irection perpendicular to itself, and so conceive
that at any instant both would be first. And the latter supposition,
indeed, seems to correspond with the circumstances of the facts. At the
same moment that Divine power is put forth in order to conversion, both
union to Christ, and the faith which recognises that union, are at once
vouchsafed. Then indeed a new life is begun, and the manifestations of
life necessarily begin to appear. Lastly, the faith of the believer is
exercised by him in resting on Christ as the one foundation laid in
Zion; and reposing on him, he habitually takes hold on the Covenant of
God, instead of a refuge of lies--the covenant with death and hell,
which shall be swept away.[391] It is to the glory of God that Christ is
confessed.[392] It is in union to Christ as the true foundation that
this is done.[393] The glory of God as a strength is spoken of as being
founded. "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained
strength (founded glory)."[394] Where there is Divine power and Majesty,
there is glory. "Strength and beauty (glory) are in his sanctuary."[395]
Resting on the one foundation, as a temple to the glory of God, the
Church engaging in the act of confessing Him in Covenanting, and
otherwise keeping his Covenant, will therefore realize the promise, "I
bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation
shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my
glory."[396]

SECTION II.

Covenanting, under every dispensation of Divine Grace, was provided for.

In the scheme of Redemption, all the means by which it should be carried
into effect were provided. From that proceeded the means of grace
adapted to the circumstances of the Church in every period of history.
From that followed those arrangements that were suited to the
Patriarchal, Levitical, and later times; and from that arose all the
various dispensations themselves. Exhibitions of Christ, the chief
blessing of the Covenant, were common to all of them. Nay, to make these
exhibitions, all of them were devised. The world was adapted to man,
whether in a state of innocence, or in a state in which he should be
invited to return to God. According to the wondrous plans of Him who
foresaw and arranged all things, the world, after trangression, behoved
not to be lost, but to be made the scene of events glorifying to God. To
suppose that the earth was formed for the purpose of carrying into
ef