A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

6 Take help from Christ's Sermons, and the Prophets, to understand this Scripture, for they are the only Canonical; and therefore the best Commentary upon the Commandments; yet ye would not despise the light holden forth in humane writings, such ⟨p. 19⟩as the larger Catechism, which is very full as to this, and if conscionably improved, will prove exceeding profitable for your instruction.

Lastly, The Grave Case that we would speak unto, before we enter particularly on the Commandments is, whether any of these Commandments may be broken in our sleep, by Dreams, Imaginations, Actions, &c. which otherwise are unlawful, or whether when a man is sleeping and dreaming he be sub sect to the Rule of the Law, and if its obligation extend to him even then? This question hath its own difficulty, and although it be not good to be curious in it, yet it wants not its own profit, as to the peace and quietness of God's people, or to their humbling and stirring upun to repentance, if it be rightly decided. I know almost all run on the negative, as if men were not in the least guilty of sin by such Dreams, upon this ground, upon this ground, because they are not then in a capacity to use and exercise their reason, but that they are in this case as mad, distracted, or frantic men. I desire to be sober in speaking to this; yet I shall adventure to speak my mind a little about it, with the reasons of it.

Lastly, The Grave Case that we would speak unto, before we enter particularly on the Commandments is, whether any of these Commandments may be broken in our sleep, by Dreams, Imaginations, Actions, &c. which otherwise are unlawful, or whether when a man is sleeping and dreaming he be sub •ect to the Rule of the Law, and if its obligation extend to him even then? This question hath its own difficulty, and although it be not good to be curious in it, yet it wants not its own profit, as to the peace and quietness of God's people, or to their humbling and stirring upun to repentance, if it be rightly decided. I know almost all run on the negative, as if men were not in the least guilty of sin by such Dreams, upon this ground, upon this ground, because they are not then in a capacity to use and exercise their reason, but that they are in this case as mad, distracted, or frantick men. I desire to be sober in speaking to this; yet I shall adventure to speak my mind a little about it, with the reasons of it.