The Seventh Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Seventh Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Seventh Commandment is Section XL of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section treats chastity and purity of life. Sadler applies the commandment to actions, desires, speech, and habits that either guard or corrupt bodily holiness.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." He further explains the section by saying, "Adultery, i. e., unfaithfulness to the marriage vow; fornication, and all impurity, as well as everything which leads to impurity."

Theological Themes

• Chastity
• Purity
• Body as temple
• Discipline of desire

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:14
• Matthew 5:27-29
• 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
• Ephesians 5:3-6
• Colossians 3:5-6
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's treatment of the baptismal promise to keep God's commandments. It is connected with the Decalogue in the Church Catechism and with the use of the commandments in Anglican moral and liturgical instruction. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Ten Commandments
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Ethics
• Book of Common Prayer