Part 32 (2/2)
THE FIFTH COMMAND.
THOU SHALT HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER, THAT THY DAYS MAY BE PROLONGED.
_Remark._--Whoever disobeys his parents breaks this command.
_The Hymn says_:--
History records that Shun honoured his parents to the end of his days, Causing them to experience the intensest pleasure and delight: August Heaven will abundantly reward all who act thus, And do not disappoint the expectation of the authors of their being.
THE SIXTH COMMAND.
THOU SHALT NOT KILL OR INJURE MEN.
_Remark._--He who kills another kills himself, and he who injures another injures himself. Whoever does either of these breaks the above command.
_The Hymn says_:--
The whole world is one family, and all men are brethren, How can they be permitted to kill and destroy one another?
The outward form and the inward principle are both conferred by Heaven: Allow every one, then, to enjoy the ease and comfort which he desires.
THE SEVENTH COMMAND.
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY OR ANYTHING UNCLEAN.
_Remark._--All the men in the world are brethren, and all the women in the world are sisters. Among the sons and daughters of the celestial hall the males are on one side and the females on the other, and are not allowed to intermix. Should either men or women practise lewdness they are considered outcasts, as having offended against one of the chief commands of Heaven. The casting of amorous glances, the harbouring of l.u.s.tful imaginations, the smoking of foreign tobacco (opium), or the singing of libidinous songs must all be considered as breaches of this command.
_The Hymn says_:--
l.u.s.t and lewdness const.i.tute the chief transgression, Those who practise it become outcasts, and are the objects of pity.
If you wish to enjoy the substantial happiness of heaven, It is necessary to deny yourself and earnestly cultivate virtue.
THE EIGHTH COMMAND.
THOU SHALT NOT ROB OR STEAL.
_Remark._--Riches and poverty are determined by the great G.o.d; but whosoever robs or plunders the property of others transgresses this command.
_The Hymn says_:--
Rest contented with your station, however poor, and do not steal.
Robbery and violence are low and abandoned practices.
Those who injure others really injure themselves.
Let the n.o.ble-minded among you immediately reform.
<script>