ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS. CHAPTER I.-LAW: ITS NEED AND BEAUTY. Man's need of law-Man innately lawless-False philosophy-But law must be suitable-Systems of law-The Mosaic only divine-Christ's endorsement thereof-Importance of study because divine-Its admirable character-Its public rehearsal in main features after Israel's entrance into the land-Its commendation by Moses before his death--Aim of the law as a mouthsbutter-Also its enigmatical shadowings of present rupture and future reconciliation-Its mission in clearing the way for the grace of God by bringing man under condemnation. CHAPTER II.-BEFORE THE LAW OF MOSES. The world not without divine law before Moses-The times of Abraham, Noah, Adam-The flood -The tower of Babel-Melchizedek, the centre of divine law among descendants of Noah-A new start in Abraham through faith-Not a new principle but the new form of an old principle-Adaptation to altering circumstances - Divine law and priesthood as old as Eden -Every obedient man his own priest from Abel to Abraham- The interval between the covenant with Abraham and the exodus of Israel from Egypt under Moses-Lingering traces of the knowledge of God-Balaam, the Egyptian priests-Perverted remnants of knowledgeHeathen idolatries and ritualisms corrupt vestiges of knowledge from Noah-From Abraham to Moses-Perfecting of individuals-The bulk of Israel little better than the EgyptiansEzekiel's testimony-Why did God redeem them ?—Their organization as a nation, a measure with divine aims irrespective of their character-Israel made willing by affliction in EgyptThe negotiations between Moses and Pharaoh-The departure on the night of the PassoverThrough the Red Sea to the wilderness-The call of Moses to Sinai-The covenant proposed to the people. CHAPTER III.-AT SINAI. Meeting with God-A divine address to the whole nation from the summit of Sinai-Recital of the ten commandments in the hearing of the whole assembly, by "a great voice "-The tables of stone-Their description as "the moral law" objectionable-Morality not an element in the nature of things--Morality extraneous to man and dependent wholly on the law of Godhence killing and not killing right by turns-"Moral difficulties of the Old Testament imaginary-due to wrong ideas of moral law-God's own description of the ten commandments-The covenant between Him and Israel-The rest of the law, mere appurtenances and amplifications-Unsuitable and unjust to regard the ten commandments in any other light than that in which the Mosaic record exhibits them-A speech from God as the basis of a national covenant-afterwards "done away"-In what sense done away-The new law in Christ revives their excellent rules of action-The law of Moses unable to confer life because of human weakness-but made operative through Christ, who was born under it and obedient in all things-Learned misconceptions of the subject through wrong views of human nature. CHAPTER IV. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Analysis of the ten commandments-Their order--God, family, and other men-Their beauty compared with humanly evolved systems-Greek and Roman civilizations-Contemporary laws of Canaan, Assyria, and Egypt still worse-The uprise of the Mosaic law in their midst a miracle-The first commandment-its incorporation of Israel's deliverance-The meaning of this-Appeal to what Israel knew, and a guarantee of the historical veracity of the exodus to all subsequent generations-The Decalogue and the exodus bound together-Philosophy of the exodus That God might be known-Revelation a necessity-Knowledge of God restson the evidence of the senses-The Mosaic achievements in Egypt-Our conceptions of all scientific phenomena must be subordinated to this-The logic of the first commandment irresistible The second commandment God's jealousy of the honour that belongs to Himself alone The age of idolatry, continued in the age of statues, busts and memorials--Likenesses of Greek and Roman celebrities, but none of God's servants-Reflex effect of the commandment Jealousy as affirmable of God-Its difference from the human sentiment-Its basis in wisdom and goodness-The third commandment-Reverence for the name of God-Taking the name of God in vain. CHAPTER V.-THE SABBATH LAW. The fourth commandment-more artificial in a sense than the rest-The Sabbath law exclusively Israelitish-A beneficial institution-The British nation and the Sabbath--The meaning of the Sabbath and the spiritual objects of its institution-its observance before the law-its association with the six days' creation work-Scientific objections-The earth more than six thousand years old-The Bible account of creation not inconsistent with this, but on the contrary involving it-The Pre-Adamite state of the earth-The creation era-The angelic agents employed-Hebrew elohim and Greek anggeloi-Their resting and being refreshedThe creation work-"Let there be light"-light before the sun was made (to appear)The explanation-The making of a "firmament" resulting in cloud and water-The formation of the seas, and their vegetation on the upheaved land-Next the appearance of the sun, moon and stars-Dr. Thomas on the subject-The explanation apparently strained and unnatural, but not really so-The rule for settling the doubtful and the unknown --Christ's endorsement of Genesis compelling unreserved acceptance-The possibility of this without collision of truth-The statement that the Deity "rested and was refreshed "-The Sabbath also a memorial of the Egyptian deliverance. CHAPTER VI.