Section 7
2. Must we be holy in worshipping God ? Yes: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Ps. xcvi. 9. Must we be holy in prayer and praise? Yes: lifting up holy hands, 1 Tim. ii. 8. Must our thoughts be fixed ? Yes: O God, my heart is fixed, Ps. cviii. 1. Must pious and devout afiections be working in us ? Yes: we must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. xii. 11. Must we be very humble in our approaches to God ? Yes: as the publican that stood afar off, and would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, Luke xviii. 13.
3. Must we give glory to God in his word ? Yes: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name« Ps. cxxxviii. 2. Must we hear it with reverence ? Yes: We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God, Acts x. 33. Must we give glory to God in swearing when we are called to it ? Yes: Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and shalt swear by his name, Deut. vi. 13. Must we be cautious in swearing ? Yes: we must fear an oath, Eccl. ix. 2. Must we be conscientious in swearing ? Yes: Thou shalt swear in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness, Jer. iv. 2. Must we give glory to God in vowing ? Yes: Vow and pay unto the Lord your God, Ps. Ixxvi. 11.
4. Must we glorify God in his great works ? Yes: we must magnify his works which men behold. Job xxxvi, 24. And must we glorify him by our good
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903 vorks > Yes: Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. ii. 19.
Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment ?
A. The third comroaodmeDt forbids all profaning or abosiog of any thing whereby God makes himself known.
1. Do all hypocrites take God's name in vain? Yes: for they make mention of the God of Israel, bot not in truth and righteousness, Isa. xlviii. 1. Do ihej therefore profane that name ? Yes: for the Dame of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. ii. 24. Do hypocritical worshippers take God's name in vain ? Yes: for with their mouth they show much loTe, bot their heart goeth after their covetousness, Ezek. xxxiii. 31. And is their seeming religion a vain religion ? Yes: That man's religion is vain, James i. 26. Can it be pleasing to God ? No: Bring no more Tain oblations, Isa. i. 11,13. Can it be profitable to themselves ? No: for they receive the grace of God in vain, 2 Cor. vi. 1. Do covenant-breakers take God's name in vain ? Yes: for they lie nnto him with their tongues, Ps. Ixxviii. 36.
2. Is it a sin against this commandment to use the name of God lightly and carelessly ? Yes: For thou shall fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God, Deut. xxviii. 58. Will God's friends thus affront him? No: Thine enemies take thy name in vain, Ps. cxxxix. 20. Is it the character of the wicked > Yes: Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins, Jer. xii. 2.
.1 Is it a sin against this commandment to swear rashly? Yes: Above all things, my brethren, swear not, Jam. V. 12. Is it a sin to swear by creatures? Yes: whether by heaven, or by the earth, or by the head. Matt V. 34—36. Must our communication be yea, yea,andnay,nay? Yes: for whatsoever is more than these Cometh of evil, Matt. v. 37. Is it a sin to swear falsely ? Yes: Thou shalt not forswear thyself. Matt V. 33. Is prophane swearing a great sin ? Yes: for it blasphemes that worthy name by which we are called. Jam. ii. 7. Is it an inexcusable sin ? Yes : for they transgress without cause, Ps. xxv. 3. Does it bring judgments upon families ? Yes: for the curse shall enter into the house of him that swears falsely, and shall consume it, Zech. v. 4. Aod upon nations ? Yes: because of swearing the land mourns, Jer. xxiii. 10.
4. Is it a sin against this commandment to jest with the word of God ? Yes: Be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong, Isa. xxviii. 22. Or to use it as a charm ? Yes: as those exorcists which said, We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth. Acts xix. 13. Is it a sin to put a slight apon sacred things ? Yes: Ye have profaned mjr name, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible, Mai. i. 12.
Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment ?
A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
1. Do the breakers of the third commandment commonly escape punishment from men ? Yes: for men hear the voice of swearing, and utter it not. Lev. V. 1. And do they fancy they shall escape God's judgments? Yes: the wicked contemn God, and yet say in their heart, he will not require it, Ps. X. 13. But shall they escape God*s judgments? No: Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Gal. vi. 7.
2. Shall those who profane God's holy name escape his righteous judgments? No: The Lord will make their plagues wonderful, Deut. xxviii. 59. Shall hypocrites escape them ? No: Woe unto yon scribes and pharisees, hypocrites. Matt, xxiii. 13. Shall scoffers escape them ? No: for they shall be broken, and snared, and taken, Isa. xxviii. 13. Shall covenant breakers escape them ? No: Seeing he despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, he shall not escape, Ezek. xvii. 18.
3. Shall swearers go unpunished ? No : for he that sweareth shall be cut off, Zech. v. 3. Shall they who use God's name vainly go unpunished ? No: for every idle word that men speak they must give account, Matt. xii. 36. And shall their words be witnesses against them ? Yes: God shall cause their own tongues to fall upon them, Ps. Ixiv. 8.
Q. 67. What is the fourth commandment ?
A. The fourth commandment is. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
1. Does the fourth commandment concern the time of worship ? Yes: for there is a time to every purpose, Eccl. iii. 1. Must our worship be confined to that time ? No: for we must pray always, Eph. vi. 18. But is that appointed for the certain time ? Yes: Blow up the trumpet in the time appointed, Ps. Ixxxi. 3. Is it the will of God we should take special notice of this command ? Yes: for he has said, Remember it. Are we apt to forget it ? Yes: they have hid their eyes from my sabbaths* Ezek. xxii. 26.
2. Must we keep holy the sabbath day ? Yes: Keep tlie sabbath day to sanctify it, Deut. v. 12. Is
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a sabbath a day of rest ? Yes: It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, Lev. xvi. 31. Mast we labour the six days, and do all oar work ? Yes: For in the sweat of thy face shalt thoa eat bread, Gen. iii. 19. But is not work for God part of our work ? Yes: for we must work the works of God. John vi. 28. Must we not then do that on the six days ? Yes: Every day will I bless thee, Ps. cxlv. 2. But must we especially do it on sabbath days ? Yes: for it is the Holy of the Lord, Isa. Iviii. 13. Must we therefore rest from other work on that day ? Yes: that we may attend upon the Lord without distraction, 1 Cor. vii. 35.
3. Must children keep holy the sabbath day? Yes: Thou, and thy son, and thy daughter. And servants ? Yes: That thy man servant and maidservant may rest as well as thou, Deut. v. 14. And is there good reason for the sanctification of the sabbath ? Yes: Ye shall keep my sabbaths, I am the Lord your God, Lev. xix. 3.
Q. 58. What U required in the fourth eommand" ment?
A. The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath unto himself.
1. Must holy time be kept holy ? Yes: for every thing is beautiful in its season, Eccl. iii. 11. Can man make time holy ? No: For I am the Lord which sanctify you. Lev. xx. 8.
2. Has God appointed a sabbath ? Yes: It is as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, Deut y. 12. Had he authority to do so ? Yes: For the day is thine, the night also is thine, Ps. Ixxiv. 16. Did he appoint it for us ? Yes: for the sabbath was made for man, Mark ii. 27. Did he appoint one day in seven ? Yes: For a seventh day is the sabbath of tlie Lord thy God. One whole day ? Yes: for the evening and the morning were the first day, Gen. i. 5.
3. Must we keep it ? Yes: Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep, Exod. xxxi. 13. Must we keep it as a treasure ? Yes: we must call the sabbath honourable, Isa. Iviii. 13. And keep it as a talent ? Yes: For thou madest known unto them thy holy sabbaths, Neh. ix. 14. Must we keep it with care i Yes: we must lay hold on it, to keep the sabbath from polluting it, Isa. Ivi. 2. Must we keep it holy to God? Yes: For he that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord, Rom. xiv. 6.
Q. 59. Which day of the seven has God appointed to he the weehly sabbath ?
A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath, and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.
1. Was the sabbath appointed from the bvming of the world ? Yes: God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, when the heavens and the cartb were finished. Gen. ii. 1—3. Was it in remembrance of the work of creation ? Yes: because that in it he rested from all his work. Gen. ii. 3. Was it observed before the giving of the law upon mount Sinai ? Yes: for before that it was said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath to the Lord, Exod. xvi. 23. Was that appointed to be kept on the seventh day of the week ? Yes: For he spake of the seventh day on this wise, Heb. iv. 4.
2. Was the law of the sabbath given more particularly to Israel > Yes: I gave them my sabbath to be a sign between me and them, Ezek. xx. 12. Was it religiously observed among them ? Yes: for their enemies did mock at their sabbaths. Lam. i. 7. Did they sanctify the sabbath in solemn assemblies ? Yes: Moses of old time is read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Acts xv. 21. Was the blessing confined to the seventh day? No: For the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it, Exod. xx. 11.
3. Was the sabbath to continue in gospel times ? Yes: For there remaineth the keeping of a sabbath to the people of God, Heb. iv. 9. marg. Did Christ intend it should continue ? Yes: for he said. Pray that your flight be not on the sabbath day. Matt, xxiv. 20. Did he in order to that expound the fourth commandment ? Yes: for he showed that it is lawful to do well upon the sabbath day. Matt xii. IZ Is there the same need of sabbaths now that erer there was ? Yes: for I gave them my sabbaths that they might know that I am the Lord, Ezek. xx. 12.
4. Is the sabbath changed now to the first day of the week ? Yes: for on the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread. Acts xx. 7. Was it because on that day of the week our Lord Jesus rose from the dead ? Yes: for he rose as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week. Matt xxviii. 1. And because on that day the Spirit was poured out ? Yes: for that was when the day of Pentecost was fully come. Acts ii. 1. Was it fit there should be an alteration ? Yes : For it shall no more be said. The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but the Lord liveth that brought them up fibm the land of the north, Jer. xvi. 14, 15.
5. Did the apostles observe the first day of the week ? Yes: On the first day of the week let every one lay by, 1 Cor. xvi. 2. Did the primitive church call it the Lord's day ? Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Rev. i. 10. In a thing of this nature ought we to acquiesce ? Yes: For if any man will be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God, 1 Cor. xi. 16*
Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified f
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905
A. The sabbath is td be sanctified by a boly resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful in other days; and spending tbe whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
1. Most we rest on the sabbath day ? Tes: six days may work be done, bat in the sc Tcnth is the sabbath of rest, £xod. xxxi. 15. Must we rest from worldly employments? Yes: ye shall hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein, Jer. xvii. 24. And from recreations ? Yes: not finding thine own pleasure, Isa. Iviii. 13. Is this to signify our being dead to this world ? Yes: for he that is entered into his rest has ceased from his own works, Heb. iv. 10. And to awaken us to think of leaving it ? Yes: for bere we have no continuing city, Heb. xiii. 14. Must this rest be dedicated to God ? Yes: it is a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord, Exod. xxxv. 2.
2. Must we spend time on that day in the public exercises of God's worship ? Yes: for it is a holy coDTocation, Lev. xxiii. 3. Must we do so every sabbath, as we have opportunity ? Yes: From one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord, Isa. Ixvi. 23. And must we not absent ourselves from public worship ? No: Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, Heb. X. 25. Most we spend time on that day in the private exercises of religion ? Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings, Lev. xxiii. 3. Did the disciples of Christ thus spend the first Lord's day ? Yes: for on the first day of the week the disciples were assembled, John xx. 19.
3. Must we prepare for the sabbath day beforo-baod ? Yes; It was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on, Luke xxiii. 54. Must the sabbath be a day of holy joy ? Yes: We will rejoice and be glad in it, Ps. cxviii. 24. Must it be a day of praise? Yes: the psalm for the sabbath day begins. It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, Ps. xcii. 1. Must we be spiritual in the duties of the day? Yes: 1 was in the Spirit on the Lord's day ? Rev. i. 10. And must we take pleasure in them ? Yes: Call the Sabbath a delight, Isa. Iviii. 13.
4. Are works of mercy and charity proper for a sabbath day ? Yes: Ought not this woman to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day, Luke xiii. 16. And may works of necessity be done on that daj? Yes: Do not you on the sabbath lead your ox,or your ass, to watering? Luke xiii. 15.
Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth command-mnd?
A. The fourth commandment forbids the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about worldly employments or recreations.
1. Do we profane the sabbath if we neglect the sabbath work ? Yes: I came seeking fruit, but find none, Luke xiii. 7. Or if we perform carelessly ? Yes: Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick, Mai. i. 13. Or if we be weary of it ? Yes: They say. When will the sabbath be gone ? Amos viii. 5. Or if we idle away sabbath time ? Yes: Why stand ye here all the day idle? Matt. Xx. 6. And much more if we do that which is in itself sinful ? Yes: They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths, Ezek. xxiii. 38.
2. Do we profane the sabbath by violating the sabbath rest? Yes: What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day ? Neh. xiii. 17. May we not buy and sell on that day ? No: Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise, John ii. 16. May we not work harvest-work on that day ? No: In earing-time, and in harvest, thou shalt rest, Exod. xxxiv. 21. May we not however think and speak at our pleasure on that day ? No: Not doing thine own ways, nor speaking thine own words, Isa. Iviii. 13.
3. Was he punished that gathered sticks on the sabbath ? Yes: they stoned him with stones that he died. Numb. xv. 36. Are nations sometimes punished for sabbath profanation ? Yes: If ye will not hallow the sabbath day, I will kindle a fire in the gates of Jerusalem, Jer. xvii. 27. Is the contempt of the sabbath a contempt of God ? Yes: This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day, John ix. 16.
Q. 62. What are the reason* annexed to the fourth commandment ?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his claiming a special property in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.
1. Has God allowed us six days of the week? Yes: Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work. Has he reserved but one day in seven for himself ? Yes: for he hath not made us to serve with an ofier-ing, nor wearied us with incense, Isa. xliii. 23. Does he claim a special property in the seventh day? Yes: it is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. Has our Lord Jesus a property in it ? Yes: for the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath, Mark ii. 28. Ought we not therefore to devote it to his service ? Yes: For will a man rob God ? Mai. iii. 8.
2. Did God the Creator set us an example of sabbath rest ? Yes: for the seventh day he rested and was refreshed, Exod. xxxi. 17. Did God the Redeemer set us an example of sabbath work ? Yes:
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for as his dutom was, he went into the synagogne jon the sabbath day, hakp iv. 16. And has he given as encouragement in the work of the Christian sabbath ? Yes: for when they were assembled on the first day of the week, Jesiis stood in the midst, John XX. 19.
3. Has God blessed the sabbath day, and so pat an honoar upon it? Yes: The Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it Is it not an ill thing then for us to pat a slight upon it ? Yes: As they do that despise the holy things, and profane the sabbath, Ezek. xxii. 8. Has God appointed it to be a day of blessings to us ? Yes: There will I come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. xx. 24. Are not they enemies to themselves then that neglect it? Yes: they forsake their own mercies, John ii. 8.
Q. 63. Wkai is the fifth commandment t A. The fifth commandment is, Honoar thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
1. Do the six last commandments concern oor doty to our neighbour ? Yes: for this is his commandment. That we love one another, 1 John iii. 23. And must we mind that as well as oar duty to God? Yes: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men, 2 Cor. viii. 21. And are we concerned to be very careful in second-table duties? Yes: that the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed, 1 Tim. vi. 1. Will our devotions be acceptable without this ? No: When ye make many prayers I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood, Isa. i. 15.
