Overandaboveallthis，anothergreatreasonthatshouldinciteusthemore[toobediencetothiscommandment]isthatGodattachestothiscommandmentatemporalpromiseandsays：ThatthoumayestlivelonguponthelandwhichtheLord，thyGod，giveththee.
HereyoucanseeyourselfhowmuchGodisinearnestinrespecttothiscommandment，inasmuchasHenotonlydeclaresthatitiswellpleasingtoHim，andthatHehasjoyanddelighttherein;butalsothatitshallbeforourprosperityandpromoteourhighestgood;sothatwemayhaveapleasantandagreeablelife，furnishedwitheverygoodthing.
ThereforealsoSt.Paulgreatlyemphasizesthesameandrejoicesinitwhenhesays，Eph.6，2.3：Thisisthefirstcommandmentwithpromise：
Thatitmaybewellwiththee，andthoumayestlivelongontheearth.
Foralthoughtherestalsohavetheirpromisescontainedinthem，yetinnoneisitsoplainlyandexplicitlystated.
Here，then，youhavethefruitandthereward，thatwhoeverobservesthiscommandmentshallhavehappydays，fortune，andprosperity;andontheotherhand，thepunishment，thatwhoeverisdisobedientshallthesoonerperish，andneverenjoylife.FortohavelonglifeinthesenseoftheScripturesisnotonlytobecomeold，buttohaveeverythingwhichbelongstolonglife，suchashealth，wife，andchildren，livelihood，peace，goodgovernment，etc.，withoutwhichthislifecanneitherbeenjoyedincheerfulnessnorlongendure.If，therefore，youwillnotobeyfatherandmotherandsubmittotheirdiscipline，thenobeythehangman;ifyouwillnotobeyhim，thensubmittotheskeleton—man，i.e.，death[deaththeall—subduer，theteacherofwickedchildren].ForonthisGodinsistsperemptorily：EitherifyouobeyHimrenderingloveandservice，Hewillrewardyouabundantlywithallgood，orifyouoffendHim，Hewillsenduponyoubothdeathandthehangman.
Whencecomesomanyknavesthatmustdailybehanged，beheaded，brokenuponthewheel，butfromdisobedience[toparents]，becausetheywillnotsubmittodisciplineinkindness，sothat，bythepunishmentofGod，theybringitaboutthatwebeholdtheirmisfortuneandgrief？Foritseldomhappensthatsuchperversepeopledieanaturalortimelydeath.
Butthegodlyandobedienthavethisblessing，thattheylivelonginpleasantquietnessandseetheirchildren’schildren（assaidabove）tothethirdandfourthgeneration.Thusexperiencealsoteaches，thatwheretherearehonorable，oldfamilieswhofarewellandhavemanychildren，theyowetheirorigintothefact，tobesure，thatsomeofthemwerebroughtupwellandwereregardfuloftheirparents.Ontheotherhand，itiswrittenofthewicked，Ps.109，13：Lethisposteritybecutoff;andinthegenerationfollowinglettheirnamebeblottedout.ThereforeheedwellhowgreatathinginGod’ssightobedienceissinceHesohighlyesteemsit，issohighlypleasedwithit，andrewardsitsorichly，andbesidesenforcespunishmentsorigorouslyonthosewhoactcontrariwise.
AllthisIsaythatitmaybewellimpressedupontheyoung.Fornoonebelieveshownecessarythiscommandmentis，althoughithasnotbeenesteemedandtaughthithertounderthepapacy.Thesearesimpleandeasywords，andeverybodythinksheknewthemafore;thereforemenpassthemlightlyby，aregapingafterothermatters，anddonotseeandbelievethatGodissogreatlyoffendediftheybedisregarded，northatonedoesaworksowellpleasingandpreciousifhefollowsthem.
Inthiscommandmentbelongsafurtherstatementregardingallkindsofobediencetopersonsinauthoritywhohavetocommandandtogovern.
Forallauthorityflowsandispropagatedfromtheauthorityofparents.Forwhereafatherisunablealonetoeducatehis[rebelliousandirritable]child，heemploysaschoolmastertoinstructhim;ifhebetooweak，heenliststheaidofhisfriendsandneighbors;ifhedepartsthislife，hedelegatesandconfershisauthorityandgovernmentuponotherswhoareappointedforthepurpose.Likewise，hemusthavedomestics，man—servantsandmaid—servants，underhimselfforthemanagementofthehousehold，sothatallwhomwecallmastersareintheplaceofparentsandmustderivetheirpowerandauthoritytogovernfromthem.HencealsotheyareallcalledfathersintheScriptures，asthosewhointheirgovernmentperformthefunctionsofafather，andshouldhaveapaternalhearttowardtheirsubordinates.AsalsofromantiquitytheRomansandothernationscalledthemastersandmistressesofthehouseholdpatres—etmatresfamiliaethatis，housefathersandhousemothers.Soalsotheycalledtheirnationalrulersandoverlordspatrespatriae，thatisfathersoftheentirecountry，foragreatshametouswhowouldbeChristiansthatwedonotlikewisecallthemso，or，atleastdonotesteemandhonorthemassuch.
Now，whatachildowestofatherandmother，thesameoweallwhoareembracedinthehousehold.Thereforeman—servantsandmaid—servantsshouldbecarefulnotonlytobeobedienttotheirmastersandmistressesbutalsotohonorthemastheirownfathersandmothers，andtodoeverythingwhichtheyknowisexpectedofthem，notfromcompulsionandwithreluctance，butwithpleasureandjoyforthecausejustmentioned，namelythatitisGod’scommandandispleasingtoHimaboveallotherworks.Thereforetheyoughtrathertopaywagesinadditionandbegladthattheymayobtainmastersandmistressestohavesuchjoyfulconsciencesandtoknowhowtheymaydotrulygoldenworks;amatterwhichhashithertobeenneglectedanddespised，when，instead，everybodyraninthedevil’sname，intoconventsortopilgrimagesandindulgences，withloss[oftimeandmoney]andwithanevilconscience.
Ifthistruth，then，couldbeimpresseduponthepoorpeople，aservant—girlwouldleapandpraiseandthankGod;andwithhertidyworkforwhichshereceivessupportandwagesshewouldacquiresuchatreasureasallthatareesteemedthegreatestsaintshavenotobtained.Isitnotanexcellentboasttoknowandsaythat，ifyouperformyourdailydomestictask，thisisbetterthanallthesanctityandasceticlifeofmonks？Andyouhavethepromise，inaddition，thatyoushallprosperinallgoodandfarewell.Howcanyouleadamoreblessedorholierlifeasfarasyourworksareconcerned？ForinthesightofGodfaithiswhatreallyrendersapersonholy，andaloneservesHim，buttheworksarefortheserviceofman.Thereyouhaveeverythinggood，protectionanddefenseintheLord，ajoyfulconscienceandagraciousGodbesides，whowillrewardyouahundredfold，sothatyouareevenanoblemanifyoubeonlypiousandobedient.Butifnot，youhave，inthefirstplace，nothingbutthewrathanddispleasureofGod，nopeaceofheart，andafterwardsallmannerofplaguesandmisfortunes.
Whoeverwillnotbeinfluencedbythisandinclinedtogodlinesswehandovertothehangmanandtotheskeleton—man.ThereforeleteveryonewhoallowshimselftobeadvisedrememberthatGodisnotmakingsport，andknowthatitisGodwhospeakswithyouanddemandsobedience.IfyouobeyHim，youareHisdearchild;butifyoudespisetodoit，thentakeshame，misery，andgriefforyourreward.
Thesamealsoistobesaidofobediencetocivilgovernment，which（aswehavesaid）isallembracedintheestateoffatherhoodandextendsfarthestofallrelations.Forherethefatherisnotoneofasinglefamily，butofasmanypeopleashehastenants，citizens，orsubjects.
Forthroughthem，asthroughourparents，Godgivestousfood，houseandhome，protectionandsecurity.Thereforesincetheybearsuchnameandtitlewithallhonorastheirhighestdignity，itisourdutytohonorthemandtoesteemthemgreatasthedearesttreasureandthemostpreciousjeweluponearth.
He，now，whoisobedienthere，iswillingandreadytoserve，andcheerfullydoesallthatpertainstohonor，knowsthatheispleasingGodandthathewillreceivejoyandhappinessforhisreward.Ifhewillnotdoitinlove，butdespisesandresists[authority]orrebels，lethimalsoknow，ontheotherhand，thatheshallhavenofavornorblessing，andwherehethinkstogainaflorinthereby，hewillelsewherelosetentimesasmuch，orbecomeavictimtothehangman，perishbywar，pestilence，andfamine，orexperiencenogoodinhischildren，andbeobligedtosufferinjury，injustice，andviolenceatthehandsofhisservants，neighbors，orstrangersandtyrants;sothatwhatweseekanddeserveispaidbackandcomeshometous.
