Question 41

What is it for the Moral Law to be summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments?

The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments in that the sum and chief heads of the Law are therein contained.

Is there then any thing included, as commanded or forbidden, in the Moral Law, more than what is expressed in the Ten Commandments?

The Moral Law being spiritual, and very large, doth reach both the whole inward Man, and all the outward conversation, and therefore the Ten general heads in the Commandments do include many particular members and branches. 1. Whatever sin is forbidden in any one precept, the contrary duty is commanded; and all sins of the same kind also are forbidden; and not only the outward act, together with the words and gestures tending thereunto; but also all the inward affections to sin, together with all causes, means, occasions, appearances, and whatever may be a provocation unto it, either in our selves or others, Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his Brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say unto his Brother, Racha, shall be in danger of the counsel; but whosoever shall say unto his Brother, thou Fool, shall be in danger of Hell-fire. Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.^a 2. Whatever duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and all duties of the same kind are included, together with all sutable affections thereunto; as also the using all means appointed for help, quickning and furtherance therein; and our endeavours in our places to help and further others in their obedience.