THE TWO LAWS by E. R. Seaman

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1857

THE TWO LAWS.

By E. R. Seaman

IT has been affirmed by a recent writer in the Crisis, with much emphasis, that there is no distinction made between the law of ten commandments and the various laws given to the children of Israel; or, in other words, that one had no distinction from the other. To prove this Deut. xxvii, 8 was quoted in part as follows: "And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law." But if we read the connection, we shall see that this great heap of stones was first to be covered with a coat of plaster; and Joshua fulfilled the command of the Lord by Moses, [Deut. xxvii, 2, 4, 8,] as we find recorded in Josh. viii, 9-34. Then it is said afterwards, He read all the words of the law . . . that is written in the book of the law.

We learn here a few facts which will help us in our examination of the distinction made between the laws written in the book, and those that were engraven on stones by the finger of God; that there was a book of the law, and that the laws written on the plaster could not be considered as imperishable as those engraven in the stones [Deut. v, 22] by the finger of God. This unfair attempt to show that the laws written in the book were engraven in stone may do for those that never read their Bible; but I am glad the truth is plain and needs no such effort.

If I may be permitted then, I will compare a few texts on this point to show the plain distinction in the Scriptures of truth, between the law of ten commandments and the law written in a book. Before commencing however, I would remark that I never have found the testimony in the whole Bible, for calling the ten commandments the law of Moses. But the fact is plainly stated, that Moses wrote a law in a book, which is called the book of the law by the hand of Moses.

We will first refer to some texts concerning the law contained in ordinances, or law of Moses. Deut. xxxi, 9. "And Moses wrote this law." Verse 24. "And it came to pass when Moses had made an end of writing this law in a book," &c. Verse 26. "Take this book of the law and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may be there for a witness against thee." The ten commandments were placed in the ark under the mercy-seat. Here is a plain distinction. 2 Chron. xxxiv, 14. And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by the hand (margin) of Moses. 2 Kings xxii, 8. Here it is called the law of Moses. Neh. viii, 1, 3. Here it is said the book of the law of Moses was read from morning until mid-day. It certainly could not have been the ten commandments; for they could have been read in a few minutes. Also Neh. ix, 3; Mark xii, 26; Heb. x, 7. One more plain text in the New Testament [Acts xiii, 39] shows that those that believe are justified by faith, but could not be by the law of Moses.

Next let us look at the Scripture testimony on the law of God or ten commandments. First. Ex. xxiv, 12. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there, and I will give thee tables of stone and a law, and commandments which I have written. Ex. xxxi, 18. And he gave unto Moses when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone written with the finger of God. Ex. xxv, 21. The Lord told Moses he must put the testimony that he gave him in the ark. Then Moses had a separate place for the ten commandments or testimony of God which was in the ark, while the book of the law was, as we have shown, to be deposited in the side of the ark. It appears that this testimony of God, or ten commandments, are the same that John saw in vision, [Rev. xi, 19,] which are now being seen by the remnant and obeyed that they may be covered with the white raiment in order to stand, and pass through the time of trouble, or third woe.

Again, [Ex. xxxii, 15, 16,] And Moses turned and went down from the mount, and the two tables were written on both their sides, on the one side and on the other were they written, and the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. Ex. xxxiv, 1, 2, 28, 29. Compare Deut. iv, 13, with Ps. lxxxix, 34; Deut. ix, 9-11.

Enough has been quoted, I think, to show that there is a marked distinction between the law of God or ten commandments, and the law of Moses written in a book, which could fitly be represented in figure by the Apostle as nailed to the cross. Col. ii, 14. But the words of the covenant, the ten living commandments, must abide forever, and the figure would be very inappropriate which would represent two tables of stone as nailed to the cross; and I think Paul knew better than to use such a figure: but our no-law friends would fain make Paul thus inconsistent; and it seems to be a part of the work of some to misrepresent the faith of those that are trying to keep the commandments of God, as though they expected to be saved by so-doing, out of Christ. This is a great mistake, and can be no more true than that we are to continue in sin that grace may abound, to which the Apostle has said, God forbid. The light of truth is blazing forth in all its native beauty; and all the opposition that can be raised against it, will only tend to make it shine brighter unto the perfect day. It is evident that all this effort to destroy the distinction God has made between the two laws, is done chiefly to get rid of the fourth precept. May the Lord help us to keep humble, and not sink away into a dormant state, but contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and finally get immortality through our merciful High Priest, is my prayer. The last note of warning is sounding, and the message will soon go with a loud voice. How solemn the moment! Who shall abide the day of his coming? In the patience of the saints. E. R. SEAMAN. Lancaster, Mass.