-THE SABBATH IN GENTILE TIMES. The Sabbath among the Jews in modern times-The Sabbath in Gentile Europe-its observance a result of the establishment of "Christianity" and a proof of Christ's resurrection-Substitution of the first for the seventh day-how it came about-The modern contention for the observance of the seventh day-its unfounded character-The contentious activity of the Judaisers in Paul's day-Paul's opposition to them-His prophecy of their triumph-The Constantine church not an apostolic community, yet an instrument of preliminary blessedness to the nations of Europe-The Mosaic Sabbath not for the friends of Christ-Christ in relation to the law--The end of it-The disannulling of it-The Sabbath law displaced-The Sabbath in the days of Christ-His attitude anti-Sabbatarian-Seven examples-The apostles and the Sabbath-their opposition to all observance of days-"The Christian Sabbath" a mistaken phrase-The breaking of bread on the first day of the week a different thing—The Sabbath in the age to come-The Sabbath in Eden-No argument for times under ChristThe true Sabbath keeping in him. CHAPTER VII.-THE REST OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Negative commandments- not to do-How much human well-being depends on this --Man's power to injure-Regulated by law, but law binding by authority only, and authority arising from divinity-The necessity for clear views here-Danger of setting aside obedience as the rule of righteousness-Moral laxities due to wrong theories-Submission wrongly regarded as a symptom of intellectual weakness-The FIFTH COMMANDMENT-Making light of father and mother-Modern lack of reverence-The only cure-Wisdom of the commandment to honour father and mother-Good effects on the children-Its reasonableness in view of the part performed by parents-Respect for parents among the Jews-Preparation for the other commandments-The SIXTH COMMANDMENT-" thou shalt not kill"-Divine law alone creates the moral aspect of murder-Indebtedness of modern civilisation to the effect of this law in many generations-Power of law as a protection to life-A higher protection in love which came after law-Under Christ, anger a crime-Obligation to love, one of the obligations of the truth-extending even to enemies-An apparent impossibility, but possible when Christ is loved-The secret of triumph-Coming harvest of love-The SEVENTH COMMANDMENT-The sexual affinity-its powers and its blessedness when regulated by law-Necessity for iron barriers-Sophistries born of lust -Ignorant rebellions of all kinds-The two principles which settle the whole question-Libertinism-A short and decisive answer to all demoralising theories-The law of Christ a stage higher-Impure thoughts forbidden-Powerful selfcircumcision-The EIGHTH COMMANDMENT-Not a matter of course-Wrongful taking made such only by divine prohibition-Atheism undermining the foundations of property, leads to socialism and anarchy-The divine recognition of personal possession as the basis of human society-its regulation only needed to make the earth an abode of joyful life-Individual possession in the perfect age-The NINTH COMMANDMENT-The beauty of truth-The fate of liars The TENTH COMMANDMENT -The finishing excellence-An uncovetous eye-Superb character of the whole law. CHAPTER VIII.-THE LAND. The law of Moses a civil polity-more adapted than modern systems to promote social well-being --The modern system a failure-Settlement of the people on the land-Hurtful monopoly prevented by the law of Moses-pro rata division among families on the basis of inalienable inheritance-A nation of " landed gentry "-Self-extinguishing mortgages-Permanent beggary impossible-Creation of large estates prevented -Preservation of the social equilibrium-The divine land-law full of blessedness; the human, full of woe-Possession of the land married to the worship of God the coming cure for the world's evils-Not "nationalisation" but familisation the true system-Objection on the score of increasing populationEvery seventh year a year of rest for the land - The spontaneous harvest of that year, the property of the poor-The miraculous double increase of the sixth year-Levites to have no inheritance, but only residence at city-cer tres-A spiritualising element in the populationImitation in the parochial system of Christendom-The law a failure in Israel's hands-its resuscitation and success under Christ. CHAPTER IX.-PRIVATE LIFE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. The land in the possession of the people, but something else needful to prevent stolid dulnessLaws for the interweaving of God with every occupation of life-The law as to things not to be eaten and things not to be touched-Rest every seventh day-The rite of circumcisionBirth of children-Presentation and redemption of the first born-Personal diseasesDefiling contacts-God continually before the consciences of faithful men-The uncleannesses of the law, ceremonial, not physical-Not the less powerful as a felt experience-The law of taboo-Creation of the idea of holiness-National institutions-The feasts--The passoverThe feast of tabernacles-Extensive comings together for a good time-A contrast to Gentile holidays-Conviviality with a rational and spiritul aim-Celebration of the national deliverance-The calling of God to mind--A joyous, subdued, ennobled nation-Presentation of the first fruits -Charms of the feast of tabernacles-Most beneficent of public institutions -Calculated to produce a happy people. CHAPTER X.