Question 61.What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
Ans. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful; or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Q. 61.1. What sort of sins are forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are either sins of omission or sins of commission.
Q. 61.2. What sins of omission are forbidden?
A. The sins of omission forbidden in the fourth commandment are1. The omission of the duties of the Sabbath themselves, such as neglecting works of necessity and mercy, when called to them; but especially neglecting the public or private exercise of God's worship, and that either in whole or in part; when we forsake the assemblies of God's people, or omit worshipping God in our families, or praying and seeking God in secret upon this day. 2. The omission of the careful performance of the duties of the Sabbath, when we are hypocritical, dull, dead, full of distractions, weariness, unwatchful, sleepy, and attend upon ordinances without any heart and life, and the Sabbath-day is the most burdensome of all other days of the week unto us. "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their
lips; but their heart is far from me."Matt 15:7-8. "Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat?"Amos 8:5. "Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord."Mal 1:13.
Q. 61.3. What sins of commission are forbidden in this fourth commandment?
A. The sins of commission forbidden in this fourth commandment are, the profaning the Sabbath-day1. By idleness, when we spend the day either in whole or in part idly, neither working in our callings, nor employing ourselves in the duties of God's worship, but loiter away that precious time in our houses or the fields, either in vain and idle thoughts, or in vain and idle discourse, or the like. 2. By doing that which is in itself more grossly sinful; as if, instead of going to the house of God to worship, we should go to the tavern or alehouse, on the Sabbath-day, and be drunk, or go to a base house, or in any house to be wanton and unclean; or if, on the Sabbath-day, instead of hallowing and praising God's name, and praying to him, we should swear by his name in our ordinary discourse, or take his name in vain; if, instead of worshipping God with his people, we should persecute God's people for worshipping him, or rail at them or scoff and deride them, because of the holiness which is in them. 3. By unnecessary thoughts and contrivances about worldly affairs, unnecessary words and discourses about earthly employments, unnecessary works in our particular callings, or by carnal pleasures and recreations, which are lawful on other days; thus thinking our own thoughts, speaking our own words, doing our own works, and finding our own pleasure, are forbidden, Isa 58:13: "Not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words."
Question 62.What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
Ans. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment
are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the Sabbath-day.
Q. 62.1. How many reasons are there annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. There are four reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more effectually to induce and persuade us unto the strict observation of the Sabbath-day.
Q. 62.2. What is the first reason?
A. The first reason annexed to the fourth commandment is, God's allowing us six days for our own employment. When he might have taken more time for himself, he hath taken but one day in seven, and alloweth us other six, which are sufficient for the works of our particular callings, and any kind of needful recreations. "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all which thou hast to do."
Q. 62.3. What is the second reason?
A. The second reason annexed to the fourth commandment is, God's challenging a special property in the seventh day. The seventh day, or Sabbath, being the Lord's, which he hath sanctified and set apart from common use, to be employed in his worship, it is theft and sacrilege to alienate this day in whole or in part to our own use, any further than he hath given us allowance. "But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God."
Q. 62.4. What is the third reason?
A. The third reason annexed to the fourth commandment is, God's own example, in resting himself from his works of creation on the seventh day, and therefore he would have us also to rest from the works of our particular calling, and sanctify a Sabbath in imitation of him. "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day."
Q. 62.5. What is the fourth reason?
A. The fourth reason annexed to the fourth commandment is, God's blessing of the Sabbath, by virtue whereof we may hope for his presence with us in the duties of the day, and to receive blessings from him upon ourselves.
"Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it."
Question 63.Which is the fifth commandment?
Ans. The fifth commandment is, "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
Question 64.What is required in the fifth commandment?
Ans. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one, in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q. 63&64.1. What is the subject of this fifth commandment, or who are the persons of whom the duties of this commandment are required?
A. The subject of the fifth commandment, or the persons of whom the duties of this commandment are required, are relations, especially children and all inferiors, in reference to their parents and superiors, and inclusively superiors in reference to their inferiors, and equals also in reference one to another.
Q. 63&64.2. Whom are we to understand by inferiors?
A. By inferiors we are to understand, not only children, but also wives, servants, people, subjects, the younger, and the weaker in gifts or graces.
Q. 63&64.3. Whom are we to understand by superiors?
A. By superiors, under the name of father and mother, we are to understand, not only parents, but also husbands, masters, ministers, magistrates, the aged, and stronger in gifts or graces.
Q. 63&64.4. Whom are we to understand by equals?
A. By equals we may understand brethren, sisters, kindred, friends, and any acquaintance between whom there is no great distance or difference in regard of age, estate, place, or dignity.