IfwewouldeversufferourselvestobepersuadedthatsuchworksarepleasingtoGodandhavesorichareward，wewouldbeestablishedinaltogetherabundantpossessionsandhavewhatourheartdesires.ButbecausethewordandcommandofGodaresolightlyesteemed，asthoughsomebabblerhadspokenit，letusseewhetheryouarethemantoopposeHim.Howdifficult，doyouthink，itwillbeforHimtorecompenseyou！Thereforeyouwouldcertainlylivemuchbetterwiththedivinefavor，peace，andhappinessthanwithHisdispleasureandmisfortune.Why，thinkyou，istheworldnowsofullofunfaithfulness，disgrace，calamity，andmurder，butbecauseeveryonedesirestobehisownmasterandfreefromtheemperor，tocarenothingforanyone，anddowhatpleaseshim？ThereforeGodpunishesoneknavebyanother，sothat，whenyoudefraudanddespiseyourmaster，anothercomesanddealsinlikemannerwithyou，yea，inyourhouseholdyoumustsuffertentimesmorefromwife，children，orservants.
Indeed，wefeelourmisfortune，wemurmurandcomplainofunfaithfulness，violence，andinjustice，butwillnotseethatweourselvesareknaveswhohavefullydeservedthispunishment，andyetarenottherebyreformed.Wewillhavenofavorandhappiness，thereforeitisbutfairthatwehavenothingbutmisfortunewithoutmercy.TheremuststillbesomewhereuponearthsomegodlypeoplebecauseGodcontinuestograntussomuchgood！Onourownaccountweshouldnothaveafarthinginthehousenorastrawinthefield.AllthisIhavebeenobligedtourgewithsomanywords，inhopethatsomeonemaytakeittoheart，thatwemayberelievedoftheblindnessandmiseryinwhichwearesteepedsodeeply，andmaytrulyunderstandtheWordandwillofGod，andearnestlyacceptit.Forthencewewouldlearnhowwecouldhavejoy，happiness，andsalvationenough，bothtemporalandeternal.
Thuswehavetwokindsoffatherspresentedinthiscommandment，fathersinbloodandfathersinoffice，orthosetowhombelongsthecareofthefamily，andthosetowhombelongsthecareofthecountry.
Besidesthesethereareyetspiritualfathers;notlikethoseinthePapacy，whohaveindeedhadthemselvescalledthus，buthaveperformednofunctionofthepaternaloffice.ForthoseonlyarecalledspiritualfatherswhogovernandguideusbytheWordofGod;asSt.Paulboastshisfatherhood1Cor.4，15，wherehesays：InChristJesusIhovebegottenyouthroughtheGospel.Now，sincetheyarefatherstheyareentitledtotheirhonor，evenaboveallothers.Buthereitisbestowedleast;forthewaywhichtheworldknowsforhonoringthemistodrivethemoutofthecountryandtogrudgethemapieceofbreadand，inshort，theymustbe（assaysSt.Paul1Cor.4，13）asthefilthoftheworldandeverybody’srefuseandfootrag.
Yetthereisneedthatthisalsobeurgeduponthepopulace，thatthosewhowouldbeChristiansareunderobligationinthesightofGodtoesteemthemworthyofdoublehonorwhoministertotheirsouls，thattheydealwellwiththemandprovideforthem.Forthat，Godiswillingtoaddtoyousufficientblessingandwillnotletyoucometowant.
Butinthismattereveryonerefusesandresists，andallareafraidthattheywillperishfrombodilywant，andcannotnowsupportonerespectablepreacher，whereformerlytheyfilledtenfatpaunches.InthiswealsodeservethatGoddepriveusofHisWordandblessing，andagainallowpreachersofliestoarisetoleadustothedevil，and，inaddition，todrainoursweatandblood.
ButthosewhokeepinsightGod’swillandcommandmenthavethepromisethateverythingwhichtheybestowupontemporalandspiritualfathers，andwhatevertheydotohonorthem，shallberichlyrecompensedtothem，sothattheyshallhave，notbread，clothing，andmoneyforayearortwo，butlonglife，support，andpeace，andshallbeeternallyrichandblessed.Thereforeonlydowhatisyourduty，andletGodtakecarehowHeistosupportyouandprovideforyousufficiently.SinceHehaspromisedit，andhasneveryetlied，Hewillnotbefoundlyingtoyou.
Thisoughtindeedtoencourageus，andgiveusheartsthatwouldmeltinpleasureandlovetowardthosetowhomweowehonor，sothatwewouldraiseourhandsandjoyfullythankGodwhohasgivenussuchpromises，forwhichweoughttoruntotheendsoftheworld[totheremotestpartsofIndia].Foralthoughthewholeworldshouldcombine，itcouldnotaddanhourtoourlifeorgiveusasinglegrainfromtheearth.ButGodwishestogiveyouallexceedingabundantlyaccordingtoyourheart’sdesire.HewhodespisesandcaststhistothewindsisnotworthyevertohearawordofGod.Thishasnowbeenstatedmorethanenoughforallwhobelongunderthiscommandment.
Inaddition，itwouldbewelltopreachtotheparentsalso，andsuchasbeartheiroffice，astohowtheyshoulddeportthemselvestowardthosewhoarecommittedtothemfortheirgovernment.ForalthoughthisisnotexpressedintheTenCommandments，itisneverthelessabundantlyenjoinedinmanyplacesintheScriptures.AndGoddesirestohaveitembracedinthiscommandmentwhenHespeaksoffatherandmother.ForHedoesnotwishtohaveinthisofficeandgovernmentknavesandtyrants;nordoesHeassigntothemthishonor，thatis，powerandauthoritytogovern，thattheyshouldhavethemselvesworshiped;buttheyshouldconsiderthattheyareunderobligationsofobediencetoGod;andthat，firstofall，theyshouldearnestlyandfaithfullydischargetheiroffice，notonlytosupportandprovideforthebodilynecessitiesoftheirchildren，servants，subjects，etc.，but，mostofall，totrainthemtothehonorandpraiseofGod.Thereforedonotthinkthatthisislefttoyourpleasureandarbitrarywill，butthatitisastrictcommandandinjunctionofGod，towhomalsoyoumustgiveaccountforit.
Buthereagainthesadplightarisesthatnooneperceivesorheedsthis，andallliveonasthoughGodgaveuschildrenforourpleasureoramusement，andservantsthatweshouldemploythemlikeacoworass，onlyforwork，orasthoughwewereonlytogratifyourwantonnesswithoursubjects，ignoringthem，asthoughitwerenoconcernofourswhattheylearnorhowtheylive;andnooneiswillingtoseethatthisisthecommandoftheSupremeMajesty，whowillmoststrictlycallustoaccountandpunishusforit;northatthereissogreatneedtobesoseriouslyconcernedabouttheyoung.Forifwewishtohaveexcellentandaptpersonsbothforcivilandecclesiasticalgovernmentwemustsparenodiligence，time，orcostinteachingandeducatingourchildren，thattheymayserveGodandtheworld，andwemustnotthinkonlyhowwemayamassmoneyandpossessionsforthem.ForGodcanindeedwithoutussupportandmakethemrich，asHedailydoes.ButforthispurposeHehasgivenuschildren，andissuedthiscommandthatweshouldtrainandgovernthemaccordingtoHiswill，elseHewouldhavenoneedoffatherandmother.Leteveryoneknowtherefore，thatitishisduty，onperiloflosingthedivinefavor，tobringuphischildrenaboveallthingsinthefearandknowledgeofGod，andiftheyaretalented，havethemlearnandstudysomething，thattheymaybeemployedforwhateverneedthereis[tohavetheminstructedandtrainedinaliberaleducation，thatmenmaybeabletohavetheiraidingovernmentandinwhateverisnecessary].
Ifthatweredone，Godwouldalsorichlyblessusandgiveusgracetotrainmenbywhomlandandpeoplemightbeimprovedandlikewisewelleducatedcitizens，chasteanddomesticwives，whoafterwardswouldreargodlychildrenandservants.Hereconsidernowwhatdeadlyinjuryyouaredoingifyoubenegligentandfailonyourparttobringupyourchildtousefulnessandpiety，andhowyoubringuponyourselfallsinandwrath，thusearninghellbyyourownchildren，eventhoughyoubeotherwisepiousandholy.Andbecausethisisdisregarded，Godsofearfullypunishestheworldthatthereisnodiscipline，government，orpeace，ofwhichweallcomplain，butdonotseethatitisourfault;foraswetrainthem，wehavespoiledanddisobedientchildrenandsubjects.Letthisbesufficientexhortation;fortodrawthisoutatlengthbelongstoanothertime.
TheFifthCommandment.
Thoushaltnotkill.
