The Law Unsealed, Or, a Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments; With a Resolution of Several Momentuous [Sic] Questions and Cases of Conscience: By ... Mr. James Durham

by James Durham

The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.++++The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition ++++National Library of ScotlandN019882First published in 1665 as 'A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments'. printed by the heirs and successors of Andrew Anderson, anno Dom., 1715. [40],358, [14]p.; 8

Genres: Law, Theology

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

James Durham (1622 - 1658) was the eldest son of John Durham of Grange Durham Angus, and proprietor of ‘a good estate,’ then called Easter Powrie, in the county of Forfar. He studied at St. Andrews University, and afterwards lived at his country place. Subsequently he took arms in the civil war and became captain of a troop. Naturally serious and thoughtful, he had come under profound religious impressions on a visit to the relations of his wife (Anna, daughter of Francis Durham of Duntarvie) at Abercorn, near Edinburgh, and it was his being overheard praying with his soldiers by David Dickson, an eminent Presbyterian divine, that led to his devoting himself to the ministry.

After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.

Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.

Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.

For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’

His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book that covered the ten commandments in the detail of theology and application that one would expect of the Puritans. I wouldn't say that this is the best exposition on this topic, but it is pretty high up there. Durham sometimes digresses into detailed philosophical arguments for certain things, or makes distinctions between sins that most would consider to be essentially identical, but for the most part he lays a clear case and applies it rigorously.

I found that some topics were covered in great detail (certain portions of the 4th commandment were very helpful) and others were almost passed by (6th/9th commandment). Some were very applicable (8th/10th commandment) and others not quite as much, but I definitely got something out of each chapter.

Definitely convicting that one fails to keep the commandments on so many levels, but there is hope in the grace given to us by Christ.

[Lily Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it took me a long time to get through, this was worth the study. A thorough examination of the Ten Commandments leaving the reader with plenty to reflect on. Durham approaches the study the way you would expect the puritans to. I greatly appreciate the gravity he writes with.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t say that I would recommend this book to anyone, other than experts on the Puritans. It is very tough to read the old English used by Durham, as well as the constant run-on sentences that make his thoughts very difficult to follow. I do believe this book could be extremely helpful, but not as written.

If you are interested in an exposition of The Ten Commandments, I recommend the Banner of Truth edition by Thomas Watson. It is very good, very comprehensive, and very readable.

Durham’s book really needs to be translated into modern English. Otherwise, I don’t find this to be useful to a broader reformed, or evangelical, audience.

“Take Up and Read” - Saint Augustine

[Alex]

Only read the following:

- "The Fifth Commandment" (pp 231 - 256)

[Christopher Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

if it were not for God's grace, we'd be doomed.