Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words, saying,… I. SOME PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 1. Man is a being possessed of a religious capacity. 2. Man is a moral agent. 3. It is possible for the reason the understanding, and the moral sense of man to be brought to such a state, that he can have a right to have an opinion both upon morals and religion. II. THE LAW ITSELF (vers. 3-17). There are two parts of this law — that relating to — 1. Religion. Here are four things — (1) The object of worship. (2) A mode of worship. (3) The inculcation of habitual reverence with respect to sacred things. (4) An appointed season for the cultivation and perfection of the religious capacity. 2. Morals. Here is — (1) Filial "honour." (2) Respect for life. (3) Reverence for purity. (4) Respect for property. (5) Respect for reputation. (6) Respect and regard to the source of all virtue — thine own heart. III. A few observations tending to show THAT THIS LAW, AS WE HAVE IT HERE, IS SUITED TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF MAN, AND OF UNIVERSAL ADAPTATION. It is suited to humanity — 1. In that it meets the essential capacities and elements of human nature. 2. In its accidents; that is, not only in its principles, but also in the mode in which these principles are to be carried out. 3. In spite of some of the accidental and peculiar topics which are here and there introduced into it. 4. If we consider what the world would be were this law universally obeyed; and what if it were universally disobeyed. IV. The preceding point being made out, then I think THE PRESUMPTIONS ARE IN FAVOUR OF THIS LAW HAVING BEEN GIVEN BY GOD. 1. The history of man and the tendencies of human nature show that, if the original state of man had been barbarism, he never would have risen out of it by his own efforts, and never would have discovered such principles as are here put forth. 2. In the most refined ages of ancient times, no moral system equal or even approaching in rationality, purity, and simplicity to this was ever taught either by philosopher, statesman, or priest. 3. Even in our own times our philosophers, they who have rejected revelation and have given us moral systems, have taught principles subversive of these — Bolingbroke, Blount, Hume. 4. This law unquestionably was given about the time it was said to be. We find that it must have been given by Moses. From whom did he obtain it? 5. We now have the fact — "God spake all these words." V. PRACTICAL REMARKS. 1. Reflect on the internal evidence of the superhuman character of the Bible. 2. Notice that infidelity is always associated with impurity and blasphemy. 3. Meditate deeply how you stand in relation to the Law. 4. Accept, in addition to the law of judgment, the gospel of mercy. (T. Binney.) Parallel Verses KJV: And God spake all these words, saying, |
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