n attempted? To many causes
may the comparative smallness of success that has attended these be
attributed. But it is little less than certain, that it is on account of
the want of that resolute heroic Christian spirit which Covenanting
calls forth and embraces, that our missionaries are not even now
diffused over all the earth, and our nation is not, by a reflex hallowed
influence, throughout all its extent, as the garden of the Lord.

Hence, in conclusion,

None may be excused for not engaging in Covenanting. Those who perform
the duty in secret, are called to discharge it on some occasions in
public. To vow in secret, is but partially to do duty. Secret prayer is
not a sufficient substitute for that which is public. The doing of duty
to our neighbour and to ourselves, cannot be reckoned as the fulfilment
of our obligations to God. And vowing to Him in an individual capacity,
will not be accepted for vowing and swearing to Him in a public
associate character. Again, those who vow neither in secret nor in
public, are called to do both. Is it urged, that it is a dreadful thing
by the vow or oath to come under obligations that might not be
fulfilled? It is answered, Is it a fearful thing to do what God
commands? What ought to be vowed ought to be fulfilled, whether vowed or
not; and if duty be vowed falsely, or not vowed at all, sin is
committed. Is it not a dreadful thing, by refusing to do this duty, to
rebel against Him who said, "Vow and pay unto the Lord your God?" He is
guilty and degraded who breaks an oath; but low indeed is the moral
state of him who, lest he should not perform his obligation, refuses to
swear. And how wretched is the condition of those who will neither vow
nor swear, lest they might, as they certainly would, be thereby bound to
duty! The swearing of an oath is a solemn act. To disregard it, whether
by refusing to take it when called to it, or by not performing it when
lawfully taken, is highly criminal and dangerous. The doom of the
impenitent and Covenant breaker is awful; but those who do not, in one
way or other, truly vow to God, have no hope. Refraining from vowing to
him, man sustains a character no higher than the wicked who restrain
prayer before God. It is not the right of any one, according to his
pleasure, to abstain from entering into Covenant with God. It is a duty
to obey God's law; Covenanting is one of the duties of that law; it is
therefore a duty to engage in its performance.