Binney's Theological Compend

By Amos Binney and Daniel Steele

PART III. MORALS OF CHRISTIANITY

THE MORAL LAW.

          THIS is that revelation of the divine will which relates to the duties men owe both to their Maker and to their fellow-men, or neighbors, as explained Luke 10:33-37.

          This law is spiritual and perfect, extending to all the inward creations and outward actions of men, and can never be changed or annulled. Ps. 19:7-8; Prov. 30:5-6; Rom. 7:12, 14; Rev. 22:18-19.

          This law was first written on the hearts and consciences of men, so that by a proper use of their rational and moral faculties they might attain to a knowledge of their whole duty. John 1:9; 3:19-20; Rom. 1:19-20; 2:14-15.

          "Two things there are which, the oftener and the more steadfastly we consider them, fill the mind with an ever new, an ever rising admiration (135. What of the moral law? When and where was this law first written?) and reverence: the STARRY HEAVEN above; the MORAL LAW within." Immanuel Kant.

          To confirm this original law of nature, it was written by the finger of God in the form of ten commandments, and delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai. Exod. 20:1-17; 24:12; 31:18; 32:15-16.

          The summary of this law, as explained by Christ and his Apostles, is supreme love to God and impartial love to man. Matt. 22:36-40; Luke 10:35-37; Rom. 13:9-10; James 2:8.

 

This is the sum of every part,

To love our God with all our heart;

That we should love our neighbor too,

And what we wish from him, should do."

'Tis short and sweet, 'tis good and plain,

Easy to learn, and to retain:

May grace divine our souls renew,

And 't will he sweet to practice too."