A37046:105
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
AN EXPOSITION OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, Delivered in several LECTURES. › Preface
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Take this Rule, that in all Commands, jointly and severally, we would have special respect unto the scope God aims at by them all in general, or by such a Command in particular: now the general scope is (2 Cor. 7. 1. 1. Pet. 1. 15. 16▪) perfect and absolute holiness, even as he is holy; and therefore whatever he requires, he requires that▪ it be absolutely perfect in its kind, as that our love to him be with the whole heart, &c. and so our love to others be as to our selves; our Chastity and Purity, all must be absolute. (see 1 Tim. 1. 5.) This Rule will teach us what we are to aim and level at: And whatever Exposition of the Commandments comes not up to this scope, is no doubt defective; and by this Rule only can we be helped to the right meaning of every Commandment, for each of them has its peculiar scope, both as to the duties it requires, and sins it condemns. And by this Rule it is that our Lord Christ (whose Exposition with that of the Prophets is best) draws in the least and smallest branches of filthiness to the seventh Commandment, which dischargeth all things contrary to perfect and complete Purity.
4. Take this Rule, that in all Commands, joyntly and severally, we would have special respect unto the scope God aims at by them all in general, or by such a Command in particular: now the general scope is (2 Cor. 7. 1. 1. Pet. 1. 15. 16▪) perfect and absolute holiness, even as he is holy; and therefore whatever he requires, he requires that▪ it be absolutely perfect in its kind, as that our love to him be with the whole heart, &c. and so our love to others be as to our selves; our Chastity and Purity, all must be absolute. (see 1 Tim. 1. 5.) This Rule will teach us what we are to aim and level at: And whatever Exposition of the Commandments comes not up to this scope, is no doubt defective; and by this Rule only can we be helped to the right meaning of every Commandment, for each of them has its peculiar scope, both as to the duties it requires, and sins it condemns. And by this Rule it is that our Lord Christ (whose Exposition with that of the Prophets is best) draws in the least and smallest branches of filthiness to the seventh Commandment, which dischargeth all things contrary to perfect and compleat Purity.