Wehavenowcompletedboththespiritualandthetemporalgovernment，thatis，thedivineandthepaternalauthorityandobedience.Butherenowwegoforthfromourhouseamongourneighborstolearnhowweshouldlivewithoneanother，everyonehimselftowardhisneighbor.
ThereforeGodandgovernmentarenotincludedinthiscommandmentnoristhepowertokill，whichtheyhavetakenaway.ForGodhasdelegatedHisauthoritytopunishevil—doerstothegovernmentinsteadofparents，whoaforetime（aswereadinMoses）wererequiredtobringtheirownchildrentojudgmentandsentencethemtodeath.Therefore，whatishereforbiddenisforbiddentotheindividualinhisrelationtoanyoneelse，andnottothegovernment.
Nowthiscommandmentiseasyenoughandhasbeenoftentreated，becausewehearitannuallyintheGospelofSt.Matthew，5，21ff.，whereChristHimselfexplainsandsumsitup，namely，thatwemustnotkillneitherwithhand，heart，mouth，signs，gestures，help，norcounsel.Thereforeitishereforbiddentoeveryonetobeangry，exceptthose（aswesaid）whoareintheplaceofGod，thatis，parentsandthegovernment.ForitisproperforGodandforeveryonewhoisinadivineestatetobeangry，toreproveandpunish，namely，onaccountofthoseverypersonswhotransgressthisandtheothercommandments.
ButthecauseandneedofthiscommandmentisthatGodwellknowsthattheworldisevil，andthatthislifehasmuchunhappiness;thereforeHehasplacedthisandtheothercommandmentsbetweenthegoodandtheevil.Now，astherearemanyassaultsuponallcommandments，soithappensalsointhiscommandmentthatwemustliveamongmanypeoplewhodousharm，sothatwehavecausetobehostiletothem.
Aswhenyourneighborseesthatyouhaveabetterhouseandhome[alargerfamilyandmorefertilefields]，greaterpossessionsandfortunefromGodthanhe，heissulky，enviesyou，andspeaksnogoodofyou.
Thusbythedevil’sincitementyouwillgetmanyenemieswhocannotbeartoseeyouhaveanygood，eitherbodilyorspiritual.Whenweseesuchpeople，ourhearts，inturn，wouldrageandbleedandtakevengeance.Thentherearisecursingandblows，fromwhichfollowfinallymiseryandmurder.Here，now，GodlikeakindfatherstepsinaheadofUs，interposesandwishestohavethequarrelsettled，thatnomisfortunecomeofit，noronedestroyanother.AndbrieflyHewouldherebyprotect，setfree，andkeepinpeaceeveryoneagainstthecrimeandviolenceofeveryoneelse;andwouldhavethiscommandmentplacedasawall，fortress，andrefugeaboutourneighbor，thatwedohimnohurtnorharminhisbody.
Thusthiscommandmentaimsatthis，thatnooneoffendhisneighboronaccountofanyevildeed，eventhoughhehavefullydeservedit.Forwheremurderisforbidden，allcausealsoisforbiddenwhencemurdermayoriginate.Formanyaone，althoughhedoesnotkill，yetcursesanduttersawish，whichwouldstopapersonfromrunningfarifitweretostrikehimintheneck[makesimprecations，whichiffulfilledwithrespecttoanyone，hewouldnotlivelong].Nowsincethisinheresineveryonebynatureanditisacommonpracticethatnooneiswillingtosufferatthehandsofanother，Godwishestoremovetherootandsourcebywhichtheheartisembitteredagainstourneighbor，andtoaccustomusevertokeepinviewthiscommandment，alwaystocontemplateourselvesinitasinamirror，toregardthewillofGod，andwithheartyconfidenceandinvocationofHisnametocommittoHimthewrongwhichwesuffer.Thusweshallsufferourenemiestorageandbeangry，doingwhattheycan，andwelearntocalmourwrath，andtohaveapatient，gentleheart，especiallytowardthosewhogiveuscausetobeangry，thatis，ourenemies.
Thereforetheentiresumofwhatitmeansnottokillistobeimpressedmostexplicitlyuponthesimple—minded.Inthefirstplacethatweharmnoone，first，withourhandorbydeed.Then，thatwedonotemployourtonguetoinstigateorcounselthereto.Further，thatweneitherusenorassenttoanykindofmeansormethodswherebyanyonemaybeinjured.Andfinally，thattheheartbenotilldisposedtowardanyone，norfromangerandhatredwishhimill，sothatbodyandsoulmaybeinnocentinregardtoeveryone，butespeciallythosewhowishyouevilorinflictsuchuponyou.Fortodoeviltoonewhowishesanddoesyougoodisnothuman，butdiabolical.
Secondly，underthiscommandmentnotonlyheisguiltywhodoeseviltohisneighbor，buthealsowhocandohimgood，prevent，resistevil，defendandsavehim，sothatnobodilyharmorhurthappentohimandyetdoesnotdoit.If，therefore，yousendawayonethatisnakedwhenyoucouldclothehim，youhavecausedhimtofreezetodeath;youseeonesufferhungeranddonotgivehimfood，youhavecausedhimtostarve.Soalso，ifyouseeanyoneinnocentlysentencedtodeathorinlikedistress，anddonotsavehim，althoughyouknowwaysandmeanstodoso，youhavekilledhim.Anditwillnotavailyoutomakethepretextthatyoudidnotaffordanyhelp，counsel，oraidtheretoforyouhavewithheldyourlovefromhimanddeprivedhimofthebenefitwherebyhislifewouldhavebeensaved.
ThereforeGodalsorightlycallsallthosemurdererswhodonotaffordcounselandhelpindistressanddangerofbodyandlife，andwillpassamostterriblesentenceupontheminthelastday，asChristHimselfhasannouncedwhenHeshallsay，Matt.25，42f.：Iwasanhungered，andyegaveMenomeat;Iwasthirsty，andyegaveMenodrink;Iwasastranger，andyetookMenotin;naked，andyeclothedMenot;sickandinprisonandyevisitedMenot.Thatis：YouwouldhavesufferedMeandMinetodieofhungerthirst，andcold，wouldhavesufferedthewildbeaststotearustopieces，orleftustorotinprisonorperishindistress.Whatelseisthatbuttoreproachthemasmurderersandbloodhounds？Foralthoughyouhavenotactuallydoneallthis，youhavenevertheless，sofarasyouwereconcerned，sufferedhimtopineandperishinmisfortune.
ItisjustasifIsawsomeonenavigatingandlaboringindeepwater[andstrugglingagainstadversewinds]oronefallenintofire，andcouldextendtohimthehandtopullhimoutandsavehim，andyetrefusedtodoit.WhatelsewouldIappear，evenintheeyesoftheworld，thanasamurdererandacriminal？
ThereforeitisGod’sultimatepurposethatwesufferharmtobefallnoman，butshowhimallgoodandlove;and，aswehavesaiditisspeciallydirectedtowardthosewhoareourenemies.FortodogoodtoourfriendsisbutanordinaryheathenvirtueasChristsaysMatt.5，46.
HerewehaveagaintheWordofGodwherebyHewouldencourageandurgeustotruenobleandsublimeworks，asgentlenesspatience，and，inshort，loveandkindnesstoourenemies，andwouldeverremindustoreflectupontheFirstCommandment，thatHeisourGod，thatis，thatHewillhelp，assist，andprotectus，inorderthatHemaythusquenchthedesireofrevengeinus.
Thisweoughttopracticeandinculcateandwewouldhaveourhandsfulldoinggoodworks.Butthiswouldnotbepreachingformonks;itwouldgreatlydetractfromthereligiousestate，andinfringeuponthesanctityofCarthusians，andwouldevenberegardedasforbiddinggoodworksandclearingtheconvents.ForinthiswisetheordinarystateofChristianswouldbeconsideredjustasworthy，andevenworthier，andeverybodywouldseehowtheymockanddeludetheworldwithafalse，hypocriticalshowofholiness，becausetheyhavegiventhisandothercommandmentstothewinds，andhaveesteemedthemunnecessary，asthoughtheywerenotcommandmentsbutmerecounsels，andhaveatthesametimeshamelesslyproclaimedandboastedtheirhypocriticalestateandworksasthemostperfectlife，inorderthattheymightleadapleasant，easylife，withoutthecrossandwithoutpatience，forwhichreason，too，theyhaveresortedtothecloisters，sothattheymightnotbeobligedtosufferanywrongfromanyoneortodohimanygood.
Butknownowthatthesearethetrue，holy，andgodlyworks，inwhich，withalltheangelsHerejoices，incomparisonwithwhichallhumanholinessisbutstenchandfilth，andbesides，deservesnothingbutwrathanddamnation.
TheSixthCommandment.
Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.
