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An Explicatory Catechism

Question 72

On Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) Q. 72

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What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment?

The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts, words and actions.

What unchastity is forbidden in this Commandment?

All manner of unchastity. 1. In thoughts, viz▪ Contemplative wickedness, filthy dreams,a inordinate affections,b evil concupiscence or lusting after a woman in the heart, which 〈◊〉 be called heart Adultery.c 2. In words, viz. corrupt communication, foolish talking, jesting, and lascivious Songs, which are not convenient.d 3. In actions, viz. 1. Adultery which is single or double; single when a man and woman, whereof the one is Marryed or contracted [that is, have mutually promised Marriage in the presence of witnesses] commit filthiness together Double when both parties Married 〈◊〉 contracted do commit lewdness together which is a most hainous Offence, as being committed against four Persons.e 2. Fornication, when two single persons come together, out of the state of Marriage; which is either by mutual consent;f or by the violent deflouring of a woman against her will:g And this may very properly be called a Rape; although that may be committed upon a Married and betrothed (or contracted) woman also.h 3. Incest.i 4. Polygamy or the having of many Wives at once: which was ever unlawful in the Court of Conscience; howsoever for a time it was born with of God, and not punished by any positive Law.j 5. The putting away of a mans Wife (except for Adultery) and Marrying another, or the Marrying her that is so put away.k 6. Self-pollution, or that wicked wastful spilling a mans own Seed, exemplified in Er and Onan. Gen. 38. 6, &c. 7. Sodomy.l 8. Buggery.m 9. The unseasonable and immoderate use of the Marriage-bed.n

Are all other acts and lusts of uncleanness, and whatsoever may be the cause or beginning of them or have any tendency unto them, forbidden in this Commandment?

Yes; upon this account Drunkenness,o Gluttony and Idleness,p wanton gestures, and attires,q promiscuous Dancing of Men and Women,r unnecessary companyings with light and leud Persons,s reading lascivious Books, beholding unchast Pictures, Interludes and Stage-Plays, and whatsoever doth any waies provoke lust is forbidden in this Commandment.t

Proofs

Each links to the Scripture index: what else cites the passage.

  1. aJob 31:1; Jude 8
  2. bColossians 3:5
  3. cColossians 3:5; Matthew 5:28
  4. dEphesians 4:29; 5:4
  5. eDeuteronomy 22:22–23; Proverbs 6:32; 7:7; Jeremiah 5:7–8; Proverbs 5:20
  6. fExodus 22:16; Genesis 34:2
  7. gDeuteronomy 22:28–29
  8. hDeuteronomy 22:25
  9. i1 Corinthians 5:1; Leviticus 18:6
  10. jGenesis 4:23; Leviticus 18:18; Malachi 2:15–16; 1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:2; Matthew 19:4–6
  11. kMatthew 5:32
  12. lLeviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27
  13. mLeviticus 18:23
  14. nLeviticus 18:19; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Samuel 11:11; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:31
  15. oProverbs 23:30; Genesis 19:31
  16. pEzekiel 16:49–50
  17. qIsaiah 3:16; Proverbs 7:10; 2 Kings 9:30
  18. rMark 6:22; Exodus 32:6, 19
  19. sProverbs 5:8; 13:20
  20. tEphesians 5:3–4; Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Ezekiel 23:14–15; Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 3:2

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An Explicatory Catechism (1675) on Q. 72, symbolics.dev/explicatory1675/72

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