A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 41.Where is the moral law summarily comprehended ?
A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.

1. Was the moral law in force before the ten commandments were given? Yes: for Abraham commanded his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19. Was it at last summed up in these commandments? Yes: for the law was given by Moses, John 1:17. Was the law of the ten commandments given first to Israel? Yes: He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts to the children of Israel, Ps. 103:7. But are they binding to us now? Yes: for Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfil, Matt. 5:17.

2. Did God himself give these commandments? Yes: from his right hand went a fiery law for them, Deut. 33:2. Did God himself speak to them? Yes: Thou camest down upon Mount Sinai, and speakest with them from heaven, Neh. 9:18. Did he use the ministry of angels therein? Yes: they received the law by the disposition of angels, Acts 7:58. Did God himself write them? Yes: he gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God, Exod. 31:18.

3. Was the law given with much terror? Yes: for it was given upon a mount that burned with fire, and with blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Heb. 12:18. Was the sight terrible to Moses himself? Yes: for he said, I exceedingly fear and quake, Heb. 12:21. Did it strike an awe upon the people? Yes: for they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient, Exod. 24:7. And should not we be awed by the consideration of it? Yes: knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, 2 Cor. 5:11. Did the ten commandments include the whole moral law? Yes: If thou wilt enter into life, keep these commandments, Matt. 19:17.