Thesecommandmentsnow[thatfollow]areeasilyunderstoodfrom[theexplanationof]thepreceding;fortheyarealltotheeffectthatwe[becarefulto]avoiddoinganykindofinjurytoourneighbor.Buttheyarearrangedinfine[elegant]order.Inthefirstplace，theytreatofhisownperson.Thentheyproceedtothepersonnearesthim，ortheclosestpossessionnextafterhisbodynamely，hiswife，whoisonefleshandbloodwithhim，sothatwecannotinflictahigherinjuryuponhiminanygoodthatishis.Thereforeitisexplicitlyforbiddenheretobringanydisgraceuponhiminrespecttohiswife.Anditreallyaimsatadultery，becauseamongtheJewsitwasordainedandcommandedthateveryonemustbemarried.Thereforealsotheyoungwereearlyprovidedfor[married]，sothatthevirginstatewasheldinsmallesteem，neitherwerepublicprostitutionandlewdnesstolerated（asnow）.Thereforeadulterywasthemostcommonformofunchastityamongthem.
Butbecauseamongusthereissuchashamefulmessandtheverydregsofallviceandlewdness，thiscommandmentisdirectedalsoagainstallmannerofunchastity，whateveritmaybecalled;andnotonlyistheexternalactforbidden，butalsoeverykindofcause，incitement，andmeans，sothattheheart，thelips，andthewholebodymaybechasteandaffordnoopportunity，help，orpersuasiontounchastity.Andnotonlythis，butthatwealsomakeresistance，affordprotectionandrescuewhereverthereisdangerandneed;andagain，thatwegivehelpandcounsel，soastomaintainourneighbor’shonor.Forwheneveryouomitthiswhenyoucouldmakeresistance，orconniveatitasifitdidnotconcernyou，youareastrulyguiltyastheoneperpetratingthedeed.Thus，tostateitinthebriefestmanner，thereisrequiredthismuch，thateveryonebothlivechastelyhimselfandhelphisneighbordothesame，sothatGodbythiscommandmentwishestohedgeroundaboutandprotect[aswitharampart]everyspousethatnoonetrespassagainstthem.
Butsincethiscommandmentisaimeddirectlyatthestateofmatrimonyandgivesoccasiontospeakofthesame，youmustwellunderstandandmark，first，howgloriouslyGodhonorsandextolsthisestate，inasmuchasbyHiscommandmentHebothsanctionsandguardsit.HehassanctioneditaboveintheFourthCommandment：Honorthyfatherandthymother;buthereHehas（aswesaid）hedgeditaboutandprotectedit.
ThereforeHealsowishesustohonorit，andtomaintainandconductitasadivineandblessedestate;because，inthefirstplace，Hehasinstituteditbeforeallothers，andthereforecreatedmanandwomanseparately（asisevident），notforlewdness，butthattheyshould[legitimately]livetogether，befruitful，begetchildren，andnourishandtrainthemtothehonorofGod.
ThereforeGodhasalsomostrichlyblessedthisestateaboveallothers，and，inaddition，hasbestowedonitandwrappedupiniteverythingintheworld，totheendthatthisestatemightbewellandrichlyprovidedfor.Marriedlifeisthereforenojestorpresumption;
butitisanexcellentthingandamatterofdivineseriousness.ForitisofthehighestimportancetoHimthatpersonsberaisedwhomayservetheworldandpromotetheknowledgeofGod，godlyliving，andallvirtues，tofightagainstwickednessandthedevil.
ThereforeIhavealwaystaughtthatthisestateshouldnotbedespisednorheldindisrepute，asisdonebytheblindworldandourfalseecclesiastics，butthatitberegardedaccordingtoGod’sWord，bywhichitisadornedandsanctified，sothatitisnotonlyplacedonanequalitywithotherestates，butthatitprecedesandsurpassesthemall，whethertheybethatofemperor，princes，bishops，orwhoevertheyplease.Forbothecclesiasticalandcivilestatesmusthumblethemselvesandallbefoundinthisestateasweshallhear.Thereforeitisnotapeculiarestate，butthemostcommonandnoblestestate，whichpervadesallChristendom，yeawhichextendsthroughalltheworld.
Inthesecondplace，youmustknowalsothatitisnotonlyanhonorable，butalsoanecessarystate，anditissolemnlycommandedbyGodthat，ingeneral，inallconditions，menandwomen，whowerecreatedforit，shallbefoundinthisestate;yetwithsomeexceptions（althoughfew）whomGodhasespeciallyexcepted，sothattheyarenotfitforthemarriedestate，orwhomHehasreleasedbyahigh，supernaturalgiftthattheycanmaintainchastitywithoutthisestate.
Forwherenaturehasitscourse，asitisimplantedbyGod，itisnotpossibletoremainchastewithoutmarriage.Forfleshandbloodremainfleshandblood，andthenaturalinclinationandexcitementhavetheircoursewithoutletorhindrance，aseverybodyseesandfeels.Inorder，therefore，thatitmaybethemoreeasyinsomedegreetoavoidunchastity，Godhascommandedtheestateofmatrimony，thateveryonemayhavehisproperportionandbesatisfiedtherewith;althoughGod’sgracebesidesisrequiredinorderthattheheartalsomaybepure.
Fromthisyouseehowthispopishrabble，priests，monks，andnuns，resistGod’sorderandcommandment，inasmuchastheydespiseandforbidmatrimony，andpresumeandvowtomaintainperpetualchastity，and，besides，deceivethesimple—mindedwithlyingwordsandappearances[impostures].Fornoonehassolittleloveandinclinationtochastityasjustthosewhobecauseofgreatsanctityavoidmarriage，andeitherindulgeinopenandshamelessprostitution，orsecretlydoevenworse，sothatonedarenotspeakofit，ashas，alas！beenlearnedtoofully.
And，inshort，eventhoughtheyabstainfromtheact，theirheartsaresofullofunchastethoughtsandevilluststhatthereisacontinualburningandsecretsuffering，whichcanbeavoidedinthemarriedlife.
Thereforeallvowsofchastityoutofthemarriedstatearecondemnedbythiscommandment，andfreepermissionisgranted，yea，eventhecommandisgiven，toallpoorensnaredconscienceswhichhavebeendeceivedbytheirmonasticvowstoabandontheunchastestateandenterthemarriedlife，consideringthatevenifthemonasticlifeweregodly，itwouldneverthelessnotbeintheirpowertomaintainchastity，andiftheyremaininit，theymustonlysinmoreandmoreagainstthiscommandment.
Now，Ispeakofthisinorderthattheyoungmaybesoguidedthattheyconceivealikingforthemarriedestate，andknowthatitisablessedestateandpleasingtoGod.Forinthiswaywemightinthecourseoftimebringitaboutthatmarriedlifeberestoredtohonor，andthattheremightbelessofthefilthy，dissolute，disorderlydoingswhichnowrunriottheworldoverinopenprostitutionandothershamefulvicesarisingfromdisregardofmarriedlife.Thereforeitisthedutyofparentsandthegovernmenttoseetoitthatouryouthbebroughtuptodisciplineandrespectability，andwhentheyhavecometoyearsofmaturity，toprovideforthem[tohavethemmarried]inthefearofGodandhonorably;HewouldnotfailtoaddHisblessingandgrace，sothatmenwouldhavejoyandhappinessfromthesame.
Letmenowsayinconclusionthatthiscommandmentdemandsnotonlythateveryonelivechastelyinthought，word，anddeedinhiscondition，thatis，especiallyintheestateofmatrimony，butalsothateveryoneloveandesteemthespousegivenhimbyGod.Forwhereconjugalchastityistobemaintained，manandwifemustbyallmeanslivetogetherinloveandharmony，thatonemaycherishtheotherfromtheheartandwithentirefidelity.Forthatisoneoftheprincipalpointswhichenkindleloveanddesireofchastity，sothat，wherethisisfound，chastitywillfollowasamatterofcoursewithoutanycommand.ThereforealsoSt.Paulsodiligentlyexhortshusbandandwifetoloveandhonoroneanother.Hereyouhaveagainaprecious，yea，manyandgreatgoodworks，ofwhichyoucanjoyfullyboast，againstallecclesiasticalestates，chosenwithoutGod’sWordandcommandment.
TheSeventhCommandment.
Thoushaltnotsteal.
Afteryourpersonandspousetemporalpropertycomesnext.ThatalsoGodwishestohaveprotected，andHehascommandedthatnooneshallsubtractfrom，orcurtail，hisneighbor’spossessions.Fortostealisnothingelsethantogetpossessionofanother’spropertywrongfully，whichbrieflycomprehendsallkindsofadvantageinallsortsoftradetothedisadvantageofourneighbor.Now，thisisindeedquiteawide—spreadandcommonvice，butsolittleregardedandobservedthatitexceedsallmeasure，sothatifallwhoarethieves，andyetdonotwishtobecalledsuch，weretobehangedongallowstheworldwouldsoonbedevastatedandtherewouldbealackbothofexecutionersandgallows.For，aswehavejustsaid，tostealistosignifynotonlytoemptyourneighbor’scofferandpockets，buttobegraspinginthemarket，inallstores，booths，wine—andbeer—cellars，workshops，and，inshort，whereverthereistradingortakingandgivingofmoneyformerchandiseorlabor.
