost, upon the hearts of believers; and is a grand emblem of a death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness; for being by nature the children of wrath, we are by regeneration, manifested to be children of grace. I believe, that only those who profess the name of Jesus, have any right thereto. That it should be administered to Adults alone, in the name of the adorable Trinity; and, that it is to be performed by immersion—but wish to exercise the most unbounded charity to all who differ from us in this particular. I believe, that the Lord’s Supper was instituted the night on which he was betrayed, to represent his sufferings and death; and is to be attended to by all Believers, until his second coming.
XIV. I believe, that it is the duty of every Christian to obey the laws of their Country; not to speak evil of Dignities; but, to pray for the King, his Family, and the Government under which we live; to study to be quiet, peaceable, and submissive, according to the laws of Jesus Christ, which is our rule of conduct: and, who has said, “Render unto Cæsar, the things which are his;” and by his holy Apostles has commanded “That every Soul should be subject to the higher powers; that we should honor all Men, love the Brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.”
XV. I believe, that it is the duty of all Believers, to take the commands of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as their rule of conduct; that, while they are relying on his Righteousness, for justification; on his Blood, for pardon; and, on the Spirit, for internal sanctification; they, from a principal of love shed abroad in their hearts, are made willing to obey his laws, as King in Mount Zion: and, that his commandments are the believer’s rule of outward conduct; that it is their duty to stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel: that it is their duty to walk in wisdom, to them that are without; to exercise a conscience void of offence towards God and Man, by living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: that it is their duty to walk with each other is all humility and brotherly love; to watch over each other’s conversation; to stir up one another to love and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as we have opportunity; to worship God, according to his revealed will; and, when the case requires, to warn, rebuke, and admonish one another, according to the rules of the gospel: and that it is our duty to sympathize with each other, to bear with one another’s weaknesses, failings, and infirmities; and, particularly to pray for one another. All these duties we are bound to perform, and every other law of Christ’s spiritual house, through the gracious influence of a Spirit of love, of power, and of a sound mind; ever remembering, that we are to obey the laws of our Sovereign, as King, on his holy hill of Zion.
XVI. I believe, that all the Ordinances of divine appointment ought to be attended unto, by all that profess their faith in, and love to our Lord Jesus Christ, as the head of his Church; hearing the Word, public Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper: singing of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, vocally; this is an ordinance of the gospel, to be performed by Believers; but, as to time, place, and manner, every one ought to be left to their liberty in using it.
XVII. I believe, that there will be a Resurrection, both of the just and unjust; and that Christ will come a second time to judge both quick and dead; when he will take vengeance on the wicked, and introduce his own People into his kingdom and glory, where they shall be for ever with him; and, then shall the mediatorial kingdom be delivered up to the Father, by the Redeemer; the mystery of God be finished: Heaven will be the Saints final home; and, God, Father, Son, and Spirit, be all in all, for ever and ever.
XVIII. I believe, that the felicity of the Saints will be eternal; and I as firmly believe, such will be the eternity of misery; unless, the never-dying worm dies, and this unquenchable fire goes out; which will not, cannot be; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
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_These Sentiments we are bound to acknowledge_, _as a Church_.—We wish in all things to adorn these Doctrines; and having been called out of the world, to the knowledge of the truth, _experimentally_—in that hope, and through divine grace, we have given up ourselves to God—to walk in his ways, as laid down in that part of his holy word which respects the _New Testament Church_. We therefore enter into covenant with each other, and pray for grace to keep the following scriptural RULES.
THE MEMBERS’ COVENANT.
JER. l. 5. Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten.
ACTS ii, 2. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine, and in fellowship.
LUKE xxiv, 15. And it came to pass that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
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WE AGREE,
1.—WITH regard to the _Minister_—that as long as God is pleased to make him useful to our souls, and we consider him as sent of God—we will diligently attend upon his Ministry—cheerfully submit to and readily obey all the Ordinances he administers—agreeable to the written word—Heb. xiii, 7. _Remember them that have the rule over you_, _who have spoken to you the Word of God_. We further agree to make prayer and supplication for him, to watch his conversation, and follow him as far as he follows Christ. That we will esteem him, reverence, and obey him in the Lord—agreeable to 1 Thess. v, 13. _And we beseech you_, _Brethren to know them which labour among you_, _and are over you in the Lord_, _and admonish you—and to esteem them very highly in love_, _for their Works sake_. _Brethren_, _pray for us_. _Prayer was made without ceasing to God for him_—_Whose faith follow_, _considering the __end of their conversion_.—And we agree, according to our circumstances, by the administration of earthly things, to support and maintain him, agreeable to 1 Cor. xi. _If we have sown unto you in spiritual things_, _is it a great thing if we should reap your carnal things_? _Even so hath the Lord appointed_.—We agree likewise to abide by him in all trials and persecutions—that we will encourage him, strengthen his hands, and speak kindly of him—avoiding all bitterness of spirit, tattling and gossiping about him, as contrary to the Gospel.
