Although written fifteen years ago this book has not lost its applicability to the conditions of the twenty first century. It is a consideration of the origin, significance and social impact of the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses on the Mount Sinai. He insists that they are rules for mankind the keeping of which will bring about the perfect freedom stated in the book’s title. There is an interweaving throughout the book of Biblical doctrine well stated with practical application and much illustration taken from the prevailing conditions present in the United States of today. Many statistics are quoted, much analysis of the attitudes prevalent in the western world and the breakdown which is occurring, even within the churches and all this is related back to the departure from the moral code that God set forth in the ten words of wise commandment He has given to mankind and confirmed to them in His Son. There are quotations taken from both the Westminster Catechism and the Heidelburg Catechism also interwoven throughout the book and they serve as a helpful additional background to the subject matter. Many believers in the churches today are put off by the word ‘catechism’, it simply means ‘instruction guide’ and the method of question and answer employed in both Westminster and the Heidelburg encourage clarity of thought. The Jews used the method of memorizing questions and answers and scripture verses and the early Christians followed suit. Evangelical Christians continued the practice until gradually the pressures of modern life and the general down playing of doctrine in the churches led to an abandoning of such helpful manuals to assist both children and adults in coming to a basic understanding of the faith. Perhaps the rampant biblical illiteracy so evident in many churches could be remedied by families returning to the practice of the use of aids such as these. Horton recognizes that there are many who have discarded the Old Testament and that contained therein regarding themselves as New Testament people saved by grace and who have no need to consider the basics of the commandments of God. How challenging it is to consider how the psalm writers spoke of the law being like honey, sweet to the taste. Psalm 119 is throughout the joyful statement of one in love with the God of the law and the law of God. Because this book is a blend of commentary on the current state of life in the west today and doctrine concerning God’s law and this is then set against the background of what society could be if lived according to the ways of God set forth in His ten words any reader will find it a good primer to the whole subject.
