A Body of Practical Divinity

[2.] In reference to our selves. The Commandment, Thou shalt not kill, requires that we should preserve our own Life and Soul. 'Tis engraven upon every Creature, that we should preserve our own Natural Life. We must be so far from Self-murder, that we must do all we can to preserve our Natural Life. We must use all means of Diet, Exercise, and lawful Recreation, which is like Oil to preserve the Lamp of Life from going out. Some have been under Temptation; Satan hath suggested, they are such Sinners as do not deserve a bit of Bread, and so they have been ready to starve themselves. This is contrary to this Sixth Commandment, Thou shalt do no Murder; it is implied, we are to use all means for the preserving our own Life, 1 Tim. 5.23. Drink no longer Water, but use a little Wine for thy Stomach's sake. Timothy was not by drinking too much Water to over-cool his Stomach, and weaken Nature; but he must use means for Self-preservation, Drink a little Wine, &c.

[2.] In reference to our selves. The Commandment, Thou shalt not kill, requires that we should preserve our own Life and Soul. 'Tis engraven upon every Creature, that we should preserve our own Natural Life. We must be so far from Self-murder, that we must do all we can to preserve our Natural Life. We must use all means of Diet, Exercise, and lawful Recreation, which is like Oyl to preserve the Lamp of Life from going out. Some have been under Temptation; Satan hath suggested, they are such Sinners as do not deserve a bit of Bread, and so they have been ready to starve themselves. This is contrary to this Sixth Commandment, Thou shalt do no Murder; it is imply'd, we are to use all means for the preserving our own Life, 1 Tim. 5.23. Drink no longer Water, but use a little Wine for thy Stomach's sake. Timothy was not by drinking too much Water to over-cool his Stomach, and weaken Nature; but he must use means for Self-preservation, Drink a little Wine, &c.

Secondly, This Commandment requires, that we should endeavour (as to preserve our own Life, so especially) to preserve our own Souls. Omnia si perdas animam servare memento. It is engraven upon every Creature, as with the Point of a Diamond, that it should look to its own Preservation. If the Life of the Body must be preserved, then much more the Life of the Soul. If he who doth not provide for his own House is worse than an Infidel,