A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

If we consider this command with respect to others, we may conceive it in reference to a threefold life, which we should endeavour to preserve and promote in them, in any one of which a commission or omission will make a breach thereof.

If we consider this command vvith respect to others, vve may conceive it in reference to a threefold life, which vve should endeavour to preserve and promote in them, in any one of which a commission or omission will make a breach thereof.

1. There is a life of the body; and whatever cometh from us that wrongeth that, either directly, as strokes, challenges or appeals, &c. or indirectly, if it were but by keeping back something that is in our power to give which might be useful to our neighbour in his need, that no doubt maketh guilty of this sin of killing in respect of this bodily life. I have mentioned appeals to Duels under the former branch, because albeit that in the matter of private duels, the pride and corruption of men do ordinarily either commend a vain bravery and gallantry, or pretend the ex •uses of a seeming Obligation in the point of honour or necessary defence: Yet we are sure that the judgment of God, which is according to truth, by pointing out on the part as well of the accepter as of the appealer; these ensuing irregularities •do condemn the thing as exceeding sinful. As 1. Impotency of mind and excess of passion, which if sooner in the accepter, doth only add deliberation to his other guilt. 2. Contempt of the public Laws and civil order. 3. An Usurpation of the Magistrates sword, which is given to him, both for punishing and protecting; ⟨p. 344⟩And 4. An invasion of Gods •ight of vengeance, which he hath so expressly reserved to himself, and from this the accepter observing ord •nar •ly no more moderament in his defence, than there was necessity for the engagement, hath no excuse more than the challenger, so that in effect although the mediate rise may be thought to be on the appealer's part, yet the sin is common, land is in a word a plain complication of hatred against our neighbour, contempt against the Laws and Powers and God, who hath appointed them, and a bold and desperate despising and rashing upon Death, Judgment and Eternity, which do so immine tly attend all such rencounters: O how much more heroic and noble, were it for men to approve the wise and great King choice he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit then he that taketh a City, to hear him, who is higher than the Princes of the earth, who commands us, Love your Enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and confirmed all by his own most perfect example: