Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

6th Commandment (Murder)

10 passages across 3 documents address 6th Commandment (Murder). The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Purport, Scope, and Spiritual Nature of the Commandment

"The sixth commandment is, 'Thou shalt not kill.'" [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"The end or design of this commandment is the preservation of the life and health of the body, and so of the safety both of ourselves and of others." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The purport of this commandment is that since the Lord has bound the whole human race by a kind of unity, the safety of all ought to be considered as entrusted to each." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, 'You shall not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"The sixth commandment, as expounded by our Lord (Matt. 5:21, 22), forbids malice in all its degrees and in all its manifestations." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Scripture notes a twofold equity on which this commandment is founded. Man is both the image of God and our flesh." "The Lord has been pleased to direct our attention to these two natural considerations as inducements to watch over our neighbour's preservation, viz., to revere the divine image impressed upon him, and embrace our own flesh." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"This commandment prohibits every injury, or neglect not only to the lives of others, but also to our own life, inasmuch as the same causes are found in us, on account of which God will have us to regard the lives of others. These causes are, 1. The image of God, which we may not destroy either in ourselves or in others. 2. The likeness of nature, and our common origin from our first parents. For as our neighbor must not be injured and hurt by us because he is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, so we are to inflict no wrong upon ourselves, for the reason that no man ever yet hated his own flesh. 3. The greatness of the price, by which Christ has redeemed us and others. 4. The union, or conjunction, which there is between those who are members of Christ." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

II. What Is Enjoined: The Sincere Preservation of Life and Soul

"The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others." "The lawful endeavours which we ought to use for the preservation of our life are— 1. Defence of ourselves with arms and weapons, against the violence of thieves and cut-throat that seek to murder us... 2. Defence of ourselves with clothes, and in houses, against the violence of the weather and cold... 3. The nourishing and refreshing our bodies in a sober and moderate use of meat, drink, and sleep... 5. The use of physic for the removal of sickness and the recovery of health. 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." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"To preserve natural life... We must use all means of diet, exercise, and lawful recreation, which, like oil, preserves the lamp of life from going out... Timothy was not, by drinking too much water, to weaken nature—but to use means for self-preservation." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"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." "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." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"This commandment requires us to protect and defend our neighbour; for seeing that the law commands us not only to shun and avoid sin of every description, but also to practice that which is opposite thereto, it is evident that God does not only here forbid us to injure the life and safety of any one, but commands us at the same time, as far as it is in our power, to cherish and defend our neighbor." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"This commandment implies that we should be so far from ruining others, that we should do all we can to preserve the lives of others." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"All ought to distribute necessaries of life according to their ability, unto such as are poor and in want." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"But if the safety of the body is so carefully provided for, we may hence infer how much care and exertion is due to the safety of the soul, which is of immeasurably higher value in the sight of God." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"This commandment requires that we should also endeavor to preserve our own souls." "It is implied that we should endeavor to preserve the souls of others: counsel them about their souls; set life and death before them; help them to heaven." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

III. What Is Forbidden: Inward Murder (The Malice of the Heart)

"In forbidding murder, God teaches us, that he abhors the causes thereof; such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"This commandment, therefore, prohibits the murder of the heart, and requires a sincere desire to preserve our brother's life. The hand, indeed, commits the murder, but the mind, under the influence of wrath and hatred, conceives it." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"We must not injure another in his name. 'A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"From the interpretation of Christ: 'Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.' (Matt. 5:22.) Hence with external murder there is prohibited at the same time every wrong inflicted upon our neighbor, together with all the causes, occasions and signs of these injuries, such as anger, envy, hatred and desire of revenge." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"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." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"We may be said to murder another twelve ways. (1) With the hand; as Joab killed Abner and Amasa... (2) With the mind. Malice is mental murder... (3) With the tongue, by speaking to the harm of another, and causing him to be put to death... (4) With the pen. Thus David killed Uriah by writing to Joab to 'set Uriah in the forefront of the battle.'... (5) By plotting another's death... (6) By putting poison into cups... (7) By witchcraft and sorcery—which were forbidden under the law... (8) By having an intention to kill another... (9) By consenting to another's death; as Saul to the death of Stephen... (10) By not hindering the wrongful death of another, when in our power... (11) By unmercifulness. By taking away that which is necessary for the support of life... [and] (12) By not executing the law upon capital offenders." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

