II. This loving our neighbour as ourselves is farther illustrated in this answer, by doing to others what we would have them to do us. This is one of the most undeniable, and self-evident truths contained in the law of nature. So that whatever disputable matters there may be, as to what respects other duties, this is allowed of by all mankind. Many, indeed, do not conform their practice to this rule; which gives occasion to the injuries done between man and man. However the vilest of men, when they deliberate on their own actions, cannot but blame themselves for acting contrary thereunto. Thus Saul did, when he said unto David, Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rewarded me good; whereas I have rewarded thee evil, 1 Sam. xxiv. 17. Therefore we conclude, that it is one of the first principles of the law of nature; and may well be called, as it is in this answer, the sum of the Commandments of the second table, or that, to which they are all reduced. There are two things, which we shall lay down, relating to this golden rule, of doing to others as we would that they should do to us.
1. It is miserably neglected by a great part of the world; as,
(1.) By them who turn away their hearts from the afflicted; so as not to pity, help, or endeavour to comfort them in their distress. The Psalmist was of another mind, when he says, As for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother. I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother, Psal. xxxv. 13,-15.
(2.) They who deny to others those natural, civil, or religious liberties, which, by God’s appointment, they have a right to, or envy them the possession thereof, may be said to neglect this golden rule.
2. We are farther to enquire, how this rule, of doing to others what we would have them do to us, may be of use, in order to our right observing the Commandments of the second table?
Answ. The fifth Commandment, which requires the performance of all relative duties, would be better observed, did superiors put themselves in the place of inferiors, and consider what they would then expect from them; and the same they ought to do to them. Again, the sixth, seventh, and eight Commandments, that respect the life, honour, or wealth of others; if these are dear to us, ought we not to consider, that they are so to others; and if we would not be deprived of them ourselves, how unreasonable is it for us to do any thing that may tend to deprive others of them? Again, if, according to the ninth Commandment, our good name be so valuable, that we ought to maintain it, should not this rule be observed by defamers, slanderers, and backbiters, who do that to others which they would not have done to themselves? And the tenth Commandment, which forbids our uneasiness at, or being discontented with, the good of others, or endeavouring to supplant, or divest them of the possession of what God has given them in this world. This cannot be done by any one who duly considers, how unwilling they would be to have what they possess taken away, to satisfy the covetousness, or lust, of others.
Quest. CXXIII., CXXIV., CXXV., CXXVI., CXXVII., CXXVIII.
Quest. CXXIII. Which is the fifth Commandment?
Answ. The fifth Commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Quest. CXXIV. Who are meant by father, and mother, in the fifth Commandment?