*Who, what are they, that make “The preaching of the law,” a character of reproach? Do they not see on whom the reproach must fall? On whose head it must light at last? Whosoever on this ground despiseth us, despiseth him that sent us. For did ever any man preach the law like him? Even when he _came, not to condemn but to save the world_: when he came purposely to _bring life and immortality to light through the gospel_? Can any “preach the law” more expresly, more rigorously, than _Christ does_ in these words? And who is he that shall amend them? Who is he that shall instruct the Son of God, how to preach? Who will teach him a better way of delivering the message which he hath received of the Father? 2. _Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments_, or one of the least of these commandments――_These commandments_, we may observe, is a term used by our Lord as equivalent with _the law_: or the _law and the prophets_, which is the same thing, seeing the prophets added nothing to the law; but only declared, explained, or inforced it, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. _Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments_――especially if it be done wilfully or presumptuously: _one_:――for _he that keepeth the whole law and_ thus _offends in one point, is guilty of all_: the wrath of God abideth on him, as surely as if he had broken every one. So that no allowance is made for one darling lust; no reserve for one idol: no excuse for refraining from all besides, and only giving way to one bosom sin. What God demands is, an entire obedience: we are to have an eye to all his commandments: otherwise we lose all the labour we take in keeping some, and our poor souls for ever and ever. _One of these least_, or one of the least of these _commandments_.―― Here is another excuse cut off, whereby many, who cannot deceive God, miserably deceive their own souls. “This sin, saith the sinner, is it not a little one? Will not the Lord spare me in this thing? Surely he will not be extreme to mark this, since I do not offend in the greater matters of the law.” Vain hope! Speaking after the manner of men, we may term these great and those little commandments. But in reality, they are not so. If we use propriety of speech, there is no such thing as a little sin: every sin being a transgression of the holy and perfect law, and an affront of the great Majesty of heaven.