IV. What Is Forbidden: External Murder, Suicide, and Duelling

"The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"This commandment prohibits every injury, or neglect not only to the lives of others, but also to our own life..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"It is unlawful in any case to kill ourselves." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Suicide, therefore, is most frequent among those who have lost all faith in religion. It is a very complicated crime; our life is not our own; we have no more right to destroy our life than we have to destroy the life of a fellow-man. Suicide is, therefore, self murder." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"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... 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." "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." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Duelling is another violation of the sixth commandment." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"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." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

V. Lawful Exceptions: Capital Punishment, Self-Defence, and Just War

"As the sixth commandment forbids malicious homicide, it is plain that the infliction of capital punishment is not included in the prohibition. Such punishment is not inflicted to gratify revenge, but to satisfy justice and for the preservation of society." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The law of the Lord forbids to kill; but, that murder may not go unpunished, the Lawgiver himself puts the sword into the hands of his ministers, that they may employ it against all murderers." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Though, however, this commandment forbids private people to shed the blood of another, unless in their own defense—yet, such as are in public office must punish public offenders, even with death. To kill an offender is not murder—but justice." [Thomas Watson - The Ten Commandments]

"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Thou shalt not kill, that is, not thou who art merely a private person, according to thy judgment and desire, when I do not command thee, and give thee any warrant from this law. But this does not do away with the office of the magistrate; 'for he is the minister of God and does not bear the sword in vain.' (Rom. 13:4.) Hence when the magistrate puts wicked transgressors to death, it is not man, but God who is the executioner of the deed." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"That homicide in self-defence is not forbidden by the sixth commandment, is plain..." "The lawfulness of defensive war, however, does not rest exclusively on these general principles of justice; it is distinctly recognized in Scripture." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

Compare these in the interactive reader →

Question 92

Q. What is God's law?

A. God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. I. You shall have no other gods before me. II. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. III. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. IV. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work— you, your son or your daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. V. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you. VI. You shall not murder. VII. You shall not commit adultery. VIII. You shall not steal. IX. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. X. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female servant, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21.

    Ex. 20:1–17 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

    Deut. 5:6–21 6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them, for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and on the third and fourth of those hating Me, 10 and showing loving devotion to thousands, to those loving Me and keeping My commandments. 11 You shall not lift up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who lifts up His name in vain. 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16 Honor your father and your mother, as YHWH your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, that it may be well with you in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 And you shall not commit adultery. 19 And you shall not steal. 20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 21 And you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, and you shall not covet the house of your neighbor, his field, and his manservant, and his maidservant, his ox, and his donkey, and anything that [is] unto your neighbor.”

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God33 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God15 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 496 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 105

Q. What is God's will for you in the sixth commandment?

A. I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor— not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds— and I am not to be party to this in others; rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge. I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either. Prevention of murder is also why government is armed with the sword.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17–18; Matt. 5:21–22; 26:52.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

    Lev. 19:17–18 17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and you shall not you shall not lift up upon him sin. 18 You shall not take vengeance, and you shall not bear [a grudge] against sons of your people, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I [am] YHWH.

    Matt. 5:21–22 21 You⁺ heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘You shall not murder,’ and, ‘Whoever may murder will be liable to the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you⁺ that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.

    26:52 Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword into its place; for all those having taken the sword will perish by the sword.

  • Prov. 25:21–22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26.

    Prov. 25:21–22 21 If your enemy [is] hungry, give him bread, and if [he is] thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 For [in so doing] you will be heaping burning coals upon his head, and YHWH will give recompense to you.

    Matt. 18:35 Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you⁺ unless each of you⁺ should forgive his brother from your⁺ hearts.”

    Rom. 12:19 not avenging yourselves, beloved; but give place to wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

    Eph. 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your⁺ anger,

  • Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11–14.

