Francis Patrick Kenrick

The life here promised seems to be temporal. By fulfilling the commandments the Israelites escaped death, which was the penalty attached to transgrelsion. Eternal life likewise was the reward of obedience grounded on faith. Although It was from the beginning the object of hope, and the primary motive of worship and obedience, it was not prominently held forth under the law, which was directed to the government of the people and their social organisation. a The truths taught by Moses were to be preserved without change : the laws which he delivered were to be inviolably observed. In worshipping God the Hebrews were to follow the Divine prescription, with- out neglecting or changing anything that was commanded. Grotius remarks that this passage is not in opposition with those who interpret Scripture by tradition, and protect the law by special enactments. To add, he says, is to do otherwise than is prescribed : to take away, is to neglect fulfilling what is com- manded.