The second Table does enjoin us to love our neighbours as our selves, that is. 1. We should not wish any evil more to others, then to our selves· 2. We should desire, (and as much as we can) endeavour all good Natural, Spiritual, for others, as we ought for our selves.
So that by this we are directed to pray, that we may be kindely affectioned one to another, with brotherly love,1 without dissimulation; Not in word onely, and tongue; but in deed, and truth; Loving each other with a pure heart fervently; That our love may continue and increase, abounding more and more towards one another, and towards all men; in knowledge and in all judgement: As we have opportunity, doing good unto all men, but especially to the houshold of Faith. That we may love our enemies and blesse them that curse us, (Mat. 5.44) and pray for them that despitefully vse us, and persecute us; Considering one another, (Heb. 10.24) to provoke unto love, and good workes.
2The fifth Commandment does injoyn the duties which concern the degrees and relations amongst men, whether Superiours. Inferiours.
By this we may learn to pray for all those graces and abilities, whereby we may be fitted for the filling up of our several relations; that we may be careful to acknowledge and observe that order which God hath appointed amongst men, and to demean our selves towards them, according to their places and degrees; Gravely and modestly towards our Inferiours; Reverently and dutifully to our Superiours; Humbly and thankfully to our Benefactours; Being kindly affectioned towards our Equals; in honour preferring one another. (Rom. 12.10·)
More particularly, we may hence learn to pray for those graces which concerne the relation of
Parents; That they may be carefull in providing for the wel-fare of their childrens souls and bodies. Teaching of them diligently, admonishing, and correcting of them seasonably,3 bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Children; That they may love, honour,4 and fear their Parents, obeying them in all things; striving upon all occasions to expresse their thankfulnesse to them.
Husbands;5 That they may love their wives as themselves; Not being bitter unto them; Giving honour to them as to the weaker vessels, and as being heires together of the grace of life; Bearing with their infirmities, providing for them, protecting of them, delighting in them, behaving themselves with much prudence and tendernesse towards them.
Wives; That they may help, reverence, and be in subjection to their husbands; (Eph. 5.33) labouring chiefly to be adorned with a meek and quiet spirit; continuing in faith, and charity, and holinesse, (1 Pet. 3.1, 4) with sobriety; Being careful, and helpful in all those familie-duties, that concerne their relations, studying to be content, in the midst of all marriage-cares, and troubles.
Masters; That they may behave themselves prudently, justly, gently to their servants, as considering that they also have a Master in Heaven.6
Servants; (1 Pet. 2.18) That they may be subject to their Masters with all fear, not only when they are good and gentle, but when they are froward; Not with eye-service as men-pleasers, (Eph. 6.6, 7) but willingly, and from the heart, shewing all good fidelity.
7 Ancient; That they may be found in the way of righteousnesse. Being sober, grave, temperate, sound in the faith, in Charity, and Patience; that so they may behave themselves worthy of that crown of old Age, and the honour due unto it.
8 Younger; That they may be sober-minded, reverencing the aged as Fathers; being ready to be taught by their wisdome, experience, and to follow their good Counsels. Examples.