Exposition of the Ten Commandments, Commandment 6
The ſixth Commandement. The negatiue part.
It forbids eueryevery thing that tendeth to the hurt or hinderance of the life of man, either the life of his body, or the life of his ſoule.
The things hurting or hindering the life of the body of man, are either things of practiſe, or things of omiſſion.
Things of practiſe; and thoſe are either inward in the heart, or outward in word or deed.
Things inward in the heart, and thoſe are foure eſpecially:
Firſt, haſtie, raſh, vnaduiſed, vniuſt, Mat. 5.22. Eccleſ. 7.11. Num. 24.10.and ſinfull anger, (namely) ſuch as is either haſtily conceiued, without iuſt and ſufficient cauſe; or the cauſe being iuſt and weightie, ſuch as is directed amiſſ…, as either againſt the perſon, 1. Sam. 17.28. Epheſ 4.26. Gen. 49.6.7. Dan. 3.19.or againſt the offence onelyonly as it is an offence to men, as an iniurie and wrong, bringing hurt and dammage to men, and not as an ofence to God; or ſuch as exceedeth either in time or in meaſure, and becomes hot fierie anger, furious and raging, troubling the minde, and making a man forget dutie to God and men.
Secondly, malice or hatred, which is old anger, Gen. 45.8. Leuit. 19.17. 1. Ioh. 2.9.11. 1. Ioh. 3.15.or continued wrath, and is anger or wrath kept cloſe in the heart, cloaked and couered for a time, with purpoſe to do hurt, and waiting for opportunity to do miſchiefe.
And the higheſt degree of it is ſuch a malicious affection as is implacable, …. Sam. 24 17.…8.19.20. … Sam. 26.21. …al. 120.6.7.and can neuer be appeaſed, but is fully ſet at all times, and by all meanes to do miſchiefe. And
The worſt kinde of it is, Rom. 1.30. 1. Ioh. 3.12. Mat. 10.22. 1. King 22.8 Ioh. 7.7.when men malice or hate others, either, for the good things they ſee in them, or for telling them of their faults, though they pretend other cauſes of their hatred.
Thirdly, enuie, whereby men grieue & repine at the good things that others hauehave, Ioh. 8.4.44. Gen. 30.1. Num. 11.28.29. Mat. 27.18.which they would hauehave and cannot, whether they be good things of the minde or body, or outward good things; and do hate them for thoſe good things: for enuie is a compound of carnall griefe and hatred, and it comes
Out of pride and abundance of ſelfe-louelove.Galat. 5.2.6. 1. Tim. 6.4. 1. Cor. 13.4. Pro. 17.5. Pro. 24.17.18.
And it carries an enuious perſon both to a wiſhing of euill and hurt to another, and the fall of another; or to a reioycing in the hurt, and euil, and fall that comes to another.
Fourthly, a deſire of reuenge, which is, Leuit 19.19. Luke 9.54.55when men to ſatisfie their owne corrupt and troubled mindes, for wrong done, or ſuppoſed to be done to them, deſire to requite euill for euil, and to right themſelues by extremitie and by puniſhment in ful proportion, according to their reuengefull minds.
Outward things in word, and thoſe are fiue eſpecially:
Firſt, bitter and curſed ſpeaking, hard, Pro. 12.18. Mat. 5.22. Rom. 3.14. 1. Cor. 6.10. Epheſ. 4.31. Coloſſ. 3.8. 2. King. 19 4. Act. 24.14. Mat. 5.11.ſpitefull, venimous, and prouoking termes, brauling, rayling, & reproachfull termes: and the worſt kind of rayling and reuiling, is, when men either rayle and ſpeake euill of religion it ſelfe, or do raile and reuile religious perſons, becauſe they are religious and fearing God.
Secondly, 1. Pet. 4.14. Iudg. 8.1.2.3. Pro. 15.1.wrangling and contentious ſpeech betweene parties, diſagreeing either in matters of religion, or about worldly affaires.Philip. 2.14.
Thirdly, Ephe. 4.31.crying and vnſeemly lifting vp of the voice, when men or women, being at variance, in priuate ſpeeches do, through choler and malice, lift vp their voices and ſpeake ſo loud that they may be heard afarre off.
Fourthly, threatning ſpeeches, when as men or women from an inward diſlike and rage in their owne priuate cauſe, Pſal. 94.4. Act. 9.1.do giuegive out threatning words againſt others.
Fifthly, mocking, ſcoffing and deriding ſpeech, 2. King. 2.23. Ioh. 19.2. Act. 2.13. 2. Sam. 6.20. Epheſ. 5.4.when men or women out of hatred and contempt of others, do either in plaine termes mocke and deride them, or do gird and taunt them, and ieſt on them by priuie and cloſe nips, thereby ſeeking to diſgrace them, and to make themſelues and others merrie by grieuing of them; and the
Worſt kinde of it is, when men mocke and ſcoffe, Gen. 21.9. Galat. 4.29. 2. Chro. 39.16 Pſal. 69.11.12. Pſal. 119.51. Heb. 11 36.and taunt others for well doing, and for refrayning from euill, for their pietie and religion, and for the vertues and graces that God hath giuen them.
Outward things in deed, and thoſe are either in countenance, or in ſome geſture and carriage of the body, & ſome part of the body; or they be other acts and deeds. Outward things in deed, in countenance and in ſome geſture and carriage of the body, as (namely) all ſignes and geſtures of the body, that expreſſe raſh anger, contempt & deſpite of heart towards another, Gen. 4.5. Gen. 31.2.5. 1. Sam. 25 17. Mat 9.24. Mat. 27.39.or others: as lowting, caſting downe of the countenance, diſdainful, froward and churliſh behauiour, nodding or ſhaking the head in contempt, ſnuffing, tuſhing, geering, girning, flinging away in a chafe.
Other acts and deeds, and thoſe are ſuch as either hurt or hinder a mans own life, or the life of another or others.