Q. 63&64.5. What are the duties of children to their parents?
A. The duties of children to their parents, comprehended
in the general precept, "Honour thy father and thy mother," are1. Inward honour, reverence, and estimation. "A son honoureth his father."Mal 1:6. "Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father; I am the Lord your God."Lev 19:3. 2. Outward reverent carriage and behaviour. "Her children rise up, and call her blessed."Prov 31:28. "The king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand."1 Kings 2:19. 3. Diligent hearkening to their instructions. "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding."Prov 4:1. "My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding."Prov 5:1. 4. Willing obedience unto all their lawful commands. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right."Eph 6:1. "Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing to the Lord."Col 3:20. 5. Meek and patient, bearing their reproofs and corrections, with amendment of the faults they are reproved and corrected for. "We have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence."Heb 12:9. "He that heareth reproof getteth understanding."Prov 15:32. 6. Ready following their reasonable counsel, in reference to their calling, station, marriage, and any great affairs of their lives. "So Moses hearkened unto the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said."Exod 18:24. "And he came to his father and mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath; get her for me to wife."Judg 14:2. 7. Grateful kindness to them, in nourishing them, providing for them, and bearing with their infirmities, when aged, and fallen into want and poverty. "He shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age."Ruth 4:15. "And Joseph nourished his father with bread."Gen 47:12. "Despise not thy mother when she is old."Prov 23:22.
Q. 63&64.6. What are the duties of parents to their children?
A. The duties of parents to their children, are1. Tender love and care of them, especially when infants and helpless; particularly, mothers ought to give suck to
their children, if they are able. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?"Isa 49:15. 2. Training them up in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and principles of religion, and giving them good instructions in the laws and ways of the Lord, so soon as they are capable of receiving them. "And ye fathers, bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."Eph 6:4. "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."Prov 22:6. "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures."2 Tim 3:15. 3. Prayer for them, and giving good examples of holiness, temperance, and righteousness unto them. "Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all."Job 1:5. "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes."Ps 101:2-3. 4. Keeping them under subjection whilst young, yet requiring nothing of them but what is agreeable to the law of the Lord. "And he went down with them, and was subject unto them."Luke 2:51. As children must obey, so parents must command in the Lord.Eph 6:1,4. 5. Encouragement of them by kind looks and speeches, and rewards in well-doing, together with discountenance, reproof, and loving and seasonable correction of them for evildoing. "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong, and of good courage," etc.1 Chron 28:20. "Chasten thy son whilst there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying."Prov 19:18. "The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight to thy soul."Prov 29:15,17. 6. Provision for them of what is needful for the present; as also laying up for them, according to the proportion of what they have, for the future. "If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."1 Tim 5:8. "For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children."2 Cor 12:14. 7. Disposal
of them to trades, callings, and in marriage, when grown up, as may be most for their good; therein using no force, but consulting and considering their capacity and inclination. "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bare Cain. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground."Gen 4:1-2. "But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely towards his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not; let them marry.So then, he that giveth her in marriage doth well."1 Cor 7:36,38.
Q. 63&64.7. What are the duties of wives to their husbands?
A. The duties of wives to their husbands are1. Love of them above all other persons in the world. "That they teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children."Titus 2:4. 2. Loyalty and faithfulness, in reference unto the bed and estate, and any secrets intrusted with them. "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled."Heb 13:4. "Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things."1 Tim 3:11. 3. Reverence and fear of offending them. "Let the wife see that she reverence her husband."Eph 5:33. 4. Subjection unto them in all things lawful under Christ. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. As the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."Eph 5:22,24. 5. Care to please them, suiting themselves to their disposition, and all things to their liking. "She that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."1 Cor 7:34. 6. Helping them to bear their burdens, and in making provision for their families. "And the Lord said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."Gen 2:18. "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."Prov 31:27. 7. Giving ear to, and complying with, the counsels of their husbands, if good, for their souls' welfare; and endeavouring, with meekness and wisdom, with kindness and loving
admonitions, and a chaste, sweet conversation, to win their husbands over to the ways of God, when they are wicked. "Ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may, without the word, be won by the conversation of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversation, coupled with fear."1 Pet 3:1-2.
Q. 63&64.8. What are the duties of husbands to their wives?
A. The duties of husbands to their wives, are1. Most endeared love to them, like unto the love of Christ to his Church. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it."Eph 5:25. 2. Dwelling with them, and, according to knowledge, honouring them, and delighting in their company. "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife."Eph 5:31. "Husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel."1 Pet 3:7. "Rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe: let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love."Prov 5:18-19. 3. Tenderness towards them, and careful provision of food and raiment, and all things necessary for them, as for their own bodies. "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it."Eph 5:28-29. 4. Fidelity to them in keeping the marriage-covenant, so as to forbear the use of any other besides themselves. "Thou shalt not be for another man; so will I also be for thee."Hos 3:3. 5. Protection of them from injuries, and covering of their infirmities with the wings of love. "And David rescued his two wives."1 Sam 30:18. "For charity [or love] shall cover a multitude of sins."1 Pet 4:8. 6. Care to please them in all things lawful and fit, and praise of them when they do well. "He that is married, careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife."1 Cor 7:33. 7. Prayer with them and for them, counsel and admonition of them, and every way helping them, especially in reference
to their souls, walking with them in the ways and ordinances of the Lord. "Ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered."1 Pet 3:7. "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."Luke 1:6.
