Treatises on Various Theological Subjects (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1822. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... the greatest possible importance, and seek the knowledge of God, from his word and the teaching of his Spirit, as the fundamental concern in all our religious inquiries: that so we may be engaged, above all things, to fear, love, trust, worship, and serve him; and to seek all our happiness in enjoying his favour, and glorifying his name. ESSAY IV. A brief Exposition of the Ten Commandments, as comprising the substance of the Moral Law. From the scriptural character of God, we proceed to the consideration of his moral government, as made known to us by revelation: and the clear knowledge of his holy law is peculiarly requisite, in forming our judgment on this subject. This was delivered to Israel by Jehovah himself, from mount Sinai, with most tremendous displays of his majesty, power, and holiness; and though other parts of Scripture must be adduced, as a divinely inspired comment; yet the decalogue may properly betaken for our text, in examining the demands of the moral law. It is evident that there is a distinction between moral precepts and positive institutions. Some things are in themselves so indifferent, that the same authority, which commanded, might have forbidden them; as the use of bread and wine in one ordinance, and that of water in another: but it is absurd to suppose, that God could have required his creatures to despise him, or to hate one another; or have forbidden them to speak truth and to do justice. Some traces of the moral law are discoverable by our natural reason, and the whole of it is highly reasonable: it has its foundation in the nature of God and man, in the relations which men bear to Him and to each other, and in the obligations that result from these relations; on which account, it is immutable in its requirements, and deman...