Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ... ARGUMENT OF THE SECOND EVENING. $ 1. REASON OF THE STATUTE PERPETUAL. An objection is sometimes brought against the binding and perpetual obligation of the Noachic statute, that if you take it as we contend, you must also take the prohibition not to eat blood. This is worth noticing. I might contend that this is simply a prohibition against a species of cannibalism, for it is not the blood that is forbidden solely, but the flesh with the blood. But I apply to this prohibition the same reasoning as to the injunction. It is of force while the reason for it remains. It was given in reference to the sacrifices which were to constitute the standing type and prediction of the great sacrifice of the Messiah for the sins of the world. To make that rite more sacred, to maintain the idea of the solemnity and sacredness of religious sacrifices, in which so deep and holy a life and meaning was in the blood of the victim, this prohibition was laid down against eating the blood with the flesh. As long as the rite of sacrifices lasted, the force of this prohibition stood, because the reason for it remained; but when sacrifices and types were abolished, the particular binding force of this prohibition fell with it, the reason for it no longer existing. But this does not affect in the least degree that great injunction of the punishment of death for murder. If the reason for that command could be shown to be no longer existing, then the injunction itself would fall, but not otherwise. Lex stat, dum ratio manet. The reason remains. We are made in God's image; every generation to the end of the world will be; therefore, on every generation this law is binding. 2. ENORMITY OF THE GUILT OF MURDER, AND NECESSITY OF A PENALTY THAT SHALL MAKE IT..."