Q. 63&64.9. What are the duties of servants to their masters?
A. The duties of servants to their masters are1. Honour of their masters in their heart, speech, and behaviour. "A servant honoureth his master."Mal 1:6. "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour."1 Tim 6:1. 2. Service of them with diligence, willingness, fear, and out of obedience unto Christ. "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men."Eph 6:5-7. 3. Faithfulness to them in their estate, and any trust committed to them, with endeavours to please them well in all things. "Exhort servants to please their own masters well in all things; showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."Titus 2:9-10. 4. Meekness and patience under reproof and strokes, and that not only when they do deserve them, but also when they are innocent. "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."1 Pet 2:18-20.
Q. 63&64.10. What are the duties of masters to their servants?
A. The duties of masters to their servants are1. Wisdom and gentleness in their guidance and government of their servants, and acceptance of their diligence and willingness in their service, not threatening for every fault,
remembering that they also are servants to Christ, and have many faults to be covered. "And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing [or moderating] threatening; knowing that your Master also is in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him."Eph 6:9. 2. Provision of convenient and sufficient food for them. "Thou shalt have enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maidens."Prov 27:27. 3. Payment of their wages in full, and at the promised time. "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal."Col 4:1. "Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant. At his day thou shalt give him his hire; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee."Deut 24:14-15. 4. Reproof of them for sin, and correction of them with more than words for some faults. "A servant will not be corrected with words; for though he understand, he will not answer."Prov 29:19. 5. Instruction of them in the ways of God; worshipping God with them; allowance of time every day for worshipping God by themselves; restraining them as much as they can from every sin, especially from external breach of the Sabbath; exhortation and persuasion of them unto the obedience and service of the Lord, and therein to be both examples unto, and companions with them. "I know him, that he will command his household, and they shall keep the ways of God."Gen 18:19. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Josh 24:15. "A devout man, and one that feared God, with all his house."Acts 10:2.
Q. 63&64.11. What are the duties of the people to their ministers?
A. The duties of people to their ministers are1. High estimation of them, and endeared love to them, for their work's sake. "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord; and to esteem them very highly, in love for their work's sake."1 Thess 5:12-13. "Ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. For I bear you record, that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked
out your own eyes, and have given them to me."Gal 4:14-15. 2. Diligent attendance upon the word preached, and other ordinances administered by them. "He that heareth you, heareth me."Luke 10:16. 3. Meek and patient suffering the word of reproof, and ready obedience unto the word of command, which ministers shall, from the Scriptures, make known unto them, together with submission unto the discipline intrusted with them by the Lord. "Receive with meekness the ingrafted word," etc.James 1:21. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls."Heb 13:17. 4. Communicating to them of their temporals. "The Lord hath ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."1 Cor 9:14. "Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."Gal 6:6. 5. Prayer for them. "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me."Rom 15:30. "Brethren, pray for us."1 Thess 5:25. 6. Shutting their ear against reproaches and slanders, believing nothing without proof; and standing up in their defence against an ungodly world, and many false brethren, and rotten-hearted hypocrites, who are made use of by the devil to cast dirt upon them, that thereby people receiving prejudices against them, might be kept either from hearing them, or receiving benefit by their doctrine, and so be either drawn to ways of error, or hardened in ways of profaneness. "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."1 Tim 5:19.
Q. 63&64.12. What are the duties of ministers to their people?
A. The duties of ministers to their people are1. Dear and tender love to their souls. "We were gentle among you, as a nurse cherisheth her children: being so affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."1 Thess 2:7-8. 2. Diligent, sincere, and frequent preaching of the word unto them, with administration of all ordinances. "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor in guile; but as we were allowed of God
to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."1 Thess 2:3-4. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine."2 Tim 4:2. 3. Watchfulness over them, with willingness and cheerfulness. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind."1 Pet 5:2. 4. Prayer for them, and praise for the grace of God which is in them. "Wherefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."Eph 1:15-16. 5. Showing themselves an example of holiness and good works unto them. "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works."Titus 2:7. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."1 Tim 4:12.
