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…

In the next place, we would consider the negative part of this Commandment, for the extent thereof will be best discerned by cons •dering what is forbidden therein, and how it may be broken: It is indeed the Commandment, in reference to which, beyond all the rest, almost the general •ty of men think themselves most innocent; and yet upon trial it will be found, that men are most guilty of the breach thereof: We may look upon the breach of this Commandment more largely, as God is any way wronged in that which is his due; or more strictly, as it relateth to that which is more properly Idolatry.

In the next place, we would consider the negative part of this Commandment, for the extent thereof will be best discerned by cons •dering what is forbidden therein, and how it may be broken: It is indeed the Commandment, in reference to which, beyond all the rest, almost the general •ty of men think themselves most innocent; and yet upon tryal it will be found, that men are most guilty of the breach thereof: We may look upon the breach of this Commandment more largely, as God is any way wronged in that which is his due; or more strictly, as it relateth to that which is more properly Idolatry.

Being more largely considered, it is broken two ways.

1 When what is proper and Essential to God, is denied to him in effect, or practically; as wh •n he is not accounted Eternal, Omnipotent, one blessed God in three Persons: And thus men are guilty, either in Opinion or in practise, when they walk so before God, as if they thought him not Omnipotent, Omniscient, &c. And so