A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments

by James Durham, Christopher Coldwell (Editor)

Durham's Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments was last printed 200 years ago in 1802. It was prefaced by recommendations from two well known English Puritan commentators of his day, William Jenkyn and Dr. John Owen (who had also written a preface to Durham's Song of Solomon). Owen notes what those already familiar with Durham's ministry knew well. Durham was quite excellent at handling "case divinity" or cases of conscience, as it is noted in many of the subtitles of his works. Owen "In particular instances, cases relating to daily practice are so distinctly proposed, stated and determined, as that the whole is a complete Christian directory in our walking before God in all duties of obedience. Let the pious reader single out any one duty or head of duties to make his trial upon, and, if I greatly mistake not, he will discern with what wisdom, and from what deep experience, his plain directions are managed, and do proceed." The volume is rich in practical Puritan application of the Law of God. This new edition retains all the original prefacing material by Owen, Jenkyn, and John Carstares, the original editor of the manuscripts of many of Durham's works. The text has been revised as far as possible without marring the author's work, to reflect contemporary spelling, punctuation and usage. Numerous paragraph breaks were added as well to aid the reader, and numbering of points and divisions were changed or added in an attempt to clarify the outline and flow of Durham's expositions. The work has been completely indexed with subject, author and scripture reference indices. Comments on the text, obscure words or phrases, and historical background, have been noted by way of editorial footnotes.

Genres: Law, Theology

427 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

James Durham (1622 - 1658) was the eldest son of John Durham of Grange Durham Angus, and proprietor of ‘a good estate,’ then called Easter Powrie, in the county of Forfar. He studied at St. Andrews University, and afterwards lived at his country place. Subsequently he took arms in the civil war and became captain of a troop. Naturally serious and thoughtful, he had come under profound religious impressions on a visit to the relations of his wife (Anna, daughter of Francis Durham of Duntarvie) at Abercorn, near Edinburgh, and it was his being overheard praying with his soldiers by David Dickson, an eminent Presbyterian divine, that led to his devoting himself to the ministry.

After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.

Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.

Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.

For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’

His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book that covered the ten commandments in the detail of theology and application that one would expect of the Puritans. I wouldn't say that this is the best exposition on this topic, but it is pretty high up there. Durham sometimes digresses into detailed philosophical arguments for certain things, or makes distinctions between sins that most would consider to be essentially identical, but for the most part he lays a clear case and applies it rigorously.

I found that some topics were covered in great detail (certain portions of the 4th commandment were very helpful) and others were almost passed by (6th/9th commandment). Some were very applicable (8th/10th commandment) and others not quite as much, but I definitely got something out of each chapter.

Definitely convicting that one fails to keep the commandments on so many levels, but there is hope in the grace given to us by Christ.

[Lily Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it took me a long time to get through, this was worth the study. A thorough examination of the Ten Commandments leaving the reader with plenty to reflect on. Durham approaches the study the way you would expect the puritans to. I greatly appreciate the gravity he writes with.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t say that I would recommend this book to anyone, other than experts on the Puritans. It is very tough to read the old English used by Durham, as well as the constant run-on sentences that make his thoughts very difficult to follow. I do believe this book could be extremely helpful, but not as written.

If you are interested in an exposition of The Ten Commandments, I recommend the Banner of Truth edition by Thomas Watson. It is very good, very comprehensive, and very readable.

Durham’s book really needs to be translated into modern English. Otherwise, I don’t find this to be useful to a broader reformed, or evangelical, audience.

“Take Up and Read” - Saint Augustine

[Alex]

Only read the following:

- "The Fifth Commandment" (pp 231 - 256)