Answer: For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed: That the law is perfect, and binds everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin₁. That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures₂. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments₃. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden₄, the contrary duty is commanded₅: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included₆; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included₇. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done₈; What he commands, is always our duty₉; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times₁₀. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto₁₁. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.₁₂ That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them_13; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.₁₄

1. Psalm 19:7; James 2:20; Matthew 5:21-22
2. Romans 7:14; Deuteronomy 6:5; cf. Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 5:33-34 Matthew 5:43-44
3. Col 3:5; Amos 8:5; Proverbs 1:19; 1 Tim 6:10
4. Isaiah 58:13; Deut 6:13; cf. Matthew 4:9-10; Matthew 5:21-24
5. Matthew 5:21-25; Ephesians 4:28
6. Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 30:17
7. Jeremiah 18:7-8; Exodus 20:7; cf. Psalm 15:1; Psalm 15:4-5; Psalm 24:4-5
8. Job 13:7-8; Romans 3:8; Job 36:31; Hebrews 11:25
9. Deuteronomy 4:8-9
10. Matthew 12:7
11. Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 15:4-6; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thess 5:22; Jude 1:23; Galatians 5:26; Col 3:21
12. Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 19:17; Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 6:6-7;
13. 2 Corinthians 1:24
14. 1 Timothy 5:22; Ephesians 5:11