UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 123 



should study them attentively : for though they 

 are contained in a few brief precepts, they 

 really comprehend a complete code of morality. 

 You must consider that there is much more 

 implied than is expressly ordained; and that 

 each commandment is to be understood as a 

 concise text, reminding mankind of the whole 

 sum of their duty on that particular head. 

 For instance, when any one sin is forbidden, it is 

 evident that every offence of the same nature, 

 though of a lower degree, is also forbidden ; and 

 that as we well know how easily we are seduced 

 step by step, so we are bound to abstain from 

 every indulgence which may act as a temp- 

 tation to violate the principle of that law. We 

 are not to be contented with a cold and literal 

 obedience to this divine code. Whatever virtues 

 are enjoined to us, it is equally our duty to in- 

 duce others to practise them ; whatever is pro- 

 hibited, becomes a double crime in us if we 

 tempt others to commit it ; and observe, that for 

 this enlarged sense in which we are to view these 

 commandments, we have the direct authority of 

 our Saviour. 



<( The introduction to the commandments states 

 the grounds on which God required the obedience 

 and adoration of the Jews ; 1st, that he was the 

 Lord their God ; and 2dly, that he had trium- 

 phantly delivered them from Egyptian bondage. 



M 2 