Such as hurt and hinder a mans owne life, are either
Preſent meanes of taking away of a mans own life, Epheſ. 5.29.and of ſelfe murder, (namely) ſuch as do preſently bereaue a man of his life, as when a man layes violent hands on himſelf by hanging, drowning, cutting his throate, and ſuch like: either
Out of horrour of conſcience, Mat. 27.4.5. 1. Sam. 31.4. 2. Sam. 17.23.and deſpaire of Gods merciemercy: or out of feare of worldly puniſhment or ſhame.
Or out of monſtrous pride, or lingring meanes of the taking away of a mans owne life, and of ſelfe murder, (namely) ſuch euil things as fret and weaken the body, and impaire the health of it by degrees: and thoſe are foure eſpecially.
Firſt, Pro. 23.29.30 Iſai. 5.11. Hozea. 7.5.intemperancie in diet, ſurfetting and drunkenneſſe, riot and exceſſe in eating and drinking.
Secondly, idleneſſe and vnchaſtity, & intemperate abuſing of the body by whoredome & vncleannes, Pro. 20.4. Pro. 21.25. Pro. 2.18 19. 1. Cor. 6.18.wherby men or women bring grieuous and foule diſeaſes on their bodies.
Thirdly, 2. King. 20.7. 1. Tim. 5.23.a careleſſe neglect or wilfull refuſing of the good meanes and helpes that ſerue to preſerue the life of the body, as wholeſome diet, cloathing, phyſicke, eſpecially in time of ſickneſſe.
Fourthly, a voluntarie ruſhing into danger, either certaine and vnauoydable, or very likely, without any iuſt calling from God; Mat. 4.6.7.as when men ruſh into houſes infected with the plague.
Such things as hurt or hinder the life of another, or others, one or more; and thoſe are either proper onelyonly to publike perſons, whether Magiſtrates or gouernors in the familie; or common both to publike and priuate perſons.
The things proper onelyonly to publike perſons, whether Magiſtrates or gouernors in the familie; and thoſe are foure eſpecially:
1 Any wicked and vniuſt law, Exod. 1.15.16.22. Dan. 3.4.5.6. Dan. 6.6.7.8. Mat. 2.16.ſtatute, ordinance, edict, charge or command, made or giuen by publike perſons and gouernours, tyrannouſly, to entrap or to deſtroy others.
2 The giuing of vniuſt and wrong iudgement, Amos 2.6. & 6.12. 1. King. 21.11 12.13. Pro. 17.15.26. Luk. 23.24.25.and the awarding of ſentence in cauſes iudiciall, contrarie to right and equitie, either to the condemning of the innocent, or to the iuſtifying and deliuering of the guiltie and euill doer.
3 The inflicting of vniuſt and vndue puniſhment on others, 1. Sam. 22.17.18.19. Act. 12.2. Iam. 5.6. Gen 16.6. Leuit. 25.43. Deut. 25.2.3.as by puniſhing the innocent and ſuch as hauehave not offended, or by exerciſing tyrannous crueltie and extremity in puniſhing and correcting them that do offend.
By cruell oppreſſing of others that be vnderunder them, Gen. 10.8.9. Ierem. 22.13.17. Micah. 3.1.2.3. Zephan. 3.3. Iam. 5 3.by laying too heauie burdens on them, by getting what they can from them for their owne priuate gaine, by vſing their labours for little or no wages.
The things common both to publike and priuate perſons: and thoſe are either ſuch as tend to the hurt of the body of another or others, and yet for the preſent take not away the life; or ſuch as do hurt the body, and take away the life of another or others.
Such things as tend to the hurt of the body of another or others, and yet for the preſent taken not away the life, are fiue eſpecially:
1 Hard and cruell dealing with others, 1 King. 21.15.16. Pro. 11.26. Iſai. 5.8. Amos. 8.4.5.6. 1. Theſ. 4.6. 1. Cor. 6.8.10. Iam. 2.6. Exod. 22.21.22. Deut. 24.14.17. Ierem. 22.3. Zachar. 7.10. 2. King. 9.14.15. 2. King. 21.23.24. Ier. 11.19.21. Ier. 18.18. Pro. 1.11. Act. 23.12.13. Iud. epiſt. v. 9. &c. 1. Sam. 18.25. Mat. 26.48. Act. 7.52. Mat. 10.21. Luk. 21.16.oppreſſing and wringing them, either by incroaching on them by violent extortion, or by fraud and circumuention in bargaining, or by troubling them with vniuſt & vndue courſes in law: and the
Worſt kinde of oppreſſing and wringing others, is, when men oppreſſe and wring impotent, feeble, poore perſons, ſtrangers, fatherleſſe, orphanes or widdowes.
2 The combining with others & conſpiring with them, and lying in waite for the killing, or for the miſchicuing of another or others.
3 The betraying of another or others into the hands of thoſe that vniuſtly ſeeke his or their life and ouerthrow, eſpecially the betraying of the Prince and chiefe magiſtrate, or of thoſe to whom men are bound by ſome neare and ſpeciall bond.
4 The procuring and ſtirring vp of ſuch meanes and inſtruments, 2. Sam. 17.1.2.3. 2. Sam. 11.14.15. 2. Sam. 12.9. 2. Sam. 2.14.15.16.as may take away the life of another or others, by counſell, by enticement, by writing, by hiring ſome to lye in waite to kill them; by ſtirring them vp either for pleaſure, or cruelty, to quarrell or fight one with another.
5 Vniuſt violence with the hand in ſtriking, Exod. 2.13. Exod. 21.15. Leuit. 24.19. Deut. 27.29. Mat. 26 67. Act. …3.2. 2. Cor. 11.24.25.beating, wounding, or mayming of another or others; eſpecially in ſtriking, beating, wounding or mayming of parents or ſuperiours.