-DEALINGS OF MAN WITH MAN. Phylacteries-The place for God in human life -The law of Moses as a policy of civil life-Gentile imitations-Responsibility for effects of individual action on others-Accidental injuriesThe unprotected roof-The goring ox-The unguarded pit--The straying beast-Losing borrowed articles-Another man's wife-Theft-Restitution-Sale of the thief-Stoning him on refusal to work-Carlyle's rapture-Anti-slavery sentiment-Immortalsoulism and modern objections to the law of Moses-Comparison with Egyptian and Assyrian practices-An enemy's interests to be conserved-Just judgment in all things - Majorities not to rule in such matters-The condemnation of tale-bearing, revenge and cruel sport-Inculcation of mercy to the blind, the deaf, the poor, the distressed-Lending to be ready and free of usuryLiberalhandedness in the harvest field - Honour to grey hairs-Protection of female chastity -Death to the adulterer-The law, holy, just, and good, but Israel disobedient-A time of reformation coming. CHAPTER XI.-THE COVENANT AT SINAI AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE First visit of Moses to the summit of Mount Sinai-Readiness of the people to promise obedience when he came down-The writing and reading of the laws added to the ten commandmentsCeremony of ratification of the covenant to obey-Concealed meanings-Silence with regard to the objects of what was commanded to be done-" All things by the law purged with blood "- the connection of this fact with death as a thing due-But the blood-shedding, being that of animals, only typical-The antitype in Christ- His own subjection to the purifying process-Paul's testimony and the common view-The lesson of sacrifice: not human punishment but divine vindication-The enforcement of the will of God as the law of human action -Heathen religions and substitutions-Moses and Aaron and seventy elders invited to see the glory of God on the mount after ratification of the covenant-The parallel in Christ's ascension-The throne of Eternal Light--Immensities of universal space-Six days cloud and silence-Adumbration of divine chronology in the shadowed substance-The "devouring fire on the top of the mount"-A counterpart-Command to make the Tabernacle-Exhibition of the plan to the eyes of Moses-Specially qualified artizans for the work of construction -The practical significance of the divine care for accuracy in the matter-The people invited to provide the materials of manufacture-The significance-The raw material for the final divine encampment on earth furnished by the human race-The voluntary character of the supply-Free-will the basis of God's work with man-The making of the tabernacle-Its details as "the form of knowledge and the truth"-Christendom astray in rejecting the divine pattern-Every son of God a miniature tabernacle. CHAPTER XII.—ALLEGORICAL TRANSACTIONS AT SINAI. Specifications for the construction of the tabernacle-Twice set forth in a "thou-shalt-make and an "and-he-made" series-Meaning of this apparently needless duplication-" establishment" by doubling-Also the two phases of divine procedure; first, plan; then fulfilment ; command, then obedience; history, then prophecy-Mutiny of Israel during the absence of Moses in the mount-The anger of Moses on coming down and finding the people in the act of idolatry - His flinging the tables of the law out of his hand - Parallel in Christ-Also in the return of Moses to the top of the mount to intercede for Israel-The exhibition of the divine glory to Moses between the "thou-shalt-make" and the "and-he-made" phases of the work -The glory of his face when he came down-The need for a veil-The historical counterpart in the days of Christ, and in days to come-The breaking and replacing of the tables of the law -The discernible parallel in the course of events since and in the prophetic sequel-The strangeness of such occurrences being made typical of future events-In reality an added beauty to the work of God-The pattern and quantities of the tabernacle-A meeting place with God and not merely a portable convenience-The order of making different from the order of specification-A probable reason-The ark and the tables of the law-The cherubic figures-The throne of God in Israel's midst-The shadows involved in their construction God in manifestation-To be known only by revelation-The position of the ark at the very centre of Israel's encampment-To be approached only by sacrifice-One of the secrets of popular distaste. CHAPTER XIII.-THE ARK AND ITS CONTENTS. The tabernacle as an intimation of incompleteness in the union between God and Israel-Also as a prophecy of the way in which true union would be effected-Substance and shadow-Christ the way in head and body-The ark as a container-Its contents-First, the tables of stoneTypical of the divine law in the heart-Glorious state when this is affirmable of all menSecond, Aaron's budded rod-Its history-Typical of divine choice and appointment as the basis of acceptable service-Divine purpose at the root of human well-being-Its budding as a type of the resurrection-The golden pot of manna-Eternal life through Christ-The material of the ark: wood covered with gold-A prophecy of tried faith and resurrection recompense-The blood-sprinkled mercy seat and cherubim, all of gold-The perfect mediator-The glory between the Cherubim, the participation of the Eternal Father, in salvation tbrough Christ-God at every stage-The crown of the ark, intimation of royalty-The rings of, pilgrim mobility in this state-The poles of, qualified carriers -Staves always in their place, faithful men always at work-The golden censer-Nadab and Abihu's disobedience and death-Incense typical of prayer-The sweetness of the incense and its smallness-The antitype in Christ-Prayer a pleasure to God-Prayer in the immortal state-Praise its chief element -The memory of the one great sacrifice in the age to come. CHAPTER XIV.-OUTSIDE THE VEIL IN THE HOLY PLACE. The holy of holies a meeting place with God-A truth lost sight of by natural thinkers, that God cannot be discovered or communed with apart from His own disclosures of Himself "THERE will I meet with thee" - A revelation and a prophecy-The day when the curse is removed |