ce to the devout making of the Covenant
engagements which they contain. And in those exercises of religion in
which none of his people could hold communion with him, prayer to his
Father was accompanied with his own recognition of his engagement to
fulfil his will. The psalm,[608] a part of which, at least, we know he
repeated on the Cross, and which is prophetic of his exercises there,
and his intercessory prayer, contain at least one instance of the making
or renewing of Covenant engagement on his part, not to be
forgotten.[609]

II. The Lord, in entering into Covenant, provided an example for
imitation. By this it is not intended that any are called to engage in
acts of this nature precisely corresponding with those in which he
engaged. It would be impossible, as well as impious, for men to imitate
the making of the Covenant of Redemption, or of that of Works. Nor is it
meant that men, as perfect beings, are to follow the pattern in this
set by the Most High; but it is to be understood, that in making a
promise of good in truth and sincerity, and in taking Himself to
witness, he is to be imitated by his people in Covenanting, while they
depend on grace afforded by himself.

First. It is possible for his people, after some manner, to imitate God
in Covenanting. They cannot imitate him entering into covenant as a
self-existent, independent Being; nor can they imitate him as in this
providing benefits which of himself he can bestow; but in some respects,
by his grace they may. He holds intercourse with those with whom he
enters into covenants in truth. His people ought to do so with him. He
makes promises. They ought to do so too. He swears by himself. They
ought to swear by him. He swears that He may give assurance of his
intention. They ought to swear for the same reason. Because of his
hatred to sin he entered into covenant. They should enter into covenant
with him in order to show their hatred to it. He necessarily loves
himself, and he loves those with whom he Covenants. By love to him--the
origin of love to all others, as well as to themselves--they should
enter into covenant with him. He promises in order that his people may
have the security of good. They are called by Covenanting to accept his
promise, that they may have the security afforded by believing his word.
In entering into Covenant, God honours his own character. Imitating him
in Covenanting all are called, and they ought, to glorify his name.

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