Q. 63&64.13. What are the duties of subjects to their magistrates?
A. The duties of subjects to their magistrates, are1. High estimation and honour of them. "Fear God; honour the king."1 Pet 2:17. 2. Subjection to them, and obedience unto their laws, so far as they are not contrary to the laws of Christ. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers."Rom 13:1. 3. Ready payment of their dues. "Render unto all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom."Rom 13:7. 4. Defence of them in danger. "Wherefore hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came in one to destroy the king thy lord."1 Sam 26:15. 5. Prayer and thanksgiving for them." "I exhort that prayers and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."1 Tim 2:1-2.
Q. 63&64.14. What are the duties of magistrates to their subjects?
A. The duties of magistrates to their subject are1. Government of their subjects under Christ, with wisdom, justice, and clemency, endeavouring above all things to
promote the interest of religion among them. "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people."2 Chron 1:10. "And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."2 Chron 2:1. 2. Making good laws for the benefit of their subjects, and appointing faithful officers, with charge of due execution of them. "And he set judges in the land, and said, Take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord; for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts."2 Chron 19:5-7. 3. Care of the common safety of their subjects. "And Jehoshaphat reigned in his stead; and he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah."2 Chron 17:1-2. 4. Encouragement of them that do well, by their example, countenance, and reward, together with discouragement and punishment of evildoers. "Governors are for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."1 Pet 2:14.
Q. 63&64.15. What are the duties of the younger and inferior in gifts and graces, to the aged and superior?
A. The duties of the younger and inferior in gifts and graces, to the elder and superior, are1. To rise up before them, and give place to them, with reverence and respect. "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God."Lev 19:32. 2. Humble submission to them, so as to follow their wise counsels. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder."1 Pet 5:5. 3. Imitation of them in their graces and holy conversation. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."1 Cor 11:1.
Q. 63&64.16. What are the duties of the aged and superior in gifts and graces, unto the younger and inferior?
A. The duties of the aged and superior in gifts and graces, unto the younger and inferior, areTo adorn their old age, and show forth the power of their grace in a holy and exemplary conversation. "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience: the aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour
as becometh holiness, teachers of good things."Titus 2:2-3.
Q. 63&64.17. What are the duties of equals one to another?
A. The duties of equals one to another, are1. To live in peace with, and sincere love to one another, preferring each other in honour. "Be at peace among yourselves."1 Thess 5:13. "Let love be without dissimulation. Be kindly-affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another."Rom 12:9-10. 2. To be pitiful, courteous and affable, and ready to promote one another's good, and to rejoice therein. "Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."1 Pet 3:8. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."1 Cor 10:24. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice."Rom 12:15.
Question 65.What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
Ans. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
Q. 65.1. How many ways may we sin against the fifth commandment?
A. We may sin against the fifth commandment two ways1. By neglecting of the duties therein prescribed. 2. By doing any thing against the honour which belongeth unto every one in their several places and relations.
Q. 65.2. What are the sins of children against their parents?
A. The sins of children against their parents are1. Irreverence towards them, and anywise dishonouring of them, either in speech or behaviour. "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother: and all the people shall say, Amen."Deut 27:16. "Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness."Prov 20:20. 2. Disobedience to their commands. "The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it."Prov 30:17. 3. Unteachableness and refusal of their instruction.
"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."Prov 8:23. "And thou mourn at last, and say, How have I hated instruction, and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers?"Prov 5:11-13. 4. Stubbornness and incorrigibleness under their reproofs and corrections. "And he said, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings. Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father."1 Sam 2:23-25. 5. Wastefulness of their substance, unthankfulness for their care and favours, or anywise unkindness to them, especially when they are aged and in distress. "He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach."Prov 19:26. "Despise not thy mother when she is old."Prov 23:22. 6. Disposal of themselves unto callings or in marriages, without their consent or advice. "And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite; which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah."Gen 26:34-35.
Q. 65.3. What are the sins of parents against their children?
A. The sins of parents against their children are1. Want of natural affection and tenderness towards them, especially when infants, or sick and helpless. "Without natural affection."Rom 1:31. "She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers."Job 39:16. 2. Too fond love, giving them their will, and subjecting themselves thereunto; together with partial love, and that expressing itself more to the less deserving, and less to the more deserving. 3. Neglect of their souls, to give them instruction, and seasonable and needful correction; as also neglect of their bodies to make convenient provision for them. "He that spareth his rod, hateth his son."Prov 13:24. "If any provide not for his own, he is worse than an infidel."1 Tim 5:8. 4. Cruelty towards them, and unreasonable provoking of them unto anger. "Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath."Eph 6:4. "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged."Col 3:21. 5. Encouragement of them, either by their command or example, in ill-doing;
or discouragement of them, either by their prohibition or frowns and displeasure, in well-doing. 6. Opposition of that which is really for their good, either in reference unto their calling or marriage.
