n the like manner
commanded in them, they may all be viewed as declared obligatory,
because of the example of God, an illustration of which is presented in
this. The Lord set an example in the keeping of the Sabbath, and
therefore men are called to keep it. But to the knowledge of his
creatures, he acts according to the principles of the other
commandments, and for the same reason that his example in resting on the
Sabbath is to be followed, is his regard to the other dictates of his
law to be made use of as furnishing examples of what to us is duty. He
has made, and he makes and keeps Covenant engagements: and as his
keeping of the Sabbath is a reason why his creatures are commanded to
sanctify it, so his engaging in covenant is a ground on which they are
called to the duty of vowing and swearing to him. But, besides, the
exercise along with others, is unequivocally inculcated from the Divine
example. The Lord said unto Moses, "Speak unto all the congregation of
the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the
Lord your God am holy."[611] To be holy, is to obey the Divine law in
all its parts. The Lord is known to be holy, because he acts according
to the principles of that law. To Covenant, therefore, is to do a part
of the duty commanded in the words, "Ye shall be holy;" and to do so for
the reason, "I, the Lord your God, am holy," is to engage in it
according to his commands, because he has entered, and because he does
enter, into covenant. Moreover, this duty would seem to be emphatically
taught in the words--"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)"[612] The holding
fast of the profession of faith implies the making of it; and both are
therefore urged on the ground of the faithfulness of Him that promised;
and He is introduced here as faithful, not merely in order that his
people might depend upon him for the good offered, but as presenting to
them an example according to which all should make and keep engagements
to their brethren and to Him. And finally, this is shown to be incumbent
by declarations leading to the imitation of the Redeemer. He Himself
says, in one of these--"If any man serve me, let him follow me."[613]
The believer cannot follow Him to imitate him, as a Mediator obeying and
dying for others. He cannot so follow him as acting in the nature of
sinless man, or as the living and true God. He cannot so follow him,
teachi