ing measure, the happiness of being accompanied and followed by
many who will be helpers of their joy. "As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are
of the household of faith."[281]

These various duties of the members of civil society are proper matter
of solemn Covenant engagement. That they have but little entered into
vows on the part of many who have bound themselves to other services,
also required, is no reason why they should not be Covenanted. That they
are enjoined in the law of Christ, obedience to which is the keeping of
God's Covenant, is the reason why they should be distinctly described,
and introduced into secret and public social solemn vows.

Thirdly, to the Church of Christ. These are of high importance; by the
authority of God they are inculcated, and to the highest of all ends
they directly tend. Not enjoined by the authority of man, even deputed
to him from above, but by Christ himself, they bind the conscience by a
bond that men could neither have imposed nor relaxed. They are vowed in
Baptism, engaged to in the Lord's Supper, and ought to be the matter of
solemn engagements of an explicit public nature. These are,--

To abide by all the ordinances of Divine grace. These are the
appointment of the Redeemer, and tend to the good of his Church. The
relations of the members of the Church to one another, originating in
his sovereign appointment, call them to these special duties to one
another; and his explicit commands give definiteness to their
obligations. To wait on these ordinances, is at once a duty to God and
to his Church. To keep the Sabbath, to celebrate the sacraments, to hear
and preach the gospel, to engage in the reading of the word of God, and
in praise and prayer, to make and keep secret and social vows, to
associate with his people, and to attend to whatever observances of
discipline he has made known, are indispensable services. "I am like a
green olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for
ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it:
and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints."[282]

To support the ordinances of religion where they are enjoyed. The Lord
gave to ancient Israel the institutions of his house as a trust. "Who
are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the
covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises