used in the Greek of the New Testament to denote,
now a vow and then a prayer. In the former sense it is employed in the
original of the passage, "Do therefore this that we say unto thee: We
have four men which have a _vow_ on them."[164] And in the latter
acceptation it is used in that of the following:--"The _prayer_ of faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up."[165] Were the vow
not made in the act of offering prayer we should be unable to account
for this twofold use of the term. Again, taking prayer in its most
comprehensive signification,--as including adoration, confession,
petition, and thanksgiving,--no address to God, except the song of
praise, can be made otherwise than in this exercise. The vow
accordingly, as well as the oath--which embodies an adoration, is made
by prayer. And, finally, this receives corroboration from the fact that
the manner according to which, in vowing, prayer should be made is
revealed. In this and in similar passages, not merely Israel after the
flesh, but the whole visible church of God, are instructed how at once
they should vow and pray.--"O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for
thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to
the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us
graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips."[166]

Eighthly. This exercise is sometimes engaged in with the living voice.
Whatever argument can be employed to establish the propriety of engaging
vocally in any religious service is here available. The tongue is the
glory of man; and with it the praise of God is proclaimed. "In his
temple doth every one speak of his glory." That thought concerning God,
which may not in some circumstances be expressed, may not be
entertained. And if some features of his glorious character or
administration are celebrated with the lips, so may all. Holy thoughts
and affections unexpressed are sometimes like a fire shut up in the
bones. Why should not these burst forth in the holy act of vowing and
swearing to God, even as a flame, to the diffusion of a love and zeal
for Him and his cause that would spread widely around? This the saints
of God have felt when called to the service. In the land of Moab Israel
_avouched_ the Lord to be their God; and presenting an animating
example, the kingdom of Judah, with Asa their king, "sware unto the Lord
with a loud voice."[167]

Lastly. A Covenant with God is sometimes confirm