Q. 65.4. What are the sins of wives against their husbands?
A. The sins of wives against their husbands are1. Want of that due reverence, and honour, and endeared love, which they should have for their husbands above all others. "And Michal saw David dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart."2 Sam 6:16. 2. Infidelity in breaking the marriage covenant, or revealing any secrets committed by their husbands unto them. "To deliver thee from the strange woman, who forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God."Prov 2:16-17. 3. Pride and profusive spending and wasting their estates in costly clothes, beyond their degree, or any other ways. "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel."1 Pet 3:3. 4. Unsubjection unto, and imperiousness over their husbands, as if they were their foot, to be commanded by them, and not their head, to rule over them; and this accompanied with frowardness and a contentious spirit, disturbing their husbands with their evil speeches and clamours. "The contentions of a wife are a continual dropping."Prov 19:13. 5. Evil surmises, and suspicions of their husbands without reason; unkind behaviour towards them whatsoever kindnesses they receive from them, foolish speaking of their faults before others, to their provocation, instead of love and meek admonitions, when they are alone, to their amendment. 6. Deafening their ear unto the loving counsels and faithful reproof of their husbands, for their souls' good, growing the worse, and not the better thereby.
Q. 65.5. What are the sins of husbands against their wives?
A. The sins of husbands against their wives are1. Want of that endeared love and kindness which is due to their wives, bitter speeches, unkind and unreasonable
jealousies, revilings, and rage at their advice, especially when it is loving and meek, and for the real good of their body, or estate, or name, or soul. "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."Col 3:19. 2. Unfaithfulness unto their wives, and that either in reference unto their bodies by adultery, or in reference unto their souls, by neglect of such advice, reproof, or instruction, as may be for their souls' good, especially by drawing them unto sin, to their souls' ruin. "The Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant."Mal 2:14. "Then the men which knew that their wives had burnt incense unto other gods, answered, As for the word which thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken unto thee."Jer 44:15-16.
Q. 65.6. What are the sins of servants against their masters?
A. The sins of servants against their masters are1. Disobedience unto their lawful and fit commands, or unwilling obedience; or eyeservice of them only, neglecting their business when their backs are turned. "Servants, obey in all things your masters; not with eyeservice as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."Col 3:22-23. 2. Dishonouring them, by reviling speeches to them, or reproachful speeches of them, or by any kind of rude and saucy behaviour before them. 3. Lying, or anywise dissembling with them; wronging or anywise defrauding of them in their estates. "He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."Ps 101:7. 4. Repining at their provisions without cause, impatience, anger, discontent, surliness, and answering again when reproved for their faults. "Not answering again."Titus 2:9. 5. Receiving no instruction from them; withdrawment from, or negligent and sleepy attendance upon, family worship.
Q. 65.7. What are the sins of masters against their servants?
A. The sins of masters against their servants are1.
Requiring and commanding them to do anything which is in itself sinful; or encouraging of them by their example so to do. "It may be the Lord will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master hath sent to reproach the living God."Isa 37:4. 2. Requiring their whole time for themselves, and not allowing them sufficient for the refreshment of nature, and daily secret worship of God. 3. Proud, imperious carriage towards them, and ruling over them with severity, and continual chiding and threatenings, discontent, and dissatisfaction with all their willing endeavours to do them service, too eager insisting upon, and too frequent upbraiding them with their faults. "Forbearing threatening."Eph 6:9. 4. Niggardly pinching, and withholding from them their convenient food, or things needful for them when they are sick, as also keeping back from them their due wages. "Behold, the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth."James 5:4. 5. Neglect of their souls, and of family worship with them. "Pour out thy fury upon the families that call not upon thy name."Jer 10:15.
Q. 65.8. What are the sins of people against their ministers?
A. The sins of people against their ministers are1. Hatred and persecution of them, either with the hand or tongue, making slanders, or taking them up without proof, and nowise esteeming and honouring of them as ministers of Christ, and ambassadors sent from heaven unto them. "I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words."3 John 10. "His letters (say they) are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."2 Cor 10:10. "He that despiseth you, despiseth me."Luke 10:16. 2. Forbearing to hear them through an itching ear, slightness of spirit in hearing, and anywise grieving of them by their unbelief, hardness of heart, unfruitfulness, divisions among themselves, unstedfastness, and unsuitable conversation unto the gospel which their ministers do preach amongst them. "For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts, shall
they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."2 Tim 4:3-4. "He looked about with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts."Mark 3:5. "Out of much affliction, and anguish of heart, I wrote unto you with many tears."2 Cor 2:4. 3. Restraining prayer for them, denial of required submission and obedience unto them, withholding due maintenance from them, or anywise neglecting the duties required of people to their ministers.
