The Morning Devotional for September 8, 2021
The Westminster Shorter Catechism 68; The Westminster Larger Catechism Q135 (Part Five)
Read MoreQuestion 68
What is required in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, (Eph. 5:28–29) and the life of others. (1 Kings 18:4)Question 135
What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves (Eph. 5:28–29) and others (1 Kings 18:4) by resisting all thoughts and purposes, (Jer. 26:15–16, Acts 23:12,16–17,21,27) subduing all passions, (Eph. 4:26–27) and avoiding all occasions, (2 Sam. 2:22, Deut. 22:8) temptations, (Matt. 4:6–7, Prov. 1:10,11,15–16) and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; (1 Sam. 24:12, 1 Sam. 26:9–11, Gen. 37:21–22) by just defence thereof against violence, (Ps. 82:4, Prov. 24:11–12, 1 Sam. 14:45) patient bearing of the hand of God, (James 5:7–11, Heb. 12:9) quietness of mind, (1 Thess. 4:11, 1 Pet. 3:3–4, Ps. 37:8–11) cheerfulness of spirit; (Prov. 17:22) a sober use of meat, (Prov. 25:16,27) drink, (1 Tim. 5:23) physick, (Isa. 38:21) sleep, (Ps. 127:2) labour, (Eccl. 5:12, 2 Thess. 3:10,12, Prov. 16:26) and recreations; (Eccl. 3:4,11) by charitable thoughts, (1 Sam. 19:4–5, 1 Sam. 22:13–14) love, (Rom. 13:10) compassion, (Luke 10:33–34) meekness, gentleness, kindness; (Col. 3:12–13) peaceable, (James 3:17) mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; (1 Pet. 3:8–11, Prov. 15:1, Judges 8:1–3) forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; (Matt. 5:24, Eph. 4:2,32, Rom. 12:17,20) comforting and succouring the distressed and protecting and defending the innocent. (1 Thess. 5:14, Job 31:19–20, Matt. 25:35–36, Prov. 31:8–9)