2. Is religion toward God a branch of universal righteousness ? Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. xxii. 21. And his righteousness toward men a branch of true religion ? Yes: for pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, Jam. i. 27. Does the law of God re-qaire both ? Yes : To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God, Mic. vi. 8. And does the grace of the gospel teach both ? Yes: To live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Tit. ii. 12. Mast every godly man then be an honest man ? Yes: for we must live in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. ii. 2. And must he be a charitable man ? Yes: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous, Ps. cxii. 4. And will the trial be by this at the great day ? Yes: for I was hungry, and ye gave me meat, Matt. xxv. 35.
3. Does the fifth commandment concern our duty to our relations? Yes: For all ye are brethren. Matt, xxiii. 8. And must we be careful to do this doty ? Yes: that they who will not be won by the word, may be won by the conversation, 1 Pet iii. 1.
Q. 64. What is required in the fifth annmandment?
A. The fifth commandment reqaires the preserving the honoar, and performing the duty, which belongs to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
1. Is it the duty of children to reverence their parents ? Yes: Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, Lev. xix. 3. And must they give honour to them ? Yes: If I be a father, where is my honour ? Mai. i. 6. And may they upon no account despise them ? No: Despise not thy mother when she is old, Prov. xxiii. 22. Ought they to carry themselves respectfully towards them ? Yes: King Solomon rose up to meet his mother, and bowed himself to her, 1 Kings ii. 19. And to speak honourably of them ? Yes: Her children rose up, and called her blessed, Prov. xxxi. 28.
2. Is it the duty of children to obey their parents? Yes: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, Eph. vi. 1 • And to receive their instructions ? Yes: Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, Prov. i. 8. And to submit to their correction ? Yes: The fathers of oar flesh corrected us, and we gve them reverence, Heb. xii. 9. Should children labour to rejoice the hearts of their parents ? Yes: My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, Prov. xxiii. 15. And to requite them ? Yes: let them show piety at home, and requite their parents, 1 Tim. v. 4. And to have their consent in disposing of themselves ? Yes: Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and went to Padan-aram, for a wife, Gen. xxviii. 7. Is Christ an example of this subjection ? Yes: for he went with his parents to Nazareth, and was subject to them, Luke ii. 51.
3. Is it the duty of children to be respectful to the aged ? Yes: Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man. Lev. xix. 32. And must they be observant of their teachers ? Yes: for they will mourn at the last, who obey not the voice of their teachers, and incline not their ear to them that instruct them, Prov. t. 11, 13. And must they order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters? Yes: ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder, 1 Pet v. 6.
4. Is it the duty of parents to be tender of their children ? Yes: for can a woman forget her sacking child? Isa. xlix. 15. And mild toward them? Yes: for a father pities his children, Ps. ciii. 13. And to bear with them ? Yes: as a man spares his son that serves him, Mai. iii. 17. And yet must they correct them when it is necessary? Yes: for he that spares his rod, hates his son; but he tliat loves him, chastens him betimes, Prov. xiii. 24.
5. Is it the duty of parents to pray for their children? Yes: Job offered for his sons bamt-offer-ings, according to the number of them all. Job i. 5. And to bless God for them ? Yes: They are the children which God hath gcioasly given thy ser
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907 vant. Gen. xxxiii. 5. Are they to bless them in the name of the Lord ? Yes: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esao, Heb. xi. 20. Aod are they to pro-Tide for them what is convenieDt ? Yes: If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his omi house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. t. 8.
6. Is it the duty of parents to bring ap their children in the fear of God ? Yes: Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. yi. 4. And to teach them the things of God ? Yes: Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children. Dent. Ti. 7. And to oblige them to their doty ? Yes: I know Abraham, that he will command his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. xviii. 19. And oaght they to set them a good example ? Yes: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Ps. ci. 2. And must they patiently part with their children when God calls for them ? Yes: Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, Gen. xxii. 16.
7. Is it the duty of servants to honour their masters and mistresses ? Yes: Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, 1 Tim. vi. 1. Is it their duty to obey them } Yes : Servants be obedient to them that are yoor masters, Eph. vi. 6. And to be just and true to them > Yea: not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, Titus ii. 10. Ought they to be diligent in the duty of their place } Yes: not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart. Col. iii. 22. And to do it cheerfully } Yes : Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, and vrith good-will, doing service, Col. ill. 23. Eph. vi. 7. Ought they to be pa-tient under rebukes? Yes: not answering again. Tit. ii. 9. What, though they suffer unjustly ? Tes: Servants be subject not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, 1 Pet. ii. la And mast they have an eye to God in all ? Yes: As to the Lord, and not to men. Col. iii. 23.
8. Is it the duty of masters to be just to their servants? Yes: Masters give to your servants that which is just and equal. Col. iv. 1. And to be gentle towards them ? Yes: forbearing threatening, Eph. vi. 9. Should all masters of families worship God with their families ? Yes: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Josh. xxiv. 15. And ihoold they restrain sin in their families? Yes: Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacle, Job xxii. 23.
9. Is it the duty of wiyea to be respectful to their Imsbaads? Yes: Let the wife see that she reverence her hosband, Eph. y. 33. And to love them ? Yes: ^«y must love their husbands, and love their chil-"'cn, Tit ii. 4. Must they be submissive to their hus-"*n<i«? Yes: Wives submit yourselves to your own hosbands, as it is fit in the Lord, Col. iii. 18. Must ^7 be faithful and obedient to them ? Yes: they mvst be chaste, keepers at home, obedient to their own husbands. Tit. ii. 5. Must they receive instruction from them ? Yes: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, 1 Cor. xiv. 35. Must they be helpers to them in religion ? Yes: that they may be won by the conversation of the wives, 1 Pet. iii. 1.
10. Is it the duty of husbands to love their wives? Yes : Husbands love your wives, and be not bitter against them, Col. iii. 19. Must they love them dearly ? Yes: Let every one love his wife even as himself, Eph. v. 33. And delight in them ? Yes: rejoice with the wife of thy youth, Prov. v. 18, 19. And be tender of them ? Yes: G iving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, 1 Pet. iii. 7.
11. Is it the duty of husbands and vrives to be pleasing one to another? Yes: He that is married careth how to please his wife, and she that is married how to please her husband, 1 Cor. vii. 33, 34. Is it their duty to live in the fear of God, and to pray together? Yes: as heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. iii. 7. Should they promote the eternal salvation one of another ? Yes: What knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife ? 1 Cor. vii. 16.
12. Is it the duty of subjects to reverence their magistrates ? Yes: Fear God, honour the king, 1 Pet. ii. 17. And to obey them in the Lord ? Yes: we must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey magistrates. Tit iii. 1. And to be loyal to them ? Yes: for the powers that be are ordained of God, Rom. xiii. 1. Is it our duty to pray for magistrates ? Yes : for kings, and for all that are in authority, 1 Tim. ii. 2. And to pay them tribute? Yes: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, Rom. xiii. 7. Must we be peaceable under their government? Yes: that we under them may lead a quiet and peaceable life, 1 Tim. ii. 2. And all this conscientiously? Yes: Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake, Rom. xiii. 5. Ought magistrates to be as parents to their subjects ? Yes: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers, Isa. xlix. 23.
13. Is it the duty of people to love and respect their ministers? Yes: Know them which labour among you, and esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake, 1 Thess. v. 12,13. Ought they to submit to their instructions? Yes: Obey your guides, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, Heb. xiii. 7. And to provide for their comfortable subsistence? Yes: Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teach-eth, Gal. vi. 6. And ought ministers to be as spi-ritual fathers to their people ? Yes: We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1 Thess. ii. 11.
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14. Is it the daty of equals to be kind one to another? Yes: Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, Rom. xii. 10. And to be respectful one to another ? Yes: in honour preferring one another, Rom. xii. 10. And to be submissive one to another ? Yes: Yea, all of ye, be subject one to another, 1 Pet v. 6.
Q. 65. What is forbidden in thejifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.
1. Is it a sin for children to despise their parents? Yes: Cursed be he that sets light by his father or mother, Deut xxvii. 16. Or to disobey them ? Yes: the eye that mocks at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it, Prov. xxx. 17. Is it a sin for children prodigally to spend their parents'substance ? Yes: He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, Prov. xxix. 16. Or to geve their parents ? Yes: A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, Prov. X. I.
2. Is it a sin for inferiors to be rude and undutiful to their superiors ? Yes: For a child to behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, Isa. iii. 5. Is it a sin for superiors to be harsh and unkind to their inferiors ? Yes: Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged. Col. iii. 21.
3. Is it a sin to be vexatious to our relations? Yes: Her adversary provoked her to make her to fret, 1 Sam. i. 6. And to be quarrelsome with our relations ? Yes: Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen, for we be brethren. Gen. xiii. 8. And to be suspicious of our relations ? Yes: for charity thinketh no evil, 1 Cor. xiii. 4, 6.
Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to thejifth commandment t
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
1. Is there a gracious promise made to those that honour their parents ? Yes : it is the first commandment with promise, Eph. vi. 2. Is long life promised ? Yes: That thy days may be long in the land. Is outward prosperity promised ? Yes: That it may be well with thee, Eph. vi. 3. Are temporal blessings promised to good people ? Yes: Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, 1 Tim. iv. 8. And are they promised particularly to pious and dutiful children ? Yes: My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to tfaec Prov. iii. 1, 2.
2. Do all good children prosper in this worldl No: for all things come alike to all, Eccl. ix. X But are they most likely to prosper ? Yes: for humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, bonoui and life, Prov. xxii. 4. Shall they prosper as fi as is for Gods glory ? Yes: I will deliver thee, thou shalt glorify me, Ps. 1.15. And as far as i for their own good ? Yes: for we read of th whom God sent into captivity for their good, Jer< xxiv. 5. But shall good children live however in the heavenly Canaan ? Yes: there their inheritanca shall be for ever, Ps. xxxvii. 18. And are disobedient children often punished in this life ? Yes: as Absalom that was hanged in an oak, 2 Sam. xviii. 9. I
Q. 67. What is the sixth commandment ? A. The sixth commandment is. Thou shalt not kill.
1. Does the sixth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's life ? Yes: for the life is more than meat. Matt vi. 25. Has God a tender regard to the life of men ? Yes: for he giveth to all life and breath. Acts xvii. 25. Has he by this law made a hedge about life ? Yes: that men might not be like the fishes of the sea, Hab. i. 14.
2. Did there need this law? Yes: for men live in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, Tit iii. 3. Is it a part of the law of nature! Yes: for the barbarous people said of a murderer, that vengeance suffers him not to live. Acts xxviii. 4.
Q. 68. What is required in the sixth commmndntent ?
A. The sixth commandment requires all lawfal endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
1. Are we to take care of our own lives ? Yes: No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, Eph. v. 29. Must we endeavour the preservation of them ? Yes: Skin for skin, and all that a man hath will he give for his life, Job ii. 4. Are we to be careful of our diet? Yes: Hast thou found honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Prov. xxv. 16. Are we to use physic when wc need it ? Yes: Take a lump of figs and lay it upon the boil, Isa. xxxviii. 21. And are we to be cheerful ? Yes: for a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, Prov. xvii. 22.
2. But may we deny Christ to save our lives? No: he that so saveth his life shall lose it. Matt xvi. 25. May we commit any wilful sin to save our lives ? No: we must do no evil that good may come, Rom. iii. 8. But what we do for the preservation of our own lives, must it be with an eye to God's glory ? Yes: That I may live, and keep thy word, Ps. cxix. 17. Live and praise thee, v. 175.
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3b Are we to be compassionate even to the brute creatores? Yes: A rigbteons man regardeth the life of bis beast, Prov. xii. 10. Are we to be carefal of the lives of others as well as of oar own ? Yes: It was Cain that said. Am I my brother's keeper ? Greo. iv. 9. Are we to do what we can in oar places for the relief of those who are exposed to Tiolence ? Yes: We mast deliver them that are ready to be slain, Prov. xxiv. 11, 12. Mast we saccoar the distressed, like the good Samaritan? Yes: Go thon and do likewise. Lake x. 37.
4. Are we to sapport the lives of those who are in itraits ? Yes: The blessing of him that was ready tu perish came upon me. Job xxix. 13. Are we to be meek towards those that provoke as ? Yes: showing all meekness toward all men, Titas ill. 2. And are we to be merciful toward those who need as ? Yes: Pat on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, Col. iu. 12.
Q. 69. What it forbidden in the eixth commandment?
4. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of oor own life, or the life of our neighboar Qojastly, and whatsoever tends thereunto.
1. May we dispose of our own lives at oar plea-sore ? No: For sorely your blood of your lives will
1 require. Gen. ix. 5. Is it a sin in any case to kill oarselves ? Yes: Do thyself no harm, Acts xvi. 28. Is it an exceeding sinful sin ? Yes: it was the sin of Saul and Judas, 1 Sam. xxxi. 4. Matt, xxvii. 6. Is it a sin needlessly to expose our own lives ? Yes: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, Matt iv. 7. Bat must we not expose our lives to keep a good conscience? Yes: Neither count I my life dear onto me, so that I might finish my course with joy, Acts XX. 24.
2. Is drankenness a sin against oar own lives? Yes: Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drankenness, and so that day come upon yoa unawares, Luke xxi. 34. Is an-cleanness so? Yes: He that commits fornication, Kios against his own body, 1 Cor. vi. 18. Is immoderate care and grief a sin against our own lives ? Tes: for the sorrow of the world worketh death,
2 Cor. vii. 10.
3. Is it lawful for the magistrate to take away the life of a malefactor ? Yes: for he bears not the sword in vain, Rom. xiii. 4. May soldiers kill in a lawfa! war? Yes: Cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood, Jer. xlviii. 10. But is wilful marder a great sin ? Yes: The voice of my brother's biood cries. Gen. iv. 10. Is it an iniquity to be pnnished by the judge ? Yes: Whoso sheds man's htood, by man shall his blood be shed. Gen. ix. 6. And ought Uie murderer to be put to death ? Yes: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him, Prov. xxvin. 17.
4. Is murder a great affront to God ? Yes: for in the image of God made he man. Gen. ix. 6. Does it make men like the devil? Yes: for he was a murderer from the beginning, John viii. 44. Is it of dangerous consequence to the murderer ? Yes: for no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 John iii. 15. Ought we therefore to pray that God would keep us from it? Yes: Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God of my salvation, Ps. li. 14.
6. Is malice heart-murder? Yes: he that hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John iii. 15. Is rash anger a breach of this commandment ? Yes: But I say unto you. Whosoever is angry with his brother without cause, shall be in danger of the judgment. Matt. V. 22. Is giving foul language a breach of this commandment? Yes: Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matt. v. 22. Is revenge a breach of this commandment ? Yes: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, Rom. xii. 19.
Q. 70. What is the seventh commandment ? A. The seventh commandment Is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Does this commandment concern our own and our neighbour's chastity ? Yes: for this is the will of God, even our sanctification, 1 Thess. iv. 3. Is it needful there should be such a commandment? Yes: for since all are gone aside, they are all become filthy, Ps. xiv. 3. Is it agreeable to the light of nature ? Yes: for Abimelech called adultery a great sin, Gen. xx. 9. And is this command for the public good of mankind ? Yes: for whoredom and wine take away the heart, Hos iv. 11.
