Covenanting, accordingly, is worthy of
imitation. Were we doubtful whether or not their observation of the
exercise were according to the will of God, we should not be encouraged
by it; but when assured of its consistency with the Divine record, we
are called to follow it. Their devout performances of the duty, then,
present a reason for discharging it, strong in proportion to the force
of every warrant which they had for engaging in it, but though in
accordance with these, different from each of them. True, we are not to
compare the doings of men with the command of God; but when he calls us,
we are under obligation to observe these, when presented as an
illustration of duty, or as a motive to perform it. On account of the
same reasons for which the Church of God in former ages attended to
Covenanting, we should attend to it; but we should perform it because of
their example besides. Did they engage in it because of the
manifestations of its obligation upon them, made in the Scriptures, and
also on account of the approved practices of their predecessors? We
should perform it for the same reasons, and for this cause besides, that
they themselves engaged in it. "We desire ... that ye be not slothful,
but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the
promises."[779]

The practice of the Church of God, warranting to engage in the duty, is
a manifestation of Divine favour made by Him in enabling her to act to
the fulfilment of his designs. Were his people called to duty according
to his command? He vouchsafed the strength requisite that they should
obey. Were they attracted to it by the anticipation of good from Him? He
afforded the grace by which they were drawn. Through them performing the
service, was promise or prophecy regarding it fulfilled? The glory of
God was displayed by Him fulfilling his word. Because of the displays of
Divine excellence made on its performance by the saints, contemplating
their example, we are called to the duty.

On these two grounds, the practice of the New Testament Church, engaging
in Covenanting, to which here but merely a slight reference can be made,
invites to the duty.

The practice of the Church of God in the Apostolic age, in regard to
this matter, has been considered before;[780] to those cases that were
explicitly approved of God, it belongs.

The practice of the Church of God in the three centuries immediately
succeeding the Apostolic age recommends the duty. C