of kings: and they that are with him are called, and
chosen, and faithful."[181] Each, like the governors and people of
Israel, who, on a memorable occasion, at God's command, offered
themselves willingly--each made willing in a day of his power, resolving
and vowing to follow the Lord fully, does obedience to the Lord of
Hosts: bows to the mandate, "Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear,
and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with
you, even the sure mercies of David:"[182] and dutifully engages by
covenant and oath to serve him--given for a leader and commander to the
people. Besides, each one who lawfully vows to God, in vowing discharges
a function of a loyal _subject_ of God's government. In the vow God is
invoked as King. "Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God:
for unto thee will I pray."[183] As the swearing of allegiance to an
earthly monarch is an act of obedience to law;--as when all the princes
and the mighty men, and all the sons, likewise, of King David, submitted
themselves,[184]--or by oath promised fidelity to Solomon, the king,
they performed an act of subjection to his authority; so in vowing or
swearing to God there is paid to him a tribute of duty. And, finally, in
this service the Lord is obeyed as God. The titles of, a master, a lord,
a captain, a king, among men, are valid only when held in subjection to
the King and Lord of all. The highest supremacy that belongs to
creatures is limited, and exercised only by deputation from Him who is
over all and blessed for ever. And as the claims of those in power,
because armed with His authority, cannot without rebellion against him
be set aside; much more, his, without aggravated hostility to him,
cannot be disputed. Accordingly, his power and authority--unspeakably
glorious--extending immeasurably beyond the province of every creature;
his dominion and all-wise determinations, they who invoke his dread
name, in vowing to him acknowledge and approve. The refusal of his
enemies to call upon him manifests their rebellion. His people avouching
him to be their God obey him. It is in compliance with the
mandate,--"Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my
people,"[185] that men take hold on his covenant, and in commemoration
of their act, in terms recording the highest deed of appropriation, with
the Psalmist say, "I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my
God."[186]

Social Covenanting engaged i