Q.134. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.[a]

[a] Exod. 20:13.

Q.135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves[b] and others[c] by resisting all thoughts and purposes,[d] subduing all passions,[e] and avoiding all occasions,[f] temptations,[g] and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;[h] by just defence thereof against violence,[i] patient bearing of the hand of God,[k] quietness of mind,[l] cheerfulness of spirit;[m] a sober use of meat,[n] drink,[o] physick,[p] sleep,[q] labour,[r] and recreations;[s] by charitable thoughts,[t] love,[v] compassion,[w] meekness, gentleness, kindness;[x] peaceable,[y] mild and courteous speeches and behaviour;[z] forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil;[a] a comforting and succouring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.[b]

[b] Eph. 5:28,29.

[c] 1 Kings 18:4.

[d] Jer. 26:15,16. Acts 23:12,16,17,21,27.

[e] Eph. 4:26,27.

[f] 2 Sam. 2:22. Deut. 22:8.

[g] Matt. 4:6,7. Prov. 1:10,11,15,16.

[h] 1 Sam. 24:12. 1 Sam. 26:9-11. Gen. 37:21,22.

[i] Ps. 82:4. Prov. 24:11,12. 1 Sam. 14:45.

[k] James 5:7-11. Heb. 12:9.

[l] 1 Thess. 4:11. 1 Pet. 3:3,4. Ps. 37:8-11.

[m] Prov. 17:22.

[n] Prov. 25:16,27.

[o] 1 Tim. 5:23.

[p] Isa. 38:21.

[q] Ps. 127:2.

[r] Eccl. 5:12. 2 Thess. 3:10,12. Prov. 16:26.

[s] Eccl. 3:4.

[t] 1 Sam. 19:4,5. 1 Sam. 22:13,14.

[v] Rom. 13:10.

[w] Luke 10:33,34.

[x] Col. 3:12,13.

[y] James 3:17.

[z] 1 Pet. 3:8-11. Prov. 15:1. Judges 8:1-3.

[a] Matt. 5:24. Eph. 4:2,32. Rom. 12:17,20,21.

[b] 1 Thess. 5:14. Job 31:19,20. Matt. 25:35,36. Prov. 31:8,9.

Q.136. 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,[c] or of others,[d] except in case of publick justice,[e] lawful ward, or necessary defence;[f] the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life;[g] sinful anger,[h] hatred,[i] envy,[k] desire of revenge;[l] all excessive passions,[m] distracting cares;[n] immoderate use of meat,[o] drink,[p] labour,[q] and recreations;[r] provoking words,[s] oppression,[t] quarrelling,[v] striking, wounding,[w] and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.[x]

[c] Acts 16:28.

[d] Gen. 9:6.

[e] Num. 35:31,33.

[f] Jer. 48:10. Deut 20.

[g] Exod. 22:2,3.

[h] Matt. 25:42,43. James 2:15,16. Eccl. 6:1,2.

[i] Matt. 5:22.

[k] 1 John 3:15. Lev. 19:17.

[l] Prov. 14:30.

[m] Rom. 12:19.

[n] Eph. 4:31.

[o] Matt. 6:31,34.

[p] Luke 21:34. Rom. 13:13.

[q] Eccl. 12:12. Eccl. 2:22,23.

[r] Isa. 5:12.

[s] Prov. 15:1. Prov. 12:18.

[t] Ezek. 18:18. Exod. 1:14.

[v] Gal. 5:15. Prov. 23:29.

[w] Num. 35:16-18,21.

[x] Exod. 21:18-36.