The phrase TO PROFESS, is, when used in connection with godliness or true religion, in the New Testament, equivalent to that _to Confess_. It is a translation of one of the verbs (ομολογεω), which is rendered also by the latter. To profess either the knowledge of God, or godliness, or a good profession, or faith, or subjection to the gospel, corresponds to the act of professing Christ. If performed to God, it is, according to the import of the expression _confessing to him_, to Covenant. If performed to men, it is to bear testimony to the truth. If not represented as performed either to him or to them, it is to be understood as being, according to their respective characters, performed to both; and, accordingly, to be interpreted as not merely to testify to the truth of God before the world, but also to engage in the solemn exercise of Covenanting. The exercise of Covenanting is accordingly to be understood as referred to in these scripture declarations:--"Whiles by the experiment of this ministration, they glorify God for your _professed_ subjection unto the gospel of Christ."[70] "They _profess_ that they know God; but in works they deny him."[71] "Women _professing_ godliness."[72] "And hast _professed_ a good _profession_ before many witnesses."[73] "Let us hold fast the _profession_ of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised."[74] The term PROFESSION, when used in the same connection, is equivalent to the term _confession_; and hence includes in its import the exercise of Covenanting. The proof of this which is obviously deducible from the meaning of the word _confession_ is corroborated by the representation which is given in the epistle to the Hebrews, of Christ as the high priest of our profession. In this aspect of his character, the Redeemer was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; and under this, taught the people to manifest in every possible manner their attachment to God's Covenant--duties which they would not have performed, if in making confession to God they had not confessed their acquiescence in that Covenant. PERSONAL COVENANTING Is an ACT OF ADHERENCE to God's Covenant. It is the definite exercise of giving acquiescence to that Covenant in its whole character. It is not simply acquiescing in that Covenant in the heart, but signifying that acquiescence in a positive service. The Covenanting believer, like the people of Israel with Josiah their king, in this exercise, stands to the Covenant.[75] That party in this exercise takes hold upon the Covenant, and cleaves to it; that is, not merely performs other services required in the Covenant, but absolutely engages to it. And here, uses such language as the words of Jacob, "The Lord shall be my God." But particularly,