The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-19
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.
Exodus Xxx, 12-17-The Ten Command
mentS-DutieS to Men.


The Mstterhorn is one Of the Alps, of course;
but it has its striking personality, rising
like an obelisk, with sides too sheer TO hold the
which its neishbors. The Deca-
logue is part of the Bible. Of course; but among
these hills of truth il rises with individuality
all its own. Part OF the Bible, yes; but strange
ly distinct from it, Like the Matterhorn. 1t
must needs catch the eye of the most cursory
and superficial reader. II cannot be hid. 1t
is the best and most widely known of any part
Of the Old Testament at least if not Of the en-
tire Scripture.
Comprehensiveness is the characteristic of this
unique ethical code. The commandment is ex-
ceedingly broad 1t is miracle in words that
such number and variety Of duties could be
included in terms so brief. That is the power
and utility of it, The number Of them is in
itself an aid to memory. The commandments
be counted the fingers. They are ten
words" for each digit
It is at once recognized that the principles
irradiated in this singular manner are basal
They are fundamental TO organized society.
A commonwealth cannot exist without them
They are essential TO social order In proportion
to the obedience given them will be the sta
bility OF the state In this connection the helm
BUSINESS OF crime is apparent. Breaking the
commandments does not merely injure the i'm
mediate parties il tends to disintegrate and
subyert the whole social order. The sentimental
condoning of crime and unwarrantable use OF
executive clemency are therefore IN themselves
harmful TO the common veal The immediate
parties cannot be divorced from the larger rela-
ton which their deeds maintain.
The reception and ratification OF this unique
and comprehensive ethical code under cir
oumstances exceedingly appropriate. The pnysi-
cal environment could not have been more sig
nihcant 1t seemed meet and right that the
unvielding law should come from the gray and
thunder-smtten pile of Sinai Time was apt,
too-the genesis OF a nation. The specific cere-
mony the occasion was brief, but telling
Moses built national altar at the foot OF the
mount and set up twelve pillars about II, one
for each of the tribes OF which the nation was
composed. He sprinkled half Of the blood OF
the victim on the altar. 1t was an object les
son. as If to say that the life (blood signifying
life) of Jehovah himself was staked upon His
fidelity in awarding the rewards and punish
meits defined by the law. Then Moses read
from a parchment scroll transcript of the Dec
alosue which he had made from the tables of
stone When he had finished, the people in
one voice responded, solemnly and earnestly.
as the occasion, the environment. and the words
themselves would inspire them to do: "All that
the Lord hath said will do. and be obedi-
emit" Then Moses took the other half of the
blood of the victim and sprinkled it upon the
people, in sign that they pledged their lives
to obedience to the law of God read in their
hearing that day. And this speaking national
ritual closed with Moses solemn words Be
hold the blood of the covenant which the Lord
hath made with you concerning these words"
Jesus relation to the law is exceedingly sig
nifcant. AS a divine teacher He would not
ignore this epitome Of the divine will. He
condenses and expands it, Paradoxical? Yes.
but certainly true 1t would seem that abbrevi-
alton OF the Decalogue was impossible. 1t seems
the very soul of brevity But Jesus in stroke
reduces the ten words to one. Love. Love God.
Love neighbor. On this hangs all the law.
Again, He expands the law. He carries it from
external deed to internal temper. from which
the deed arises At the same time He helps
us by His divine perspicuity to an understand
ing of the principles of the law. apprecia-
ton of their worth and truth, and admiration
and love of Them so that find ourselves in
tune with them. The Decalogue becomes the
very vocabulary Of our souls desires
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
Our attention is called especially the sec
ond table of the law: our duties to men. The
first table is evidently the basis of the second
The last six commandments flow naturally out Of
the first four
Fifth commandment: The whole OF what has
been called relative duties is here indicated
by one particular phase Of them; namely the
family This relation is first in point Of time
and Importance being the source OF all other
relations OF course. il is conceded that a
larger scope maintains in the Orient in the
,erms father and mother. All ancestors and
the venerable generally included. Even
Cicero said: I'VE ought TO venerate a parent
as we do God" The parent is the gift Of God
and stands in the place OF God. This has been
called the first commandment with promise.
This is only the enunciation OF a natural law.
Duttf,il children usually free from the vices
which tend TO shorten life. OF course. the idea
OF happy conditions is included in the prom
ised proIongstion OF days For men longevity
is not always desirable. Where unhappy con-
ditions are involved 1t may we'll be deemed a
curse and misfortune.
Sixth commandment: The Revised Version is
| evidently a preferable reading. Thou shalt
| do no murder Never IN the history OF the race
| has this commandment held such universal sway
The number OF capital crimes OF which the
law takes cognizance is reduced 10 a minimum
| There was a time when stealing a sheep was
punishable with death. and there was a bar
! barous custom Of exposing fclons' bones TO pub
| lie view: a time when processes OF law were
erude that many innocent persons suffered