Q. 65.9. What are the sins of ministers against their people?
A. The sins of ministers against their people are1. Want of sincere and tender love to their souls, seeking more to receive earthly gain from them, than to do any good unto them. "I seek not yours, but you."2 Cor 12:14. "His watchmen are blind; they are greedy dogs which can never have enough; they look every one for his gain from his quarter."Isa 56:10. 2. Negligence in their prayers and studies for them, and in their preaching the word to them. "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine: neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."1 Tim 4:13-14. 3. Unwatchfulness over them, unprofitableness in their discourse among them, unsuitableness of conversation unto their doctrine and profession, unteaching that by their lives which they teach in their pulpits. 4. Corrupting the word they preach, and infecting the minds of their people with erroneous opinions. "We are not as many, which corrupt the word of God."2 Cor 2:17.
Q. 65.10. What are the sins of subjects against their magistrates?
A. The sins of subjects against their magistrates are1. Rebellion against them, and any treasonable seeking their overthrow and ruin. "An evil man seeketh only rebellion, therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him."Prov 17:11. 2. Unsubjection and disobedience unto their good and righteous laws. "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience'
sake."Rom 13:5. 3. Neglecting of prayer for them, and, instead thereof, speaking evil of them. "Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."2 Pet 2:10. 4. Reviling speeches unto them, and irreverent behaviour before them. "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people."Exod 22:28. "And Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king."2 Sam 24:20. 5. Denial of their just dues, and anywise defrauding of them. "Owe no man any thing."Rom 12:8.
Q. 65.11. What are the sins of magistrates against their subjects?
A. The sins of magistrates against their subjects are1. Making laws which are contrary to the laws of God. "Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any god or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"Dan 6:12. 2. Oppression, tyranny, and cruelty in their government. "As a roaring lion and a raging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."Prov 28:15-16. 3. Seeking their own interest, rather than the interest of the commonwealth. 4. Discountenance and discouragement of the good and righteous, together with encouragement and preferment of the wicked and unrighteous. 5. Unsubjection to the laws of God themselves, and, by their evil example, encouraging others to do the like. "The wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted."Ps 12:8.
Q. 65.12. What are the sins of the younger and weaker in gifts and graces against them that are aged and stronger?
A. The sins of the younger and weaker in gifts and graces, against them which are aged and stronger, are1. A proud conceitedness of wisdom and worth in themselves, beyond their elders and betters, together with a despising of them in their hearts, and judging of them for making use of their known liberty. "Not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil."1 Tim 3:6. "Let not him that eateth not, judge
him that eateth."Rom 14:3. 2. A rude and indecent taking place of them, or anywise irreverent carriage towards them. "Sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden, and he say, Give this man place."Luke 14:8-9. 3. A masterly spirit and stiff will, which will not yield to their wise counsels, and advice for their good.
Q. 65.13. What are the sins of the aged and stronger in gifts and graces against the younger and weaker?
A. The sins of the aged and stronger in gifts and graces, against the younger and weaker, are1. Giving them evil examples of unholiness, covetousness, unrighteousness, intemperance, or any wickedness. 2. Contemptuous carriage towards them, or not giving due encouragement unto good beginnings. 3. Not bearing with their weakness, and despising of them because of their infirmities. "We, then, that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."Rom 15:1. "Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not."Rom 14:3.
Q. 65.14. What are the sins of equals against one another?
A. The sins of equals, one against another, are1. Hatred, envy, malice, inordinate anger towards, and evil speaking either to or of, one another, and any way injuring, defaming, and dishonouring each other. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another."Eph 4:31-32. 2. Instead of provoking one another unto love and good works, enticing one another, or yielding unto one another's enticements unto sin. "Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works."Heb 10:24. "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."Prov 1:10. 3. A private, contracted, selfish spirit, which keepeth them from any cordial and diligent seeking of one another's good, unless their own private carnal interest be promoted thereby. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."1 Cor 10:24.
Question 66.What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
Ans. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity, (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good,) to all such as keep this commandment.
Q. 66.1. What is the promise itself, which is annexed for the encouragement of those that keep this fifth commandment?
A. The promise itself which is annexed for the encouragement of them that keep this fifth commandment, is the promise of long life; and this is the first particular commandment with promise. "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."Exod 20:12. "Honour thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise."Eph 6:2.
Q. 66.2. How is the fifth commandment the first commandment with promise, when there is a promise of God's showing mercy unto thousands, annexed unto the second commandment?
A. The promise of God's showing mercy unto thousands, annexed unto the second commandment, hath not respect unto that commandment only, but is made to those that love God, and, with that, keep all his other commandments; whereas this promise of long life is particularly applied unto the keepers of this fifth commandment.
Q. 66.3. What is included in this promise of long life?
A. This promise of long life doth include, not only the continuance of life for a long time, which may be so accompanied with miseries that death may be more desirable; but also, it includeth the blessing and prosperity of life. "Honour thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long upon the earth."Eph 6:2-3.