    Matt. 4:7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

    26:52 Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword into its place; for all those having taken the sword will perish by the sword.

    Rom. 13:11–14 11 And do this, knowing the time, that [it is] already the hour for you⁺ to be awakened out of sleep; for our salvation [is] nearer now than when we came to believe. 12 The night is advanced, and the day has drawn near; therefore let us lay aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no forethought for the desires of the flesh.

  • Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

    Ex. 21:14 But if a man acts presumptuously against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, you shall take him away from My altar to die.

    Rom. 13:4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1366 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1134 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 993 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 692 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1352 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1512 shared proof texts

Question 106

Q. Does this commandment refer only to murder?

A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vengefulness. In God's sight all such are disguised forms of murder.

Scripture proofs
  • Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19–21; 1 John 2:9–11.

    Prov. 14:30 A heart of healing [is] life to the body, and jealousy [is] rottenness to the bones.

    Rom. 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; gossips,

    12:19 not avenging yourselves, beloved; but give place to wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

    Gal. 5:19–21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of rage, rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envies, drunkennesses, carousings, and things like these, as to which I say to you⁺ beforehand, as also I said before, that those doing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    1 John 2:9–11 9 The one claiming to be in the light and hating his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one loving his brother remains in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But the one hating his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness; and he does not know where he goes, because the darkness blinded his eyes.

  • 1 John 3:15.

    1 John 3:15 Everyone hating his brother is a murderer; and you⁺ know that any murderer does not have eternal life remaining in him.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1363 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 183 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 253 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 691 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works1 shared proof text

Question 107

Q. Is it enough then that we do not murder our neighbor in any such way?

A. No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10.

    Matt. 7:12 All things, therefore, as many as you⁺ may want that men may do to you⁺, so also you⁺ do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

    22:39 And the second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

    Rom. 12:10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor,

  • Matt. 5:3–12; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1–2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8.

    Matt. 5:3–12 3 “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. 4 Blessed [are] those mourning, because they will be comforted. 5 Blessed [are] the meek, because they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed [are] those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they will be filled. 7 Blessed [are] the merciful, because they will receive mercy. 8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart, because they will see God. 9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed [are] those having been persecuted on account of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. 11 Blessed are you⁺ when they may reproach you⁺ and may persecute [you] and may say all evil against you⁺, lying, on account of Me. 12 Rejoice and exult, because your⁺ reward [is] great in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you⁺.

    Luke 6:36 Be merciful, as also your⁺ Father is merciful.

    Rom. 12:10, 18 10 devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another in honor, 18 if possible of you⁺, being at peace with all men;

    Gal. 6:1–2 1 Brothers, even if a man should be overtaken in some trespass, you⁺ the spiritual ones, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking at yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens and thus you⁺ will fulfill the law of Christ.

    Eph. 4:2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love;

    Col. 3:12 Put on, therefore, as the chosen ones of God, holy and beloved, inner parts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,

    1 Peter 3:8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble,

  • Ex. 23:4–5; Matt. 5:44–45; Rom. 12:20–21 (Prov. 25:21–22).

    Ex. 23:4–5 4 If you encounter the ox of your enemy or his donkey going astray, you shall surely return it to him. 5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, then do not leave it; you must surely help him with it.

    Matt. 5:44–45 44 But I say to you⁺, love your⁺ enemies and pray for those persecuting you⁺, 45 so that you⁺ may be sons of your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens. For He makes His sun rise on evil and good, and He sends rain on righteous and unrighteous.

    Rom. 12:20–21 20 Rather, “If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him a drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil in good.

    Prov. 25:21–22 21 If your enemy [is] hungry, give him bread, and if [he is] thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 For [in so doing] you will be heaping burning coals upon his head, and YHWH will give recompense to you.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1355 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1413 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1222 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 992 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1722 shared proof texts

Question 67

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17.

    Ex. 20:13 You shall not murder.

    Deut. 5:17 You shall not murder.