Or ſuch things as do hurt the body and take away the life of another or others: and thoſe are, either
Such acts and deeds as by manifeſt violence ſhed the bloud, and take away the life of another or others; as namely ſuch acts and deeds, whereby men do openly and willingly take away the life of another or others, by ſword, dagger, knife, Gen. 4 8. 2 Sam. 3.27. 2. Sam. 4.6.7. Mat. 14.10.rope, or gunne, or any like inſtrument and meanes whatſoeuer: and this ſinne is more vile and odious when it is committed
Without regard of place, calling, 1. Sam. 24.7.14. 1. Sam. 26.9.10.11. 1. King. 16.7.9. 2. Chro. 24.21 1. Theſſ. 2.15. Mat. 2.16.and condition; as when a man openly and willingly, by ſword, dagger, knife, rope, gunne, and ſuch like inſtrument, ſheds the bloud, and takes away the life of his Prince, or other Magiſtrate ouer him, of his Paſtor, or of his maſter &c. eſpecially when they are executing their office; or of an infant that cannot reſiſt him: 1. Pet. 3.6.or when a wife openly and willingly, by ſword, dagger, knife, rope, gun, or any like inſtrument and meanes whatſoeuer, ſheds the bloud, and takes away the life of her husband; or the huſband by ſuch inſtruments and meanes doth take away the life of his wife.
Without regard of nature, Gen. 4.8. Iudg. 9.5. 2. King. 3.27. 1. Tim. 3.9.as when a brother openly and willingly, by ſword, or other inſtruments and meanes whatſoeuer, ſheds the bloud and takes away the life of his brother or ſiſter; the father the life of the childe, and eſpecially the childe the life of the father or mother.
Without regard of number and multitude, 1. Sam. 22.18.19. 2. King. 10.7. Act. 12.2.3. Gen. 34.25 & 49.5.6.7.as whē it is done on many, by adding murder to murder; though they be ſtrangers.
And this ſinne is committed, either
With deliberation, Deut. 19.11.12. Gen. 4.5.8. 2. Sam. 3.27. 2. Sam. 20.9.10.as when men do it out of hatred and for deſire of reuenge, and out of grudge carried in their hearts long before.
Or on a ſudden, without deliberation, as when they do it being thereunto carried, Gen. 4.23. Num. 25.16.17.18.24.25. 1. Sam. 20.30.33. 2. Sam. 2.22.23.either by ſadden paſſion of anger, without all former malice, and they do it in their heat, rage and furie; or they do it in time of ſome vile and ſinful diſtemper, as in time of drunkenneſſe &c.
Or ſuch acts and deedes, as by ſome ſecret and cunning deuice, do ſhed the bloud, and take away the life of another or others; as namely, ſuch acts and deeds whereby men do willingly, yet vnderunder hand, and by meanes not preſently diſcerned, ſhed the bloud, and take away the life of another or others; which is done foure wayes:
1 By poyſoning another or others, wittingly and willingly, Pſal. 69.21. Mar. 36.18. Exod. 22.18. Reuel. 9.21.and by poyſon killing them and bereauing them of their liues.
2 By witch-craft, and by enchantment and ſorcery, as when men either vſe the helpe of witches, ſorcerers and enchanters, and by their helpe do kill another or others. Or when witches, enchanters and ſorcerers, do of the owne accord by the helpe of the diuell, kill another or others.
3 By ſome ſubtill and craftie practiſe with others, 1. King. 21.19. 2. Sam. 12.9. Act. 2.23.thereby cauſing them to ſhed the bloud of another or others.
4 By conueying ſomething into the body of a woman with child, Exod. 21.22.purpoſely to deſtroy it, and thereby deſtroying the childe, and cauſing an vntimely birth.
Things of omiſſion, and thoſe are two eſpecially:
The one inward in the heart, the other outward.
The thing of omiſſion inward in the heart, Rom. 1.30. Rom. 12.15.namely, the want of pity and feeling compaſſion towards ſuch as are in any knowne miſery and diſtreſſe of body, Coloſſ. 3.12. Heb. 13.3. 1. Ioh. 3.17.and are to be pitied; and men ſhew themſelues moſt wanting in pity towards ſuch as are in any knowne miſerie and diſtreſſe of body, and are to be pitied: when
They inſult ouer them, and make themſelues merrie with their miſerie, Pſal. 69.26. Iob. 19.21.22. Iob. 24.9.10.and ſo adde to their diſtreſſe and miſerie.
The outward thing of omiſſion, Pro. 21.13. Iſai. 58.7. Iob. 31.16.17 to 21.namely, the omitting of the workes of mercy, that ought to be performed to ſuch as are in any knowne diſtreſſe of body; when men being able, and hauing power and means, do omit or refuſe to yeeld helpe to them, whom they ought to helpe, being any way diſtreſſed in body, & knowne to them to ſtand in need of their helpe in reſpect of the body: and that is done two wayes,
1 When men do not that good to their diſtreſſed bodies that they ought, Luke. 16.21. Mat. 25.41.42 43. Luke. 10.30.31.32. Iam. 2.15.16. 1. Sam. 20.34. &c. 1. King. 18.4. Pro. 24.11.12.according to their need, and according to their owne abilitie.
2 When they do not turne away that euill and that hurt from their bodies that they ought, being able to turne it away, either by their ſpeech, or by their hands and power any way.
And the want of pitie towards ſuch as are to be pitied, 1. Sam. 30.11.12.13. Iob. 19.13.14. to 22. Rom. 12.20. Galat. 6.10.being in any knowne diſtreſſe of body, or the omitting of the workes of mercy, that ought to be performed to ſuch as are in any knowne diſtreſſe of body, is moſt vile and odious.
When men either want pitie, or being able to yeeld helpe, do omit the workes of mercy to ſuch as they are bound vntounto by ſome neare and ſpeciall bond of place, calling or condition, or of nature, or grace.
The things hurting or hindering the life of the ſoule of man, are either,
Things that hurt and hinder the life of a mans owne ſoule, or the life of the ſoule of another or others, one or more.