Q. 71. What is required in the ieveiUh command ment?
A. The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.
1. Is it our duty to keep our bodies pure from all fleshly lusts ? Yes: we must possess our vessel in sanctification and honour, and not in the lust of concupiscence, 1 Thess. iv. 4. Are we to present our bodies to God ? Yes: Present your bodies unto God a living sacrifice, Rom. xii. 1. Are we to glorify him with them? Yes: Glorify God with your bodies, 1 Cor. vi. 20. Are we to use them for him ? Yes: For your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, I Cor. vi. 19. And to employ them in his service ? Yes: Yield your members as instruments of righteousness unto God, Rom. vi. 13. May they then be used in the service of our lusts? No: for if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, 1 Cor. iii. 17.
2. Ought we to preserve our chastity in heart? Yes: that we may be holy both in body and spirit, 1 Cor. vii. 34. And must we keep out all unclean
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thoughts and desires ? Yes: we must flee youthful lustSy 2 Tim. ii. 22. And is that the way to prevent the acts of uncleanness ? Yes: for when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin, James i. 15.
3. Ought we to preserve our chastity in speech ? Yes: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, Col. iv. 6. Is it the character of good people to be modest ? Yes: I will turn to the people a pure language, Zeph. iii. 9.
4. Ought we to preserve our chastity in behaviour ? Yes: we must have a chaste conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. iii. 2. And in our clothing? Yes: Women must adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, 1 Tim. ii. 9. Must we abstain from all appearances of uncleanness ? Yes: hating even the garment spotted with the flesh, Jude 23. And from all approaches to it? Yes: Come not nigh the door of her house, Prov. v. 8.
5. Must we resolve against wanton looks ? Yes: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid } Job xxxi. 1. Must we always keep our bodies in soberness and chastity ? Yes: we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. vii. 1. And must we crucify all the lusts of the flesh 7 Yes: They that are Chrisf s have crucified the flesh, Gal. v. 24. Must the body be subdued? Yes: I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, 1 Cor. ix. 27. And must its sinful desires be denied ? Yes: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee, Matt. V. 29.
Q. 72. What isforliddtn in the seventh c&mmtmdment? A. The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
1. Is adultery a very great sin ? Yes: How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God ? Gen. xxix. 9. Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge ? Yes: The adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death, Lev. xx. 10. Is fornication a very great sin? Yes: Fornication, and all uncleanness, let it not be once named among you, Eph. v. 3. Will these sins certainly shut men out of heaven, if they be not repented of, and forsaken ? Yes: for fornicators and adulterers shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. vi. 10.
2. Are unclean thoughts sins ? Yes: for whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt. V. 28. Are unclean reflections sins ? Yes: for some multiply their whoredoms by calling to remembrance the days of their youth, Ezek. xxiii. 19. Are unclean desires sins ? Yes: inordinate affection, and evil concupiscence, are to be mortified in us. Col. iii. 5. And must all fleshly lusts be shunned ? Yes: Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers, and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, 1 Pet. ii. 11.
3. Are unclean words sin ? Yes: for there ntnst; be neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor Jesting Eph. V. 4. Must we therefore take heed of speaking any filthy words ? Yes: Let no corrupt commani* cation proceed out of your month, Eph. iv. 29. May we take delight in hearing filthy talk? No: for evil communications corrupt good manners, i Cor. XV. 33.
4. Are all unchaste actions forbidden in this commandment ? Yes: not only adultery and fornication, but uncleanness and lascivionsnesa, (Gal. t. 19.) chambering and wantonness, Rom. xliL 13. Are the occasions of uncleanness here forbidden ? Yes: Have no fellowship with the unfmitfal 'works of darkness, Eph. v. 11.
5. Is all uncleanness provoking to €rod ? Yes : For I the Lord am holy. Lev. xx. 26. Is it against our bodies ? Yes: for the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, 1 Cor. vi. 13. Is it a wrong-to our souls ? Yes : for fleshly lusts war afnst the soul, 1 Pet. ii. 11. Is it wounding to conscience ? Yes: I find more bitter than death the woman ^whose heart is snares and nets, Eccl. vii. 26.
6. Are idleness and gluttony occasions of nncleanness, and forbidden in this commandment ? Yes: for this was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fnlness of bread, and abundance of idleness, Ezek. XTi. 49. And is drunkenness also a sin of dangerous consequence ? Yes: for drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. vi. 10.
Q. 73. What is the eighth comnuindment ? A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
1. Does the eighth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate? Yes: for the earth God has given to the children of men, Ps. cxv. 16. Is it necessary there shoald be such a command ? Yes: for every brother will utterly supplant, Jer. ix. 4^
2. Is robbing God the worst theft ? Yes: Will a man rob God ? Yet ye have robbed me, Mai. iii. 8, 9. And is justice to God the highest justice ? Yes : Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. xxii. 21.
Q. 74. What is required in the eighth conunand-ment?
A. The eighth commandment requires all lavrfol procuring and furthering our own and oar neighbour's wealth and outwud estate.
1. Is religion a friend to outward prosperity? Yes: for in wisdom's left hand are riches and honour, Prov. iii. 16. Does it teach us to be diligent in our callings? Yes: Be thou diligent to knowr the state of thy flocks, Prov. xxvii. 23. And to keep close to them ? Yes: Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, 1 Thess. iv. 11. And is that the
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911 vaj to thrive ? Yes: for the hand of the diligent naketh rich, ProY. x. 4. I>oes reiigioD teach os to be prndent in oar affairs? Tea: the good man vill guide his affairs i4lh discretion, Ps. cxii. 5. And is that the way to thrive ? Yes: for through visdom is a house buildcd, Prov. xxiv. 3.
2. Must we serve God with our worldly estate? Yes: Honour the Lord with thy substance, Prov. iii. 9, And is that the way to thrive ? Yes: So shall thy harn be filled with plenty, v. 10. Must we cheerfully ase our estates ? Yes: For I know no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in bu life, Ecci. iii. 12. And must we cheerfully serve God with them ? Yes: we must serve the Lord oar God with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abondance of all things. Dent, xxviii. 47.
3. Most we be just to all we deal with? Yes: Render therefore to all their due, Rom xiii. 7. And must we give every body their own ? Yes: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another, Kom. xiii. 8. Must we be true to every trust reposed in us? Yes; as the workmen who dealt faithfully, 2 Kings xii. 15. And is honesty the best policy ? Yes: for a little that a righteous man bath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Ps. xxxvii. 16. And shall we have the comfort of it in this world ? Yes: He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, that despiseth the gain of oppression, and ahaketh his hands from holding of bribes, he shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be in the munitions of rocks, bread shall be pten him, and his waters shall be sure, Isa. xxxiii. 15,16. If therefore we have done any wrong, must ve make restitution? Yes: Zaccheus stood and said, Iff have wronged any man, I restore him fourfold, Luke xix. 8.
4. Most we concern ourselves for the welfare of others? Yes: Look not every one on his own things, bot every one also on the things of others, Phil. ii. 4. And must we do all we can to promote the welfare of others? Yes: If thy brother's ox or w go astray, thou shalt bring them back, Deut. xxii. 1.
5. Mast we relieve the poor according to our abi-Hty? Yes: Ifthy brother be waxen poor, and fallen into decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, IT. xzv. 35. Must we be forward to relieve the poor? Yes: We must be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. vi. 18. Is that the way to thrive in this world? Yes: for he that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord, and that which be hath given will he pay him again, Prov. xix. 17. And shall it be repayed in the other world ? Yes: Thon shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just, Luke xiv. 14. And must we make this use of what we have in the world ? Yes: we must labour that we may have to give to him that needeth, Epb. iv. 28.
Q. 75. What is forbidden in ike eighth command' ment f
A. The eighth commandment forbids whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth, and outward estate.
1. May we do what we will with our own estates ? No : for we are but stewards of the manifold grace of God, 1 Pet. iv. 10. Is it a sin then to waste our estates in prodigality ? Yes: for the drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty, Prov. xxiii. 31. Is luxury the way to beggary ? Yes: he that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man, Prov. xxi. 17. Is slotbfulness a robbing of ourselves? Yes: for he that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster, Prov. xviii. 9. And is that the way to poverty ? Yes: for drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags, Prov. xxiii. 21.
2. Is keeping idle company the way to poverty ? Yes: for he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough, Prov. xxviii. 19. Is fraud and injustice the way to poverty ? Yes: for wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, Prov. xiii. 11. Can any expect to prosper in a way of unjust gn ? No: for he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool, Jer. xvii. 11. Do men rob themselves and their families by foolishness in their affairs ? Yes: for every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Prov. xiv. 1. And by rash suretyship? Yes: for he that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, Prov. xi. 15.
3. Is it a sin to rob ourselves of the comfort of that which God has given us ? Yes: if a man hath not power to eat of it, it is vanity, and an evil disease, Eccl. ri. 2. And is it a sin to deny it to our relations ? Yes: if any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. v. 8.
4. Is it a great sin to steal from any body ? Yes: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off, Zech. r. 3. Is it a great sin for children to steal from their parents? Yes: Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith it is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer, Prov. xxviiL 24. And for the rich to oppress.the poor ? Yes: Rob not the poor, because he is poor, Prov. xxii. 22. Will you therefore keep your hands from picking and stealing ? Yes: because of the fear of God, Neb. v. 15. Most those who have used themselves to it break it off? Yes: Let him that stole steal no more, Eph. iv. 28. Must poor people especially watch and pray against this temptation ? Yes: Lest I be poor, and steal, Prov. xxx. 9.
5. Is it a sin to cheat any body in a bargain? Yes: Let no man go beyond or defraud his brother in any matter, 1 Thess. iv. 6. Is it a sin to use false weights
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and measures ? Yes: A false balance is abomination to the Lord, ProY. xi. 1. Is it a sin to gve assistance or coantenance to any frand? Yes: Wboso is partner with a thief hateth his own sonl, ProY. xxix. 24.
6. Is it a sin to deny relief to the poor ? Yes: Wboso hath this world's goods, and seeth bis brother have need, and sbntteth np the bowels of his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in that man ? 1 John iii. 17. Is it a sin to deny the payment of a jast debt ? Yes: for the wicked bor-rowetb, and payeth not again. Ps. xxxvii. 21. Or withhold wages that is dne } Yes: the hire of the labonrers kept back by frand crieth, James ▼. 4. And is the love of money the cause of all these sins ? Yes: the love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. vi. 10.
Q. 76. What u the ninth eomnumdment f A. The ninth commandment is. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
1. Does this commandment concern our own and our neighbour's good name } Yes: for a good name is better than precious ointment, Eccl. vii. 1. Is there need of this commandment ? Yes: for every neighbour will walk with slanders, Jer. ix. 4.
Q. 77. What is required in the ninth commandment ?
A. The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.
1. Is it our duty to govern our tongues ? Yes: I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue, Ps. xxxix. 1. Is he a good Christian that does not ? No : for if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man's religion is vain, James i. 26. Must we therefore pray to God to keep us from tongie-sins ? Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, Ps. cxli. 3.
2. Is it our duty to speak truth ? Yes: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, Zech. viii. 16. Is there good reason for it ? Yes: for we are members one of another, Eph. iv. 25. And is this the character of a good man ? Yes: that be speaketh the truth in his heart, Ps. xv. 2. Are all truths to be spoken at all times } No: for there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Eccl. iii. 7. But may an untruth be spoken at any time ? No: for God's people are children that will not lie, Isa. Ixiii. 8.
3. Is it our duty, especially in witness-bearing, to speak truth? Yes: for a faithful witness will not lie, Prov. xiv. 6. And the whole truth ? Yes: Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him, 1 Sam. iii. 18. And nothing but the truth ? Yc5: for a lying tongue is but for a moment, Prov. xii. 19.
4. Is it our duty to strive to have a good name with God ? Yes: for not he that commendeth him-self is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. X. 16. And shoul<Dwe endeavour to have a good name with good people } Yes: Let those that fear thee turn unto me, Ps. cxix. 79. And if possible a good name with all people ? Yes: Demetrius hath a good report of all men, 3 John 12. Must we abound in those things that are of good report ? Yes: if there be any virtue, if tiiere be any praise, think on those things, Phil. iv. 8.
5. In order to our getting a good name, must we live by faith ? Yes: for by it the elders obtained a good report, Heb. xi. 2. Must we walk wisely Yes: for a man's wisdom makes his face to shioc, Eccl. viii. 1. Must we do justly ? Yes: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1 Pet ii. 12. And be humble ? Yes : for before honour is humility, Prov. xviii. 12. And must we abound in good works ? Yes: Let your light so shine before men. Matt. v. 16. But can good people expect to have every one's good word } No: Woe anto you when all men speak well of you, Luke vi. 26. May we hazard a good conscience to preserve our reputation ? No: for our praise is not of men, but of God, Rom. ii. 29.
6. Ought we to be very tender of the good names ^ of others? Yes: we must honour all men, 1 Pet.ii.
17. Must we give them the praise of that in them which is good ? Yes: We also bear record, 3 John 12. But may we flatter them? No: he that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail. Job xvii. 6. Must we charitably conceal their faults? Yes: for charity covers a multitude of sins, 1 Pet. iv. 8. Must we discourage slandering and censoriousness ? Yes: We must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue, Prov. xxv. 23.
Q. 78. What i* forbidden in the ninth eammand-ment?
A. The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.
1. Is lying a great sin ? Yes: Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man. Col. iii. 9. Is it a sin that God hates ? Yes: lying lips are abomination to the Lord, Prov. xii. 22. And is it a sin that all good men hate ? Yes: I hate and abhor lying, Ps. cxix. 163. Does it make men like the devil ? Yes: for he is a liar, and the father of it, John viii. 44. And will it bring them to hell ? Yes: for all liars shall have their part in the lake that bums witli fire and brimstone. Rev. xxi. 8.
2. Is it lawful to tell a lie to make sport ? No: for as a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is he that deceiveth his neighbour, and saitb, Am not I in sport? Prov. xxvi. 18, 19. Is it
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913 lawful to tell a lie to excuse a fault ? No: for 6e-hazi for doing so bad a leprosy entailed on bim and his seed for ever, 2 Kings v. 27. May we tell a lie with intention to do good ? No: We must not do evil, that good may come, Rom. iii. 8. Will what is ^ot by lying do us any good ? No: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is vanity, tossed to and fro of them that seek death, Prov. xxi. 6. Should we therefore pray against this sin ? Yes: Remove from me the way of lying, Ps. cxix. 29.
a. Is it a sin to belie ourselves ? Yes: As there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath (p-eat riches, Prov. xiii. 7. May we be careless of our own good name? No: If I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like unto you, John viii. 65.
4. Is it a sin to belie our neighbour ? Yes: They laid to my charge things that I know not, Ps. xxxv. U. Is it folly? Yes: He that uttereth slander is a fool, Prov. x. 18. Is it a sin to speak evil of any ? Yes: Pot them in mind to speak evil of no man, Tit. iii. 1, 2. And to be censorious of our brethren ? Yes: Judge not, that ye be not judged, Matt. vii. 1. Is it a great offence to God to do this ? Yes: He that speaks evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judgeth the law, James iv. 11. I>oe8 it make us like the devil ? Yes: for he is the accuser of the brethren, Rev. xii. 10.
