Page:History of Gardner, Massachusetts (1860) - Glazier.djvu/165

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Town History.—Ecclesiastical History.
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Article IX. We believe that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust; and that we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, to receive according to the deeds done in the body; and that the sentence then passed will be eternal. John 5: 28, 29. Acts 24: 15. Mark 12: 26, 27. 2 Cor. 5: 10. Matt. 25: 46.

Covenant.

Having been brought, as we trust, to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we do now, relying on his gracious aid, solemnly enter into covenant with each other in the following manner.

We will strive to walk together in brotherly love, while at the same time we will endeavor to watch over one another, and kindly and affectionately admonish each other as occasion may require: we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for worship, especially at the covenant meetings and communion seasons of the church, unless providentially prevented: we will not neglect the great duty of secret prayer, both for ourselves and others: as parents, we will maintain the worship of God in our families, and endeavor to bring up our children, and those under our care, in the ways of true piety: we will carefully abstain from all foolish talking, and from giving currency to any slanderous reports concerning brethren or sisters, as well as from all unnecessary worldly conversation on the Sabbath: as the faithful stewards of the Lord, we will aid, according to our ability, in sustaining the gospel in its purity, both at home and abroad: with tenderness and sympathy we will endeavor to bear each other's burdens and sorrows; and finally, we will diligently study the word of God, that