The Mosaic Decalogue has lost none of its significance by lapse of time. It means as much to-day as it ever meant. It was written for time and for eternity. There is deep significance in the fact of its having been written on tablets of stone. This symbolizes its permanency and endless duration. It was written for all mankind, not simply for the Children of Israel.
As commonly interpreted it has been made the basis of human laws. The jurisprudence of civilized nations is based largely upon it. Men have made it the foundation wall upon which the fabric of human affairs has been built. It is an essential part of human history, and will continue to be as long as human history endures. All moral codes are constructed more or less upon it. It is generally regarded as authority for the infliction of corporeal punishment for the violation of penal codes. Capital punishment finds its warrant, as is believed, in the Ten Commandments. What is usually considered the Mosaic law is believed to be based upon it.
It has not found a larger place or attained to a higher dignity in the world's estimate, than that of a moral code. It has been commonly conceived to be a mere interdiction against the commission of those acts which go to make up the calendar of crime and offences against morality. This is well as far as it goes. It unquestionably covers every phase of crime and of immorality. Too much importance cannot be attached to it in this respect. Nor as a general rule can it be too rigidly enforced in its moral aspects. But does it rest here?
