INTRODUCTION. Na stereoscopic view, to enable the spectators sun-pictures are taken-one for the positive, the other for the negative side; and the two views combined give the full and complete picture. Something like this process is needed to give us a clear and perfect comprehension of those Scripture precepts which are to be the “lamp to our feet" and the "light to our path." We cannot take their meaning in all its depth and breadth without viewing both sides, as it were. We must examine the negative precepts, showing what the true servant of God must avoid, and the positive precepts, showing what he must do; and by comparing them together, we shall see what positive commands are included in the prohibitions, and what prohibitions in the commands; for each takes in the other side. Just as, in studying the promises, we cannot fully enter into the force of "No condemnation," unless we have realized in some measure the state of the unpardoned sinner, (and the like in other cases),-so, in viewing the precepts, we must turn them on the other side, as it were, to take in their full meaning. Thus, "abhorring what is evil" must imply "cleaving to that which is good;" and true Christian love must be that which "worketh no ill" to our neighbour. And only by so viewing God's commands and prohibitions on every side and in every light-as we might contemplate a magnificent edifice from the front and the back, from above and below -only thus can we truly estimate their fulness and true meaning. Every Scripture precept and promise needs to be polarised, as it were, to be rightly comprehended. It may be useful and helpful perhaps to some Bible students to take a few of these negative and positive precepts and examine them in detail; and the line of study thus indicated may then be further carried on by each individually—thus enabling us to dig even deeper in the mine of exhaustless treasures we shall find in the Word of God. |