e book of Divine revelation had not
been completed. But even though, as under the law, when the sons of
Aaron on entering on the priesthood, took vows upon them to fulfil its
duties, he should not actually make a new oath, the vows and oaths of
His people came up before Him as formerly they did from before his
altar, and the oaths which He had sworn before, even on their behalf,
are made available to them. Thus Israel were enjoined, "That thou
shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath,
which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day; that he may establish
thee to-day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a
God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers,
to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Neither with you only do I make this
covenant and this oath; but with him that standeth here with us this day
before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this
day."[125] And thus were encouraged those who should succeed these in
drawing near to God. "The sons of the stranger, that join themselves to
the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his
servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and
taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain;
and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and
their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar: for mine house shall
be called an house of prayer for all people."[126]

Now, Covenanting must be engaged in intelligently. Not merely must there
be a desire to perform the service; but there must be an enlightened
apprehension of its nature. "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that
which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry."[127] Applicable to the
intellectual discernment that true faith includes, as well as to that
grace in its spiritual character, is the declaration, "He that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him."[128] The Covenant children of God are taught of
him, and draw near to him as if He were not unknown, but revealed to
them in his grace. Though none can by searching find out God, nor find
out the Almighty unto perfection, yet those whom He saves know whom they
worship. According to the instructions delivered in his word, must be
the performance of every service of religion; and the character of God
as revealed, is that which must be apprehended