The things that hurt or hinder the life of a mans own ſoule, are two eſpecially:Pro. 6.32. & 8.35. Ezec. 18.4.14 Rom. 2.5. Tit. 3.11.
1 His ſinne againſt God, and eſpecially his liuing and continuing in any knowne ſin, wilfully and obſtinately.
2 His careleſſe neglecting or wilfull reiecting, Zach. 7.11.12. Heb. 2.3. Reue…. 3.1.of the meanes that God hath ordained to ſaluation, and for the beginning and continuance of ſpirituall life in the ſoule; as the word preached or read, Sacracraments, prayer, and ſuch like. And this is done three wayes:
2 By not hearing the word preached ordinarily, Pro. 1.24. Pro. 28.9. Iſai. 66.4. Ierem 7.13. Act 13.46. 1. Cor. 11.26.and by not reading the word of God and other good bookes, and by not vſing the Sacraments, prayer, and other holy ordinances of God, when men may and ought to vſe them.
2 By not yeelding to the word of God truly and faithfully preached to men, 2. King. 17.13.14. Ierem. 25.4.5.6.7. Ier. 44.16.17. Ezech. 33.31. Act. 7.31. Act. 18.6. Ioh. 3.19. 2. Theſſ. 2.10.11. 2. Tim. 4.3.4. 2. Pet. 3.16.and by reſiſting and withſtanding the Spirit of God in the miniſtery of his meſſengers ſent vntounto them.
3 By giuing heed to fables and fancies, and not to the truth of the word of God in louelove to it; and by corrupting, and peruerting, the word of God.
The things that hurt or hinder the life of the ſoule of another or others, one or more, are theſe; either
Things common to all perſons being of yeares and diſcretion, or proper to ſuperiours, eſpecially to Miniſters.
Things common to all perſons being of yeares and diſcretion, are either
Such things by which men hinder another or others, in the way of ſpirituall life and ſaluation.
Or ſuch things by which men cauſe the fall or the damnation of another or others.
Such things by which men hinder another or others, in the way of ſpirituall life and ſaluation are two.
By giuing iuſt offence to another or others by word or deed; Mat. 16.23. Mat. 18.6.7.which is done two wayes,
1 By leading an open wicked, ſinfull and ſcandalous life, which giueth the greateſt offence, Exod. 34.12. 2. Sam. 12.14. Pro. 29.12.and doth the moſt hurt, when it is either to the iuſt offence of many:
Or when a man that is of ſpeciall note for place, 1. Cor. 5.2. 1. Sam. 2.17. 2. Sam. 12.14.calling, or for the profeſſion of religion, liues wickedly, and ſcandalouſly.
2 By abuſing of Chriſtian libertie, in things indifferent, Mat. 17.27. Rom. 14.21. 1. Cor. 8.9.10. &c. 1. Co. 10.28.29.as when men vſe things indifferent, vnſeaſonably, not in fit time and place, and before fit perſons.
3 By daunting and diſcouraging another or others from a good and holy way, Pro. 12.18. Ezech. 13.22.and from going on in the way of true holineſſe.
Such things by which men cauſe the fall or damnation of another or others, are foure eſpecially:
1 By prouoking another or others any way to ſinne, Gen. 3.4. Ioh. 8.44. Num. 31.16. 2. Sam. 16.21. Pro. 1.10. to 14 Iſ…. 56.12. Mat 27.20. Iob. 8.20. 2. King. 3.14. Ier. 22.14.17. Ezech. 13.22.as by bad counſel, by perſwaſion, or any other way by word or deed.
2 By encouraging and heartening another or others in ſinne, as by prayſing them, or countenancing them when they do euill.
3 By conſenting to another or others, Pſal. 50.18. Pro. 29.24. Iſai. 1.23.and by partaking with another or others any way in ſinne and in doing of euill.
4 By ſowing diſſentions among men, Pro. 6.19. Pro. 10.12. Leuit. 19.16. Pro. 11.13. Pro. 25.9.10. Pro. 26.20. Ezech. 22.9.and by ſtirring vp contentions, brawles, and quarrels, between parties, eſpecially betweene ſuch as by the bond of nature or grace, or any other neare bond, are ioyned together; & this is done eſpecially by carrying of tales betweene parties; and by diſcloſing both the ſecret intents, and the faults of the one to the other.
Things proper to ſuperiours and eſpecially to Miniſters, are either things of omiſſion, or things of practiſe.
Things of omiſſion, and thoſe are,
Proper to ſuperiours that are not Miniſters; or to Miniſters, not as they are Miniſters, but as they are gouernours in their priuate families; as namely, ſuch good things omitted as ought to be performed by them to their inferiours for the good of their ſoules: which is done two wayes eſpecially,
1 When they vſe not the means by which their inferiours, Gen. 18.19. Deut. 6.7. Ioſh. 24.15. Epheſ. 6.4.and ſuch as be any way vnderunder their charge, may be taught and inſtructed in the knowledge of God, and of good things that concerne their ſaluation.
2 When they do not hinder their inferiours and ſuch as be vnderunder their charge (as much as they may) from falling into ſinne; Num. 25.4. 1. Sam. 2.23.24. 1. Sam. 3.13. compared with 1. King. 20.42.or do not ſeeke to reclaime them when they hauehave ſinned, by due reproofe, or due puniſhment, according to their power; but rather do winke at their faults, or vſe too much lenitie in cenſuring of them.
Things of practiſe, and thoſe
Proper to ſuperiours that are not Miniſters, or to Miniſters, not as they are Miniſters, Pſal. 101.2. Pro. 29.12. Pro. 11.29. Pro. 25.27.but as they are gouernors in their priuate families, are ſuch euil things done by them as do miniſter matter of infection and poyſon to the ſoules of their inferiours; as when they either teach them errors or lewd things, or elſe go before them in the practiſe of ſinne.