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1342 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 68

Q. What is required in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 5:28–29.

    Eph. 5:28–29 28 So also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one loving his own wife loves himself. 29 For no one at any time hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ also [does] the church.

Parallel passages (3)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1352 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce1 shared proof textHeidelberg Catechism · Question 761 shared proof text

Question 69

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 9:6; Matt. 5:22; 1 John 3:15.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

    Matt. 5:22 But I say to you⁺ that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.

    1 John 3:15 Everyone hating his brother is a murderer; and you⁺ know that any murderer does not have eternal life remaining in him.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1363 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1052 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1061 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 991 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1131 shared proof textWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1511 shared proof text

Question 134

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:13. (Cf. Deut. 5:17.)

    Ex. 20:13 You shall not murder.

    Deut. 5:17 You shall not murder.

Parallel passages (4)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 672 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God2 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God1 shared proof text

Question 135

Q. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and 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; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild, and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 5:28–29.

    Eph. 5:28–29 28 So also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one loving his own wife loves himself. 29 For no one at any time hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ also [does] the church.

  • 1 Kings 18:4.

    1 Kings 18:4 for it was in Jezebel cutting off the prophets of YHWH, that Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and he sustained them with bread and water.)

  • Jer. 26:15–16. (See Acts 23:12, 16–17, 21, 27.)

    Jer. 26:15–16 15 Only know for certain that if you⁺ put me to death, that you⁺ are bringing on yourselves innocent blood—and on this city and on its dwellers; for in truth YHWH has sent me to you⁺ to speak in your⁺ ears all these words. 16 And the princes and all the people said to the priests and to the prophets, “This man [is] not worthy of death, for in the name of YHWH our God he has spoken to us.

    Acts 23:12, 16–17, 21, 27 12 And day having come, the Jews, having made a conspiracy, put themselves under an oath, declaring neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill Paul. 16 But the son of Paul’s sister, having heard of the ambush, having come near and having entered into the barracks, reported [it] to Paul. 17 And Paul, having summoned one of the centurions, was saying, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 21 You, therefore, should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.” 27 This man having been seized by the Jews and being about to be killed by them—having come up with the troop, I rescued [him], having learned that he is a Roman.

  • Eph. 4:26–27.

    Eph. 4:26–27 26 “Be angry, and do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your⁺ anger, 27 neither give place to the devil.

  • 2 Sam. 2:22–23; Deut. 22:8.

    2 Sam. 2:22–23 22 And Abner added again in saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? And how could I lift up my face unto Joab your brother?” 23 And he refused to turn aside. And Abner struck him with the back of the spear in the stomach, and the spear came out of his back, and he fell down there and died under him. And it came to pass [that] all who came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, they stood still.

    Deut. 22:8 When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring blood on your house if anyone falls down from it.

  • Matt. 4:6–7; Prov. 1:10–11, 15–16.

    Matt. 4:6–7 6 and he says to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it has been written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and on hands they will lift You up, lest ever You might strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”

    Prov. 1:10–11, 15–16 10 My son, if sinners should entice you, do not be willing. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us hide for the innocent one without cause; 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them; withhold your foot from their path; 16 for their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

  • Gen. 37:21–22. (See 1 Sam. 24:12; 26:9–11.)

    Gen. 37:21–22 21 And Reuben heard, and he delivered him out of their hand and said, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben said to them, “Do not shed blood; cast him into this pit, which [is] in the wilderness. And do not stretch out a hand against him,”—that he might deliver him out of their hand to return him to his father.

    1 Sam. 24:12 May YHWH judge between me and between you, and may YHWH avenge me on you. And my hand shall not be against you.

    26:9–11 9 And David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the anointed of YHWH and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “[As] YHWH lives, if rather YHWH shall strike him, or his day shall come and he will die, or he shall go out to the battle and perish. 11 Far be it from me by YHWH to stretch out my hand against the anointed of YHWH. And take, please, the spear that [is] by his head, and the jug of water, and let us go.”

  • Ps. 82:4; Prov. 24:11–12. (See 1 Sam. 14:45; Jer. 38:7–13.)

