confederation is effected, tolerable approximation to it
may be made, the sacrifice required may often not be excused. But when
each party aims at the truth, the more they advance, the more they will
approach each other; and happy will they be and honoured who will arrive
there. Deviations from the path of rectitude made by any Section of the
church are not reckoned as trivial by Him who witnesses the conduct of
all; and it is, notwithstanding these, (but not as if he disregarded
them) that he continues to make, to those chargeable with them,
manifestations of his favour. If some are nearer the consummation of
Christian character and profession than many around them, let them not
go back or wait on the others, but invite these to follow and unite,
that all in due time may together go on to perfection.

Secondly. This act is performed by Christians in a national capacity.
Acknowledging the law of God as the basis of legislation--ecclesiastical
and civil; recognising themselves as individually and jointly called to
obey it; as put in possession of common benefits arising from the
dispensation of the law of Christ, in things civil as well as religious;
and as called to promote the interests of the kingdom of Him who is king
in Zion, the Governor among the nations, and Lord of all--as one body
they engage in this. The members of Christ's church are members of civil
society, of which, too, he is the Head; and a reason not less
substantial than that for vowing in an ecclesiastical capacity, they
therefore have for engaging as members of a civil community in the
exercise of Covenanting with God. Only such a covenant as corresponds
with his will is acceptable to Him. But there are reasons why all in a
Christian nation should collectively enter into such. Were some whose
sentiments or practice might not correspond with the Covenant, to seek
to enter it, there would be every reason why the federal union with
these should not be completed. Such individuals are not fitted to have a
charge or trust in the State committed to them. Till they would exhibit
signs of repentance and reformation, they should not be received. Were a
party in power, or desiring it, possessed of such a character, even
apparently disposed to enter into such covenants, wisdom would say,
Enter not into confederacy with them.

Thirdly. Various communities may be confederated together in one solemn
Covenant with God. By this it is not intended that different chur