ecision not less complete than the tenor of
any definite precept, dictated the service vowed, it had been unlawful
to vow it, or to keep the vow. When the vows of the Nazarite were made
lawfully, their matter was not indifferent. And even as these were
acceptably made when duty presented itself, vows may be made with
acceptance still, when duty by whatever means is made manifest. No more
did there exist under the former dispensations a class of services that
might or might not be performed, than there does under the present. And
though there may be no evidence that the things vowed by the Nazarite
are incumbent in these last times, yet the laws that enjoin the duties
of vowing and paying, were not less applicable to the observances,
which, on the mistaken ground that they were obligatory only according
to the will of men, have been improperly denominated "indifferences,"
than they are to every duty, however exhibited, that is obligatory now.
If certain things which may be done by some in given circumstances, but
not in others, may be denominated "indifferent," then those things which
should be performed only by some in given stations in the Church or in
civil society, may be called indifferent too. The manner of
representation is altogether objectionable. Nothing is indifferent. Men
may err in their sentiments concerning duty, and call some things
indifferent either in regard to time or to matter; others not. But there
is nothing which ought to be done, that is strictly indifferent. There
is nothing which men ought to do merely of their own good pleasure. What
God makes known, and that alone, should be vowed and performed.

II. Covenanting should engage all to duties to society in general.
Imperative upon all is the command, "As we have therefore opportunity,
let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith."[253] The constitution of the various relations of
human society, and the law and varied providential arrangements of the
Most High--all require that mutual regard for the welfare of one
another, should be cherished by all. And as those who love not their
brother give no evidence that they love God, so they who fear Him ought
to manifest their love to Him by using all those means, of which
Covenanting is one, by which the utmost efficiency for good may be given
to their resolution to serve the Lord, and to their interest in the
prosperity of their neighbour. These duties--that ought