    Ps. 82:4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

    Prov. 24:11–12 11 Deliver those being led away to death, and those stumbling to the slaughter, if only you would hold back. 12 If you say, “Behold we did not know this,” does not the One weighing hearts Himself know [it], and the One watching over your soul Himself know it? And He has rendered to each man according to his work.

    1 Sam. 14:45 And the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation in Israel? Profane! As YHWH lives, if shall fall a hair of his head to the ground! For with God he has worked this day.” And the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

    Jer. 38:7–13 7 And Ebed-melech the Cushite, a eunuch who [was] in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—and the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin— 8 and Ebed-melech went forth from the house of the king, and he spoke to the king, saying: 9 “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the cistern; and he is likely to die from hunger in his place, for there is no more bread in the city. 10 And the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying: “Take with you from this [place] thirty men and lift Jeremiah the prophet out the pit before he dies. 11 And Ebed-melech took the men with him, and he went into the house of the king under the treasury, and he took from there worn-out clothes and worn-out rags and let them down by cords into the cistern to Jeremiah. 12 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah: “Please put worn-out clothes and rags under the joints of your arms, under the cords.” And Jeremiah did so. 13 And they drew up Jeremiah with the cords, and they lifted him from the cistern; and Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.

  • James 5:10–11; Heb. 12:9. (See 2 Sam. 16:10–12.)

    James 5:10–11 10 Brothers, [as] an example of suffering evil and of patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we count blessed those having endured. You⁺ heard of the perseverance of Job, and you⁺ saw the outcome of the Lord, that the Lord is full of compassion and [is] merciful.

    Heb. 12:9 Furthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, discipliners, and we respected [them]; and will we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and will live?

    2 Sam. 16:10–12 10 And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, is seeking my life. And how much more that now [this] Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for so YHWH has ordered him. 12 Perhaps YHWH will look on my affliction and YHWH and will return me with good for his cursing this day.”

  • 1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Peter 3:3–4; Ps. 37:8, 11.

    1 Thess. 4:11 and to strive earnestly to live quietly and to do your own [things], and to work with your⁺ own hands, just as we commanded you⁺,

    1 Peter 3:3–4 3 whose adornment let not be the external, of braiding of hair and putting around of gold or putting on of garments, 4 but the hidden man of the heart, in the imperishable [quality] of the gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth before God.

    Ps. 37:8, 11 8 Cease from anger, and leave [behind] wrath; you should not burn—[it] only causes harm. 11 And the meek will inherit the land, and they will delight in the abundance of peace.

  • Prov. 17:22.

    Prov. 17:22 A joyful heart is good healing, and a spirit stricken dries up the bones.

  • Prov. 23:20; Prov. 25:16, 27.

    Prov. 23:20 Not Be among those getting drunk [on] wine, among those being gluttons of flesh to themelves.

    Prov. 25:16, 27 16 You have found honey, eat your sufficiency, lest you be filled up with it and vomit it out. 27 To eat much honey [is] not good, [nor] the searching for his own honor.

  • 1 Tim. 5:23.

    1 Tim. 5:23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments.

  • Isa. 38:21.

    Isa. 38:21 And Isaiah said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply [it] upon the boil, that he may live.”

  • Ps. 127:2.

    Ps. 127:2 [It is] vain for you⁺, being early [in] rising, [and] delaying to sit, eating the bread of sorrows; for so He gives sleep to His beloved.

  • 2 Thess. 3:12. (See Eccl. 5:12.)

    2 Thess. 3:12 Now to such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with quietness, they should eat their own bread.

    Eccl. 5:12 Sweet [is] the sleep of the one working, whether he eats little or much; but the satsifaction of the rich one will not allow rest for him to sleep.

  • Eccl. 3:4, 11; Mark 6:31.

    Eccl. 3:4, 11 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also eternity put in their heart, without which a man cannot find out the work that God has done from beginning even to end.

    Mark 6:31 And He said to them, “Come, you⁺ yourselves, apart to a wilderness place, and rest a little.” For those coming and those going were many, and not even were they having opportunity to eat.

