oved for turning from services which, if rightly
engaged in, would have been discharged by them in such a manner as to
show that they knew God, but which they had never properly performed.
"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how
turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire
again to be in bondage?"[642] To know God is, in reality, by faith to
see God. As He promised to make himself known in a vision,[643] so he
will give his people to know him in acceding to his Covenant. "The
secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his
covenant."[644] The privilege thus described implies in it a knowledge
of the gracious promise of God's covenant, and consequently, of the
glory of his character, wrought in them by his Spirit. And those who
will enjoy it are those who fear him, and consequently, who will
recognise Him as their God. Hence it is that the expressions "to
Covenant," and "to know God," may often be put, the one for the other.
Encouraging his son to cleave to the Lord in covenant, David said,--"And
thou Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him
with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind."[645] The Egyptians,
described as to enter into Covenant with God, it is prophesied, will
know him. And hence, all brought to acknowledge him in this manner are
truly blessed. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."[646]

Fifthly. To these Covenanting, the Lord is favourable. He extends to
them the light of his countenance. "Offer the sacrifices of
righteousness; and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say,
Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy
countenance upon us."[647] And He accepts them. "I have not spoken in
secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of
Jacob, Seek ye me in vain."[648]

Sixthly. These Covenanting, enjoy communion with God. The wicked do not
use the name of God, in swearing by him, with acceptance;[649] but his
people do.[650] And then the Lord speaks to them. "I am with you, saith
the Lord of hosts: according to the word that I covenanted with you when
ye came out of Egypt, so my Spirit remaineth among you; fear ye
not."[651] The Lord dwells among his people continually;[652] and hence,
He is among them when they engage in vowing and swearing to Him; and in
the language of prophecy, new man