As，forinstance，toexplainthissomewhatgrosslyforthecommonpeople，thatitmaybeseenhowgodlyweare：Whenamanservantormaid—servantdoesnotservefaithfullyinthehouse，anddoesdamage，orallowsittobedonewhenitcouldbeprevented，orotherwiseruinsandneglectsthegoodsentrustedtohim，fromindolenceidleness，ormalice，tothespiteandvexationofmasterandmistress，andinwhateverwaythiscanbedonepurposely（forIdonotspeakofwhathappensfromoversightandagainstone’swill），youcaninayearabscondthirty，fortyflorins，whichifanotherhadtakensecretlyorcarriedaway，hewouldbehangedwiththerope.Buthereyou[whileconsciousofsuchagreattheft]mayevenbiddefianceandbecomeinsolent，andnoonedarecallyouathief.
ThesameIsayalsoofmechanics，workmen，andday—laborers，whoallfollowtheirwantonnotions，andneverknowenoughwaystooverchargepeople，whiletheyarelazyandunfaithfulintheirwork.Allthesearefarworsethansneak—thieves，againstwhomwecanguardwithlocksandbolts，orwho，ifapprehended，aretreatedinsuchamannerthattheywillnotdothesameagain.Butagainstthesenoonecanguard，noonedareevenlookawryatthemoraccusethemoftheft，sothatonewouldtentimesratherlosefromhispurse.Forherearemyneighbors，goodfriends，myownservants，fromwhomIexpectgood[everyfaithfulanddiligentservice]，whodefraudmefirstofall.
Furthermore，inthemarketandincommontradelikewise，thispracticeisinfullswingandforcetothegreatestextent，whereoneopenlydefraudsanotherwithbadmerchandise，falsemeasures，weights，coins，andbynimblenessandqueerfinancesordexteroustrickstakesadvantageofhim;likewise，whenoneoverchargesapersoninatradeandwantonlydrivesahardbargain，skinsanddistresseshim.Andwhocanrecountorthinkofallthesethings？Tosumup，thisisthecommonestcraftandthelargestguildonearth，andifweregardtheworldthroughoutallconditionsoflife，itisnothingelsethanavast，widestall，fullofgreatthieves.
Thereforetheyarealsocalledswivel—chairrobbers，land—andhighway—robbers，notpick—locksandsneak—thieveswhosnatchawaythereadycash，butwhositonthechair[athome]andarestyledgreatnoblemen，andhonorable，piouscitizens，andyetrobandstealunderagoodpretext.
Yes，herewemightbesilentaboutthetriflingindividualthievesifweweretoattackthegreat，powerfularch—thieveswithwhomlordsandprinceskeepcompany，whodailyplundernotonlyacityortwo，butallGermany.Yea，whereshouldweplacetheheadandsupremeprotectorofallthieves，theHolyChairatRomewithallitsretinue，whichhasgrabbedbytheftthewealthofalltheworld，andholdsittothisday？
Thisis，inshort，thecourseoftheworld：whoevercanstealandrobopenlygoesfreeandsecure，unmolestedbyanyone，andevendemandsthathebehonored.Meanwhilethelittlesneak—thieves，whohaveoncetrespassed，mustbeartheshameandpunishmenttorendertheformergodlyandhonorable.ButletthemknowthatinthesightofGodtheyarethegreatestthieves，andthatHewillpunishthemastheyareworthyanddeserve.
Now，sincethiscommandmentissofar—reaching[andcomprehensive]，asjustindicated，itisnecessarytourgeitwellandtoexplainittothecommonpeople，nottoletthemgoonintheirwantonnessandsecurity，butalwaystoplacebeforetheireyesthewrathofGod，andinculcatethesame.ForwehavetopreachthisnottoChristians，butchieflytoknavesandscoundrels，towhomitwouldbemorefittingforjudges，jailers，orMasterHannes[theexecutioner]topreach.
Thereforeleteveryoneknowthatitishisduty，attheriskofGod’sdispleasure，notonlytodonoinjurytohisneighbor，nortodeprivehimofgain，nortoperpetrateanyactofunfaithfulnessormaliceinanybargainortrade，butfaithfullytopreservehispropertyforhim，tosecureandpromotehisadvantage，especiallywhenoneacceptsmoney，wages，andone’slivelihoodforsuchservice.
Henowwhowantonlydespisesthismayindeedpassalongandescapethehangman，butheshallnotescapethewrathandpunishmentofGod;andwhenhehaslongpracticedhisdefianceandarrogance，heshallyetremainatrampandbeggar，and，inaddition，haveallplaguesandmisfortune.Nowyouaregoingyourway[whereveryourheart’spleasurecallsyou]whileyououghttopreservethepropertyofyourmasterandmistress，forwhichserviceyoufillyourcropandmaw，takeyourwageslikeathief，havepeopletreatyouasanobleman;fortherearemanythatareeveninsolenttowardstheirmastersandmistresses，andareunwillingtodothemafavororservicebywhichtoprotectthemfromloss.
Butreflectwhatyouwillgainwhen，havingcomeintoyourownpropertyandbeingsetupinyourhome（towhichGodwillhelpwithallmisfortunes），it[yourperfidy]willbobupagainandcomehometoyou，andyouwillfindthatwhereyouhavecheatedordoneinjurytothevalueofonemite，youwillhavetopaythirtyagain.
Suchshallbethelotalsoofmechanicsandday—laborersofwhomwearenowobligedtohearandsuffersuchintolerablemaliciousness，asthoughtheywerenoblemeninanother’spossessions，andeveryonewereobligedtogivethemwhattheydemand.Justletthemcontinuepracticingtheirexactionsaslongastheycan;butGodwillnotforgetHiscommandment，andwillrewardthemaccordingastheyhaveserved，andwillhangthem，notuponagreengallows，butuponadryonesothatalltheirlifetheyshallneitherprospernoraccumulateanything.
Andindeed，iftherewereawell—orderedgovernmentintheland，suchwantonnessmightsoonbecheckedandprevented，aswasthecustominancienttimesamongtheRomans，wheresuchcharacterswerepromptlyseizedbythepateinawaythatotherstookwarning.
Nomoreshallalltherestprosperwhochangetheopenfreemarketintoacarrion—pitofextortionandadenofrobbery，wherethepooraredailyovercharged，newburdensandhighpricesareimposed，andeveryoneusesthemarketaccordingtohiscaprice，andisevendefiantandbragsasthoughitwerehisfairprivilegeandrighttosellhisgoodsforashighapriceasheplease，andnoonehadarighttosayawordagainstit.Wewillindeedlookonandletthesepeopleskin，pinch，andhoard，butwewilltrustinGod——whowill，however，dothisofHisownaccord，——that，afteryouhavebeenskinningandscrapingforalongtime，Hewillpronouncesuchablessingonyourgainsthatyourgraininthegarner，yourbeerinthecellar，yourcattleinthestallsshallperish;yea，whereyouhavecheatedandoverchargedanyonetotheamountofaflorin，yourentirepileshallbeconsumedwithrust，sothatyoushallneverenjoyit.
Andindeed，weseeandexperiencethisbeingfulfilleddailybeforeoureyes，thatnostolenordishonestlyacquiredpossessionthrives.Howmanytherearewhorakeandscrapedayandnight，andyetgrownotafarthingricher！Andthoughtheygathermuch，theymustsuffersomanyplaguesandmisfortunesthattheycannotrelishitwithcheerfulnessnortransmitittotheirchildren.Butasnoonemindsit，andwegoonasthoughitdidnotconcernus，Godmustvisitusinadifferentwayandteachusmannersbyimposingonetaxationafteranother，orbilletingatroopofsoldiersuponus，whoinonehouremptyourcoffersandpurses，anddonotquitaslongaswehaveafarthingleft，andinaddition，bywayofthanks，burnanddevastatehouseandhome，andoutrageandkillwifeandchildren.
And，inshort，ifyoustealmuch，dependuponitthatagainasmuchwillbestolenfromyou;andhewhorobsandacquireswithviolenceandwrongwillsubmittoonewhoshalldealafterthesamefashionwithhim.ForGodismasterofthisart，thatsinceeveryonerobsandstealsfromtheother，Hepunishesonethiefbymeansofanother.Elsewhereshouldwefindenoughgallowsandropes？
Now，whoeveriswillingtobeinstructedlethimknowthatthisisthecommandmentofGod，andthatitmustnotbetreatedasajest.Foralthoughyoudespiseus，defraud，steal，androb，wewillindeedmanagetoendureyourhaughtiness，suffer，and，accordingtotheLord’sPrayer，forgiveandshowpity;forweknowthatthegodlyshallneverthelesshaveenough，andyouinjureyourselfmorethananother.
