ved him, and called my son out of Egypt. As they called them,
so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense
to graven images."[555] In the character of his sons, will Israel be
reclaimed from their apostacy, and voluntarily enter into solemn
engagements with God as his covenant people. "They shall come with
weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to
walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not
stumble; for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my
first-born."[556] In the character of children, too, they shall enjoy
the benefits of God's covenant;[557] and, like them, all the chosen of
God will hear his gracious invitation, "Return, ye backsliding children,
and I will heal your backsliding;" and with them cheerfully coming
under obligation to serve him, they will say, "Behold, we come unto
thee; for thou art the Lord our God."[558] Both Jews and Gentiles are
interested in the apostle's declaration, "Ye are all the children of God
by faith in Christ Jesus.... And if ye be Christ's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."[559]

The elect people of God are a sanctified people. "We are bound to give
thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God
hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification
of the Spirit, and belief of the truth."[560] And as a holy people they
draw near to vow to him. As separated from the heathen, and called to
the service of God, Israel appeared a holy people. Abstaining from
certain practices in which idolaters engaged, they were ceremonially
holy. Under both aspects, they appeared a symbol of the true Israel
among them, and of all else who are sanctified by the Spirit, and
dedicated to the Lord. The people entered into a covenant with the Lord
at Sinai. But that they might be prepared for acceding to it, and for
the accompanying solemnities, they, as a holy people, required to make
progress in sanctification, were previously to be sanctified. "The Lord
said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and
to-morrow."[561] In order to wait upon God, whether making miraculous
displays of his omniscience or power, or manifesting himself in the
dispensation of the ordinances of his grace, the people of Israel were
commanded to sanctify themselves. The place of his gracious presence,
where his people, besides engaging in other exercises, sware