5. Is it a sin to raise a false report ? Yes: Thou shalt not raise a false report, Exod. xxiii. 1. And a sin to spread it ? Yes: Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer. Lev. xix. 16. May we proclaim our brethren's faults ? No: for charity rejoic-eth not in iniquity, 1 Cor. xiii. 6. Is it a sin to speak ill of magistrates ? Yes: Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. Acts xxiii. 5. Is it a sin to be abusive to the poor ? Yes: for he that mock-eth the poor, reproacheth his Maker, Prov. xvii. 5. May we speak ill of those who speak ill of us ? No: We most not render railing for railing, 1 Pet. iii. 9.
Q. 79. What is the tenth commandment ?
A. The tenth commandment is. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
1. Does this commandment lay a restraint upon the heart ? Yes : for the law is spiritual, Rom. vii. 14. Does the heart need this restraint ? Yes: for the inward part is very wickedness, Ps. v. 9. Does the light of nature discover this ? No: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. vii. 7.
2. Are we forbidden to covet another man*s house ? Yes: As they that covet houses and take them away, Mic. ii. 2. Or another man's wife ? Yes: for her faasband is to her a covering of the eyes, Gen. xx.
IG. Or another man's goods?* Yes: I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Acts xx. 33.
Q. 80. What is reqvired in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requires a full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.
1. Has God the disposal of our outward condition ? Yes: My times are in thy hand, Ps. xxxi. 16. And does he order all events concerning us ? Yes: he performeth the thing that is appointed for us, Job xxiii. 14. Ought we therefore to be content with our condition ? Yes: Be content with such things as you have, Heb. xiii. v. Ought we to be content in every condition? Yes: I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. iv.
11. Most we be content with a little ? Yes: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. vi. 8.
2. Can we expect that our condition should be in every thing brought to our mind ? No: for all is vanity, Eccl. i. 14. Is it therefore our wisdom to bring our mind to our condition ? Yes: I know bow to be abased, and I know how to abound, Phil. iv.
12. Is any thing got by this? Yes: Godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim. vi. 6. And is this the way to be easy ? Yes: In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke xxi. 19.
3. Is that best which is ? Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. iii. 18. Must we therefore make the best of it ? Yes: for wherefore sthoold a living man complain ? Lam. iii. 39. And must we acknowledge it is better than we deserve ? Yes: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. Gen. xxxii. 10.
4. Ought we to desire the welfare of our neighbours ? Yes : Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth, 1 Cor. x. 24. And to pray for it? Yes: Supplications and prayers must be made for all men, 1 Tim. ii. 1. And to be well-pleased with it ? Yes: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, Rom. xii. 15. And to lay to heart our neighbour's troubles? Yes: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, Heb. xiii. 3. And is this a charitable frame of spirit? Yes: for charity suffers long, and is kind, 1 Cor. xiii. 4.
Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commonfl-ment y
A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate desires and affections to any thing that is his.
1. Is it a sin to fret at the disposals of God's providence ? Yes: for shall we receive good of the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil also? Job ii. 10. Is it a sin to quarrel with them ? Yes:
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for they that mnrmanBd were destroyed of the destroyer, 1 Cor. X. 10. Is it an evil thing to undervalue the mercies we have ? Yes: as the Israelites that said. There is nothing besides this fiui Nfifl,Numh. xi. 6. And to aggravate the afl9ictions we are under ? Yes: as they that said, We die, we perish, we all perish. Numb. xvii. 12. May we in any thing be discontented ? No : for we must in every thing give thanks. 1 Thess. v. 18.
2. Is it a sin against this commandment to envy our neighbour's welfare ? Yes: for chanty envieth not, 1 Cor. xiii. 4. Is envy an offence to God? Yes : for is our eye evil because his is good ? Matt. XX. 16. Is it hurtful to ourselves ? Yes: for envy is the rottenness of the bones, Prov. xiv. 30. Is it the cause of much mischief? Yes: for where envy IS, there is confusion, and every evil work, James iii. 16. Is it a sin to be pleased with our neighbour's hurt or loss ? Yes: he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished, Prov. xvii. 5.
3. Is it a sin to desire to sin ? Yes: Lust not after evil things, as they also lusted, I Cor. x. 6. Does all sin begin in the lustings of the heart ? Yes: for lust, when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin, James i. 15. Is it a sin to desire any temporal good inordinately ? Yes: as Rachel, that said, Give me children, or else I die. Gen. xxx. 1. And is it a sin to lust after the delights of sense ? Yes: as the Israelites who wept again, saying, Who will give us flesh to eat ? Numb. xi. 4. Must we therefore suppress all sinful desires ^ Yes: and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, Rom. xiii. 14.
4. Is it a sin to set our hearts upon worldly wealth ? Yes: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world, 1 John ii. 15. Is covetousness an oifence to God? Yes: for it is idolatry. Col. iii.5. Will it be a vexation to ourselves? Yes: for he that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, Eccl. V. 10. Will it be a vexation to our families ? Yes: for he that is greedy of gain troubles his own house, Prov. XV. 27.
And injurious to our neighbour? Yes: for they that lay house to house, and field to field, would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, Isa. ▼. 8. Is covetousness the cause of much sin? Yes: for they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, 1 Tim. vi. 9. Must we therefore watch against it ? Yes: Take heed, and beware of covetousness, Luke xii. 15. And must we abstain from all the practices of it? Yes: Let your conversation be without covetousness, Heb. xiii. 5. And must we pray earnestly against it ? Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, Ps. cxix. 36.
Q. 82. /i any man able in this life perfectly to keep the eommandments of God ? A. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep, the commandments of God, but does daily break them in thought, word, or deed.
1. Are any in this world perfectly free from sin ? No: for there is no man tliat sinneth not, 2 Cfaron. vi. 36. Was Christ, who was not a mere man, perfect? Yes: he knew no sin, 2 Cor. v. 21. Was Adam before the fall perfect ? Yes: for God made man upright, Eccl. vii. 29. Are the saints in the other life perfect? Yes: the glorious church is without spot or wrinkle, Eph. v. 27. But is any mere man since the fall in this life perfect ? No: for there is not a just man upon earUi, that doeth good, and sinneth not, Eccl. vii. 20.
2. Are self-justitiers self-deceivers? Yes: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 1 John i. 8. And do they put a great affront upon God ? Yes: for if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, 1 John i. 10.
3. Are not we able to keep God's oonunandments better than we do ? Yes: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Job xxxiv. 32. But are we able perfectly to keep them? No: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. vii. 21. Though Noah was said to be perfect, yet did not he sin? Yes: for he drank of the wine, and was drunk. Gen. ix. 21. And Job ? Yes: for he cursed his day, Job iii. 1. And Hesekiah ? Yes : for his heart was lifted up, 2 Chron. xxxii. 25. Was St. Paul himself perfect 7 No: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, Phil. 111. 12.
4. Do we sin daily? Yes: in many things we offend all. Jam. iii* 2. Bo we daily sin inthought? Yes: for, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen. viii. 21. Are we guilty of many tongue-sins ? Yea: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, Prov. x. 19. Are the best guilty of many defects ? Yes: for when the spirit is willing the flesh is weak. Matt xxvi. 41. And of many inadvertencies ? Yes: They are overtaken in a fault. Gal. vi. 1. Can we tell how often we offend ? No: who can understand his errors ? Ps. xix. 13. Should we not therefore have recourse to Christ daily by faith and repentance ? Yes: If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 1 John ii. 1.
Q. 83. Are all tranegreteione of tke law equally heinous ?
A. Some sins in themselves, and, by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
1. Is every sin done in Gods sight? Yes: I did this evil in thy sight, Ps. Ii. 4. Is it heinous in God's sight ? Yes: for he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Hab. i. 13. But is every sin alike heinous ? No: He that delivered me unto thee hath
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Uld the greater sin, John xix. 11. Are some sins in themselves more heinous than others ? Yes: If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him ? 1 Sam. ii. 25. Are presumptuous sins more heinous than others ? Yes: the soul that doeth aught pre-samptnously, that soul reproacheth the Lord, Numb. XV. 90. Was ever any sin so heinous as not to be forgiven ? Yes: the Pharisees' blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was so, Matt. xii. 32.
2. Are sins against knowledge aggravated sins ? Tes: that servant that knew his Lord's will, and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes, Luke xii. 47. And sins against mercies ? Yes: Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people, and unwise ? Deut. xxxii. 6. Especially against spiritual mercies? Yes: As Solomon, who turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings xi. 9. Are sins against reproof aggravated sins? Yes: He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, Prov. xxix, 1. And sins against our vows and covenants ? Yes: Thou saidst, I will not transgress, Jer. ii. *20.
3. Are the sins of great professors aggravated sins? Yes: for the name of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. ii. 24. And the sins of ministers ? Yes : Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thoa steal ? Rom. ii. 21. May the place be an aggravation of the sin ? Yes: They provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea, Ps. cvi. 7. And the time ? Yes: They tamed aside quickly, Exod. xxxii. 8.
4. Is it an aggravation of sin, if it be done with contrivance ? Yes: Woe to them that devise iniquity, Mic. ii. 1. And if it be done with delight? Yes: They rejoice to do evil, Prov. ii. 14. And without blushing? Yes: They declare their sin as Sodom, Isa. iii. 9. And if it be boasted of? Yes: Whose glory is in their shame, Phil. iii. 19. And if it be often repeated ? Yes: They have tempted me oow these ten times, Num. xiv. 22. Should we take notice of these aggravations in our confessions? Yes: Aaron shall confess the iniquity of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, Lev. xvi. 21.
Q. 84. What does every nn deserve ? A. Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
1. Does sin provoke God? Yes: Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly, Hos. xii. 14. Does it deserve his wrath ? Yes: According to their deserts will I judge them, Ezek. viL 27. Does that wrath rest upon impenitent sinners? Yes: The wrath of God abideth on them, John iii. 30. And is it just it should ? Yes: For when God renders to every man according to his work, he renders indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, to every soal of man that doeth evil, Rom. ii. 6, 8.
2. Does sin deserve God's curse ? Yes: Cursed
3 N 2 is every one that continues not in all things written in the book of the law to do them, Gal. iii. 10. Can any avoid that curse ? No: For all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. Dent, xxviii. 15. Can a man bear up under that curse ? No: for it shall come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones, Ps. cix. 18. Can a man fortify himself against that curse ? No : for it shall consume the house, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof, Zecb. v. 4.
3. Does sin deserve God's wrath and curse in this life ? Yes: for these things' sake cometh the wratli of God upon the children of disobedience, Col. iii. 6. And in the life to come ? Yes: for wrath is treasured up against the day of wrath, Rom. ii. 5. Does every sin deserve God's wrath ? Yes: for the wages of sin is death, Rom. vi. 23. Is any sin venial in its own nature ? No: for the blood of Christ is that which must cleanse from all sin, 1 John i. 7. Does your sin deserve this wrath and curse ? Y'es: If I be wicked, woe to me. Job x. 15.
Q. 85. What does God require ofust that ive may escape the wrath and curse due to us for sin ?
A. To escape the wrath and anger of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with a diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
1. Is the wrath and curse of God due to ns for sin ? Yes: we are by nature children of wrath, Eph. ii. 3. Has God provided a way of escape from that wrath ? Yes: I have found a ransom, Job xxxiii. 24. Does the gospel show us that way ? Yes: He shall tell the words whereby thou mayest bo saved. Acts xi. 14. Is it through Christ that we may escape this wrath? Yes: It is Jesus that delivereth us from the wrath to come, 1 Thess. i. 10. Is any thing to be done by us in order to our escape ? Yes: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in yon, Phil. ii. 12, 13.
2. Are we concerned to inquire what is to be done by us in order to our escape ? Yes: Wherewithal shall I come before the Lord? Mic. vi. 6. Will a convinced conscience put us upon this inquiry? Yes: When they were pricked to the heart they said, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts ii. 37. Must we be serious and solicitous in this inquiry? Yes : as the gaoler that came trembling and said. Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? Acts xvi. 30. Must we be speedy in this inquiry? Yes: The morning cometh, and also the night, if ye will inquire, inquire ye, Isa. xxi. 12. Must we make this inquiry with resolution ? Yes: They shall ask their way to Sion with their faces thitherward, Jer. 1. 5. Must we apply ourselves to Christ with this inquiry ? Yes : Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life ? Matt. xix. 16.
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3. Is that which is to be done by ua for our salvation required of us ? Yes: This is his commandment, That we believe, 1 John iii. 23. And are we called upon to do it ? Yes: Turn ye, turn ye; why will ye die, O house of Israel ? Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
4. Is faith in Jesus Christ required that we may escape this wrath ? Yes: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, Acts xvi. 31. Is repentance required? Yes: Repent, and be converted, that our sins may be blotted. Acts iii. 19. Did our Lord Jesus preach these as tlie two geat commandments of the gospel ? Yes: The kingdom of God is at hand ; repent ye, and believe the gospel, Mark i. 15. Did the apostles preach them? Yes: testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts xx. 21. And is it required that we diligently use the means of grace? Yes : Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt, xxviii. 20.
Q. 86. What it faith in Jesut Christ ?
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving gce, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
1. Arc we to believe in Jesus Christ? Yes: Ye believe in God, believe also in me, John xiv. 1. Is Christ in the word the object of our faith ? Yes: For the word is nigh thee, Rom. x. 8. Is faith in Christ a grace ? Yes: it is not of ourselves it is the gift of God, Eph. ii. 8. Is it free gprace ? Yes: To you it is given on the behalf of Christ to believe in him, Phil. i. 29. Is it a saving grace ? Yes: for we believe to the saving of the soul, Heb. x. 39. Is it that by which we live ? Yes: The just shall live by his faith, Rom. i. 17. Is unbelief the great damning sin ? Yes: They could not enter in because of unbelief, Heb. iii. 19.
2. Do we by faith assent to gospel trnths ? Yes: He that has received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true, John iii. 33. Do we by faith consent to gospel terms ? Yes: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. Matt xi. 29. Must both these go together? Yes: He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshipped him, John ix. 38. Is there good reason for both ? Yes: for it is both a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 1 Tim. i. 15.
3. Is this receiving Christ ? Yes: Ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, Col. ii. 6. Is it applying the righteousness of Christ to ourselves? Yes: Who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. And consenting to it ? Yes: We have now received the atonement, Rom. v. 11. Must we receive Christ to rule as as well as to save us ? Yes: For him hath God exalted to be both a Prince and a Saviour, Acts v. 31. And is it enough only to receive him ? No: as we have received him, so we must walk in him. Col. ii. 6.
4. Do we by faith rest on Christ alone for salvation ? Yes: in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Matt. xii. 21. And rely on his righteousness ? Yes: That I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, Phil, iii. 9. And do we rejoice in him ? Yes: for we are the circumcision that rejoice in Christ Jesus, Phil. 111. 3.
5. Will faith in Christ produce good affections ? Yes: for it works by love. Gal. v. 6. Will it purify the heart? Yes: Purifying their hearts bj faith, Acts XV. 9. Will it overcome the world? Yes: This is the victory, overcoming the world, even your faith, 1 John v. 4. Will it resist the temptations of Satan ? Yes: the shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked, Eph. vi. 16. Does it exert itself in obedience ? Yes: for the gospel is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith, Rom. xvi. 26. And does it subject the soul to the grace and government of the Lord Jesus ? Yes: My Lord, and my God, John xx. 28.
