enactments
vary in their absolute character, without transgressing the limits fixed
by the moral law. The facts occurring in providence, enlarge not the
compass of those laws that were promulgated by the King of Zion to her
communion, but demand their application. The laws of civil society ought
never to conflict with the principles of eternal righteousness; but with
observation and discovery, and every change else in providence, it
behoves them to keep pace. In the former, the Lord Jesus is recognised
as the immediate lawgiver; in the latter, too, he is acknowledged as
supreme lawgiver,--and, as having given to men civil power to be
exercised, not otherwise than agreeably to the revelations of his
will,--which unfold the mutual obligations, of nations and their rulers
to one another, and of both to himself. Not less than as members of his
Church, are men, as worthy members of civil society, the servants of
Christ.

Now, that in vowing and swearing to God in both capacities they serve
him, appears from various considerations. Repeatedly are the people of
Israel represented in Scripture as a nation, and as in their national
character engaging in Covenanting. Both on the occasion of the
solemnities at Sinai and in the land of Moab they are so designated.
That they sustained this character under the kings of David's line is
also manifest. That the whole people will, in gospel times, be united in
such a relation the voice of prophecy would seem to indicate.[193] That,
in whatever civil incorporations they may stand, they will be subject to
Messiah, King of nations, is certain. Under the theocracy, they
Covenanted as a nation, at Horeb, in the land of Moab, and at Shechem.
Under Asa, and also under Josiah, the people in their civil capacity
with their rulers Covenanted too. As a nation, after the return from
Babylon, under Nehemiah, the whole people and their rulers also entered
into covenant with God. On all these occasions the Church of God
engaged to obey his law, not only regarding things ecclesiastical, but
also things civil. Under the theocracy, Israel, in things civil and
religious were called to obey God as their king. Under the kings of
Judah, they were no less called in all relations to acknowledge God as
their Lord. After their restoration, they will acknowledge Messiah at
God's right hand as in all things their sovereign Lord. "My servant
David shall be their prince for ever."[194] And the Gentile nations, in
du