Q. 66.4. Do all those, then, that honour their parents live long and prosper upon the earth?
A. 1. Many that honour their parents, and are faithful in all relative duties, do now attain long life and prosperity in the world, and that by virtue of this promise; and those that do otherwise, are many of them cut off in their youth,
or in the midst of their days, and bring the curse of poverty and want upon themselves whilst they live: yet withal, we may observe that temporal promises and judgments were fulfilled more in the letter formerly in the Old Testament times, than in the latter gospel-days, wherein they are often exchanged into spiritual. 2. This promise is to be understood with this exceptionso far as it may serve for God's glory and the real good of all those that keep this commandment; and oftentimes God is glorified, and they are benefited, when they are exercised with affliction, and God sees it best to take some of them home in their youth, or strength of their years, to himself, to hide them from the miseries that befall them that survive, and, instead of long life on the earth, he giveth them eternal life in heaven. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes."Ps 119:71. "The righteous perisheth, and merciful men are taken away from the evil to come."Isa 57:1. "This is the promise he hath promised us, even eternal life."1 John 2:25.
Question 67.Which is the sixth commandment?
Ans. The sixth commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill."
Question 68.What is required in the sixth commandment?
Ans. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Q. 67&68.1. What doth the sixth commandment respect?
A. The sixth commandment doth respect our own and others' life.
Q. 67&68.2. What doth the sixth commandment require, in reference to our own life?
A. The sixth commandment doth require, in reference unto our own life, all lawful endeavours for the preservation of it.
Q. 67&68.3. May we not deny Christ and his truths for the
preservation of our life, if we should certainly lose our life for owning and acknowledging them?
A. The denial of Christ and his truths is an unlawful mean for the preservation of our life, and therefore not to be used; and saving our life this way, is the way to lose our life and our souls for ever. "Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."Matt 10:33. "Whosoever will save his life, shall lose it. What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"Matt 16:25-26.
Q. 67&68.4. May we not in any case endeavour the saving of our life by a lie, as Isaac did at Gerar, when he said his wife was his sister, lest the men of the place should kill him for his wife's sake?Gen 26:7.
A. The apostle doth answer this case. "We be slanderously reported, that we say, Let us do evil, that good may come; whose damnation is just."Rom 3:8. Therefore the lie of Isaac, for preservation of his life, was his sin, and offensive to God; and no more to be approved than the adultery of David, which the Scripture doth record, not for imitation, but for caution.
Q. 67&68.5. May we not defend our life against an enemy that doth assault us on the Sabbath-day, though we intermit the duties of God's worship thereby?
A. Though sins ought never to be committed, whatever good might come thereby, negative precepts binding to all times; yet positive precepts binding always, but not at all times, duties may be intermitted at some time without sin; and God doth dispense with his worship on his day, when it is necessary we should be employed otherwise in the defence of our life against a public enemy.
Q. 67&68.6. What are the lawful endeavours which we ought to use for the preservation of our life?
A. The lawful endeavours which we ought to use for the preservation of our life are1. Defence of ourselves with arms and weapons, against the violence of thieves and cutthroats that seek to murder us. "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."Luke 22:36. 2. Defence of ourselves with clothes, and in houses, against
the violence of the weather and cold. "She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet."Prov 31:21. 3. The nourishing and refreshing our bodies in a sober and moderate use of meat, drink, and sleep. "For no man hateth his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it."Eph 5:29. "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities."1 Tim 5:23. "If he sleep he shall do well."John 11:12. 4. The exercising of our bodies with labour and moderate recreations. "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet."Eccles 5:12. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."Eccles 3:14. 5. The use of physic for the removal of sickness and the recovery of health. "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."Matt 9:12. 6. Patience, peaceableness, contentment, cheerfulness, and the moderate exhilarating our spirits with God's gifts, especially rejoicing in the Giver, and using all good means to get and keep our mind and heart in a good temper, which doth much tend to the preservation of our health, and a good temper also in our body. "A merry heart doth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones."Prov 17:22.
Q. 67&68.7. What doth the sixth commandment require, in reference unto the life of others?
A. The sixth commandment doth require, in reference unto the life of others, all lawful endeavours to preserve others' life.
Q. 67&68.8. May no lie be made use of to preserve the life of others, especially if they be God's people, and their life be unjustly sought by God's enemies; as Rahab by a lie, saved the lives of the Israelites in her house, for which she is recorded with commendation, and herself and house were saved, when all the city beside were destroyed?
A. 1. No lie must be used upon this or any account, the loss of the lives of the most righteous not being so evil as the least evil of sin. 2. Rahab was commended and spared for her faith, and because of the promise which the
Israelites had made unto her, not because of her lie, which was her sin; which sin, without pardon, would have been punished in hell. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."Heb 11:31.