Q. 87. What is repentance vnto life ?
A. Repentance unto life is a saving gce, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it onto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.
1. Is true repentance, repentance unto life ? Yes: God hath to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life, Acts xi. 18. Is it a grace? Yes: If God per adventure will give them repentance, 2 Tim. ii. 25. Is it a saving grace ? Yes: godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, 2 Cor. vii. 10.
2. Is repentance required of every one of us ? Yes: God commandeth all men every where to repent. Acts xvii. 30. Is it necessary to our pardon ? Yes: for repentance and remission of sins are preached to all nations, Luke xxiv. 47. Is it given to qualify us for pardon ? Yes: God hath exalted his Son Christ Jesus, to give repentance and remission of sins, Acts v. 31. Can we be saved without it? No: Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish, Luke xiii. 3.
3. Is it necessary to repentance, that there be a sense of sin ? Yes: Cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, Ezek. xvi. 2. Must there be an acknowledgment of sin? Yes: I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me, Ps. Ii. 3. Must we acknowledge the fact of sin ? Yes: Thus and thus have I done, Josh. vii. 20. And the fault? Yes: I have done this evil in thy sight, Ps. Ii. 4. And the folly of it ? Yes: O God, thou know-est my foolishness, Ps. Ixix. 5. Must we acknowledge the original of sin? Yes: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, Ps. Ii. 5. Must we acknowledge
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917 ourselves odious to God's holiness because of sin ? Yes: Behold I am vile, Job xl. 4. And obnoxious to his justice ? Yes: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand, Ps. cxxx. 3.
4. Must there be an apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ ? Yes: There is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared, Ps. cxxx. 4. Must that Invite us to repent ? Yes: The goodness of God Icadcth thee to repentance, Rom. ii. 4. Is that evangelical repentance which tlows from a hope of that mercy? Yes: Repent, for Uie kingdom of heaven is at hand, Matt. iii. 2. Can there be true repentance where there is a despair of mercy ? No: Thou saidst there is hope; no, I have loved strangers, and after them will I go, Jer. ii. 25. Have we reason to hope for that mercy ? Yes: Turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy, Isa. Iv. 7.
5. Must there be contrition for sin ? Yes: When they heard this, they were pricked to the heart. Acts ii. 37. Must we turn from sin ? Yes : Every one iDoomiog for his iniquities, Ezek. vii. 16. Most we mourn greatly for sin ? Yes: Peter went out and wept bitterly. Matt. xxvi. 75. Must we mourn after a godly sort? Yes: Ye sorrowed according to God, 2 Cor. Tii. 9. marg. Must we mourn for sin with an eye to Christ ? Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. xii. 10.
6. Must we hate sin ? Yes: I hate every false way. Ps. cxix. 128. Must we loathe ourselves because of sin ? Yes: I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job xlii. 6. Must we be ashamed of ourselves before God ? Yes: I am ashamed, and hi ash to lift up my face to thee, my God, Ezra ix. 6. And must we bumble ourselves greatly in his presence ? Yes: as the publican that stood afar off, and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven. Lake xviii. 13.
7. Must we confess our sins ? Yes: for he that covers his sins shall not prosper, Prov. xxviii. 13. And must we aggravate them ? Yes: I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Luke xv. 18. And most we judge ourselves because of them ? Yes: If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, 1 Cor. xi. 31. And must we cry earnestly to God for pardon m the blood of Christ? Yes: God he merciful to me a sinner, Luke xviii. 13.
8. Must we turn from sin ? Yes: Repent, and turn joorsclves from all your transgressions, Ezek. xviii. 30. From our own sin ? Yes: Return ye now everyone from his evil way, Jer. xviii. 11. And mast we turn to God ? Yes: If thou wilt return, O Israel, return unto me, Jer. iv. 1. Are backsliders io Tited to return ? Yes: Return, ye backsliding children, Jer. iii. 22. And should they accept the invitation ? Yes: Behold, we come unto thee, for thon art the Lord, our Lord, Jer. iii. 22.
9. In repentance must there be a change of the mind ? Yes: Make ye a new heart, Esek. xviii. 31.
Must there be a change of the way ? Yes: Cease to do evil, learn to do well, Isa. i. 16, 17. Must there be a full resolution against all sin ? Yes: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols ? Hos. xiv. 8. And a full resolution of new obedience: Yes: The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. Josh. xxiv. 24. And must we be serious in our endeavours accordingly ? Yes: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, Matt. iii. 8.
Q. 88. What are the outward meant whereby Christ eommtinieates to us the benefits of redemption ?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
1. Does Christ communicate the benefits of redemption? Yes: for of his fulness have all we received, John i. 16. Does he ordinarily communicate them by means? Yes: I will for this be inquired of, Ezek. xxxvi. 37. Is he tied to those means? No: for the Spirit, as the wind, bloweth where he listeth, John iii. 8. But are we tied to the use of them ? Yes: Where I record my name, I will come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. xx. 24. Are the ordinances the outward and ordinary means of grace ? Yes: I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them, Ezek. xxxvii. 28.
2. Are the word, sacraments, and prayer, the great gospel ordinances? Yes: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking bread, and in prayers. Acts ii. 41, 42. Is singing of psalms also a gospel ordinance ? Yes : Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, Eph. v. 19. Is it appointed for our own consolation ? Ves: Is any merry, let him sing psalms. Jam. ▼. 13. And for mutual instruction ? Yes: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms. Col. iii. 16. And for God's glory ? Yes: Singing with grace in your heart to the Lord, Col. iii. 16.
3. Has Christ appointed ministers of the gospel ? Yes: he hath given pastors and teachers for the edifying of thebody of Christ, Eph. iv. 11,12. Is the administration of ordinances committed to them ? Yes : for they are the stewards of the mysteries of God, 1 Cor. iv. 1. And must they attend that service ? Yes: We will give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, Acts vi. 4.
4. Are gospel ordinances made effectual to all for salvation ? No: for with many of them God was not well pleased, 1 Cor. x. 5. But are they made effectual to the elect ? Yes: As many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts xiii. 48.
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Q. 89. How is the word made effectual to salvation ?
A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, bat especially tlie preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them ap in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.
1. Is the word to be read by us? Yes : I charge you that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren, I Thess. V. 27. Is it to be read in solemn assemblies ? Yes: Moses is read in the synagogues every sabbath day, Acts xv. 21. Is it profitable to expound the Scriptures ? Yes: They that read in the law of God, gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading, Neh. viii. 8. Is the word of God to be preached ? Yes: Preach the word, be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, 2 Tim. iv. 2. Is it the duty of all to hear the word? Yes: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev. ii. 7. Will the bare reading and hearing of the word profit ? No: the letter kills, the spirit gives life, 2 Cor. 111. 6.
2. But is the reading and hearing of the word the ordinary means of convincing sinners? Yes: for it is mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. x. 4. And of startling the secure? Yes: by them is thy servant warned, Ps. xix. 11. Is it the ordinary means of conversion? Yes : If the prophets had stood in my counsel, they should have turned people from their evil way, Jer. xxiii. 22. And has it been the convertion of many ? Yes: When the law of truth was in his mouthy he did turn many away from iniquity, Mai. ii. 6. Is it the ordinary means of working faith ? Yes: for faith comes by hearing, Rom. x. 17. And of renewing of the heart ? Yes: for the seed is the word of God, Luke viii. 11. And of reforming the life? Yes: By the words of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer, Ps. xvii. 4.
3. Is the reading and hearing of the word needful to those who are regenerate? Yes: for they are nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine, 1 Tim. iv. 6. Is it a means of building them up in holiness ? Yes : it is for the perfecting of the saints, Eph. iv. 12. Will it furnish them for all good ? Yes: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works, 2 Tim. iii. 17. Will it fortify them against all evil ? Yes: for the sword of the Spirit is the word of God, Eph. vi. 17. Is it a means of building them up in comfort? Yes: That we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. xv. 4.
4. Does the Spirit of God make the word effectual for all these good purposes ? Yes: When the hand of the Lord was with them, a great number believed, and turned to the Lord, Acts xi. 21. Is it effectual through faith unto salvation ? Yes: It is the power of God unto saivatioD to every one that believes. Rom. i. 16. Is it not a great mercy then to have plenty of the word of God ? Yes: Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound* Ps. Ixxxix. 15. And should we not welcome those that bring iV Yes: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Ps. cxviii. 26.
Q. 90. How is the word to he read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation ?
A. That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.
1. Must we read the word of God with seriousness ? Yes: we must give attendance to reading, 1 Tim. iv. 13. And not read it as a common book? No: It is not a vain thing, for it is your life» Dent xxxii. 47.
2. Must we be diligent to hear the word ? Yes: Watching daily at Wisdom's gates, waiting at the posts of her doors, Prov. viii. 34. Must we prepare for hearing it? Yes: Lay aside all malice, and guile, and hypocrisy, and filthiness, and snperfluity of naughtiness, 1 Pet. ii. 1. Must we come to it with a spiritual appetite ? Yes: as new-bom babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet ii. 2. Must we set ourselves to receive it ? Yes : as Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear his word, Luke x. 39. Must we bow our souls before it? Yes: Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears, 1 Sam. iii. 9. Must we diligently hearken to it ? Yes: Be swift to hear, Jam. i. 19.
3. Must we hear the word with reverence ? Yes: When Ezra opened the book all the people stood up, Neh. viii. 5. Must we hear it with care? Yes: Take heed how ye hear, Luke viii. 18. And with meekness ? Yes: Receive with meekness the engrafted word. Jam. i. 21. And with delight? Yes: How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Ps. cxix. 103. And with a holy fear ? Yes: we must tremble at the word, Isa. Ixvi. 2. Must we receive it as the word of men ? No: but as it is in truth, the word of God, 1 Thess. ii. la
4. Must we take heed of sleeping under the word ? Yes: Could ye not watch with me one hour ? Matt, xxvi. 40. Must we pray for a blessing upon Ibe word ? Yes: Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law, Ps. cxix. 18-Must we receive the word with faith ? Yes: for it will not profit if it be not mixed with faith, Heb. iv. 2. Must we receive men's words with an implicit faith ? No: Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, 1 John iv. I. But must we receive God's word with an implicit faith ? Yes: for every word of God is pure, Prov. xxx. 5. Must we receive it with love ? Yes : I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food, Job xxiii. 12.
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919
5. Must we remember the word we read and hear ? Yes: lest at any time we let it slip, Heb. ii. 1. Must we lay it op in oar hearts ? Yes: Thy word have I hid in my heart, Ps. cxix. 11. Mast we meditate on it ? Yes: In that law doth he meditate day and night, Ps. i. 2. Mast we practise it in oor lives ? Yes: Be ye doers of the word, and not bearers only, James i. 22. Will it saffice to hear, though we do not practise ? No: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them, John xiii. 17.
Q. 91. How do the iacraments become effectual means of salvation T
A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in them, who by faith receive them.
1. Bo the sacraments certainly save all that partake of them ? No: They who were rejected of Christ coald say. We hare eaten and drank in thy presence, Itoke xiii. 26. Are they then effectual by any virtue in themselves ? No: for bodily exercise profits little, I Tim. iv. 6. Do they of themselves confer grace ? No: for if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circamcision is made uncircumcision, Rom. ii. 25. Is the thing signified of greater consequence than the sign ? Yes: for circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, Rom. ii. 29.
2. Doea the efficacy of the sacraments depend upon the minister? No: for who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed ? I Cor. iii. 5. Does the goodness of the minister invigorate the sacrament ? No: for Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness. Acts Tiii. 13, 23. Does the badness of the minister invalidate the sacrament ? No: For J ad as was numbered with us, and obtained part of this ministry. Acts i. 17.
dw Does the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing of Christ? Yes: Lo, I am with you always. Matt xxviii. 20. And upon the working of the Spirit? Yes: for it is the Spirit that quicken-ctb, John vi. 63. And are they effectual to those only who by faith receive them ? Yes: He that believes, and 18 baptized, shall be saved, Mark xvi. 16.
Q. 92. What is a sacrament ?
A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
1. Is a sacrament a holy ordinance? Yes: For we minister about holy things, 1 Cor. ix. 13. Must they therefore be holy that attend them ? Yes: Be ye clean that bear the vessel of the Lord, Isa. Hi. 11. Are sacraments instituted by Christ? Yes: The liord himself shall give you a sign, Isa. vii. 14.
May men institute sacraments ? No: Jeroboam, that ordained a feast which he had devised of his own heart, sinned, and made Israel to sin, I Kings xii. 33.
2. Is there in a sacrament an outward and visible sign? Yes: Behold the blood of the covenant, Exod. xxiv. 8. Is there an inward and spiritual grace ? Yes: for that Rock was Christ, 1 Cor. x. 4. Are outward signs of use to inform our understandings? Yes: forjn them Christisevidently set forth crucified among us, Gal. iii. 1. Are they of use to refresh our memories ? Yes: these stones shall be for a memorial. Josh. iv. 7. And to stir up our affections ? Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. xil. 10. Are they of use to transmit the things of God from generation to generation? Yes: For your children shall ask you. What mean you by this service ? Exod. xii. 26.
5. Is a sacrament a seal? Yes: Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, Rom. iv. 11. A seal of the covenant? Yes: He gave him the covenant of circamcision. Acts vii. 8. Is a sacrament an oath ? Yes: They entered into an oath to walk in God's law, Neh. x. 29. Is it an encouragement to oor faith ? Yes : Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing, John xx. 27. Is it an engagement to obedience? Yes: That henceforth we should not serve sin, Rom. vi. 6. Is Christ applied to us in sacraments ? Yes: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal. iii. 27. Are the benefits of the new covenant applied to us ? Yes: To be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee, Gen. xvii. 7.
Q. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Tes-tametit ?
A. The sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's supper.
1. Were there sacraments in innoccncy? Yes: The tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Gen. ii. 9. Were there sacraments under the law ? Yes: for the law had a shadow of good things to come, Heb. X. I. Was circumcision a sacrament ? Yes: He received the sign of circumcision, Rom. iv. 11. Was the passover a sacrament ? Yes: Christ our pass-over is sacrificed for as, I Cor. v. 7.
2. Have we sacraments now under the gospel? Yes: for unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, Heb. iv. 2. Are baptism and the Lord's sapper our two sacraments? Yes: for wo are baptized into one body, and all drink into one spirit, 1 Cor. xii. 13. May men add any more sacraments ? No : Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, Prov. xxx. 6.
Q.94. What is baptism?
A. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing
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with water, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, does sigpiify and seal oar ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and oar engagement to be the Lord's.
1. Is washing with water the ontward sign in baptism ? Tes: I am come baptizing with water, John i. 31. Is that well done by sprinkling? Yes: For so shall he sprinkle many nations, Isa. Hi. 15. Ezek. XXX. 25. Is that sign significant ? Yes: If ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, 1 Cor. yi. 11. Bat is the oatward sign alone sufficient ? No: Baptism saves as, not as it is the patting away the filth of the flesh, bat the answer of a good conscience towards God, 1 Pet. iii. 21.
2. Mast baptism be in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Yes : Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt, xxviii. 19. And not in the minister's name ? No: Were ye baptized in the name of Paal ? I Cor. i. 13. Is it therefore one? Yes: for there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph. iv. 5.
3. Is baptism a door of admission into the visible charch? Yes: There were added to the charch daily. Acts ii. 47. Are we thereby entered into Christ's school? Yes: Jesas made and baptized disciples, John iv. 1. And listed ander his banner? Yes: as good soldiers of Jesas Christ, 2 Tim. ii. 3.
4. Is baptism a seal of our ingrafting into Christ? Yes: for being baptized into Jesas Christ, we are baptized into his death, Rom. vi. 3. And of our partaking of the benefits of the new covenant ? Yes: Be baptized for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts ii. 38. And of our engagement to be the Lord's ? Yes: I entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou bccamest mine, Ezek. xvi. 8. Is the covenant sealed in the baptism a mutual covenant? Yes: Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God, Jer. xxx. 22.
5. Are we bound by our baptism to renounce the devil and all his works ? Yes: for the Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil, 1 John iii. 8. And to renounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked world ? Yes: for we must not be conformed to this world, Rom. xii. 2. And all the sinful lusts of the flesh ? Yes: for we are not in the flesh, bat in the spirit, Rom. viii. 9. Are we bound to believe all the articles of the Christian faith ? Yes: we must hold fast the form of sound words, 2 Tim. i. 13. And to keep God*s holy will and commandments? Yes: that we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. vi. 4. And to walk in the same all the days of our life? Yes: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, John via. 31.
Q. 95. To whom is baptism to be administered?
A. Baptism is not to be administered to any who are oat of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible cfaarcfa, are to be baptized.
1. Are Jews and Pagans to be baptized apon their believing ? Yes: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou may est. Acts viii. 37. Will their justifiable profession warrant the administering of baptism to them ? Yes: Simon Magus himself believed also, and was baptized. Acts viii. 13.
2. Are the children of believing parents to be baptized in their infancy? Yes: for a seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a genera-tion, Ps. xxii. 30. Is it possible that they may be in covenant with God? Yes: For you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, John xv. 16. Is it probable they should be in covenant ? Yes: For when Israel was a child, then I loved him, Hos. xi. 1. Is it certain they were in covenant? Tes: I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed, Geo. xvii. 7. Is it therefore certain they are in covenant? Yes: for the blessing of Abraham comes upon the Gentiles, Gal. iii. 14. Does the seal of the covenant therefore belong to them ? Yes: Every man-child among you shall be circumcised. Gen. xvii. 10.
3. Are the children of Christians members of Christ's visible church? Yes: for of such is the kingdom of God, Mark x. 14. Do the promises belong to them ? Yes: the promise is to you and to yoar children. Acts ii. 39. Does the promise of the Spirit belong to them ? Yes: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, Isa. xliv. 3. Are they capable of receiving it ? Yes: John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, Luke i. 15. Are they then to be baptized ? Yes: For who can forbid water to them which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Actsx. 47.
4. Are the children of believers federally holy ? Yes: Else were yoar children unclean, but now are they holy, 1 Cor. vii. 14. Are they so in their parents' right ? Yes: if the root be holy, w are the branches, Rom. xi. 16. Are they disciples ? Yes: for the yoke of circumcision was put upon the neck of the disciples. Acts xv. 1, 10. Are they to be received in Christ's name ? Yes: Whosoever receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me. Matt, xviii. 5. Are they bom unto God? Yes: Thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast born unto me, Ezek. xvi. 20. Are they bound by relation to be his servants ? Yes : I am thy servant the son of thine handmaid, Ps. cxvi. 16. Ougbt they then to be presented to him ? Yes: The flrst-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me, Exod. xxii. 29.
5. Do children need to be cleansed from the pol-
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921 latloDs of sin? Yes: for ihey are shapen in ini-qaity, Ps. li. 5. Is there provision made for their cIcansiDg ? Tes: for there is a foantain opened to the house of David, Zech. xiii. 1.
6. Are the nations to be discipled by baptism ? Yes: Go ye and-discipie all nations, baptizing them, Matt, xxviii. 19. Are children a part of the nations ? Yes: Yoar little ones stand here this day, to enter into covenant vnth God, Dent xxix. 11, 12. And has Christ excepted them } No : Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. Matt xix. 14. Were the families of believers baptized by the apostles ? Tes: Lydia was baptized, and her household. Acts xvi. 15. Did Christ himself receive the seal of the covenant in his infancy } Yes: When he was eight days old he was circnm-cised, Luke ii. 21.
7. Is infant baptism nsefol for preserving the cbarch? Yes: That our children may not cease from fearing the Lord, Josh. xxii. 26. Was it a great mercy to you that you were baptized ? Yes: For we are the children of the covenant. Acts iii. 25.
8. Must we be careful to improve our baptism ? Yes: Be ye mindful always of his covenant, 1 Chron. xvL 15. Is it a good argument against sin ? Yes: How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein ? Rom. vi. 2. And for holiness ? Yes : for we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. vi. 4. Is it a great encouragement to faith } Yes: Thou art my God from my mother's belly, Ps. xxii. 10. Is it a good plea in prayer ? Yes: Save the son of thy handmaid, Ps. Ixxxvi. 16. Is it a strong inducement to brotherly love ? Yes: for we all are baptized into one body, 1 Cor. xii. 13.
Q. 96. What is the Lord's Supper ?
A. The Lord's supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are not after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.
1. Was the Lord's supper instituted by Christ bimself? Tes: I received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you, 1 Cor. xi. 23. Did he leave it as a legacy to his church ? Yes : it was in the night wherein he was betrayed, 1 Cor. xi. 23. Did be intend it should continue ? Yes: till he come, r.26.
2. Is bread to be used in this sacrament ? Yes: for he took bread. Matt xxvi. 26. And does that signify it to be a strengthening ordinance ? Yes : for bread strengthens man's heart, Ps. civ. 15. Is the cup to be used in this sacrament ? Yes: He took the cup when he had supped, 1 Cor. xi. 25. I>oes that signify it to be a refreshing ordinance ? Yes: for wine makes glad the heart, Ps. civ. 15.
Must these be given and received } Yes: Jesus took bread, and gave to them,—took the cup, and gave it to them, Matt. xiv. 22, 23. Are the people to partake of the cup ? Yes: Drink ye all of it, Matt xxvi. 27. Is the ordinance doubled ? Yes: because the thing is established, Gen. xli. 32.
3. Does the bread signify the body of Christ? Yes: This is my body which is broken for you, 1 Cor. xi. 24. Does the wine signify the blood of Christ ? Yes: This cup is the New Testament in my blood, Luke xxii. 20. Are they turned into the very body and blood of Christ ? No: for it is the spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing, John vi. 63. But is the doctrine of Christ crucified meat and drink to a believing soul ? Yes : My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, John vi. 55. And are we to feed upon that doctrine i Yes: He that eateth me, even he shall live by me, John vi. 57.
4. Is the Lord's supper a commemorating ordinance ? Yes: Do this in remembrance of me, Luke xxii. 19. Is it a confessing ordinance ? Yes: Ye do show the Lord's death, 1 Cor. xi. 26. Is it a communicating ordinance ? Yes: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ ? And the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? 1 Cor. V. 16. Is it a covenanting ordinance ? Yes: for it is the New Testament, 1 Cor. vi. 25. Is it a confirming ordinance ? Yes: for Christ in it is evidently set forth, Gal. iii. 9. Is it an ordinance of communion with all Christians ? Yes: for we have been all made to drink into one spirit, 1 Cor. xii. 13.
5. Is the pardon of sin sealed to believers in this sacrament ? Yes: it is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt. xxvi. 28. Is the gift of the Holy Ghost sealed to them ? Yes : Receive ye the Holy Ghost, John XX. 22. Is the promise,of eternal life sealed to them ? Yes: That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, Luke xxii. 30. Matt. xxvi. 29. Do we, by receiving this sacrament, bind ourselves out from all sin ? Yes: for we reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, Rom. vi. 11. And do we bind ourselves up to all duty ? Yes: for being made free from sin, we become the servants of righteousness, Rom. vi. 18.
6. Is the Lord's supper a spiritual feast ? Yes: a feast of fat things, of wines on the lees, Isa. xxvi. 6. Is it a marriage-feast? Yes: A certain king made a marriage for his son. Matt. xxii. 2. Is it a feast upon a sacrifice P Yes: Christ is sacrificed for us, let us keep the feast, 1 Cor. v. 7, 8. Is it a feast upon a covenant ? Yes: As Isaac made a feast for Abimelech when they sware one to another. Gen. xxvi. 30, 31. Are all good Christians invited to this feast } Yes: Come, for all things are now ready, Luke xiv. 17. Are they often to partake of
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it? Yes: As often as ye eat this bread, 1 Cor. xi.26.
Q. 97. What it required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper,
A. It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
1. Are the ignorant to be admitted to the Lord's supper ? No: for they discern not the Lord's body, 1 Cor. xi. 29. Are those to be admitted to it who are openly profane? No: for what concord hath Christ with Belial ? 2 Cor. vi. 15. But must all visible adult believers be admitted to it ? Yes: All the congregation of Israel shall keep the passovcr, Exod. xii. 47.
2. Must those who come to the Lord's supper prepare for it ? Yes: We must prepare our heart to seek God, the Lord God of our fathers, 2 Chron. xiii. 18. Must we put away every sin ? Yes: Purge out the old leaven, 1 Cor. v. 7. And must we cleanse ourselves from all pollutions ? Yes: I will wash my hands in innocency, so will I compass thine altar, O Lord, Ps. xxvi. 6. Must we sequester ourselves from the world ? Yes: Tarry ye here, while I go yonder and worship, Gen. xxii. 5. And must we apply ourselves seriously to this service ? Yes: We must engage the heart to approach unto God, Jer. XXX. 21.
3. When we come to this ordinance must we examine ourselves ? Yes: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, 1 Cor. xi. 28. Must we examine our spiritual state ? Yes: Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Must we examine our particular ways ? YeS: Let us search and try our ways, Lam. iii. 40. Must we renew our repentance for sin ? Yes: for if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, 1 Cor. xi. 31. And our faith in Christ crucified ? Yes: Who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. Must we stedfastly purpose to lead a new life ? Yes: I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments, Ps. ex. 106. And must we be in charity with all men ? Yes: First be reconciled to thy brother* and then come and offer thy gift. Matt. v. 24. And must we stir up desires towards Christ ? Yes: Let him that is athirst come. Rev. xxii. 17.
4. Must we receive this sacrament with great reverence ? Yes: In thy fear will I worship towards thy holy temple, Ps. v. 7. And with fixedness of thought ? Yes: Bind the sacrifice with cords unto the horns of the altar, Ps. cxviii. 27. Must we receive it with godly sorrow for sin ? Yes: they shall look on me whom they have pierced, and mourn,
Zech. xii. 10. And with holy joy in the liord! Yes: they did eat their meat with gladness, praising God, Acts ii. 46,47. Must we receive it with an affectionate remembrance of the love of Christ ? Yes: We will remember thy love more than wine. Cant i. 4. And with an earnest desire of mercy from God ? Yes: I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord, Ps. cxvi. 13.
5. Must those who have received this sacrament be very watchful against all sin ? Yes: He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints, but let them not turn again to folly, Ps. Ixxxv. 8. Must ihey abound in all duty ? Yes : I will pay my vows onto the Lord, Ps. cxvi. 14. And must they ever preserve a sense of their engagements ? Yes: Thy vows are upon me, O God, Ps. Ivi. 12.
6. Do those who wilfully resolve to continue in sin receive unworthily? Yes: For what hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction, Ps. 1. 16, 17. And do those receive unworthily who have no regard to Christ in what they do ? Yes: for they say the table of the Lord is contemptible, Mai. i. 7. Are they that do so guilty of a great sin ? Yes: they are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, 1 Cor. xi. 27. And are they in great danger? Yes: for they eat and drink judgment to themselves, 1 Cor. xi. 29. But shall weak believers, who bewail their unworthiness, be encouraged ? Yes: for he will not break the bruised reed. Matt. xii. 20.
Q. 98. What it prayer ?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God for things agreeaUe to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
1. Is it every one's duty to pray? Yes: Men ought always to pray, Luke xviii. 1. Can a man be a good man who lives without prayer? No: Every one that is godly shall pray, Ps. xxxii. 6. Are we to pray daily ? Yes: Morning, and evening, and at noon, will I pray, Ps. Iv. 17. Are we to pray continually? Yes: Pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. v. 17. Are we to pray in secret? Yes: Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and shut thy door, Matt. vi. 6. Are we to pray when we are in affliction? Yes: Is any among you afflicted, let him pray, James v. 13.
2. Are we to pray to God only ? Yes: for he only knows the hearts of all the children of men, 1 Kings viii. 39. May we pray to departed saints to pray for us ? No: for A.braham is ignorant of ns, Isa. Ixiii. 16. Is prayer the soul's ascent to God? Yes: Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, Ps. XXV. 1. Is it the soul's converse with God? Yes: Pour out your hearts before him, Ps. Ixii. 8. Arc we in prayer to ascribe glory to God ? Yes: Give unto the Lord glory and strength, Ps. xcvi. 7. And
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923 to ask mercy of God ? Yes: Ask, and it shall be given yoa; seek, and ye shall find, Matt vii. 7.
3. Are we to pray to God for things agreeable to Lis will? Yes: If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth as, 1 John y. 14. Must we pray for pardoning mercy, and sanctifying grace ? Yes: Let as come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, Heb. iv. 16. Are God's promises to be the guide of oar desires in prayer? Yes: Remember thj word onto thy serrant, Ps. cxix. 49. And the ground of oar faith ? Yes: For I hope in thy word, r. 81.
4. Mast we pray in the name of Christ ? Yes: Whatsoerer ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, John xir. 13. Relying on his righteoasness alone ? Yes: For we have boldness to enter into the hbliest bj the blood of Jesas, Heb. x. 19. Mast we pray in faith ? Yes: Let him ask in faith, nothing waver* ing. Jam. i. 6. Depending on the assistance of the Holy Spirit? Yes: for the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, Rom. Yiii. 26.
5. Mast we in prayer make confession of sin? Tes: I prayed to the Lord my God, and made my confession, Dan. ix. 4. And mast we give thanks for mercies received ? Yes: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Ps. c. 4.
6. Mast we be constant in prayer ? Yes: I give myself anto prayer, Ps. cix. 4. And humble in prayer ? Yes: for we are but dust and ashes, Gen. xviii.27. And earnest in prayer? Yes: Always labouring fervently in prayer, Col. iv. 12. Mast we in sincerity set God before as in prayer ? Yes: Let OS draw near with a true heart, Heb. x. 22. Must «e pray in charity ? Yes: Lifting up pare hands without wrath, 1 Tim. ii. 8.
7. Will God hear and accept those who thus pray to him ? Yes : He never said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain, Isa. xlv. 19. But will the love of sin spoil the success of prayer ? Yes: If I regard ioiqaity in my heart, God will not hear me, Ps. Ixvi. 18.
Q. 99. What rule hath God given far our direction in prayer ?
A.The whole word of God is of use to direct as in prayer, but the special rale of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taaght his disciples, commonly called. The Lord's Prayer.
1. Do we need direction in prayer? Yes: For we know not what we should pray for as we ought, Rom. viii. 26. Should we pray to God for direction ? Yes: Lord, teach us to pray, Luke xi. 1. Hath he given OS direction in prayer ? Yes: Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, Hos. xiv. 2.