Things of omiſſion proper to Miniſters as they be Miniſters, and hauehave the charge of the ſoules of others, that do hurt or hinder the life of the ſoule of another or others, are two eſpecially; the one inward in the heart, and the other outward.
The inward thing in the heart, namely, Mat. 9.36. Mat. 6.34.the want of pitie and feeling compaſſion towards them, whoſe ſoules they hauehave takē charge of, in regard of the miſeries and the wants of their ſoules; which comes from hence, becauſe they either do not ſee and take notice, Pro. 27.23.or they wil not ſee and take notice, as they ought, of the miſeries and wants of the ſoules of their people, though they be told of them and made acquainted with them.
The outward thing, namely the omitting of ſuch good things which ought to be performed by them, to thoſe, whoſe ſoules they hauehave taken charge of, for the good of their ſoules: and this is done two wayes,
1 When through inſufficiencie, Iſa. 56.10. Ierem. 2.34. Pro. 29.18. Mat. 5.13. Mat. 15.14.being Idoll paſtors, dumbe dogges, and blinde guides, they do not at all teach, and admoniſh their people of their ſinnes, and danger they are in by reaſon of their ſinnes.
2 When though they be able, yet either through ſloth or negligence, being preſent with their people; or by reaſon of their abſence, Ezec. 3.17.18 Ezec. 33.7.8. Ezech. 34.2.3 to 10. Zach. 11.15.16.17. Act. 20.26.27.28. Heb. 13.17.they being not reſident and abiding among their people (as they ought) they do either not preach to their people, and admoniſh them of their ſinnes plainly and faithfully, or they preach to them very ſeldome.
Things of practiſe proper to Miniſters as they be Miniſters, and hauehave charge of the ſouls of others, that do hurt or hinder the life of the ſoule of another or others, are either things
In their teaching; and they are either flattering teaching, Ierem. 6.14. Ierem. 23.17.31.32. Ezech. 13.10.16. Rom. 16.18. Epheſ 4.13. 1. Tim. 3.4. Tit. 1.10. Mat. 15 4.5.6.9.or corrupt teaching.
Or in their manner of liuing, as namely, ſuch euill things done by them in the ſight of their people, as do miniſter matter of infection to their ſoules.
As when Miniſters go on in the practiſe of ſinne openly, and do liue wickedly and looſely in the face of their people.1. Sam. 2.24. Ierem. 23.14. Galat. 2.13.
It requires eueryevery thing that tendeth to the maintenance & preſeruation of the life of man, and to the welfare and ſafety of his body and ſoule.
And the things tending to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the body of man, and ſafety of his body are; either
Such things as tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of a mans owne body, and to the welfare and ſafety of his own body. Or ſuch things as tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the body of another, and to the welfare and ſafety of the body of another or others.
The things that tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of a mans owne body, and to the welfare and ſafety of his owne body, are theſe two things:
1 The procuring and vſing of all good and lawfull meanes, within his power, and according to his abilitie, that ſerue to keep and defend his body from violence, and from danger, and from hurt: and thoſe are foure eſpecially:
1 The turning away of vniuſt violence, 1. Sam. 21.8. Mat. 26.51.52 1. Pet. 2.20.offered to his body by or from others, if he be able by his owne power and ſtrength, ſo farre as his place and calling will ſuffer him.
2 The auoyding of the hands of ſuch perſons as ſeeke by violence to hurt his body & to ſhed his bloud; Gen. 27.42.43 Exod. 2.15. 1. King. 19.3. Mat. 2.13. Mat. 12.14.15 Ioh. 7.1. & 8.59. Act. 14.5.6.by flying from them, or by hiding himſelfe from them, he being not able to withſtand them in regard of their power and greatneſſe: if he be not hindered by his priuate or publike calling.
1 *1. King. 1.12 13.14. &c. Pro. 16.15. Rom. 13.4.The ſeeking and the vſing of the helpe of others, and eſpecially of the Magiſtrate as Gods lieutenant, to beepe his body from vniuſt violence.
4 The auoiding of ſuch things as may hurt his body, Gen. 12.10. & 26.1. Ruth. 1.1. Gen. 7.7. Pro. 22.3. Luk. 21.20.21as a generall famine, contagious ſickneſſe, ſword, flouds, fire, and ſuch like; by flying from them and by remouing of his body from one place to another, by ſhrowding himſelfe vnderunder ſome couert, if he be not hindered by his place and calling, and ſo as it be not to the hinderance and to the hurt of another.
2 The procuring and vſing of all good and lawfull meanes according to his abilitie and power, that are helpfull and profitable for the continuance of the health and ſtrength of his body, and for the preuenting of ſickneſſe and weakeneſſe of his body, and for the recouery of the health and ſtrength of his body when they are impaired; & thoſe means are foure eſpecially.
1 Neceſſary and wholſome food, Gen. 28.20. Pro. 30.8. Mat. 6.11. 1. Tim. 5.23. Eccleſ. 10.16.17.cloathing, and lodging, vſing them ſeaſonably and moderately.
Honeſt and lawfull mirth, and reioycing in an holy manner, and ſometimes vſing the helpe of Muſicke, 2. King. 3.15. Pro. 15.13. Pro. 17.22. Nehem. 8.10. Eccleſ. 3.4. Philip. 4.4. Exod. 21.19. 2. King. 20.7. Ierem. 8.22. Mat. 9.12. 2. Chro. 16.12by ſinging or playing on an inſtrument of Muſick, or by hearing others ſing or play; ſo as it be with moderation, and in due time and ſeaſon.
3 The helpe of Phyſicke and Chyrurgerie as occaſion is giuen, vſing good and lawful medicines; and not truſting in them, as able to do any good of themſelues, but intreating the Lord for a bleſſing on them.
