What is required in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life and the life of others.
Proofs
- The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life (Ephesians 5:28–29)
- and the life of others. (1 Kings 18:4)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is self-preservation a part of the law of nature?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Skin for skin, all that a man hath will be given for his life, (Job 2:4)
But has this law been broken?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For some choose strangling rather than life, (Job 7:15)
Was it therefore necessary that it should be enforced by an express command?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Do thyself no harm, (Acts 16:28)
Practical response
Should we use all lawful methods for the preservation of our health?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Use a little wine for thy stomach sake, (1 Timothy 5:23)
Should we for this purpose be moderate in the use of meats and drinks?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, put a knife to thy throat, (Proverbs 23:1–2)
And avoid all unnecessary acts of mortification?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Be not righteous overmuch, for why shouldest thou destroy thyself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16)
And defend ourselves against violence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that hath no sword let him sell his garments and buy one, (Luke 22:36)
And fly from persecution?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When they persecute you in one city fly to another, (Matthew 10:23)
And not causelessly run into danger?
Answer: No.
Proof: Let not thy voice be heard amongst us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, (Judges 18:25)
Practical response
Should whatsoever we do for the preservation of our own lives be with an eye to God’s glory?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: That whether we live, we might live unto the Lord, (Romans 14:8)
Is it therefore unlawful to commit sin even to save life?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For he that so saveth his life shall lose it, (Matthew 16:25)
Practical response
Should we be careful of the lives of others?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Judah said,what profit is it, if we slay our brother, (Genesis 37:20)
Should we pray for their health?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, (3 John 2)
And discover designs to their prejudice?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and told Paul, (Acts 22:16)
And hide them from the unjust fury of their enemies?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: As Obediah hid the prophets of the Lord by fifties in a cave, (1 Kings 18:4)
And avoid every thing whereby their lives might be endangered?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence, (Deuteronomy 22:8)
Practical response
Should magistrates defend the innocent?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They must deliver them that are drawn out to death, (Proverbs 24:11)
And rich men succour the poor?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, (Job 29:13)
Should we be careful of giving offence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If it be possible live peaceably with all men, (Romans 12:18)
And equally so of taking it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, (Romans 12:19)