Butbewareofthis：Whenthepoormancomestoyou（ofwhomtherearesomanynow）whomustbuywiththepennyofhisdailywagesandliveuponit，andyouareharshtohim，asthougheveryonelivedbyyourfavor，andyouskinandscrapetothebone，and，besides，withprideandhaughtinessturnhimofftowhomyououghttogivefornothing，hewillgoawaywretchedandsorrowful，andsincehecancomplaintonoonehewillcryandcalltoheaven，——thenbeware（Isayagain）asofthedevilhimself.Forsuchgroaningandcallingwillbenojest，butwillhaveaweightthatwillprovetooheavyforyouandalltheworld.ForitwillreachHimwhotakescareofthepoorsorrowfulhearts，andwillnotallowthemtogounavenged.Butifyoudespisethisandbecomedefiant，seewhomyouhavebroughtuponyou：ifyousucceedandprosper，youmaybeforealltheworldcallGodandmealiar.
Wehaveexhorted，warned，andprotestedenough;hewhowillnotheedorbelieveitmaygoonuntilhelearnsthisbyexperienceYetitmustbeimpressedupontheyoungthattheymaybecarefulnottofollowtheoldlawlesscrowd，butkeeptheireyesfixeduponGod’scommandment，lestHiswrathandpunishmentcomeuponthemtoo.ItbehoovesustodonomorethantoinstructandreprovewithGod’sWord;buttochecksuchopenwantonnessthereisneedoftheprincesandgovernment，whothemselveswouldhaveeyesandthecouragetoestablishandmaintainorderinallmanneroftradeandcommerce，lestthepoorbeburdenedandoppressednortheythemselvesbeloadedwithothermen’ssins.
Letthissufficeasanexplanationofwhatstealingis，thatitbenottakentoonarrowlybutmadetoextendasfaraswehavetodowithourneighbors.Andbriefly，inasummary，asintheformercommandments，itisherewithforbidden，inthefirstplace，todoourneighboranyinjuryorwrong（inwhatevermannersupposable，bycurtailing，forestalling，andwithholdinghispossessionsandproperty），oreventoconsentorallowsuchathing，buttointerposeandpreventit.And，ontheotherhand，itiscommandedthatweadvanceandimprovehispossessions，andincasehesufferswant，thatwehelp，communicate，andlendbothtofriendsandfoes.
WhoevernowseeksanddesiresgoodworkswillfindheremorethanenoughsuchasareheartilyacceptableandpleasingtoGod，andinadditionarefavoredandcrownedwithexcellentblessings，thatwearetoberichlycompensatedforallthatwedoforourneighbor’sgoodandfromfriendship;asKingSolomonalsoteachesProv.19，17：HethathathpityuponthepoorlendethuntotheLord;andthatwhichhehathgivenwillHepayhimagain.Here，thenyouhavearichLord，whoiscertainlysufficientforyou，andwhowillnotsufferyoutocomeshortinanythingortowant;thusyoucanwithajoyfulconscienceenjoyahundredtimesmorethanyoucouldscrapetogetherwithunfaithfulnessandwrong.Now，whoeverdoesnotdesiretheblessingwillfindwrathandmisfortuneenough.
TheEighthCommandment.
Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.
Overandaboveourownbody，spouse，andtemporalpossessions，wehaveyetanothertreasure，namely，honorandgoodreport[theillustrioustestimonyofanuprightandunsulliednameandreputation]，withwhichwecannotdispense.Foritisintolerabletoliveamongmeninopenshameandgeneralcontempt.ThereforeGodwishesthereputation，goodname，anduprightcharacterofourneighbortobetakenawayordiminishedaslittleashismoneyandpossessions，thateveryonemaystandinhisintegritybeforewife，children，servants，andneighbors.
Andinthefirstplace，wetaketheplainestmeaningofthiscommandmentaccordingtothewords（Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness），aspertainingtothepubliccourtsofjustice，whereapoorinnocentmanisaccusedandoppressedbyfalsewitnessesinordertobepunishedinhisbody，property，orhonor.
Now，thisappearsasifitwereoflittleconcerntousatpresent;butwiththeJewsitwasquiteacommonandordinarymatter.Forthepeoplewereorganizedunderanexcellentandregulargovernment;andwherethereisstillsuchagovernment，instancesofthissinwillnotbewanting.Thecauseofitisthatwherejudges，burgomasters，princes，orothersinauthoritysitinjudgment，thingsneverfailtogoaccordingtothecourseoftheworld;namely，mendonotliketooffendanybody，flatter，andspeaktogainfavor，money，prospects，orfriendship;andinconsequenceapoormanandhiscausemustbeoppressed，denouncedaswrong，andsufferpunishment.Anditisacommoncalamityintheworldthatincourtsofjusticethereseldompresidegodlymen.
Fortobeajudgerequiresaboveallthingsagodlyman，andnotonlyagodly，butalsoawise，modest，yea，abraveandboldman;likewise，tobeawitnessrequiresafearlessandespeciallyagodlyman.Forapersonwhoistojudgeallmattersrightlyandcarrythemthroughwithhisdecisionwilloftenoffendgoodfriends，relatives，neighbors，andtherichandpowerful，whocangreatlyserveorinjurehim.Thereforehemustbequiteblind，havehiseyesandearsclosed，neitherseenorhear，butgostraightforwardineverythingthatcomesbeforehim，anddecideaccordingly.
Thereforethiscommandmentisgivenfirstofallthateveryoneshallhelphisneighbortosecurehisrights，andnotallowthemtobehinderedortwisted，butshallpromoteandstrictlymaintainthem，nomatterwhetherhebejudgeorwitness，andletitpertaintowhatsoeveritwill.Andespeciallyisagoalsetuphereforourjuriststhattheybecarefultodealtrulyanduprightlywitheverycase，allowingrighttoremainright，and，ontheotherhand，notpervertinganything[bytheirtricksandtechnicalpointsturningblackintowhiteandmakingwrongouttoberight]，norglossingitoverorkeepingsilentconcerningit，irrespectiveofaperson’smoney，possession，honor，orpower.Thisisonepartandtheplainestsenseofthiscommandmentconcerningallthattakesplaceincourt.
Next，itextendsverymuchfurther，ifwearetoapplyittospiritualjurisdictionoradministration;hereitisacommonoccurrencethateveryonebearsfalsewitnessagainsthisneighbor.ForwherevertherearegodlypreachersandChristians，theymustbearthesentencebeforetheworldthattheyarecalledheretics，apostates，yea，seditiousanddesperatelywickedmiscreants.BesidestheWordofGodmustsufferinthemostshamefulandmaliciousmanner，beingpersecutedblasphemed，contradicted，pervertedandfalselycitedandinterpreted.Butletthispass;foritisthewayoftheblindworldthatshecondemnsandpersecutesthetruthandthechildrenofGod，andyetesteemsitnosin.
Inthethirdplace，whatconcernsusall，thiscommandmentforbidsallsinsofthetonguewherebywemayinjureorapproachtoocloselytoourneighbor.Fortobearfalsewitnessisnothingelsethanaworkofthetongue.Now，whateverisdonewiththetongueagainstafellow—manGodwouldhaveprohibited，whetheritbefalsepreacherswiththeirdoctrineandblasphemy，falsejudgesandwitnesseswiththeirverdict，oroutsideofcourtbylyingandevil—speaking.Herebelongsparticularlythedetestable，shamefulviceofspeakingbehindaperson’sbackandslandering，towhichthedevilspursusonandofwhichtherewouldbemuchtobesaid.Foritisacommonevilplaguethateveryoneprefershearingeviltohearinggoodofhisneighbor;
andalthoughweourselvesaresobadthatwecannotsufferthatanyoneshouldsayanythingbadaboutus，buteveryonewouldmuchratherthatalltheworldshouldspeakofhimintermsofgold，yetwecannotbearthatthebestisspokenaboutothers.
Therefore，toavoidthisviceweshouldnotethatnooneisallowedpubliclytojudgeandreprovehisneighbor，althoughhemayseehimsin，unlesshehaveacommandtojudgeandtoreprove.Forthereisagreatdifferencebetweenthesetwothings，judgingsinandknowingsin.
Youmayindeedknowit，butyouarenottojudgeit.Icanindeedseeandhearthatmyneighborsins，butIhavenocommandtoreportittoothers.Now，ifIrushin，judgingandpassingsentence，Ifallintoasinwhichisgreaterthanhis.Butifyouknowit，donothingelsethanturnyourearsintoagraveandcoverit，untilyouareappointedtobejudgeandtopunishbyvirtueofyouroffice.
