Quest. XCIC.
Quest. XCIX. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments?
Answ. For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed,
I. That the law is perfect, and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience, for ever, so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least decree of every sin.
This implies, that how unable soever we are to yield perfect obedience, yet it does not cease to be a duty. And though some sins are smaller than others, yet the least is contrary to the law of God; and therefore not to be committed by us.
II. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul, as well as words, works, and gestures.
This denotes that obedience ought to be performed in a spiritual manner. God is to be worshipped with our spirits; without which, all external modes of worship will avail nothing. Nevertheless, external worship is to be performed and expressed by words, works, and gestures; which supposes that our understandings are rightly informed, or that we do not worship an unknown God, and that our wills express a readiness to obey him out of choice, and without the least reluctancy; and our affections must centre in him, as performing the duties incumbent on us, with the utmost delight and pleasure.
III. That, one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden, in several commandments.
Thus covetousness is forbidden in the Tenth Commandment. Nevertheless, as hereby the world is loved more than God, it is a breach of the first Commandment, and as such is styled idolatry, Col. iii. 5.
IV. That, as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden, and where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded. So, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included; and where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included.