4 Honeſt and lawfull exerciſe, mouing and ſtirring of his body, Ioh. 10.23. 2. Sam. 1.18. Gen. 27.3.and that ſeaſonably and in fit time and place, without the iuſt offence of any; and that more or leſſe as the ſtate of his body requires, and as his calling will ſuffer him, as walking running, leaping, and ſuch like.
Such things as tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the body of another, and to the welfare and ſafetie of the body of another, are either,
Inward in the heart, or outward things.
Things inward in the heart, Epheſ. 4.32. Galat 5.22. Coloſſ. 3.12.are foure eſpecially.
1 A kinde and louing diſpoſition of the heart, or kinde heartednes towards all, whereby men or women are tractable and eaſie to be vſed and to be employed for the good of others whoſoeuer they be, in any thing wherein they may do them good, as occaſion is offered, without hurt or wrong to themſelues or others.
2 Such a meeke quiet, Eccleſ. 7.11. Mat. 11.29. Epheſ. 4.2. Galat. 5.23. Coloſſ. 3.12. 1. Pet. 3 4. Num. 12.3. Pro. 14.29. Pro. 15.18. 1. Cor. 13.4. Galat. 5.22. Coloſſ. 3.13.and calme diſpoſition of the heart, as is neither prone to prouoke, nor eaſily prouoked to anger, by iniuries or wrongs offered or done. The higheſt degree whereof is long ſuffering, which is when men or women, being much or often prouoked by iniurious words and deedes, do notwithſtanding quietly paſſe them ouer, and put them vp, and are ſtill quiet and calme, and not prouoked to anger: which meekeneſſe and long ſuffering is to be expreſſed;
Firſt, Galat. 6.2. Epheſ 4.2. Coloſſ. 3.13.in a quiet bearing with the infirmities & frailties of others, as their haſtineſſe, ſlowneſſe, raſhneſſe, and ſuch like: and with the paſſions and perturbations appearing in their actions, ſo farre forth as they are troubleſome, grieuous and diſpleaſing to vsus.
Secondly, in a free remiſſion of reuenge, Mat. 6.12. Epheſ. 4.32. Coloſſ. 3.13.neither carrying in our hearts any purpoſe of reuenge for wrongs done to vsus, or ſuppoſed to be done to vsus; or returning puniſhment and euill for euill, in way of requitall for them.
3 An inward fellow-feeling of that which befals others in reſpect of their bodies, Rom. 12.15. 1. Cor. 12.25.26.and that two wayes:
Firſt, by reioycing with others that hauehave iuſt cauſe of reioycing, Pſal. 35.27. Luk. 1.58. Philip. 1.26.for their outward good and proſperitie ſeene or heard of.
Secondly, Pſal. 35.13.14 Epheſ. 4.32. Coloſſ. 3.13. Heb. 13.3. 1 Pet. 3.8.by mourning and grieuing with others that hauehave iuſt cauſe of heauineſſe, mourning, and griefe, for their outward euill, diſtreſſe and aduerſitie, ſeene or heard of; and by pitying them, and by being tender hearted to them.
4 An heart diſpoſed to peace and quietneſſe, Rom. 12.18. Galat. 5.22. Coloſſ. 3.15. 1. Theſſ. 4.11.and a care and deſire to maintaine concord and good agreement amongſt men, as much as is poſſible & in our power; which is to be expreſſed in three things eſpecially:
Firſt, Pro. 17.14. Pro. 19.11. Pro. 20.3. Iam. 3.17. Gen. 13.8.9. Mat. 17.27.in paſſing by offences ſo farre as they concerne vsus in particular, and may be paſſed ouer without hurt or wrong to our ſelues, or to others; and ſometimes for quietneſſe ſake, in parting from our own right.
Secondly, in conſtruing things in the beſt ſence, 2. Sam. 10.3. 1. Cor. 13.5.and taking eueryevery thing (if it be poſſible) in the beſt part.
Thirdly, in medling with our owne matters and buſineſſes, 1. Theſſ. 4.11. 1. Pet. 4.15.and ſuch things as concerne vsus in regard of our callings and conditions of life.
Outward things are either ſuch as ſerue to auert and turne away euill, wrong, hurt, or danger from the body of another or others: Or, ſuch as ſerue for the good, the helpe and comfort of the body of another or others.
Such as ſerue to auert and turne away euill, wrong, hurt, or danger from the body of another or others, are either, in ſpeech and in word: Or in act and deed.
In ſpeech or in word, as namely, ſuch words and ſpeeches vttered, Pro. 12.6. Pro. 24.11.12as are for the defence and helpe of innocent perſons that are helpeleſſe, being either vnderunder the hands of oppreſſors, or followed and purſued by oppreſſors, ſeeking to hurt and to wrong them either in their bodies or liues; and men are to ſpeake for the defence and helpe of ſuch perſons three wayes:
Firſt, by ſpeaking for them as they are able, Gen 37.21.22 1 Sam. 20.32. Heſt. 7.3.4.5.6.and according to their place and calling, in priuate to the face of the oppreſſor or oppreſſors, to diſſwade him or them from offering or doing wrong vntounto them in reſpect of their bodies and liues.
Secondly, by ſpeaking and pleading for them as they are able, Heſt. 4.8. Iob. 29.12.13 to 18. Ierem. 38.7.8 9. Luk. 23.13.14 to. 22.and according to their place and calling, either as witneſſes, or as aduocates, or as Iudges publikely in ſome open Court, for the freeing of them from wrong done or offered to be done to them, in reſpect of their bodies or liues; eſpecially they being poore, fatherleſſe, widdowes, or ſtrangers; or being religious, and yet ſuch as either cannot or dare not pleade for themſelues.
Thirdly, Act 1….4.5. Rom. 15 30.31.by ſpeaking to God for them as they are able, in prayer, by commending their caſe to the Lord, 2. Theſſ. 3.1.2and calling on him in prayer for their ſuccour and reliefe.