Those，then，arecalledslandererswhoarenotcontentwithknowingathing，butproceedtoassumejurisdiction，andwhentheyknowaslightoffenseofanother，carryitintoeverycorner，andaredelightedandtickledthattheycanstirupanother’sdispleasure[baseness]，asswinerollthemselvesinthedirtandrootinitwiththesnout.ThisisnothingelsethanmeddlingwiththejudgmentandofficeofGod，andpronouncingsentenceandpunishmentwiththemostsevereverdict.Fornojudgecanpunishtoahigherdegreenorgofartherthantosay：\"Heisathief，amurderer，atraitor，\"etc.Therefore，whoeverpresumestosaythesameofhisneighborgoesjustasfarastheemperorandallgovernments.Foralthoughyoudonotwieldthesword，youemployyourpoisonoustonguetotheshameandhurtofyourneighbor.
Godthereforewouldhaveitprohibitedthatanyonespeakevilofanothereventhoughhebeguilty，andthelatterknowitrightwell;
muchlessifhedonotknowit，andhaveitonlyfromhearsay.Butyousay：ShallInotsayitifitbethetruth？Answer：Whydoyounotmakeaccusationtoregularjudges？Ah，Icannotproveitpublicly，andhenceImightbesilencedandturnedawayinaharshmanner[incurthepenaltyofafalseaccusation].\"Ah，indeed，doyousmelltheroast？\"
Ifyoudonottrustyourselftostandbeforetheproperauthoritiesandtomakeanswer，thenholdyourtongue.Butifyouknowit，knowitforyourselfandnotforanother.Forifyoutellittoothers，althoughitbetrue，youwillappearasaliar，becauseyoucannotproveit，andyouare，besidesactinglikeaknave.Forweoughtnevertodepriveanyoneofhishonororgoodnameunlessitbefirsttakenawayfromhimpublicly.
Falsewitness，then，iseverythingwhichcannotbeproperlyproved.
Therefore，whatisnotmanifestuponsufficientevidencenooneshallmakepublicordeclarefortruth;andinshort，whateverissecretshouldbeallowedtoremainsecret，or，atanyrate，shouldbesecretlyreproved，asweshallhear.Therefore，ifyouencounteranidletonguewhichbetraysandslanderssomeone，contradictsuchaonepromptlytohisface，thathemayblushthusmanyaonewillholdhistonguewhoelsewouldbringsomepoormanintobadreputefromwhichhewouldnoteasilyextricatehimself.Forhonorandagoodnameareeasilytakenaway，butnoteasilyrestored.
Thusyouseethatitissummarilyforbiddentospeakanyevilofourneighbor，howeverthecivilgovernment，preachers，fatherandmotherexcepted，ontheunderstandingthatthiscommandmentdoesnotalloweviltogounpunished.Now，asaccordingtotheFifthCommandmentnooneistobeinjuredinbody，andyetMasterHannes[theexecutioner]
isexcepted，whobyvirtueofhisofficedoeshisneighbornogood，butonlyevilandharm，andneverthelessdoesnotsinagainstGod’scommandment，becauseGodhasonHisownaccountinstitutedthatoffice;
forHehasreservedpunishmentforHisowngoodpleasure，asHethreatensintheFirstCommandment，——justsoalso，althoughnoonehasarightinhisownpersontojudgeandcondemnanybody，yetiftheytowhoseofficeitbelongsfailtodoit，theysinaswellashewhowoulddosoofhisownaccord，withoutsuchoffice.Forherenecessityrequiresonetospeakoftheevil，toprefercharges，toinvestigateandtestify;anditisnotdifferentfromthecaseofaphysicianwhoissometimescompelledtoexamineandhandlethepatientwhomheistocureinsecretparts.Justsogovernments，fatherandmother，brothersandsisters，andothergoodfriends，areunderobligationtoeachothertoreproveevilwhereveritisneedfulandprofitable.
ButthetruewayinthismatterwouldbetoobservetheorderaccordingtotheGospel，Matt.18，15，whereChristsays：Ifthybrothershalltrespassagainstthee，goandtellhimhisfaultbetweentheeandhimalone.Hereyouhaveapreciousandexcellentteachingforgoverningwellthetongue，whichistobecarefullyobservedagainstthisdetestablemisuse.Letthis，then，beyourrule，thatyoudonottooreadilyspreadevilconcerningyourneighborandslanderhimtoothers，butadmonishhimprivatelythathemayamend[hislife].
Likewise，also，ifsomeonereporttoyouwhatthisorthatonehasdone，teachhim，too，togoandadmonishhimpersonallyifhehaveseenithimself;butifnot，thatheholdhistongue.
Thesameyoucanlearnalsofromthedailygovernmentofthehousehold.Forwhenthemasterofthehouseseesthattheservantdoesnotdowhatheought，headmonisheshimpersonally.Butifheweresofoolishastolettheservantsitathome，andwentonthestreetstocomplainofhimtohisneighbors，hewouldnodoubtbetold：\"Youfool，whatdoesthatconcernus？Whydoyounottellittohim？\"Behold，thatwouldbeactingquitebrotherly，sothattheevilwouldbestayed，andyourneighborwouldretainhishonor.AsChristalsosaysinthesameplace：Ifhehearthee，thouhostgainedthybrother.Thenyouhavedoneagreatandexcellentwork;fordoyouthinkitisalittlemattertogainabrother？Letallmonksandholyordersstepforth，withalltheirworksmeltedtogetherintoonemass，andseeiftheycanboastthattheyhavegainedabrother.
Further，Christteaches：Butifhewillnothearthee，thentakewiththeeoneortwomore，thatinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished.Sohewhomitconcernsisalwaystobetreatedwithpersonally，andnottobespokenofwithouthisknowledge.Butifthatdonotavail，thenbringitpubliclybeforethecommunity，whetherbeforethecivilortheecclesiasticaltribunal.Forthenyoudonotstandalone，butyouhavethosewitnesseswithyoubywhomyoucanconvicttheguiltyone，relyingonwhomthejudgecanpronouncesentenceandpunish.Thisistherightandregularcourseforcheckingandreformingawickedperson.Butifwegossipaboutanotherinallcornersandstirthefilth，noonewillbereformed，andafterwardswhenwearetostandupandbearwitness，wedenyhavingsaidso.
Thereforeitwouldservesuchtonguesrightiftheiritchforslanderwereseverelypunished，asawarningtoothers.Ifyouwereactingforyourneighbor’sreformationorfromloveofthetruth，youwouldnotsneakaboutsecretlynorshunthedayandthelight.
Allthishasbeensaidregardingsecretsins.Butwherethesinisquitepublicsothatthejudgeandeverybodyknowityoucanwithoutanysinavoidhimandlethimgo，becausehehasbroughthimselfintodisgrace，andyoumayalsopubliclytestifyconcerninghim.Forwhenamatterispublicinthelightofday，therecanbenoslanderingorfalsejudgingortestifying;as，whenwenowreprovethePopewithhisdoctrine，whichispubliclysetforthinbooksandproclaimedinalltheworld.Forwherethesinispublic，thereproofalsomustbepublic，thateveryonemaylearntoguardagainstit.
Thuswehavenowthesumandgeneralunderstandingofthiscommandment，towit，thatnoonedoanyinjurywiththetonguetohisneighbor，whetherfriendorfoe，norspeakevilofhim，nomatterwhetheritbetrueorfalse，unlessitbedonebycommandmentorforhisreformation，butthateveryoneemployhistongueandmakeitserveforthebestofeveryoneelse，tocoveruphisneighbor’ssinsandinfirmities，excusethem，palliateandgarnishthemwithhisownreputation.ThechiefreasonforthisshouldbetheonewhichChristallegesintheGospel，inwhichHecomprehendsallcommandmentsrespectingourneighbor，Matt.7，12：Whatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou，doyeevensotothem.
Evennatureteachesthesamethinginourownbodies，asSt.Paulsays，1Cor.12，22：Muchmore，thosemembersofthebodywhichseemtobemorefeeblearenecessary;andthosemembersofthebodywhichwethinktobelesshonorable，uponthesewebestowmoreabundanthonor;
andouruncomelypartshavemoreabundantcomeliness.Noonecovershisface，eyes，nose，andmouth，forthey，beinginthemselvesthemosthonorablememberswhichwehave，donotrequireit.Butthemostinfirmmembers，ofwhichweareashamed，wecoverwithalldiligence;hands，eyes，andthewholebodymusthelptocoverandconcealthem.Thusalsoamongourselvesshouldweadornwhateverblemishesandinfirmitieswefindinourneighbor，andserveandhelphimtopromotehishonortothebestofourability，and，ontheotherhand，preventwhatevermaybediscreditabletohim.Anditisespeciallyanexcellentandnoblevirtueforonealwaystoexplainadvantageouslyandputthebestconstructionuponallhemayhearofhisneighbor（ifitbenotnotoriouslyevil），oratanyratetocondoneitoverandagainstthepoisonoustonguesthatarebusywherevertheycanpryoutanddiscoversomethingtoblameinaneighbor，andthatexplainandpervertitintheworstway;asisdonenowespeciallywiththepreciousWordofGodanditspreachers.
