The reason for laws of this sort, apparently so stringent and severe, lies in the facts――that God was their king; that he looked on the heart; and that whatever acts manifested contempt of his authority and treason against his throne were in their very nature the highest possible crimes. * * * * * 4. _Laws against violations of the Sabbath_ have been indicated sufficiently under the previous head. The statute was so entirely definite; the line of duty so easily defined and understood, it seemed to be assumed that palpable violations of the Sabbath were presumptuous sins, and they are treated accordingly. The case of the man who gathered sticks was carried up to the Supreme King, apparently because though the law was clear, the external act was in itself trivial. God’s answer amounted to this; No offense _can be trivial_ if the spirit of it contemns God’s authority and reproaches his name. * * * * * 5. _Blasphemy._ A case of blasphemy is specially described (Lev. 24: 10–16, 23). It was referred to God, the Supreme Ruler. “They put him in ward that the mind of the Lord might be showed them.” The Lord replied through Moses: “Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hand upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.” The law was enacted accordingly: “He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him.” The majesty of the Great King――the infinitely holy God, must be held sacred. No punishment could be too severe for a crime which struck so fatally against the reverence and homage due to Jehovah. * * * * *