sation by obedience to the remainder: universal obedience is required, and therefore the slightest shade of sin is justly considered as a transgression of the Law : -The same duties and virtues are not unfrequently required by different Commandments, being in different ways subservient to each of them; and the same sins are forbidden by more than one division of the Law, when they tend to the breach of more than one pre. cept: An explicit Commandment of the Decalogue, whether positive or negative, supersedes the authority of all passages found in other parts of Scripture, which may be improperly understood, so as to conflict with its obligations, because the will of God is ever consistent with itself, and that which is doubtful or capable of misconstruction in his Word, must be interpreted according to that which is plain and unequivocal. § 7. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses, written upon two tables of stone; the first table containing the four first precepts, which teach the duty of man towards his Maker, -the second table, the six last, which instruct him in his duty towards his fellow creatures. His duty towards himself is implied in, and inseparably connected with, his fulfilment of all the requisitions of the moral code; for every personal sin violates the first table, and almost every one the second. §8. The following compendium will shew the substance of the Ten Commandments, extracted according to the above-mentioned rules of interpretation. Every thing tending to obscure the light of na The adoption of all d love of God. to prevent the diffusion of religious knowledge. Due divine The every tunity toward ligious duties on proper any other way than that motives. which he has himself appointed. The diligent use of all the means of grace, The right use of the name of God. Due reverence for all divine and sacred things. The employment of III. Blasphemy, perjury, idle oaths, and irreverent use of God's name. The improper or profane use of divine and sacred things. Hypocriti. cal professions of religion. Whatever may give occasion to blasphemy, or every means and opportunity to excite respect | contempt of the holy name towards God. of God. IV. The public worship of Neglect of public wor. God; and the sanctifying ship. Breach of the Sab to his service of certain | bath, and inattention to appointed times, especially every seventh day. appointed seasons of de votion. All observances which tend to promote its design, and to engage others in the same duty. manner of performance. All occupations and amusements which interfere with sacred ordinances, and prevent ourselves or others from joining in them. SECOND TABLE, CONTAINING DUTY TOWARDS OUR NEIGHBOUR, OR MEDIATE V. SelfThe F neighbo The of all p curity exercis which tience will, Fornication, all uncleanness and immodesty, external and internal. The use of every thing which is likely to inflame the passions, and all in The adoption of all preservatives of innocency in ourselves and others, and the avoiding of all ❘centives to the gratificatemptations to sensuality. tion of unlawful carnal desires. |