TherearecomprehendedthereforeinthiscommandmentquiteamultitudeofgoodworkswhichpleaseGodmosthighly，andbringabundantgoodandblessing，ifonlytheblindworldandthefalsesaintswouldrecognizethem.Forthereisnothingonorinentiremanwhichcandobothgreaterandmoreextensivegoodorharminspiritualandintemporalmattersthanthetongue，thoughitistheleastandfeeblestmember.
TheNinthandTenthCommandmentsThoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’shouse.Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’swife，norhisman—servant，norhismaid—servant，norhiscattle，noranythingthatishis.
ThesetwocommandmentsaregivenquiteexclusivelytotheJews;
nevertheless，inparttheyalsoconcernus.Fortheydonotinterpretthemasreferringtounchastityortheft，becausethesearesufficientlyforbiddenabove.Theyalsothoughtthattheyhadkeptallthosewhentheyhaddoneornotdonetheexternalact.ThereforeGodhasaddedthesetwocommandmentsinorderthatitbeesteemedassinandforbiddentodesireorinanywaytoaimatgettingourneighbor’swifeorpossessions;andespeciallybecauseundertheJewishgovernmentman—servantsandmaid—servantswerenotfreeasnowtoserveforwagesaslongastheypleased，butweretheirmaster’spropertywiththeirbodyandalltheyhad，ascattleandotherpossessions.Moreover，everymanhadpoweroverhiswifetoputherawaypubliclybygivingherabillofdivorce，andtotakeanother.Thereforetheywereinconstantdangeramongeachotherthatifonetookafancytoanother’swife，hemightallegeanyreasonbothtodismisshisownwifeandtoestrangetheother’swifefromhim，thathemightobtainherunderpretextofright.Thatwasnotconsideredasinnordisgracewiththem;
aslittleasnowwithhiredhelp，whenaproprietordismisseshisman—servantormaid—servant，ortakesanother’sservantsfromhiminanyway.
Therefore（Isay）theythusinterpretedthesecommandments，andthatrightly（althoughtheirscopereachessomewhatfartherandhigher），thatnoonethinkorpurposetoobtainwhatbelongstoanother，suchashiswife，servants，houseandestate，landmeadows，cattle，evenwithashowofrightorbyasubterfuge，yetwithinjurytohisneighbor.Forabove，intheSeventhCommandment，theviceisforbiddenwhereonewreststohimselfthepossessionsofothers，orwithholdsthemfromhisneighbor，whichhecannotdobyright.Buthereitisalsoforbiddentoalienateanythingfromyourneighbor，eventhoughyoucoulddosowithhonorintheeyesoftheworld，sothatnoonecouldaccuseorblameyouasthoughyouhadobtaineditwrongfully.
Forwearesoinclinedbynaturethatnoonedesirestoseeanotherhaveasmuchashimself，andeachoneacquiresasmuchashecan;theothermayfareasbesthecan.Andyetwepretendtobegodly，knowhowtoadornourselvesmostfinelyandconcealourrascality，resorttoandinventadroitdevicesanddeceitfulartifices（suchasnowaredailymostingeniouslycontrived）asthoughtheywerederivedfromthelawcodes;yea，weevendareimpertinentlytorefertoit，andboastofit，andwillnothaveitcalledrascality，butshrewdnessandcaution.Inthislawyersandjuristsassist，whotwistandstretchthelawtosuitittotheircause，stresswordsandusethemforasubterfuge，irrespectiveofequityortheirneighbor’snecessity.And，inshort，whoeveristhemostexpertandcunningintheseaffairsfindsmosthelpinlaw，astheythemselvessay：Vigilantibusiurasubveniunt[thatis，Thelawsfavorthewatchful].
Thislastcommandmentthereforeisgivennotforroguesintheeyesoftheworld，butjustforthemostpious，whowishtobepraisedandbecalledhonestanduprightpeople，sincetheyhavenotoffendedagainsttheformercommandments，asespeciallytheJewsclaimedtobe，andevennowmanygreatnoblemen，gentlemen，andprinces.Fortheothercommonmassesbelongyetfartherdown，undertheSeventhCommandment，asthosewhoarenotmuchconcernedwhethertheyacquiretheirpossessionswithhonorandright.
Now，thisoccursmostfrequentlyincasesthatarebroughtintocourt，whereitisthepurposetogetsomethingfromourneighborandtoforcehimoutofhisown.As（togiveexamples），whenpeoplequarrelandwrangleaboutalargeinheritance，realestate，etc.，theyavailthemselvesof，andresortto，whateverhastheappearanceofright，sodressingandadorningeverythingthatthelawmustfavortheirside，andtheykeepthepropertywithsuchtitlethatnoonecanmakecomplaintorlayclaimthereto.Inlikemanner，ifanyonedesiretohaveacastle，city，duchy，oranyothergreatthing，hepracticessomuchfinancieringthroughrelationships，andbyanymeanshecan，thattheotherisjudiciallydeprivedofit，anditisadjudicatedtohim，andconfirmedwithdeedandsealanddeclaredtohavebeenacquiredbyprincelytitleandhonestly.
Likewisealsoincommontradewhereonedexterouslyslipssomethingoutofanother’shand，sothathemustlookafterit，orsurprisesanddefraudshiminamatterinwhichheseesadvantageandbenefitforhimself，sothatthelatter，perhapsonaccountofdistressordebt，cannotregainorredeemitwithoutinjury，andtheformergainsthehalforevenmore;andyetthismustnotbeconsideredasacquiredbyfraudorstolen，buthonestlybought.Heretheysay：Firstcome，firstserved，andeveryonemustlooktohisowninterest，letanothergetwhathecan.Andwhocanbesosmartastothinkofallthewaysinwhichonecangetmanythingsintohispossessionbysuchspeciouspretexts？Thistheworlddoesnotconsiderwrong[norisitpunishedbylaws]，andwillnotseethattheneighboristherebyplacedatadisadvantage，andmustsacrificewhathecannotsparewithoutinjury.
Yetthereisnoonewhowishesthistobedonetohim;fromwhichwecaneasilyperceivethatsuchdevicesandpretextsarefalse.
Thusitwasdoneformerlyalsowithrespecttowives：theyknewsuchdevicesthatifonewerepleasedwithanotherwoman，hepersonallyorthroughothers（asthereweremanywaysandmeanstobeinvented）
causedherhusbandtoconceiveadispleasuretowardher，orhadherresisthimandsoconductherselfthathewasobligedtodismissherandleavehertotheother.ThatsortofthingundoubtedlyprevailedmuchundertheLaw，asalsowereadinthe（GospelofKingHerodthathetookhisbrother’swifewhilehewasyetliving，andyetwishedtobethoughtanhonorable，piousman，asSt.Markalsotestifiesofhim.
Butsuchanexample，Itrust，willnotoccuramongus，becauseintheNewTestamentthosewhoaremarriedareforbiddentobedivorced，exceptinsuchacasewhereone[shrewdly]bysomestratagemtakesawayarichbridefromanother.Butitisnotararethingwithusthatoneestrangesoralienatesanother’sman—servantormaid—servant，orenticesthemawaybyflatteringwords.
Inwhateverwaysuchthingshappen，wemustknowthatGoddoesnotwishthatyoudepriveyourneighborofanythingthatbelongstohimsothathesufferthelossandyougratifyyouravaricewithit，evenifyoucouldkeepithonorablybeforetheworld;foritisasecretandinsidiousimpositionpracticedunderthehat，aswesay，thatitmaynotbeobserved.Foralthoughyougoyourwayasifyouhaddonenooneanywrong，youhaveneverthelessinjuredyourneighbor;andifitisnotcalledstealingandcheating，yetitiscalledcovetingyourneighbor’sproperty，thatis，aimingatpossessionofit，enticingitawayfromhimwithouthiswill，andbeingunwillingtoseehimenjoywhatGodhasgrantedhim.Andalthoughthejudgeandeveryonemustleaveyouinpossessionofit，yetGodwillnotleaveyoutherein;forHeseesthedeceitfulheartandthemaliceoftheworld，whichissuretotakeanellinadditionwhereveryouyieldtoherafinger’sbreadth，andatlengthpublicwrongandviolencefollow.