  • 1 Sam. 19:4–5. (See 1 Sam. 22:13–14.)

    1 Sam. 19:4–5 4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works [are] very good toward you. 5 For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and YHWH brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw [it] and rejoiced; and why would you sin against innocent blood to kill David for nothing?”

    1 Sam. 22:13–14 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you⁺ conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in your giving to him bread and a sword and inquiring for him of God, that he should rise against me to lie in wait, as this day?” 14 And Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, and son-in-law of the king, and has turned aside at your council, and is honorable in your house?

  • Rom. 13:10.

    Rom. 13:10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

  • Luke 10:33–34.

    Luke 10:33–34 33 But a certain Samaritan, journeying, came to him, and having seen, he was moved with compassion; 34 and having come, he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and having put him on his own beast, he brought him to an inn and took care of him.

  • Col. 3:12–13.

    Col. 3:12–13 12 Put on, therefore, as the chosen ones of God, holy and beloved, inner parts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone may have a complaint toward another. Just as also the Lord forgave you⁺, so also you⁺.

  • James 3:17.

    James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and of good fruits, impartial, unhypocritical.

  • 1 Peter 3:8–11; 1 Cor. 4:12–13. (See Prov. 15:1; Judg. 8:1–3.)

    1 Peter 3:8–11 8 Now the end: All [be] single-minded, sympathetic, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, humble, 9 not giving back evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary blessing, because to this you⁺ were called, so that you⁺ should inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one wanting to love life and to see good days, let him stop the tongue from evil, and the lips not speak deceit. 11 And let him turn away from evil, and let him do good; let him seek peace and let him pursue it.

    1 Cor. 4:12–13 12 and we toil, working with [our] own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we bear [it]; 13 being slandered, we entreat. We became as the scum of the world, the refuse of all, until now.

    Prov. 15:1 A tender answer turns away rage, and a word of pain raises up anger.

    Judg. 8:1–3 1 And the men of Ephraim said to him, “What [is] this thing you have done to us by not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him in strength. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now compared to you⁺? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 Into your⁺ hands God has delivered the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do compared to you⁺?” Then their spirit subsided toward him when he said this word.

  • Matt. 5:24; Eph. 4:2, 32; Rom. 12:17, 20–21.

    Matt. 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar and first go, be reconciled to your brother, and then, having come, offer your gift.

    Eph. 4:2, 32 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as also God in Christ forgave you⁺.

    Rom. 12:17, 20–21 17 repaying to no one evil for evil, giving forethought to right [things] before all men; 20 Rather, “If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him a drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil in good.

  • 1 Thess. 5:14; Matt. 25:35–36; Prov. 31:8–9. (See Job 31:19–20; Isa. 58:7.)

    1 Thess. 5:14 And we exhort you⁺, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

    Matt. 25:35–36 35 For I hungered, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to eat; I thirsted, and you⁺ gave Me [something] to drink; I was a stranger, and you⁺ took Me in; 36 [I was] naked, and you⁺ clothed Me; I was ailing, and you⁺ visited Me; I was in prison, and you⁺ came to Me.’

    Prov. 31:8–9 8 Open your mouth for a mute one, for the cause of all the sons of destitution. 9 Open your mouth, judge with righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor one and needy one.

    Job 31:19–20 19 if I have seen one perishing from lack of clothing, or there [being] no covering for the needy, 20 if his loins have not blessed me for warming him by the fleece of my sheep,

    Isa. 58:7 Is [it] not to distribute your bread to the hungry, and the wandering the poor you should bring into the house; when you see one naked then clothe him, and do not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1075 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 682 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1052 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows2 shared proof texts

Question 136

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 16:28.

    Acts 16:28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!”

  • Gen. 9:6.

    Gen. 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of the man, by the man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He has made the man.

  • Num. 35:31, 33; Rom. 13:4.

    Num. 35:31, 33 31 And you⁺ shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is [is] condemned to die; for he must surely be put to death. 33 And you⁺ shall not pollute the land that you⁺ [are] in because the blood itself defiles the land; and for the land atonement cannot be made for the blood that is shed on it, except if by the blood of him who shed it.

