Some Thoughts on Soul-Murder

Thomas Boston

Thou shalt not kill thine own soul. Our kind God forbids us to be self-murderers and soul-murderers. We become guilty of the blood of our own souls in these ways:

1. By neglecting the means of grace and salvation (Prov 8:34,36). The life of our souls is a flame that must be kindled from above, and fed by the means of grace. Those who then neglect them are guilty of their own blood. Consider this, prayerless people, you who are at no pains to get knowledge, who disregard public ordinances, private duties, reading, meditation etc.

2. By opposing and fighting against the Lord’s quickening work in the soul. They that murder convictions murder their own souls, as if they were resolved that convictions should never stir in them (Prov 29:1). Some, like Felix, put them off with fair promises; some, like Cain, put them off with the noise of axes and hammers – in effect, they will not let their souls recover.

3. By continuing impenitent in sin. God calls to man by His Word and providence, as Paul did to the jailor: “Do thyself no harm”. But, as if he were resolved on his own ruin, he will not leave his sinful courses. Willful impenitence is the grossest self-murder, because it is soul-murder (Ezek 18:30,31). His soul is standing under a decayed roof; tell him that it will fall on him and he will not stir a foot. Is his blood then not on his own head?

4. By unbelief, not coming to Christ by faith (Jn 5:40). Even when many means are used to preserve the soul, it is still ruined because the main cure is neglected. Even if a man uses ever so many remedies for his health, he is

¹An edited extract from Boston’s Works, vol 2, where he is expounding the sins forbidden in the Sixth Commandment.

his own murderer if he will not use the main cure necessary. So resolutions, watchings, promises are tried, but if faith and employing Christ for sanctification are not tried, he is still a murderer.

Consider this: murder, self-murder and soul-murder, is a murderous sin. What wonder if the man perishes who wills to perish? Will God spare the shedding of the blood of that soul of which the man himself is so liberal?

Hence see that people not only may seek the welfare of their souls, but this command of God obliges them to do so. Fear hell, hope for heaven, and let this stir you up to do your duty. But do not rest there; go forward and make the love of God your main motive. And that of itself would be sufficient to stir you up to all the duties of a holy life.