A37046:625
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
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.
We may add a third way how his Name is taken in vain, and that in respect o• it self, or of the ordinance or duty; what indeed it is, and in respect of what it appeareth to be, when the show is much more than the substance; and when the sincerity, reality, and inward Reverence and esteem of our heart in naming God, keepeth no just proportion with the words of our mouth, and our large external profession; thus did the Pharisees, and thus do all Hypocrites take and bear Gods name in vain, not being at all answerable to what they seem to be; thi• may be also in others comparatively, in respect, 1. of the Law. 2. in respect of the means we have, 3. in respect of our profession.
We may add a third way how his Name is taken in vain, and that in respect o• it self, or of the ordinance or duty; what indeed it is, and in respect of what it appeareth to be, when the shew is much more than the substance; and when the sincerity, reality, and inward Reverence and esteem of our heart in nameing God, keepeth no just proportion with the words of our mouth, and our large external profession; thus did the Pharises, and thus do all Hypocrits take and bear Gods name in vain, not being at all answerable to what they seem to be; thi• may be also in others comparatively, in respect, 1. of the Law. 2. in respect of the means we have, 3. in respect of our profession.
That our Conviction may be the clearer, let us see what belongeth to the right going about of duty, or to the suitable mentioning of the Lords Name, the want whereof, or any part thereof maketh us more or less guilty of taking it in vain 1. Then there is a necessity that we propose a good and right end, and al•• singly at it; for if all things should be done to Gods glory, this of the Naming of the Lord should be in a special manner so: this is a mans call to Pray, Preach▪ Hear, &c. to wit, the concernment of Gods Name, that is, 1. That God may be honoured. 2. That we our selves, or others may be edified. 3. That a command may be obeyed in the Conscience of Duty; Those then who adventure to profess or name God, or to go about any ordinance, seeking themselves and not the Lord, as is supposed men may do,