d followed with signal marks of Divine favour. The transaction
had been predicted. "For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the
sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall
overflow with righteousness."[761] "The consumption" here spoken of, was
the destruction of the Assyrian empire. The returning referred to, was
the restoration of Israel from Babylon. And the overflowing with
righteousness adverted to, would appear to have been the exercises of
engaging in Covenanting under Ezra and under Nehemiah, and the
consequences thereof. And manifold were the benefits that followed from
these engagements. Copies of the law of God were increased: the people
were accordingly much more abundantly instructed than they had been
before; and they no more returned to idolatry.

And what is said by an apostle, in reference to the Churches of
Macedonia engaging in the exercise, we have no reason to suppose to be
inapplicable to the other Churches in the apostolic age, that performed
the duty,--that they did so "by the will of God."

Hence, in conclusion. Though the Canon of Scripture be now closed, we
have encouragement to make vows, the engagements of which are lawful. A
material difference that obtains between the former and the present
dispensation of Divine grace is, that what was vouchsafed under the
former, was fitted to afford the principles according to which, all
under the latter should judge of the attainments from the hand of God,
made by them in every given exercise. Did he, in former times,
manifestly approve the performance of the duty? he will substantially do
so now. Did he favour his people taking hold on his covenant then? he
will do so still.

FOOTNOTES:

[743] Gen. vi. 17, 18. vii. 16.

[744] Gen. xv. 9-18.

[745] Gen. xvii. 7-14.

[746] Gen. xxii. 1-18.

[747] Gen. xxvi. 3-5; and Ps. cv. 9.

[748] Gen. xxviii. 11-22.

[749] Exod. xix. xx.

[750] Exod. xxxiv. 6; see also ver. 10.

[751] Num. xxi. 2, 3.

[752] Deut. xxix. 13.

[753] Jos. xxiv. 25, 31.

[754] 2 Sam. vii. 11-22; 1 Chron. xxviii. 8.

[755] 2 Chron. xv. 15.

[756] 2 Chron. xxx. 12.

[757] 2 Chron. xxx. 27.

[758] 2 Chron. xxxiv. 33.

[759] Ezra x.

[760] Jer. l. 4, 5.

[761] Is. x. 22.

CHAPTER XIII.

COVENANTING PREDICTED IN PROPHECY.

The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being
approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is
accompan