What is required in the sixth commandment?

1. What doth this commandment chiefly respect?

The [life] of man, which is the nearest, and most valuable of all his temporal concerns, “Skin for skin; yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.”

2. What makes the life of man valuable?

His being made in the image of God.

3. What doth this commandment require with reference to man’s life?

[All lawful endeavours to preserve] it, in ourselves and others.

4. What lawful endeavours should we use for the preservation of [our own] life?

The “just defence thereof against violence;—a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labour, and recreation.” [Larger Cat. Quest. 135.]

5. By what means should we endeavour to preserve [the life of others]?

“By resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any.” [Ibid.]

6. Why are we restricted by the answer to [lawful endeavours]?

To caution and guard us against the unlawful means which some have used, for the preservation of their lives.

7. What are the unlawful means which some have used for this end?

Denying the truth, 1 Timothy 1:19–20 and lying. Genesis 12:12–13

8. What will be the consequence of denying the truth, for preserving of natural life?

The losing of a better life than that which we intend thereby to preserve.

9. May not a lie be told, at a time, for preserving life, especially if the preservation thereof be for the public good?

At no time, and on no occasion whatsoever, are we to do evil, that good may come.

10. Are we restricted, by this commandment, to the preservation of bodily life only?

No; we are also required to consult the welfare of our own souls, and the souls of others.

11. What is required of us for the welfare of our own souls?

A careful avoiding of all sin, Proverbs 11:19 and a diligent use of all the means of grace. 1 Peter 2:2

12. What is required of us for promoting the welfare of the souls of others?

That we be communicative of our knowledge and experiences unto them, as occasion offers; Psalm 66:16 that we pray for them; James 5:16 and that we set an example of holy walking before them. Matthew 5:16

13. What are these Christian virtues, or graces, which this commandment requires in order to the preservation of life?

It requires for this end “love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness,—and comforting, and succouring the distressed.” [Larger Cat. Quest. 135.]

14. Why should we bear a love to mankind in general?

Because they are partakers of the same nature, and possessed of the same rational faculties with us.

15. How doth love contribute to the preservation of life?

It covers all these infirmities, and buries all these quarrels which tend to raise strife and variance among men.

16. What influence hath compassion upon the duty here required?

It affects us so deeply with the calamities and miseries of our fellow-creatures, that it inclines us to relieve them according to ability.

17. How doth meekness tend to preserve life?

As it governs our passions, Proverbs 14:29 and prevents our being easily disturbed at the unkind and unmannerly treatment of others. Colossians 3:13

18. How doth gentleness contribute to the duty here mentioned?

As it excites to an affable and courteous behaviour towards all we are conversant with, 1 Peter 3:8 and disposes us to put the most favourable construction upon any of their actions that may appear doubtful. 1 Corinthians 13:5

19. What influence has kindness upon preserving life?

As it stirs up to the performance of all good offices in our power, both to the souls and bodies of men.

20. What should engage us to comfort and succour the distressed?

A desire to honour the Lord with our substance, Proverbs 3:9 and to lend unto him, who will surely pay us again. Proverbs 19:17