in the discharge of each.
It was according to a Divine warrant and direction that the saints of
old entered into Covenant; and every lawful approach to him by vow or
oath requires a just appreciation of his character. "The Lord shall be
known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and
shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the
Lord, and perform it."[129] "This shall be the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put
my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be
their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more
every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know ye the
Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the
greatest of them, saith the Lord."[130]

Secondly. Covenanting must be engaged in cordially. That is not
religious homage which comes not from the heart. For an intelligent
being in any case to utter any thing that is inconsistent with the
thoughts of the mind is sinful; but in this case it is peculiarly
foolish and daring. If the affections of the heart be sanctified, they
will be elevated to God in every religious exercise, and especially in
this. Those who value their own souls, will not be devoid of intense
concern for their salvation, when before God they engage in testifying
to their acceptance thereof. They who seek to glorify God, will in this
draw near to him with their mouth, and with their lips do honour to him,
but not remove their hearts far from him. If a transaction that concerns
only a limited part of this world's good is often important, how much
more that which concerns the enjoyment of God as a portion! If an
engagement that concerns a few years' enjoyment is often found to
engross all the feelings of the mind, how absorbent of all the best
exercises of the heart should be a transaction for communion with God to
eternity! The men of Judah, on a solemn occasion, afforded an important
pattern in this. "All Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn
with all their heart."[131] And wherever the Covenant of God will be
taken hold upon by men returning to him, the whole heart will be
engaged. "I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord; and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return
unto me with their whole heart."[132]

Thirdly. Covenanting must be engaged in with deliberati