Divine Law

The precepts of the law are just and good . Now , what are the precepts of the divine law ? They are very numerous , for the law is "very broad ," and reaches to every part of man's nature  - regulating his opinions , his dispositions , his actions , in all the variety of relation and circumstances in which he can be placed . But numerous as are its requisitions , we have a complete summary of them in the following very comprehensive words ," Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and soul , and strength , and mind . This is the first and great commandment ; and the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself ."
        Now , are not both these commandments right.? Would there not be an obvious violation of right if they were otherwise than they are ? Is it not right to love , to love supremely , Him who is supremely lovely , who is infinitely kind ; to fear supremely him who is supremely venerable , possessed as he is , of infinite power , wisdom , and righteousness; to trust entirely him who is supremely trustworthy ? And could he , without injustice to himself , have demanded less of us ? Would it not have been incongrous and monstrous for him to have enjoined less than the love of the whole heart , and soul , and strength , and mind ? And to the second great commandment , which is like the first , is it not right also ? Does not its rectitude stand out in strong relief , when we contemplate it in the form in which our great Master exhibited it . " Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you , do ye even so to them.?"  Would the law have been right if it required anything else , anything less , than this ?   Rev John Brown
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