nducive to the accomplishment of the
ends contemplated by infinite wisdom in their appointment, will the
covenant with God entered into by those accepted of him be made to
fulfil its design. But this it will be employed to do in the character
of a sovereign arrangement suited not to unintelligent creation, but to
the moral agent man. As far above the interference of man as is the
government of the external universe, is that designated the covenant, as
ordained. But adapted completely to him as a creature exercising
volition, and in a state of responsibility, is every such relation in
its essential character.

This relation is marked by features which distinguish it from a mere
law. The expressions, _to pass into_, _to enter into_, employed in the
one case, are totally inapplicable in the other. The covenant is often
represented as forsaken both as a covenant and as a law; but is
exhibited as gone into only as a covenant. Men are represented as
_joining_ themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant. But none
are so spoken of in regard to the law. The Lord said unto Abraham, "I
will establish my covenant between me and thee,"[5] in terms which refer
not to the covenant as if it were exclusively a law. Nor does the Lord
promise to make with any a law, though he has given his promise to make
with his chosen ones a covenant.

This relation with God, as a covenant, has parties. Both by the Lord and
by his people in Christ, it is as a covenant mutually entered into. "I
will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The Lord is my God."[6]

Besides having parties,--one essential of a covenant in its proper
acceptation, this relation with God has conditions. On the part of the
High and Holy One, these are the promises of good for believers made in
the Covenant of Redemption, and made known in the revelation of the
Covenant of Grace. Like the light of heaven continually beaming down
upon our world; like the sound of many waters falling on the ear, these
continuously are fully and freely addressed in the gospel. And like the
beams of the sun appropriated and reflected by the dew of the morning,
and the rain and snow that come down from heaven drunk in by the earth
prepared for it, these are accepted; and thence shines forth the beauty
of holiness, and appear those fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus
Christ unto the glory and praise of God. "Incline your ear, and come
unto me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I wil