Question 71

What doth the seventh Commandment respect?

The seventh Commandment respects our own and others Chastity.

What are the duties required in this Commandment?

They are two, the preservation of our own,^a and our Neighbours Chastity.^b

Wherein are we bound to preserve our own, and our Neighbours Chastity?

1. In thought and affection of the heart. 2. In speech, using modest words and savoury expressions, tending to edification and sanctification. Col. 4. 6. Ephes. 4. 29. 3. In behaviour, apparelling and carrying our selves modestly every way as becometh Saints. 1 Tim. 2. 9. Eph 5. 3. 1 Pet. 3. 1, 2.

By what means may we thus preserve our own and our Neighbours Chastity?

We may preserye our own and our Neighbours Chastity. 1. By watchfulness over our hearts and Senses.^c 2. By diligence in our Callings.^d 3. By temperance in eating and drinking, and keeping under the Body, when there is need, with frequent Fastings.^e 4. By the fear of God and awful apprehensions of his omni-presence and all-seeing eye.^f 5. By frequent and servent Prayer.^g 6. By diligent observation according to the Word of God.^h 7. By keeping of chast company, avoiding society with those that are lascivious.ⁱ 8. When no other means will avail to quench burning desires, Marriage is to be made us of, and that must be in the Lord^j by serious meditation of Death and Judgement.^k