e each different from
that used in the prophets, we are warranted to conclude that the
injunction of the Apostle, "Be ye separate," implies not less than the
covenant engagement to separate, which those other cases of separation
include.

Fourthly. This solemn act includes voluntary self-dedication to God. It
is a willing acknowledgment of the right which God, by creation and
redemption, has in the whole man; it harmonizes with the claim, "Thus
saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O
Israel, Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by my
name; thou art mine;"[91] and is expressed in the language, "Lord, I am
thine, save me."[92] It is the cheerful offer of perpetual obedience to
his law. It is thus required, "Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve
him in sincerity and in truth,"[93] and is thus tendered, "O Lord, truly
I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid."[94]
"Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in
thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and
ever."[95] "I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever; I will trust in
the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows:
thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name."[96] Both
to the world and to God himself, in vowing to him, "One shall say, I am
the Lord's;" and of many, individually as well as collectively, it might
be declared, as of those of Macedonia, that they "gave their ownselves
to the Lord."[97] These were saints; and, accordingly, this testimony
was not borne to their first subjection to the gospel, but to an act of
self-surrender to God, on the occasion of their making, in the spirit of
true benevolence, provision for his poor.

Finally. This is a solemn act in which is made to God a promise to
perform certain specific duties. There is no exercise that would be
acceptable to God, that should not come within the range of a promise
made in such a service. Abstinence from besetting sins, increased
diligence in the use of the means of grace, positive benevolent or
religious services, the exercise of all the christian graces, and
whatever observance the enlightened mind may apprehend as peculiarly
incumbent, in this act may be engaged to. Illustrations of this are
afforded by the vow of Jacob at Bethel, the vow of Hannah, the vow and
oath of David to provide a place for the ark of the Lord, the vow of the
Nazarite, t