g his
oblation, looked forward. To look to him so, in taking hold upon his
Covenant, before his incarnation, there was given the encouragement--"As
for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy
prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."[154] And now, though
oblation is no more offered in the same spirit in which Covenant was
made by sacrifice, the Covenanting believer vowing to God comes to
"Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel."[155]

Sixthly. In all ages, the exercise is performed by faith. As without
faith it is impossible to please God, so in this act it is not less
requisite than in any other. In order to the right performance of it,
faith in God, as having given it his warrant, and as having made
precious promises to be laid hold on in engaging in it, and dependence
on Divine grace for strength to accomplish it, is necessary. It is by
faith that the way of salvation through Christ is approved; by faith,
Christ and all his benefits are received; by faith, God, as a God in
covenant, is recognised; by faith, are renounced the claims of the
devil, the world, and the flesh; by faith, is the whole man dedicated to
the service of God; and by faith, every promise of obedience, that God
may be glorified, is made. Of Abraham taking hold on God's covenant by
accepting of the promise, it is said, "He believed in the Lord, and he
counted it to him for righteousness."[156] Swearing to the Lord in
faith, "Surely, shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and
strength."[157] And all who have properly engaged in this exercise will
testify, "I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."[158] With
the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. And as in the first actings of faith,
so in this solemn act, the Redeemer is received as able also to save
them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth
to make intercession for them. Faith in him as the one foundation laid
in Zion, in preference to every other, the believer endeavours
habitually to cherish, and especially at seasons of solemn
self-surrender to God, or of public vowing to him, seeks to have in
vigorous exercise. At these, the mind is brought more than is usual to
deal with the object of faith. The Lord Jesus in his exceeding glory,
often speaks to the heart, and the whole faculties of t