[154] Zech. ix. 11.

[155] Heb. xii. 24.

[156] Gen. xv. 6.

[157] Is. xlv. 24.

[158] Ps. xxxi. 14.

[159] The Rev. Dr. Hamilton, late of Strathblane, "On the Assurance of
Salvation." 2d edition. pp. 122, 123.

[160] Is. viii. 12, 13.

[161] 2 Chron. xxix. 21.

[162] Jer. xxxi. 9.

[163] Jer. l. 4, 5.

[164] Acts xxi. 23.

[165] James v. 15.

[166] Hos. xiv. 1, 2.

[167] 2 Chron. xv. 14.

[168] [Hebrew: kupar] Is. xxviii. 18.

[169] Neh. ix. 38.

[170] Is. xliv. 5.

CHAPTER III.

COVENANTING A DUTY.

The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme
Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in
every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high
authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as
a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty,
promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for
ever."[171]

The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
Lord of all. Being a part of his worship, it is thus urged,--"The Lord
is a great God, and a great King above all gods."--"O come, let us
worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is
our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his
hand. To-day if ye will hear his voice."[172] And explicitly, in the
same connection are the various observances included in it presented in
precept. "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy
God, the earth also, with all that therein is."--"For the Lord your God
is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and a terrible,
which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward."--"Thou shalt fear the
Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and
swear by his name."[173]

The observance is a debt of obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, as
possessed of all power in heaven and in earth. He is King of Zion, the
Governor among the nations, and Head over all things to the church,
which is his body. As all are called to honour the Son, even as they
honour the Father, the service that is due to God, as the righteous
Ruler of all, is due to the Son--holding a universal mediatorial
dominion which shall not pass away. The law of God is the law of Christ,
and obedience to Christ is subjection to God. The Lord Jesus commands
the performance as duty to himself. "Hearken, O daught