2. Is the whole word of God of use to direct us ? Tes: I will show thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth, Dan. x. 21. compare Chron. ix.
23. Is the Lord's prayer to be used as a directory for prayer ? Yes: After this manner therefore pray ye. Matt vi. 9. And is it to be used as a form of prayer? Yes: When ye pray, say, Our Father, Luke xi. 2.
Q. 100. What does the preface of the Lors prayer teach us ?
A. The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is. Our Father which art in heaven teaches us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a Father able and ready to help as, and that we should pray with and for others.
1. Is God our Father? Yes: Doubtless thou art our Father, Isa. Ixiii. 16. ' Does he appoint as to call him so ? Yes: Wilt thou not from this time cry onto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth, Jer. iii. 4. Is he our Father by creation? Yes: Have we not all one Father? hath not one God cre> ated us ? Mai. ii. 10. And by redemption ? Yes: Is not he thy Father that bought thee ? Deut xxxii. 6. And by adoption ? Yes: I will be a Father to them, 2 Cor. vi. 18.
2. Is God a wise Father ? Yes: the Father of lights. Jam. i. 17. Is he a gracious Father ? Yes: the Father of mercies, 2 Cor. i. 3. Is he our soul's Father? Yes: the Father of spirits, Heb. xii. 9. Is he the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ? Yes: I bow my knee to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Eph. iii. 14. Is he in him onr Father ? Yes: I ascend to my Father, and your Father, John xx. 17.
3. Are we in prayer to call God Father ? Yes: crying, Abba, Father, Gal. iv. 6. And to esteem ^im as a Father ? Yes : I will arise and go to my Father, and say unto him. Father, Luke xv. 18. And is this comfortable in prayer ? Yes : For with thee the fatherless findeth mercy, Hos. xiv. 3.
4. Is God our Father in heaven ? Yes: For the liord's throne is in heaven, Ps. xi. 4. Is heaven a high place ? Yes: and we must lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the heavens, Lam. iii. 41. Is it a holy place ? Yes: and we must lift up holy hands, 1 Tim. ii. 8. Is it a place of prospect? Yes: and therefore our Father sees in secret. Matt vi. 6. Is it a place of power ? Yes: and therefore he is able to do above all that we ask or think, Eph. iii. 20.
5. Ought we therefore to pray with reverence? Yes: for God is in heaven, and we upon earth, Eccl. V. 2. And with holy confidence ? Yes: for we have boldness and access with confidence, Eph. iii. 12. For is God a Father who is able to help us? Yes: My Father is greater than all, John x. 29. Does he know our wants? Yes: Your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things, Matt. vi. 32. Is he willing to help ? Yes: For the Father himself loveth you, John xvi. 27.
A SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
many gathered together praying, Acts xii. 12. Must we pray for others ? Yes: we must make supplication for all saints, Eph. vi. 18.
Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition .* A. In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy Name, we .pray, that God would enable us, and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.
1. Ought we to desire the glory of God in the first place ? Yes: that God in all things may be glorified, I Pet. iv. 11. Is God glorified when his name is glorified ? Yes: They shall worship before thee, O Lord, and shalt glorify thy name, Ps. Ixxxvi. 9. Is God's name glorified when it is sanctified or hallowed ? Yes: for he is glorious in holiness, Exod. XY. 11. Ought we therefore to sanctify it? Yes: Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, 1 Pet. iii. 15.
2. Are we to pray that we ourselves may be enabled to glorify God ? Yes: Open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise, Ps. li. 15. And that we may live for that end > Yes: Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee, Ps. cxix. 175. And be delivered for that end? Yes: Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name, Ps. cxlii. 7. And are we to pray that others also may be enabled to glorify him? Yes: that they may glorify our Father which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16.
3. Do we here pray for the propagating of the knowledge of God ? Yes: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations, Ps. Ixvii. 2. And for the conversion of souls to him ? Yes: Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee, Ps. Ixvii. 3. And for the success of the gospel ? Yes: that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, 2 Thess. iii. 1. Do we pray for the fruitful-ness of Christians? Yes: that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, Phil. i. 11. And for the flourishing of the churches of Christ ? Yes: that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified, Isa. Ixi. 3.
4. Do we pray that God would glorify himself? Yes : Father, glorify thy name, John xii. 28. And arc we sure he will do it ? Yes: for there came a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and I will glorify it yet again, John xii. 28. Do we pray that he would exalt his own name ? Yes: Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thine own strength, Ps. xxi. 13. And arc we sure he will do it ? Yes: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth, Ps. xlvi. 10. May we plead this with him ? Yes : What wilt thou do to thy great name ? Josh. vii. 9.
5. Do we pray that God would bring glory to himself out of all events ? Yes: To thy name gire glory, Ps. cxv. 1. Even out of those events that seem c»d-jtrary? Yes: that the wrath of man may praise him, Ps. Ixxvi. 10. Must we desire it concerning ourselves? Yes: that we may be unto him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory, Jer. xiii. 11. And concerning all our affairs ? Yes: That Christ may be magnified in my body both by life and death, Phil. i. 20.
Q. 102. What do we pray for in the second petition ?
A. In the second petition, which is, Ty kingdom come, we pray, that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may t>e advanced. ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
1. Must wo acknowledge our heavenly- Father's kingdom? Yes: The Lord is king for ever and ever, Ps. x. 16. And must we admire it > Yea : we must speak of the glory of his kingdom, Ps. cxlv. 11. Must we own him to be our King > Yes: Thou art my king, O God, Ps. xliv. 4. Must we heartily wish well to his kingdom ? Yes: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, Matt. vi. 33.
2. Has Satan a kingdom in opposition to God's kingdom ? Yes: for he is the prince of this world. John xii. 31. Does he rule where sin mles ? Yes -. for he works in the children of disobedience, Eph. ii. 2. Must we pray that that kingdom may be destroy-ed ? Yes: The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem, rcbake thee, Zech. iii. 2. Must we pray that the dominion of sin may be broken ? Yes: O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, Ps. vii. 9. And that the power of the church's enemies may be cmshed ? Yes : So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord, Judg. V. 31. And their policies blasted ? Yes : Lord, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, 2 Sam. xt. 31. And their projects defeated ? Yes: O my God, make them like a wheel, Ps. Ixxxiii. 13.
3. Have we reason to hope that Satan's kingdom shall be destroyed in the hearts of believers ? Yes: For the God of peace shall tread Satan under your feet shortly, Rom. xvi. 20. And that it shall be de* stroyed in the world ? Yes: For I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven, Luke x. 18. So destroyed that it shall not destroy the church ? Yes : for the church is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. xvi. 18.
4. Is the kingdom of Christ our Father's kingdom ? Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Si on, Ps. ii. 6. Must we pray that that may be advanced > Yes: Prayer shall be made for him continually. Ps. Ixxii. 15. That we and others may be brought into it ? Yes: That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith, Eph. iii. 17. And kept in it ? Yes: That we may be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thess. v. 23.
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925
6. Are we to pray for converting grace ? Yes: Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, Jer. xxxi. 18. And that others may partake of that grace? Tes: That sinners may be converted unto thee, Ps. li. 13. Are we to pray for confirming grace ? Yes: That God would comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work, 2 Thess. ii. 17. Are we to pray for the strengthening of faith ? Yes: Lord, increase our faith, Luke xvil. 5. And the increase of love ? Yes: This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, Phil. i. 9.
6. Are we to pray for the advancement of the kingdom of light ? Yes: O send out thy light and thy truth, Ps. xliii. 3. And the kingdom of holiness? Yes: The God of peace sanctify you wholly, 1 Thess. T.2a And the kingdom of love? Yes: That they all may be one, John xvii. 21. Must we pray for the sending forth of ministers in order hereunto ? Yes: Pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Matt. ix. 38. And for the presence of God with them ? Yes: that utterance may be given to them, Eph. vi. 19.
7. Are we to pray for the prosperity of the church ? Yes: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Ps. cxxii. 6. And for the welfare of all who belong to it ? Yes: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee, Ps. Ixx. 4. And for the comfort of all good Christians ? Yes: Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. vi. 24. Must we pray for the enlargement of the church ? Yes: My bearfs desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that tbey may be saved, Rom. x. 1. And for the reformation of it? Yes: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, Ps. Ixxx. 19. And for the defence of it? Yes: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem, Ps. 11. 18. And for the deliverance of it ? Yes: Command de-li Terances for Jacob, Ps. xliv. 4.
8. May we pray in faith for the advancement and continuance of Christ's kingdom ? Yes: For of the increase of his government and peace there shall be 00 end, Isa. ix. 7. And have we reason to triumph in this? Yes : Hallelujah, for the Lord God omni potent reigneth, Rev. xix. 6.
9. Is the kingdom of glory yet to come ? Yes: When the mystery of God shall be finished. Rev. x. 7. Are we to pray that that may be hastened ? Yes: Looking for, and hastening unto, the coming of the day of God, 2 Pet iii. 12. Are we to desire our own removal to that glory at death ? Yes: Desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, 2 Cor. v. 2. Are we to pray that we may be ready for it? Yes: Watch therefore, and pray alvays, Luke xxi. 96. And then that it may be hastened ? Yes: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, Luke ii. 29. Are we to pray for ChrisVs second coming at the end of time ? Yes: Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus, Rev. xxii. 20.
Q. 103. What do toe pray for in the third petition?
A. In the third petition, which is. Thy will he done on earth as it is in heaven, we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
1. Is the will of God's commands the rule of our action? Yes: we must understand what the will of the Lord is, Eph. v. 17. Are we to pray that we may conform to this rule ? Yes: that we may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, Rom. xii. 2. Must we pray that God would give us to know his will ? Yes: Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, Ps. cxix. 34. And to know it fully ? Yes: That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will. Col. i. 9. And to know it in doubtful cases? Yes: Teach me thy way, O Lord, lead me in a plain path, Ps. xxvii. 11. Do all who are sanctified truly desire to know Gods will? Yes: What saith my Lord unto his servant? Josh. v. 14.
2. When we know God's will, are we able of ourselves to do it? No: we are not sufficient of ourselves, 2 Cor. iii. 5. Must we therefore pray to God to make us able? Yes: Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands, Neb. vi. 9. And must we depend upon his grace? Yes : I will go in the strength of the Lord God, Ps. Ixxi. 16. Must we pray to God to make us willing ? Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, Ps. cxix. 36. And to make us entirely willing?. Yes: Unite my heart to fear thy name, Ps. Ixxxvi. 11.
3. Must we pray that we may be sincere in our obedience? Yes: Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, Ps. cxix. 80. And that we may be exact in our obedience ? Yes: O that my ways were directed to keep thy commandments! Ps. cxix. 6. And that we maybe universal in our obedience? Yes: That we may stand complete in all the will of God, Col. iv. 12. And that we may be armed against that which would divert us from our obedience? Yes: Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way, Ps. cxix. 37. And must we pray that others also may do God's will ? Yes: That they may be perfect in every good work, to do his will, Heb. xiii. 21.
4. Is the will of God's counsel the rule of his actions? Yes: for he worketh all according to the counsel of his own will, Eph. i. 11. Must we desire that this may be done? Yes: The will of the Lord be done. Acts xxi. 14. Rather than our own will ? Yes: Not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matt. xxvi. 39. And must we acquiesce in it ? Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. iii. 18. And must we pray that he will enable us to do so? Yes: That we may be strengthened with all might.
A SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
unto all patience and long-suffering, with joy fulness, Col. i. 11.
Do the angels in heaven do the will of God? Yes: they do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word, Ps. ciii. 20. Do they do it readily ? Yes: they fly swiftly, Dan. ix. 21. Do they do it zealously ? Yes: for they are a flaming fire, Ps. civ. 4. Do they do it with an eye to God? Yes: for they always behold the face of our Father, Matt, xviii. 10. And are we to pray that God's will may so be done on earth ? Yes: that the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, Rev. xi. 15.
Q. 104. Wftat do we pray for in the fourth petition?
A. In the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily breads we pray, that of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.
1. Are we to pray for the good things of this life? Yes: for the Lord is for the body, 1 Cor. vi. 13. Must we go to God for them ? Yes: for he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. Acts xvii. 25. Must we go to him for the comfort of them ? Yes: for he gives us richly all things to enjoy, 1 Tim. vi. 17. Do we deserve the good things of this life ? No: we are less than the least of all God's mercies. Gen. xxxii. 10. Must we therefore beg them of God as a free gift ? Yes: God gives thee the dew of heaven, Gen. xxviL 28.
2. Are we to pray for riches ? No: lest we be full, and say. Who is the Lord ? Prov. xxx. 9. Are we to pray for dainties ? No: Be not desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat, Prov. xxiii. 3. Are we to be content with such a competent portion of these things as God sees fit for us ? Yes: having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. vi. 8. Are we to pray for that } Yes: Feed me with food convenient for me, Prov. xxx. 8. And need we desire any more ? No: If God will be with me, and keep me in the way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come to my heavenly Father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, Gen. xxviii. 20, 21.
3. Are we to pray each day for the bread of the day ? Yes: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Matt. vi. 34. And must wo pray for our bread honestly gotten ? Yes: for with quietness we must work, and eat our own bread, 2 Thess. iii. 12. And have we encouragement to pray for this ? Yes: for godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, 1 Tim. iv. 8.
4. Do we herein pray for health ? Yes: for jGod is our life, and the length of our days, Deut. xxx. 20. And for success in our callings } Yes: Establish thou the work of our hands upon us, Ps. xc. 17. And for sleep } Yes: for so he giveth his beloved sleep, Ps. cxxvii. 9. And for seasonable weather? Yes: Ask ye of the Lord raio, Zech. X. 1.
6. Must we pray for God's blessing on wbat wc have ? Yes: for man liveth not by bread alone, bat by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, Matt iv. 4. And is it then comfortable to as ^ Yes: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, 1 Tim. iv. 5. Must we pray most earnestly for bread for our souls > Yes: Lord, evermore give us that bread, John vi. 34. Are we to pray for others' prosperity, as well as for our own ? Yes : I wish that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth, 3 John 2. And for the supply of the poor and needy ? Yes: that he will abundantly bless our provision, and satisfy oar poor with bread, Ps. cxxxii. 15.
Q. 105. What do we pray for inthe fifth petition ^ A. In the fifth petition, which is. And forgive ms our debtSf as we forgive our debtors, we pray, that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all oar sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
1. Are our sins our debts to God ? Yes : There was a certain creditor that had two debtors, &c. Luke vii. 41. Are they great debts ? Yes: ten thousand talents. Matt, xviii. 24. Can we discharge these debts ourselves ? No: we have nothing to pay, Luke vii. 42. Are we liable to the prison of hell then Yes: not to depart thence till we have payed the last mite, Luke xii. 58, 59. Is it possible to ob> tain the forgiveness of this debt } Yes : There is forgiveness with thee, Ps. cxxx. 4.
2. Are we to pray for the forgiveness of tbee debts f Yes: Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, Ps. cxliii. 2. And to pray earnestly for it ? Yes: For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity, Ps. xxv. 11. Must we plead God's mercies? Yes: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions, Ps. li. i. And Christ's merits? Yes: Through the redemption that is in Jesus, Rom. iii. 24. Must we pray for it every day ? Yes: when we pray, Give us oar daily bread, we must pray. Forgive us our debts.
