Though father and mother only are mentioned, nevertheless all superiors (continued)
193. Does He not speak expressly of the land of Canaan in this promise? Yes, so far as the children of Israel are concerned, but the term ought to have a more general meaning for us. For seeing that the earth is the Lord's, whatever be the country we inhabit, He assigns it to us for our habitation (Ps. 24:1; 89:12; 115:16).
194. Is that all there is to the commandment? Though father and mother only are mentioned, nevertheless all superiors are intended, as the reason is the same.
195. What is the reason? That God has given them pre-eminence; for there is no authority whether of parents, or princes, or of any others who are over us, but what God has ordained (Rom. 13:1).
196. Repeat the sixth commandment. Thou shalt not kill.
197. Does it forbid nothing but murder? Yes, indeed. For seeing it is God who speaks, He gives us law not only for outward deeds, but primarily for the affections of our heart.
198. You mean then that there is some kind of inward murder which God forbids to us? I do: hatred and rancour, and desire to do evil to our neighbor.
199. Is it sufficient for us not to hate or to bear ill will? No, for in condemning hatred God signifies that He requires us to love our neighbours and seek their salvation, and all this with true affection and without simulation.
200. State the seventh commandment. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
201. What is the essence of this? That all fornication is cursed by God, and therefore we must abstain from it if we do not want to provoke His anger against us.