This is the first and great commandment - It is so,
- In its antiquity, being as old as the world, and engraven originally on our very nature.
In dignity; as directly and immediately proceeding front and referring to God. In excellence; being the commandment of the new covenant, and the very spirit of the Divine adoption. In justice; because it alone renders to God his due, prefers him before all things, and secures to him his proper rank in relation to them. In sufficiency; being in itself capable of making men holy in this life, and happy in the other. In fruitfulness; because it is the root of all commandments, and the fulfilling of the law. In virtue and efficacy; because by this alone God reigns in the heart of man, and man is united to God. In extent; leaving nothing to the creature, which it does not refer to the Creator. In necessity; being absolutely indispensable. 10. In duration; being ever to be continued on earth, and never to be discontinued in heaven.
