Question 73

But has this law been broken?

Yes. For some choose strangling rather than life,^b

Was it therefore necessary that it should be enforced by an express command?

Yes. Do thyself no harm,^c

Should we for this purpose be moderate in the use of meats and drinks?

Yes. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, put a knife to thy throat,^e

And avoid all unnecessary acts of mortification?

Yes. Be not righteous overmuch, for why shouldest thou destroy thyself?^f

And defend ourselves against violence?

Yes. He that hath no sword let him sell his garments and buy one,^g

And fly from persecution?

Yes. When they persecute you in one city fly to another,^h

And not causelessly run into danger?

No. Let not thy voice be heard amongst us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life,ⁱ

Is it therefore unlawful to commit sin even to save life?

Yes. For he that so saveth his life shall lose it,^k

Should we pray for their health?

Yes. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,^m

And discover designs to their prejudice?

Yes. When Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and told Paul,ⁿ

And hide them from the unjust fury of their enemies?

Yes. As Obediah hid the prophets of the Lord by fifties in a cave,^o

And avoid every thing whereby their lives might be endangered?

Yes. Thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence,^p

And rich men succour the poor?

Yes. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me,^r

Should we be careful of giving offence?

Yes. If it be possible live peaceably with all men,^s

And equally so of taking it?

Yes. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,^t