A Body of Practical Divinity

2. The Threats and Prohibitions of the Moral Law reach the Heart: The Law of God forbids not only the Act of Sin, but the Desire and Inclination: Not only doth it forbid Adultery, but Lusting, Matt. 5.28. Not only Stealing but Coveting, Rom. 7.7. Lex humana ligat manum, lex Divina comprimit animam. Mans Law binds only the Hands, Gods Law binds the Heart.

Rule 2. In the Commandments there is a Synecdoche, more is intended than is spoken. 1. Where any Duty is commanded, there the contrary Sin is forbidden, &c. When we are commanded to keep the Sabbath day Holy, there we are forbidden to break the Sabbath: When we are commanded to live in a calling, Six days shalt thou labour, there we are forbidden to live idly and out of a Calling. 2. Where any Sin is forbidden, there the contrary Duty is commanded: When we are forbidden to take Gods Name i• vain, the contrary Duty is commanded, that we should reverence his Name, Deut. 28.58. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful Name, the Lord thy God. Where we are forbidden to wrong our Neighbour; there is the contrary Duty included, that we should do him all the good we can, by vindicating his Name, and supplying his Wants.

Rule 3. Where any Sin is forbidden in the Commandment, there the occasion of it is also forbidden. Where Murder is forbidden, there Envy and rash Anger are forbidden which may occasion it. Where Adultery is forbidden in the Commandment, there is forbidden all that may lead to it, as wanton glances of the Eye, or coming into the Company of an Harlot,