Covenanting: The Distinguishing Practice of our Reforming Ancestors

By John Brown of Haddington:

"Nothing so much distinguished our ancestors, as their public covenanting with God.

Divinely assured, that, in the days of Moses, Joshua, Asa, Joash, Josiah, and Nehemiah, the Hebrews had, with his approbation, thus dedicated themselves and their seed to the Lord.

Convinced that public covenanting is no where, in the sacred page, represented as a ceremonial service, and so must be equally lawful under the New dispensation as under the old.

Convinced that it was expressly promised to take place under the Gospel [Isa. 19:18,21]; and, with apostolic approbation, was probably practiced in the Macedonian church [2 Cor. 8:5].

Convinced, that if subjects, on proper occasions, may enter into a solemn association and bond, to promote the service, honor, and safety of their Sovereign, the professed subjects of Jesus Christ, may, in a social manner, devote themselves to promote his interest and honor.

Convinced, that if a number of purchasers at once may take out a charter fort their property, wherein they constitute themselves and their heirs the vassals of a Prince, Duke or Lord; there can be nothing unreasonable if a number of men take hold of the everlasting covenant, and God in it, for their God, and the God of their seed; and hereon devote themselves and posterity to be his honorable vassals and servants."

For additional information about covenanting, please visit SWRB's home page at the 'Outside Web Link' below.