m the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do
them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people,
and I will be your God." Nay, even eternal ruin awaits the impenitent
violator of Covenant engagements. "Covenant-breakers, ... who, knowing
the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of
death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them."[339] Were not the acceptance of the law of God in its covenant
form to entail obligation, the breach of it would not be denounced as a
breach of covenant; nor would his wrath descend on men as unsteadfast in
his covenant, or as having broken it, but as having violated his holy
law. Substantially then, by their own act, must they be brought under
solemn obligation to God, who, having vowed to him, by failing to
perform their promise, would become exposed to the stroke of his just
vengeance. Where there is guilt there is sin, and where there is sin
there was obligation, and where there is punishment, there were all.
"Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" The people of God
acknowledge themselves as bound by their oaths and vows. What was
uttered by Jephthah regarding a vow which was unlawful, must have been
employed by the fearers of God in reference to vows of which He
approved,--"I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back."
The Psalmist said, "So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I
may daily perform my vows."[340] "I will pay my vows unto the Lord now
in the presence of all his people."[341] "I have sworn, and I will
perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments."[342] The language
was dictated by the Spirit of inspiration. It was therefore lawful to
use it. It ought to be used by all. The principle that vows and oaths
require that they be fulfilled, is implied in it. That was therefore
held by the saints in former times. Because of the words of God from
which they drew it, it ought to be universally maintained.

SECTION II.

Social Covenanting entails obligation on the Covenanting society, even
throughout its continued existence, till the end of the Covenant be
attained.

First. Because such covenants are made, not merely in the name of the
individuals who enter into them, but also in the name of posterity. On
recorded occasions of warranted Covenanting, such was the manner of
entering into the engagements made. In addition to what has been said
before in proof of this, merel