3. Must we pray that God would ease as of the burthen of sin ? Yes: Take away all iniquity, Hos. xiv. 2. And that he would cleanse us from the filth of sin > Yes: Wash me thoroughly from mine ini. quity, Ps. 11. 2. And cure us of the wounds of sia ? Yes: Heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee. Ps. xli. 4. And save us from the punishment of sin ? Yes : I will say unto God, do not condemn me Job X. 2.
4. Most we pray to God to give us that grace which will qualify us for pardon? Yes: for Christ is ex-
A SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
027 alted to gi?e repentance and remission. Acts ▼. 31. And that he would give as the comfort of onr pardon: Yes: Male me to hear joy and gladness, Ps. li. 8. And mast we, in order hereunto, be par-ticolar in confessing sin ? Yes: Declare, that thoa may est be justified, Isa. xliii.26.
5. Must we forgive those who have provoked as ? Yes: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, Col. iii. 13. Must we bear them no malice ? No: Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned, Jam. V. 9. Must we be ready to be reconciled to them ? Yes: When ye stand praying, forgive if ye have ought against any, Mark xi. 25. Should we be merciful to those that we have advantage against ? Yes: Thou shouldst have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, as I had pity on thee. Matt. XTiii. 33. Is this required to qualify us for the pardon of sin? Yes: If ye forgive men their trespasses, jour heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matt. vi. 14. Will God forgive those that do not forgive? No: If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours, v, 15.
Q. 106. What do we pray for in the aixth petition T
A. In the sixth petition, which is. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from eviU we pray, that
God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when wo are tempted.
1. Must we pray that we may not be tempted? Yes: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Matt. xxvi. 41. And that temptations may be removed ? Yes: I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me, 2 Cor. xii. 8. And that we may not be overcome by them ? Yes: Let no iniquity have dominion over me, Ps. cxix. 133.
2. Most we pray that God would not leave us to oarselves ? Yes : Incline not my heart to any evil thing, Ps. cxii. 4. And that he would not withdraw the assistance of his grace? Yes: Take not thy Holy Spirit away from me, Ps. li. 11. But that he woald strengthen us against every temptation ? Yes: Uphold me with thy free spirit, Ps. li. 12. And that he would preserve us through it ? Yes: That our faith fail not, Luke xxii. 32. Have we encourage-nient to pray against temptation ? Yes: For God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able, 1 Cor. x. 13. And is prayer A part of oar spiritual armour? Yes: Praying always, Eph. vi. 13, 18.
3. Must we dread sin as the worst evil ? Yes: That I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, Neh. vi. 13. And must we pray to be kept from it ? Yes: to be delivered from every evil work, 2 Tim. iv. 18. And from all occasions of it ? Yes: Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, Ps. cxix. 37.
4. Must we pray against pride ? Yes: That he may hide pride from man, Job xxxiii. 17. And against lying? Yes: Remove from me the way of lyioy Ps* cxix. 29. And against sensuality ? Yes: Let me not eat of their dainties, Ps. cxli. 4. And against nncleanness ? Yes: Create in me a clean heart, O God, Ps. li. 10. And against covetousness? Yes: Incline my heart to thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, Ps. cxix. 36. And against all tongue-sins? Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before the door of my month, keep the door of my lips, Ps. cxli. 3. Must we pray especially against wilful sin ? Yes: Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins, Ps. xix. 13. Must we pray that others also may be kept from sin ? Yes: I pray to God that ye do no evil, 2 Cor. xiii. 7.
5. Must we pray to be delivered from other evil ? Yes: Keep me from evil that it may not grieve me, 1 Chron. iv. 10. Must our eye be to God for our preservation ? Yes: Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Ps. xvii. 8. May we take encouragement in this prayer from God's power ? Yes: for he is able to keep that which we have committed to him, 2 Tim. i. 12. And from his promise ? Yes : There shall no evil befall thee, Ps. xci. 10. And from our own experience ? Yes: He that has delivered, does deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet deliver, 2 Cor. i. 10.
Q. 107. What does the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach tu ?
A. The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which iji. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen, teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him ; and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.
1. Are we in prayer to plead with God? Yes: I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. Job xxiii. 4. Are our pleadings to move God ? No: For he is in one mind, and who can turn him. Job xxiii. 13. Are they to move ourselves ? Yes: that we may stir up oarselves to take hold on God, Isa. Ixiv. 7.
2. Can we in prayer plead any merit of our own ? No: We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, Dan. ix. 18. Must we therefore take our encouragement from God only ? Yes: Defer not for thine own sake, O my God, v. 19. And must we depend on that encouragement? Yes: Now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee, Ps. xxxix. 7.
3. May we plead that his is the kingdom ? Yes: Art not thou God in heaven ? and rulest not thoa over all the kingdoms of the heathen ? 2 Chron. xx. 6. And that his is the power? Yes: There is nothing too hard for thee, Jer. xxxii. 17. And that his is the glory ? Yes: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name, Ps. Ixxix. 9.
A SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
4. May we also plead his mercy 7 Yes: Save me for thy mercy's sake, Ps. yi. 4. And his promise ? Yes: Remember thy word unto thy servant, Ps. cxix. 49. And oar own experience of his goodness ? Yes: Then hast delivered my soal from death, wilt thoa not deliver my feet from falling? Ps. Ivi. 13. Bat mast we especially plead the mediation of his Son ? Yes: Look upon the face of thine Anointed, Ps. Ixxxiv. 9. And may we hope to prevail in these pleadings ? Yes: for the effectaal fervent prayer of a righteoas man availeth much. Jam. v. 16. Is it God's grace in as which alone qaali6es as for his favoar ? Yes: Thoa wilt prepare their heart, and then thoa wilt caase thine ear to hear, Ps. x. 17.
5. Are we in prayer to praise God ? Yes: Every day will I bless thee, Ps. cxlv. 2. Are we to ascribe kingdom, power, and glory to him ? Yes: Blessing, and honoar, and glory, and power, be onto him that | sits apon the throne. Rev. v. 13. Most we acknov ledge them to be his r Yes : Thine, O L<ord, is tli greatness, and the.power, and the gfory, and th< victory, and the majesty, 1 Chron. xxix. 11. Mas we acknowledge them to be his for ever ? Yes : Tfa; kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, Ps. cx.lv. 13 And must we desire to be for ever praising him Yes: I will sing praise to my God, wbile I hav< my being, Ps. civ. 33. Is the work of praise gooc work } Yes : it is pleasant, and praise is comely Ps. cxlvii. 1.
6. Does Amen signify oar desire to be heard; Yes: So be it, O Lord, Jer. xi. 5. And oor hop< that we shall be heard } Yes: we know that w( have the petitions that we desired of him, I John v 15. Is it therefore proper to conclade oor pray en and praises with Amen ? Yes: Let all the people say, Amen. Hallelojah, Ps. cvi. 48.
CHRIST'S FAVOUR TO LITTLE CHILDREN DISPLAYED,
IN
A SERMON,
PREACHED THE 6th OF MARCH, 1713.
Mark x. 16.
And he took them up in hie arme, put hie hande upon them, and bUeeed them.
Application was made to oar Lord Jesas, when be was here open earth, on a great variety of occasions: some we find imploring his favour apon one account, and some upon another; some for themselves, and some for their relations ; some for the body, and some for the soul: thus was fulfilled the prediction of the dying patriarch concerning Shiloh, that to him shall the gathering of the people he.^ And be it observed, for the encouragement of all who humbly, and in faith, apply themselves to him,^of themtiih-tudee that spread their complaints before him, he never sent any away from him, ashamed of their liope in him: he gpave them all an answer of peace; and they had what they came for.
Bat here in this paragraph, of which my text is the close, we have application made to Christ, upon an errand different from any other, but such a one as those who knew the heart of a parent, of a Christian parent, will be glad to be encouraged and di-Tccted to come to him upon, and will therefore bless God that it is here upon record. There were those who brought young children to him, that he should touch them v. 13. In St. Matthew's gospel it is said, they desired that he would put his hands upon them, end pray*^
Who they were that brought these children, we are not told; whether their parents, or no; it is most likely they were, for who should show so much concern for them as they? Nor are we told what number of children were brought; nor whether they were all of one family; nor just of what age they were, but as to that, St. Luke tells as they were ra m Gen. xliz. lo.
b Matt. xiz. 13. a Luke U. 13. 3 o
e Luke zvlH. 1».
it is the word which in the story of Christ's birth we translate the habe, in swaddling clothes, and in the manger ;(> and it is put for new-born habes that desire the breast" The critics say it signifies a chUd at nurse.* They are said to be brought to Christ, which intimates, that they could not go themselves ; and it is plain that they were very little, for he took them up in his arms; so little, that he could easily hold them in one arm, for so he did when he put his hands upon them to bless them.
Christ came to teach, and heal, and bless; to teach a world that sat in darkness, to heal a world that was sick and dying, and to bless a world that lay under the curse.
Now, 1. These children were not brought to Christ to be taught, for they were not yet capable of receiving instruction ; nor could they profit by his preaching, or put any questions to him. Those who are grown up to years of understanding, have need to be busy in getting knowledge now, that they may redeem the time they lost, through the invincible incapacities of their infancy.
Nor, 2. Were they brought to Christ to be cured, for it does not appear that they needed it Little children are indeed liable to many distempers, painful, mortal ones. The physicians have a book among them, DeMorbis Infantum^^on the diseases of infants. Death and its harbingers reign even over tiiem who have not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression,^ but these children were strong and healthful, and we do not find that any thing ailed them.
But, 3. They were brought to Christ to be blessed; so they meant when they desired that he would touch them: the sign is put for the thing signified. The laying on of hands was a ceremony anciently used in blessing. When Joseph brought his two sods to Israel, and put one to his left hand, and the other
• 1 Pet ii. S. f Rom. v. 14.
• See Dr. Whitby.
CHRIST'S FAVOUR TO CHILDREN.
to bis right, that he might touch them, that which he desired was, that he would blest them:> so these brought their children to Christ, not that be might touch and heal them, but that he might touch and bless them, with the saving strength of his right hand.
They looked upon Christ as a prophet, as a great prophet, as that Prophet which should come into the world, as one who had a great interest in heaven, and consequently a great influence upon this earth. Now, if he be a Prophet he shall pray/or thee ^ but thn thou must pay him so much respect as to desire his prayers. This honour they here give to Christ, (as it is fit those should do, who expect to receive favour from him,) in their humble request that he would lift up a prayer for their children; which they believe will avail much, as the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man.i
It is good to have an interest in the prayers of those who are of the spiritual seed of Jacob, who seek God, and know how to wrestle with him. And to improve that interest for ourselves and our children, we should not only pray with, and for, our families ourselves, but engage the prayers of our friends for them, that we may hereby not only put an honour upon prayer, but put an honour upon our brethren; and upon the communion of saints, not only the communion of churches, but the communion of religious families, who all meet in him, in whom all the families, all the praying families, of the earth are blessed.'^ A treasury of prayers laid up for our children, may stand them in better stead than thousands of gold and silver laid up for them. But if we desire this kindness of our friends, and brethren, and ministers, we must remember that one good turn requires another, and must, therefore, make conscience of praying for them and their families, as for ourselves and for our own. St. Paul, who prays so earnestly for his friends, does as earnestly desire their prayers for him.' The Lord give mercy to the households ^ of our acquaintance, is a petition which (or something like it) should have a place in our daily prayers.
Now the text tells us how they succeeded who brought their little children to Christ, to be blessed and prayed for; how well they succeeded.
And it is recorded by three of the evangelists; because it was a manifest indication of the design of Christ, to continue to the children of believers under the New-Testament dispensation, the same covenant right, and visible church membership, that they had under the Old-Testament dispensation, by virtue of God's promise to Abraham and his seed, that blessing of Abraham, which comes upon the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;" and because it gives us great encouragement, when we come to
, J _pj mj a 11^1 -r~ MT 1— r i ^-^ - t ■t - wm m r Oen. zlviii. 13. ii Geo. xx. 7. i Jam. v. Id k Gen. xli. 3. 1 Rom. XY. 30 M 2Tim. i. 16. . ■ Gal. til. H.
Christ ourselves, to bring our children with us, and present them also to him.
They who brought these infants to Christ, were frowned upon and discountenanced by the disciples; they rebuked them, because they would not have such a needless trouble (so they thought it) given to their Master, who had other work enough upon bis hands. If this be encouraged, they shall see no end of it. Was it not enough that he cured the sick, which none but he could do, but he must bless the healthy too, which others might do ? How well is it for us, that our Master has more tenderness and compassion than the best of his ministers have; and is touched more nearly than they are, or can be, with the feeling of our infirmities,* and an inclination to citify those innocent desires of humble and believing supplicants, which those who think themselves polite and refined, look upon with a slight, as not worth taking notice of. In grace and goodness he is God and not man ;p nay, he is both God and man: as man, he has himself suffered, being tempted, and is therefore able with the greater sympathy, to succour them who are tempted ;*i and as God, in doing good his thoughts and ways are infinitely above ours, the best of ours, above those of the best of us.'
As, when God promised to show Moses his glory, he proclaimed all his goodness, and caused that to pass before him ;* so our Lord Jesus, when he woald let his chosen ones see his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, he showed himself upon all occasions/«// ofgracct Among men it is looked upon to be the symptom of a sweet and loving disposition, to take notice of little children, and to be familiar with them." By this, among many other instances, our Lord Jesus showed himself to be kind and benign, meek and lowly in heart; that, upon all occasions, he discovered a particular kindness for little children, and never more than upon this occasion, when he gave a severe reprimand to his disciples for prohibiting those who brought their children to him; he was trfavwcnin —imirA displeased at it; he was both sorry and angryihnt his own disciples did not better know his mind, and that they should be adversaries to those for whom they ought to have been advocates: and he gave orders immediately that they should be called to him who brought the children, (who, perhaps, upon the disciples' check, were going off,) and that room should be made for them to come to him: by all means suffer the little children to come to me and do not forbid them; for they belong to the church still, as much as ever; the hingdom of God which I come to set up includes them. They are vnthin tiie allegiance of Messiah ^e Prince, and he will own them as his subjects. And not only for the satisfaction of those who e Heb. iy. is. p Hos. xi. 9. q Heb. iL 18^ r la. iv. a. t Exod. xxxlli. 18,10. i John i. 14. « I Pet ii. 3.
CHRIST'S FAVOUR TO CHILDREN.
931 brought them, and to please them, but for the benefit and advantage of the children, he took them up, with a great deal of endearing tenderness, in his anns, pat his hands npon them, and blessed them; did not only pray for a blessing, as they desired, bat conmanded the blessing, as one baring authority, even life for eoermare," which is inclusive of all blessings.
But what encouragement (you will say) does this give to us? Christ is not now among as as he was then; and we cannot either make such addresses to him, or receive such favours from him, as they then might It is true we cannot in such a sensible manner, but we may as really in a spiritual way, make our applications to him, and expect communications from him; for in him all fulness dwells, to bim all judgment Is committed, and the knee of every supplicant must bow to him: and we are sure he has blessings as much at command now as ever he had. And, therefore, from the kind entertainment he gave to these children who were hrottght to him, we are warranted to infer his readiness to receive oar children that are offered up to himy for it is certain never anyone was the worse for going to heaven.