Silas.
To teach what be the ordinarie occasions and grounds whence murther ariseth, and so to warne men as they would flie murther, to auoid those vices of enuy and strife. For Enuie as the Mother, bringeth forth mur∣ther as her daughter, as in Cains example, Gen. 4.
Tim.
What cal ye murther?
Silas.
It is an vnlawfull taking away of life from anie reasonable creature. For Beasts may be killed for vse, & malefactors for example: so that it is done by the Magi∣strate, and iustly or legally.
Tim.
By what Reasons doo ye shew the hatefulnesse of this sinne?
Silas.
First, it is against the Commaundement [Thou shalt not kil.] Secondly, it taketh away precious life, which cannot bee restored. Thirdly, it defaceth Gods Image. Gen. 9, 6. Fourthly, it iniureth the Common-wealth, in spoiling it of a member. Fiftly, it procureth horrour of Conscience, as to Cain, Gen. 4, 13. Sixtly, the dishonour of Gods name, as in Dauid, 2 Sam. 12, 14 Seuenthly, losse of goods, bodie, and soule. Gen. 9, 5. Reuel. 2, 18. Eight∣ly, it spotteth a mans race and posterity. Lastly, it brin∣geth infamie vpon his name, and dishonoureth him in the eies and estimation of men.
Tim.
How many kinds of murther be there?
Silas.
Two: it is either of ones owne selfe, or of o∣thers; and that is either in purpose, or in acte, by giuing counsell; by writing, as Dauid; by striking, as Ioab; by with-holding necessaries of life, by not rescuing others.
Tim.
What be the common causes of selfe-murther?
Silas
Three: First, despaire of Gods mercie, as in Iu∣das, Mat. 27, 4. Secondly, feare of worldly pnnishment or shame, as in Achitophel, 2 Sam. 17, 23. Thirdly, penu∣ry or want of worldly goods, as in some poore people; which are plunged in remedilesse, or extreme penury.
Tim.
What things do occasion the murther of others?
Sil.
Couetousnesse; as in the murther of Naboth, 1.