    Rom. 13:4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.

  • See Deut. 20 compared with Heb. 11:32–34.

    Heb. 11:32–34 32 And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me recounting fully about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, worked justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouths of the sword, were made powerful out of weakness, became strong in war, [and] put to flight foreign armies.

    Deuteronomy 20 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ex. 22:2.

    Ex. 22:2 If the thief is found in the breaking in, and he is struck and he dies, [there is] no bloodguilt for him.

  • Matt. 25:42–43; James 2:15–16.

    Matt. 25:42–43 42 For I hungered, and you⁺ did not give to Me to eat; and I thirsted, and you⁺ did not give Me to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you⁺ did not take Me in; naked, and you⁺ did not clothe Me; ailing and in prison, and you⁺ did not visit Me.’

    James 2:15–16 15 Now if a brother or a sister is naked and lacking of daily food, 16 and anyone of you⁺ says to them, “Go in peace; be warmed and be filled,” but does not give to them the needful things for the body, what [is] the gain?

  • Matt. 5:22.

    Matt. 5:22 But I say to you⁺ that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.

  • 1 John 3:15; Lev. 19:17.

    1 John 3:15 Everyone hating his brother is a murderer; and you⁺ know that any murderer does not have eternal life remaining in him.

    Lev. 19:17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and you shall not you shall not lift up upon him sin.

  • Prov. 14:30.

    Prov. 14:30 A heart of healing [is] life to the body, and jealousy [is] rottenness to the bones.

  • Rom. 12:19.

    Rom. 12:19 not avenging yourselves, beloved; but give place to wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

  • Eph. 4:31.

    Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness and rage and wrath and outcry and slander be removed from you⁺, with all malice.

  • Matt. 6:31, 34.

    Matt. 6:31, 34 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘[With] what shall we be clothed?’ 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its evil.[]

  • Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13.

    Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest your⁺ hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life—and that day would come upon you⁺ suddenly as a snare.

    Rom. 13:13 Let us walk properly as in daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

  • Eccl. 12:12; Eccl. 2:22–23.

    Eccl. 12:12 And further, by these my son, be warned: To the making of many books there is no end, and much study is weariness to the flesh.

    Eccl. 2:22–23 22 For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun? 23 For all his days are pains, and anger [is] his task; even in the night his heart will not find rest. This also is vapor.

  • Isa. 5:12.

    Isa. 5:12 Are the lyre [and] harp and tambourine, and flute and wine, are [at] their feasts; and the work of YHWH they do not regard, and the work of His hands they do not see.

  • Prov. 15:1; Prov. 12:18.

    Prov. 15:1 A tender answer turns away rage, and a word of pain raises up anger.

    Prov. 12:18 There is one speaking rashly like the thrusts of a sword, and the tongue of the wise ones [is] healing.

  • Ex. 1:14. (See Isa. 3:15.)

    Ex. 1:14 and they made bitter their lives with hard labor—with mortar and with bricks and with all manner of labor in the field, all their service in which they made them serve—with harshness.

    Isa. 3:15 Why do you crush My people, and grind the faces of the poor?” A declaration of the Lord YHWH of hosts.

  • Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29.

    Gal. 5:15 But if you⁺ bite and devour one another, watch out, lest you⁺ might be consumed by one another.

    Prov. 23:29 To whom [is] woe? To whom [is] sorrow? To whom [are] quarrels? To whom [is] complaining? To whom [are] wounds without cause? To whom [is] dullness of eyes?

  • Num. 35:16–17 (see vv. 18–21).

    Num. 35:16–17 16 But if he strikes him with an iron implement and he dies, he [is] a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 17 And if with a stone in the hand, with which one could die by it, he strikes him and he does die, he [is] a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.

  • Ex. 21:29 (see vv. 18–36).

    Ex. 21:29 But if the ox itself has a habit of goring from yesterday and the day before yesterday, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not guarded it, and it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and also its owner shall be put to death.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1056 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 693 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1063 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works2 shared proof texts · shared topic