at may be
stated there for an important end, and to weigh it, is a duty. To state
and maintain truth there is obligatory, and to promise and vow to do so,
in certain circumstances, would be not merely allowable, but incumbent.
Thus, those who are not altogether of one mind may meet to implore
Divine illumination, in order to the investigation of truth, for the
advancement of true religion; and together to vow and swear,
individually or collectively, to endeavour faithfully to attain the
object of their meeting, that the Churches may be united, not merely in
affection, but in opinion. The sentiment is not new. It was acted on to
effect in a memorable period of the history of the Church in Britain.
Were there more of the spirit of Christ poured down on the Churches, it
might be reduced to practice again. Secondly, it is presumed that Bible
Societies should engage in Covenanting. To circulate the pure word of
life, unaccompanied by the traditions of men, is among the noblest
objects of Christian philanthropy. Collectively, Christians can give
diffusion to it with an efficiency vastly beyond the sum of all their
insulated efforts. As to the end, all such are agreed. That it is a
duty, they are satisfied. As to the means, there can be but little if
any variety of opinion that can greatly perplex; and as to the manner,
information abundant and easily explicable is found in the Scriptures.
If the duty of Covenanting is obligatory on an individual, on a church,
or on a nation, it is incumbent on the members of a Bible Society in
their associate capacity. "The Lord gave the word; great was the company
(that is, _army_, and therefore sworn,) of those that published
it."[223] And it is practicable. Prayer for success to the endeavours
made, is habitually offered; and the praises of God are also celebrated
on occasions when the objects of such a society are attended to and
promoted. In order to carry into effect their design, the members come
under mutual obligations to one another. Why should they not jointly
come under explicitly avowed obligations to God? It is not enough that
in their secret vows these engage to promote the spread of the word, as
well as all other interests of the kingdom of Christ. Why should not He,
whose are the silver and the gold,--whose are the hearts of those called
to the high duty of giving the word diffusion,--yea, whose is that
precious word itself,--why should not he be acknowledged by all of them
in