2.—We agree to receive and esteem all _Officers_ in the Church, that have been appointed by the Church, whose faith and practice is conformable to the written word. That we will speak kindly of them, receive reproof from them when necessary, and make known all cases of distress, spiritual or temporal, in the Church, to them—while we have reason to believe they answer the spiritual character of a Deacon, as laid down in 1 Tim. 3rd Chapter.
3.—We agree, through grace, to be found in the use of all appointed means, public and private, and on special occasions, when notified by the Minister, as in Acts xiv, 2. _When they were come_, _and had gathered the Church together_.—_Forsake not the assembling yourselves together_, _as the manner of some is_.—_Where two or three are gathered together_, _there am I in the midst_. _Lo_, _I am with you always_.
4.—As Members of the same Church, we will endeavour to cultivate an affectionate and sincere love, without dissimulation, towards one another—like that which Christ bears to his Church; and studiously avoid all occasion of division among the members—such as hard speeches, cruel and unjust remarks, disdainful looks, reproaches, slanders, and all causeless divisions in judgment concerning spiritual things. But that we will watch and pray against these things, as injurious to the cause of Christ; but endeavor to maintain a oneness of mind and consent of judgment, to every grand truth, and a uniformity of practice.—_Ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another_.—_Be kindly affectioned one towards another_. _By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples_, _if ye love one another_.
5.—We mutually agree to pray for the prosperity of the kingdom of Christ, particularly for that part to which we belong—that body of christians which we commune with. This we will do through grace, constantly, cheerfully, and affectionately, publicly, and more frequently in private—especially for the most tried, afflicted, and poor members. _Pray ye for the peace of Jerusalem—they shall prosper that love her_. _Continuing constant in prayer_.
6.—That, as a Church, we will, as much as possible, be separate from the World, its customs, maxims, pursuits, & worship. Pray against a worldly spirit, either of levity or sullenness, covetous of oppressive, in dealing with others.—_Come out from among them_, _and be ye separate_, _saith the Lord_.
7.—We agree to study each others spiritual benefit, and take every opportunity, for the communion of Saints, to impart what light or enjoyments, trials, and mercies, sorrows and deliverances. To avoid all frothy, light, or vain conversation, as not becoming a Church of Christ. _Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another_. _Let your speech be always with grace_. _Wherefore comfort one another_, _and edify one another_, _as also ye do_.
8.—We will endeavour to bear with each others infirmities, weakness, and failings, in meekness, patience, and pity—render them what assistance we can, by prayer, advice, and kindness; not approving their errors, but recommending them to the Lord, and forgiving every offence done against us, when we believe such an offender is sorry, and will acknowledge his sin. _Be ye kind to one to another—tender hearted_. _If thy brother repent forgive him_. _We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak_. _Charity suffereth long_, _and is kind_. _If any man have a quarrel against any_, _even as Christ forgave you_, _so also do ye_.
9.—We agree to sympathize with each other in the calamities and trials that may befall us—either affliction of body, unjust reproach, real falls, family afflictions, or temptation and soul troubles. _Remember them that are in bonds_, _as bound with them_; _and those who suffer adversity_. _If one member suffers all the members suffer with it_. _Bear ye one anothers burdens_. _Ye ought to support the weak_.
10.—We agree to contribute to the real necessities of those who are poor—in things temporal, according to every one’s ability. _Let us do good to all men_, _especially the household of faith_. _And if thy brother be waxen poor and fallen into decay with thee_, _thou shall relieve him_. _Distributing to the necessity of the saints_, _given to hospitality—for God loveth a cheerful giver_.
11.—We mutually agree to watch over each other for good—to comfort the feeble-minded, to warn the unruly, and to reprove in faithfulness, wisdom, moderation, and kindness, what we see amiss in each other—to endeavor to restore a fallen Brother—to seek consolation for him by prayer and the word; but if persisting in an evil cause, acquaint the Officers of the Church, that they may take up the cause.—_Brethren_, _if any of you do err from the faith_, _and one convert_ (_or restore_) _him_, _let him know_, _that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way_, _shall save a soul from death_.—_Yet count him not an enemy_, _but admonish him as a Brother_. _He that being often reproved_, _hardeneth his neck_, _shall be destroyed without a remedy_. _Let us consider one another_.
12.—We hope, through grace, to walk in all holiness of life, to the glory of the Gospel, the edification of the Church, and conviction to them that are without—looking unto Jesus, depending on his unmerited favour, rejoicing in his Person and Work, and lodging for the happy time, when we shall join the Church triumphant in heaven.—_Let your light so shine_. _Having these promises_, _let us cleanse ourselves_.—_See that ye walk circumspectly_.
And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified, by faith in Christ Jesus. _Amen_.
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FINIS.