Q. 67&68.9. How may and ought we to endeavour the preservation of others' lives?
A. 1. Such as are magistrates, judges, and have power in their hand, ought to defend the innocent when oppressed, wronged, and in danger of losing their livelihood, especially when in danger of death. "Defend the poor and fatherless. Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked."Ps 82:3-4. "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain: if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?"Prov 24:11-12. 2. All ought to distribute necessaries of life according to their ability, unto such as are poor and in want. "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit?"James 2:15-16. 3. All ought to forbear all wrongs, and doing any injury unto any person, and to forgive such injuries as are done unto us, returning good for evil. "Be blameless and harmless, the children of God, without rebuke."Phil 2:15. "Forgive one another, if any man have a quarrel against any."Col 3:13. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."Rom 12:21.
Question 69.What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Ans. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Q. 69.1. Whom doth the sixth commandment forbid us to kill?
A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth us to kill either ourselves or others.
Q. 69.2. How are we forbidden to kill ourselves or others?
A. We are forbidden to kill ourselves or others, either directly, by taking away our own or others' life; or indirectly, by doing anything that tendeth thereunto.
Q. 69.3. Is it lawful upon any account to kill ourselves, as when thereby we shall prevent others from putting us to death with torture and disgrace; as Cato and other heathens, who slew themselves, and Saul, who fell upon his own sword, that he might not be slain and abused by the uncircumcised Philistines?
A. 1. It is unlawful in any case to kill ourselves. "And the keeper of the prison drew out his sword, and would have killed himself; but Paul cried with a loud voice, do thyself no harm."Acts 16:27-28. 2. Although the heathens counted it a virtue, and the part of a brave heroic spirit, in some cases to kill themselves, yet the law of God alloweth no such thing, but accounteth such persons self-murderers. 3. It was Saul's sin to die in that act of self-murder; and we ought rather to submit ourselves to any abuses and tortures of others, which is their sin, than to lay violent hands on ourselves, and so die in a sin which there is no time nor place for repenting of afterwards.
Q. 69.4. Is it possible for them that kill themselves to be saved, when there can be no repenting afterwards for this sin?
A. 1. It is possible for some to give themselves their death wound, and yet repent before they die, and be saved, although this be very rare. 2. It is possible that some, who are children of God, may in a frenzy (Satan taking advantage to inject temptations hereunto) kill themselves, and yet, through habitual faith and repentance, attain to salvation.
Q. 69.5. Is it lawful in any case to kill others?
A. It is lawful to kill others1. In the execution of the just sentence of the public laws, especially on such as have been murderers. "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death."Num 35:30. 2. In lawful war. "Cursed be he that keepeth back his
sword from blood."Jer 48:18. 3. In necessary self-defence. "If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall be no blood shed for him."Exod 22:2.
Q. 69.6. Is it lawful to fight and kill one another in a duel?
A. 1. It is unlawful to fight a private duel, except a man be set upon by another, and he cannot avoid it; then it is lawful for a man, in his own defence, to fight and slay his enemy that assaulteth him. 2. It is lawful to fight a public duel, if a single enemy, at the head of an army, do make a challenge, and it may be the means to prevent the effusion of more blood; as David did well to fight with, and kill Goliath.
Q. 69.7. May we not be guilty of the murder of ourselves or others any other way than by directly taking our own or others' lives?
A. We may be guilty of the murder of ourselves or others indirectly, by doing any thing that tendeth to take away our own or others' lives. As1. By neglecting or withholding the lawful and necessary means for the preservation of life; such as meat, drink, sleep, clothes, physic, needful recreations, and the like: when we forbear to make use of the necessary preservatives of life ourselves, either through a pinching humour, or Satan's temptations, that we have no right to them, and thereby hasten our end, we are guilty of self-murder: when we deny the necessaries of life to others in extreme want, through covetousness and want of pity, we are guilty of their murder. 2. By excess in eating, drinking, carking care, envy, immoderate sorrow, or doing any thing which may break and debilitate, or take off the vigour of our minds, and which may breed distempers in our bodies; this tendeth to self-murder. "Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life."Luke 21:34. "Envy is the rottenness of the bones."Prov 14:30. "A broken spirit drieth the bones."Prov 17:22. 3. By hatred, sinful anger, malice, bitter speeches, oppression; especially by striking, wounding, and anywise hurting the bodies of others; this tendeth to the taking away the lives of others, and is
murder in God's account. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer."1 John 3:15. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hellfire."Matt 5:21-22. "If ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."Gal: 5:15. "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword."Prov 12:18. "In the midst of thee have they dwelt by oppression: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow."Ezek 22:7.