76 SECOND SERMON we are now to consider of the other part of the cove- nant which concerneth our engagement unto God, wherein we promise both ourselves, and our abilities unto him, to be his people, and to do him service. (1.) The material cause of this covenant is what- ever may be promised unto God ; and that consists of two things our persons and our services. Our persons, We are thine," Isa. lxiii. 19. Giving our ownselves to the Lord, 2 Cor. viii. 5. not esteem- ing ourselves our own, but his that bought us, 1 Cor. vi. 19. and being willing that he who bought us should have the property in us, and the possession of us, and the dominion over us, and the liberty to do what he pleaseth with us. Being contented to be lost to ourselves, that we may be found in him, Phil. iii. 9. If sin or Satan. call for our tongue, or heart, or hand, or eye, to answer, These are not mine own, Christ hath bought them, the Lord hath set them apart for him- self, Psa. iv. 3. They are " vessels for the master's use," 2 Tim. ii. 21. I am but the steward of myself, and may not dispose of my master's goods without, much less against, his own will and commands. Our services, which are matters of necessity, matters of expediency, and matters of praise. All which may be made the materials of a covenant. [1.] Matter of duty and necessity. As David by an oath binds himself to keep God's righteous judg- ments, Psa. cxix. 106. And the people in Nehemiah's time enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, and to . observe and do all his commandments, Nell. x. 29. [2.] Matter of circumstantial expediency, which in christian wisdom may be conducive unto the main end of a man's life, or may fit him for any special condition, which God calleth him unto. So the Rechabites
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