The Moral Law and Human Nature
By Walker
Unless the human soul be an exception, God governs all things by laws adapted to their proper nature. The laws which govern the material world are sketched in the books on natural science, such as gravity, affinity, mathematical motion. Those laws by which the irrational animal creation is controlled are usually called instincts. Their operation and design are sketched to some extent in treatises upon the instincts of animals. Such is the law that leads the beaver to build his den, and all other animals to pursue some particular habits instead of others. Physical law or necessitating instinct would not be adapted in its nature to the government of a rational and moral being. The application of either to the soul would destroy its free agency. God has made man intelligent, and thereby adapted his nature to a rule which he understands. Man has a will and a conscience; but he must understand the rule in order to will obedience, and he must believe the sanction by which the law is maintained before he can feel the obligation upon his conscience. A law, therefore, adapted to man's nature, must be addressed to his understanding—sanctioned by suitable authority; and enforced by adequate penalties. In accordance with these deductions, God gave the Israelites a rule of life—the moral law—succinctly comprehended in the ten commandments. And as affectionate obedience is the only proper obedience he coupled the facts which were fitted to produce affection with the command to obey; saying I am Jehovah thy God which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage—therefore LOVE ME AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.—Walker.