ere it not to do so, then no command of God would be
binding on the wicked; the moral unfitness of man in a state of nature,
would shield him from the claims of God's law, and any ordinance of God
might be abused with impunity. But, God will not be mocked. Whosoever
attempts duty will be either accepted or found guilty. Divine
institutions must be respected. Every law of God contemplates an
immediate and an ultimate end. If a vow be made in sincerity, God will
give grace to fulfil it in some measure; and if neglect in the supposed
case follow, chastisement will be inflicted. If a vow be made
deceitfully--otherwise than which the wicked cannot make it--a double
obligation is contracted:--an obligation to punishment for dealing
falsely with God; and a debt of obedience because of submitting, though
feignedly, to an ordinance appointed by him. The law of God, enjoining
the duty of Covenanting, is founded on His own nature; the imperfections
of man, therefore, cannot abate its claims. Even as the observation of
the other ordinances of God brings under special obligations, so the
exercise of attending to this confers one peculiar to itself. It is
lawful to pray, but it is sinful to do so without sincerity. God will
not answer the supplication that is not presented in faith; but he will
demand the obedience which the grace prayed for, if asked aright, would
afford strength to perform. It is necessary to read the word of God, but
sinful to peruse it thoughtlessly, or in an irreverent frame of mind.
But, however it may be read, he will call for the duty which a proper
reading of that word by His blessing would afford a resolution to
perform. Thus, also, God will not accept the vows of the wicked; but He
will claim what they vow, and will punish them if they do not make it
good. Thus Israel, though many of them did not enter into it with
sincerity, were charged with breaking the covenant with God which they
professed to make in the wilderness at Sinai, and punished for the sin
thereby contracted.[359] Thus, also, Zedekiah suffered for breaking the
covenant which he made with the king of Babylon by oath.[360] Indeed, it
is the wicked alone who break the covenant of God. They never sincerely
have entered into it, but their disregard of it, after having professed
to accede to it, is represented as a violation of it; and over such
impends a fearful woe. "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants
thereof, because they have transg