In act and deed, as namely, ſuch acts & deeds done, Exod. 2.17.18.19. Iudg. 2.16. Iud. 3.9.15.31as are for the help & ſuccor of innocēt perſons, that are helpleſſe, being either vnderunder oppreſſion and wrong, or purſued by oppreſſors, ſeeking to hurt or wrong them in their bodies or liues. And men are to do things, ſeruing for the helpe and ſuccour of ſuch perſons, either
Againſt known euils and wrongs already done to them, Gen. 14 14.15.16. 1. Sam. 30.17.18. Iob. 29.12.17. Pro. 24.11.and that as they are able, and according to their place and calling, by vſing their poer and ſtrength for the reſcuing and deliuering them from vnderunder their oppreſſions and wrongs:
Or againſt knowne euils and wrongs that are in doing, or intended to be done to them, and that as they are able, by interpoſing their power and ſtrength to defend and to ſaue them from thoſe euils and wrongs. And that either,
As priuate perſons, by vſing their hands, their purſes, Ioſh. 2.4.6. 1. King. 18.4. 2. Sam. 21.14.15.16. Rom. 16.14. 1. Ioh. 3.16.and their paines, ſo farre as they are able to protect and to ſaue them from violence or ſpoyle, eſpecially when the violence or ſpoyle intended, is ſudden, and the Magiſtrate is abſent, & it is dangerous to ſtay for his comming; & ſometimes ſo far, as to the hazard of their owne liues, as when it is to the defending and ſauing of the bodies and liues of ſuch … are ſpeciall inſtruments of Gods glory, and of common good, either in Church or Commonwealth:
Or, as Magiſtrates, by drawing out and vſing the ſword according to their place and power, Exod. 18.21. Rom. 13.4. Exod. 2.11.12 Act. 7.24.to protect and to ſaue them from violence or hurt, whether it be in doing, or intended to be done, either by their owne ſubiects, or by forreiners.
Such things as ſerue for the good, the helpe and comfort of the body of another or others, are either
In ſpeech or word, or in act and deed.
Things in ſpeech or word, as namely, Tit. 3.2. 1. Pet 3.16.ſuch words & ſuch ſpeeches vttered and ſpoken, as do expreſſe meekneſſe, gentleneſſe, kindneſſe and louelove to thoſe to whom they are vttered and ſpoken. And the words and ſpeeches wherein men are to expreſſe meekneſſe, gentleneſſe, kindneſſe and louelove, are of three ſorts eſpecially:
1 Their ſalutations, Ioh. 1.38. & 20.16. Iudg. 6.12. Ruth. 2.4. Luke. 1.28. & 10.5. Ioh. 20.19.when they meete with others, they are to ſalute them being their equals or inferiours, by their names or ſurnames; & their ſuperiours, by names of honour or office, giuing them ſuch tiles of reuerence, as of right belong to them, wiſhing them good health, proſperity or good ſucceſſe, and the like, as occaſion is offered.
2 Their anſwers; men are to giuegive to others ſoft anſwers, Iudg. 8.2.3. 1. Sam. 25.10 11.12.13. Pro 15.1. 2. King. 18.36 1. Sam. 1.15. Dan. 6.21.22. Ioh. 8.48.49. 1. Pet. 3.9. Gen. 13.8. Galat. 6.1.ſuch as may neither kindle nor increaſe anger in them; and when they are rayled on, they are not to rayle againe, and when they are hardly ſpoken of, they are either to be ſilent, or onelyonly to make a iuſt and manifeſt defence of their owne innocencie.
3 Their admonitions and iuſt reproofes, when men do admoniſh or iuſtly reproue their brethren for their faults committed of ignorance or of frailtie,
Or in act and deed: and thoſe are either,
In countenance and in ſome geſture and carriage of the body, Gen. 31.2.5. Gen. 30.10.as namely, all ſuch lookes and geſtures of the body as do expreſſe meekeneſſe, 1. Sam. 25.17. Pro. 16.15. Gen. 2.3.7.12gentleneſſe, kindneſſe, and louelove to another or others, without diſſimulation:
Or other acts and deeds; and thoſe are of two ſorts:
Firſt, ſuch acts and deeds done, as do expreſſe kindneſſe and louelove to thoſe to whom they are done, Gen. 14 18.31 2. Sam. 19.28.31. 1. King. 10.10 13. Ierem. 40.5. Act. 20.38.and are for the continuance of the health, welfare, comfort and good eſtate of the body of another, or the bodies of others; as the beſtowing of gifts and benefites, and good turnes on others.
Secondly, ſuch acts and deeds done as do expreſſe kindneſſe and louelove, Iob. 31.16.17. to 21. Pro. 21.13. Pro. 31.20. Iſai. 58.7. Mat. 25.35.36.42.43.and tender affection to thoſe to whom they are done, and are for the relieuing of another or others, being in any knowne want or diſtreſſe of body. And men are to reach out their helping hands according to their abilitie and means, for the reliefe of ſuch:
Sometimes to the entertainment of them to bed, or board, or both, Iob. 31.32. Iud. 19.20.21. Rom. 12.13. Heb. 13.2. 1. Pet. 4.9.eſpecially they being ſtrangers and harbourleſſe, & for the Lords cauſe, and for a good conſcience perſecuted.
And eſpecially to ſuch as they are bound vntounto, Iob. 19.13.14. to 22. Leuit. 25.35. Rom. 12.13. Galat. 6.10.by ſome neare and ſpeciall bond of place, calling or condition, or of nature or grace.
The dutie that belongs to the dead body of another, Gen. 23.19. Gen. 25.9. Gen. 50.13. Ierem. 22.19. Mat. 27.60. Act. 8.2. 1. Theſſ. 4.13.is the buriall of it, in ſuch honeſt and ſeemly manner, as is agreable to the nature and credit, as well of thoſe which remaine aliue, as of the partie deceaſſed, with moderate mourning.
