An Inquiry Concerning the Lawfulness of Marriage Between Parties Previously Related by Consanguinity Or AffinityThis historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1843. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. Classification of the Jewish Laws. Whether their Marriage Laws are binding on us; and, if so, whether wholly or only in part. Preparatory to the inquiry, whether we are bound by the laws in Lev. J8: 6-18, it is necessary to consider the classification of the Jewish laws. In the Confession of Faith, and, perhaps, in most of our systems of theology, they are divided into three classes, viz./ceremonial, judicial, and moral. Dr. Livingston gave (p. 61) a division a little different, and which has been followed by Professor Hodge; viz.: '1st. Thedutiesof man to God. 2d. Those which regard men's permanent relations to one another; and, 3d, Those which relate to the peculiar circumstances of the Jews." The first threefold division seems to be the best, and it comes recommended by the standards of our church It was made to expound the Scriptures, and give comprehensive theological knowledge. The other seems to have been made to settle a particular question, and shove by the arguments used on one side of it. Had those who give this classification been making out a system of moral duties without a special reference to what is called the vexed question, perhaps the classification in the Confession of Faith would have sufficed. Be that as it may, it is necessary to examine whether their classification is well founded, and whether it effectually turns off the arguments of those who think the rules in the 18th of Leviticus were for the Jews alone. To simplify the inquiry, let it be observed, that there is no dispute respecting the ceremonial law, for all allow that it is not now in force; neither is there any respecting the duties of man to God, and which we call moral. The question between us is, whether the judical law of the Jews is obligatory, and, if s... |
