to be viewed as extending its authority to every
exercise that may be performed, those commands that inculcate the
service in general, should be interpreted as enjoining the performance
of this. Besides, though each of these commands is delivered to all
individually, yet many of them are addressed to men in an incorporate
relation, and cannot be understood as enjoining duty merely upon them
singly. Again, social duties, not less than duties of a personal
character, are sanctioned in the Divine law, and no reason can be given
for vowing to perform those of the latter class, that does not
countenance the exercise of socially Covenanting to discharge those of
the other. And, finally, this view is beautifully illustrated by the
designation of the people of God as his "witnesses," "Ye are my
witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen."[215]
Their witnessing for him is a part of his service, and is therefore
commanded. The witness testifies not unfrequently by the oath; and a
testimony in its most general acceptation must be considered as
accompanied by the use of it. The people of God testify for him in the
use of the oath. It is not singly alone, but also in their social
capacity, that they do so; nor is it merely in secret, but likewise
before the eyes of the world. Even as the witness swears to the truth of
his deposition; even as various witnesses by oath testify to the same
facts observed by them; the people of God, by Covenanting, harmoniously
testify to His precious truth in swearing by his name. To this they are
called by his high authority; their oath sworn in their social capacity
is prescribed by his command. But particularly,

Covenanting, in an Ecclesiastical capacity, is commanded. The visible
Church of Christ is a moral subject. The Redeemer "gives it existence,
organises, incorporates, and purchases it,--confers upon it interesting
properties--accomplishes important ends by it--institutes its
ordinances--prescribes the qualification of its members--appoints,
qualifies, and invests its office-bearers--renders its administration
effectual, and diffuses and perpetuates it."[216] Individual churches,
sound in the faith, having a lawful and regular ministry, and enjoying
the ordinances of grace properly dispensed, being Sections of the true
Church, are each accordingly subject to the Mediator; and the precepts
prescribed to the whole, they receive as addressed to themselves. All
the laws that en