The things tending to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the ſoule of man, and to the welfare and ſafetie of the ſoule, are either
Such things as tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of a mans owne ſoule, and the welfare and ſafetie of his owne ſoule; or ſuch things as tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the ſoule of another or others, and to the welfare and ſafetie of the ſoule of another or others.
The things which tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of a mans owne ſoule, and the welfare and ſafetie of his owne ſoule, are two things eſpecially:
Firſt, a carefull auoyding of all ſuch things as tend to the deſtroying of his owne ſoule, Pro. 4.14.15. Pro. 5.8.11. Pro. 7.25.26.27. Pro. 11.19. Rom. 2.5. 1. Pet. 3.10.11.as all ſorts of ſinnes, eſpecially known ſinnes, and the liuing and continuing in any knowne ſinne, willingly and obſtinately, and with delight.
Secondly, a carefull vſe of the meanes that God hath ordained, both for the beginning, Deut. 30.19.20. Rom. 10.14.17. 1. Pet. 2.2. Pro. 2.1.2.3. Pro. 4.20.21. Pro 7.1.2.3.4. Pro. 8.33. Iſai. 55.3. Coloſſ. 3.16. 1. Theſſ. 2.13 Pro. 16.14. Epheſ. 2.10. Philip. 2.12. 1. Pet. 1.5.6. to 12. Pſal. 92.14. 2. Pet. 3.18.and for the continuance of grace and of ſpirituall life in the ſoule, both in publike and in priuate; as the word preached or read, the Sacraments, prayer and ſuch like, attending on them diligently, and vſing them conſcionably, with care to profite by them, and a carefull walking in the way of life and of ſaluation, by diligence to finiſh his own ſaluation, by adding daily one meaſure of grace to another, and by making his owne calling and election ſure by the fruites of faith.
The things which tend to the maintenance and preſeruation of the life of the ſoule of another or others, and to the welfare and ſafetie of the ſoule of another or others, are ſuch things as ſerue either for the procuring or helping forward of the ſpirituall life and ſaluation of another or others one, 1. Cor. 10.33. Pro. 11.30. Dan. 12.3. Rom. 15.2. Iam. 5.19.20.or more; as by doing ſuch things as tend to the winning of their ſoules, & to their edification and building vp in grace and goodneſſe: and the things that men are to do tending to that purpoſe, are ſixe:
1 They are as they are able, and according to their place & calling, Gen. 18.18.19 Deut. 6.7. Pro. 1.10. Pro. 31.1. Ioh. 1.35.36. to 45.and as preſent occaſion is offered, to teach and to inſtruct others to know God and the good wayes of God, and to counſell and to aduiſe them in ſuch things as concerne their ſanctification and ſaluation, eſpecially ſuch as be vnderunder their charge, they being ſuch as hauehave the gouernment of others, Act. 20.26.27 Coloſſ. 3.16.and are ouer others in publike or in priuate, as Miniſters or gouernours in the familie.
2 Secondly, they are as they are able, and according to their place and calling, and as preſent occaſion is offered, Pro. 27.27. Heb. 10.24. 2. Chro. 19.9. 1. Chro. 20.20 2. Chro. 32.7. 1. Theſſ. 5.11. 1. Tim. 5.1.2. Heb. 3.13. Rom. 13.3. 1. Cor. 11.2.to prouoke and to excite and ſtirre vp others to holineſſe and wel-doing, & to harten and encourage them in wel-doing, eſpecially ſuch as be vnderunder their charge, they being ſuch as hauehave the gouernment of others; and that by perſwading & exhorting them to good things, and by prayſing, commending and countenancing them when they do well.
3 Thirdly, Leuit. 19.17. Luke. 17.3. Coloſſ. 3.16. 1. Theſſ. 5.14. 2. Tim. 4.2. Tit. 2. Galat. 6.1 1. Tim. 5.1.2.they are as they are able, and according to their place and calling, and as preſent occaſion is offered, to admoniſh and to reproue others, when they ſee or know them to offend, and to do euill and ſinne; ſo as they do it fitly, fitting their reproofe to the qualitie of the perſon, whom they do reproue, and the nature and qualitie of the offence, for which the perſon is reproued, 2. Sam. 12.1. Tit. 1.13. Nehem. 5.7. Iob. 2.10. Pro. 29.17.19and ſo as they do it ſeaſonably, and in ſuch a time as their reproofe may do the moſt good. Iude epiſt. v. 22.23. 2. Cor. 13.2.
4 They are, Gen. 50.21. 1. Sam. 23.16. 2. Sam. 10.2. Iob. 6.14.15. Iſai. 40.1.2. Mat. 14 27. 1. Theſſ. 4.18. 1. Theſſ. 5.14. Iob. 16.2. Iob. 19.21. Iſai. 50.4.as they are able, and according to their place & calling; and as preſent occaſion is offered, to comfort others when they ſee or know them to ſtand in neede of comfort, in regard of their troubles and diſtreſſes, eſpecially in regard of troubles, afflictions and diſtreſſes of their mindes and conſciences for ſinne; ſo as they do it wiſely, with due conſideration of the qualitie of the perſon afflicted, and ſo as they do it in ſuch a time as comfort may do the partie afflicted moſt good.
5 They are, as they are able, and according to their place and calling, Ierem. 42.2.3 Gen. 43.29. Gen. 48.15.and as preſent occaſion is offered, to pray for others ſtanding in need of their prayers, 1 Chro. 22.12. Iames 5.15for the good of their ſoules; eſpecially for ſuch as they are bound vntounto by ſome neare and ſpeciall bond of nature, place, calling or condition.
6 They are, as they are able, and according to place and calling, Mat. 5.16. 2 Cor. 9.2. 1 Pet. 2.12. 1 Pet. 3.6.and as preſent occaſion is offered, to giuegive good example to others, liuing in their ſight without giuing iuſt offence, and walking before them in the practiſe of good things; eſpecially to ſuch as they are bound vntounto by ſome neare and ſpeciall bond of nature, place, calling, or condition.
The end of the ſixth Commandement.