d that the
design for which it was given was highly important, would thus appear.
The character of the duties incumbent on the Israelites moreover
illustrate this. Every man that was circumcised was debtor to do the
whole law. And till the Mosaic dispensation should come to an end,
throughout life his obligation could not decrease. As a member of the
Church and nation of Israel, by the solemn Covenant engagements of that
people to God, and to one another, he was bound. To fear the Lord, to
swear by his name, and to perform his vows, was required of him. And to
testify to the truth of his profession he bare the sign of God's
covenant upon him. When Israel under Joshua, had entered the promised
land, the use of this sign became peculiarly manifest. "At that time the
Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the
children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives,
and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins."
The same individuals were not circumcised twice. The young of the people
had not been circumcised in the wilderness. Their fathers--who had been
circumcised in Egypt, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua--died
before reaching the land of promise. Though the people, while they were
in the wilderness, having no immediate intercourse with the heathen,
neglected that duty without being specially reproved for it; yet when
they came to Canaan, where idolaters abounded, their non-observance of
it was not to be permitted. In reference to these heathens the command
had been given, "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their
gods."[689] And when they came among them, that they might not associate
with them in their idolatrous rites, but be constantly reminded of their
own separation to the service of God, the duty was re-injoined, and on
its performance, "The Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away
the reproach of Egypt from off you."[690]

Circumcision was given, not merely as a sign to denote God's Covenant,
but as a seal to give assurance of its benefits, and also of the
performance of its duties. Abraham by receiving it as a seal of the
righteousness of faith had confirmed to him the promises on which in
believing he relied, and was recognised as permanently set apart to
perform the duties of faith and obedience. Every blessing promised in
the word of God as if sealed by His own seal, to him and to his
spiritual seed was thus made sur