In fact, as learned Jews thought that in these words some peculiar mystery was contained, so some of the early Christians thought that they saw in them a strong intimation of the doctrine of the Trinity in unity b. But I am always afraid of indulging the imagination upon topics so sacred and mysterious : and therefore I wave all notice of such doubtful matters ; and the rather, because that the doctrine of a Trinity of Persons in the Godhead is so clearly and unquestionably revealed in other parts of Holy Writ. I content myself there- fore with affirming, that in this passage (to say the least) there is nothing repugnant to it.]
Our duty towards him is, to " love him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength" —
[We are to admit no rival into our bosom. The creature indeed may be loved by us, in subserviency to him ; but he must possess our supreme regards, and be served on all occa- sions with the utmost energies of our souls. Nothing is for a moment, or in the slightest possible degree, to alienate our affections from him, or in any respect to divide them with him (he will not receive a divided heart) : whatever we have of understanding, will, or affections, they must all be employed for him without cessation, without abatement, and to the remotest period of our lives.
This is the duty of every living man, whether under the law, or under the Gospel: The heathen themselves are not exempt from it. The law itself was inscribed on the heart of man in his first creation ; and, effaced as it has been by the introduction of sin, it must be again written on our hearts before we can ever behold the face of God in peace. Not even God himself can absolve us from this law : it is universally and unchangeably necessary to be observed by every child of man.]
Having answered the question thus far, I will pro- ceed to shew,
II. Why this is called " the first and great" com- mandment0—
It is justly entitled to this honour,
1. Because obedience to it was the very end for which all our faculties were given us —
[We possess faculties far superior to any other creature upon earth. We have an understanding, whereby we may know God ; a will, whereby we may devote ourselves to him ;
b See Bishop Patrick on Deut. vi. 4, 5. c Compare Matt. xxii. 38.