Question: What is adoption?

Answer: Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.

Question: Are all believers God's children?

Answer: Yes: Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, Gal. 3:26.

Question: Are they so by nature?

Answer: No: We are by nature children of wrath, Eph. 2:3.

Question: Are they so by adoption?

Answer: Yes: We receive the adoption of sons, Gal. 4:5.

Question: Do they deserve to be made God's children?

Answer: No: How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land? Jer. 3:19.

Question: Are they altogether unworthy of such a favour?

Answer: Yes: I am no more worthy to be called thy son, Luke 15:19.

Question: Is it bestowed upon them notwithstanding their unworthiness?

Answer: Yes: I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty, 2 Cor. 6:18.

Question: Is adoption an act of God's free grace?

Answer: Yes: Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God, 1 John 3:1.

Question: Are we by it received into the number of God's children?

Answer: Yes: There shall they he called the children of the living God, Rom. 9:26.

Question: Are we received into that number upon our believing?

Answer: Yes: As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, John. 1:12.

Question: Have we leave to call God, Father?

Answer: Yes: Ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, Rom. 8:15.

Question: Does he encourage us to do so?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt call me, My Father, and shalt not turn away from me, Jer. 3:19.

Question: May we call him so, though we have been prodigals?

Answer: Yes: I will go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, Luke 15:18.

Question: May we look upon all good Christians as our brethren?

Answer: Yes: For all ye are brethren, Matt. 23:8.

Question: And do they all make one family?

Answer: Yes: Of whom the whole family both in heaven and earth is named, Eph. 3:15.

Question: Does God give the nature of his children to all whom he receives into the number?

Answer: Yes: Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, Gal. 4:6.

Question: Do they partake of a divine nature?

Answer: Yes: They are made partakers of a divine nature, 2 Pet. 1:4.

Question: Are all God's children born again then?

Answer: Yes: They are born not of the will of man, but of God, John 1:13.

Question: Is our adoption then to be known by our disposition?

Answer: Yes: For in this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil, whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God, 1 John 3:10.

Question: Have all God's adopted children a right to the privileges of children?

Answer: Yes: They are brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, Rom. 8:21.

Question: Does their Father pity them?

Answer: Yes: Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, Ps. 103:13.

Question: Does he spare them?

Answer: Yes: As a man spares his own son that serves him, Mal. 3:17.

Question: Does he take care of them?

Answer: Yes: Children, have ye any meat, John 21:15.

Question: Does he provide for them?

Answer: Yes: For they that seek the Lord shall want no good thing, Ps. 34:10.

Question: Does he correct them in love?

Answer: Yes: For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? Heb. 12:7.

Question: Does he hear their prayers?

Answer: Yes: Your Father in heaven will give good things to them that ask him, Matt. 7:11.

Question: Will he give them the inheritance of sons?

Answer: Yes: It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom, Luke 12:32.

Question: Will he bring them all safe to it?

Answer: Yes: He will gather together the children of God that were scattered abroad, John 11:52.

Question: Will Christ present them all to the Father?

Answer: Yes: Behold, I and the children which thou hast given me, Heb. 2:13.

Question: Must all God's children reverence him?

Answer: Yes: If I be a Father, where is my honour? Mal. 1:6.

Question: Must they obey him?

Answer: Yes: As obedient children, 1 Pet. 1:14.

Question: Must they imitate him?

Answer: Yes: Be ye followers of God, as dear children, Eph. 5:1.

Question: Must they submit to him?

Answer: Yes: Father, thy will be done, Matt. 26:42.


Question: What is sanctification?

Answer: Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Question: Are all that are justified sanctified?

Answer: Yes: For Jesus Christ is made both righteousness and sanctification, 1 Cor. 1:30.

Question: Is it necessary they should be so?

Answer: Yes: For without holiness no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12:14.

Question: Did Christ die that they might be sanctified?

Answer: Yes: For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified, John 17:19.

Question: And was this the intention of their election?

Answer: Yes: He hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification, 2 Thes. 2:13.

Question: Is sanctification the work of God?

Answer: Yes: We are sanctified by God the Father, Jude 1.

Question: Is it the work of the Spirit of God?

Answer: Yes: It is sanctification of the Spirit, 1 Pet. 1:2.

Question: Is it a work of free grace?

Answer: Yes: According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, Tit. 3:5.

Question: Is it a work wrought in us?

Answer: Yes: For we are his workmanship, created unto good works, Eph. 2:10.

Question: Is sanctification something more than being civilized?

Answer: Yes: For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly, Rom. 2:28.

Question: Is it more than being baptized?

Answer: Yes: It is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience, 1 Pet. 3:21.

Question: Is it an inward change of the heart?

Answer: Yes: We must be renewed in the spirit of our mind, Eph. 4:23.

Question: Is it the renovation of the whole man?

Answer: Yes: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, 2 Cor. 5:17.

Question: Will it suffice to have a new name?

Answer: No: For thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead, Rev. 3:1.

Question: Will it suffice to have a new face?

Answer: No: For there are those that have the form of godliness, but deny the power of it, 2 Tim. 3:5.

Question: Must there be a new heart?

Answer: Yes: A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, Ezek. 36:26.

Question: And a new nature?

Answer: Yes: Put on the new man, Eph. 4:24.

Question: And a new birth?

Answer: Yes: Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, John 3:3.

Question: Must we be cleansed from sin?

Answer: Yes: From all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you, Ezek. 36:25.

Question: Must we be consecrated to God?

Answer: Yes: For we are the temple of God, 1 Cor. 3:16.

Question: Must the law be written in the heart?

Answer: Yes: I will put my law in their heart, Heb. 8:10.

Question: Must the understanding be enlightened?

Answer: Yes: Anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see, Rev. 3:18.

Question: Must the heart be softened?

Answer: Yes: I will take away the stony heart, and give a heart of flesh, Ezek. 11:19.

Question: Must the will be bowed?

Answer: Yes: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6.

Question: Must the affections be made spiritual?

Answer: Yes: Set your affections on things above, Col. 3:2.

Question: Must the body also be an instrument of holiness?

Answer: Yes: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1.

Question: Must we be renewed after the image of God?

Answer: Yes: Put on the new man, which is renewed after the image of him that created him, Col. 3:10.

Question: And after the pattern of Christ?

Answer: Yes: For Christ must be formed in us, Gal. 4:19.

Question: Is sin mortified in all that are sanctified?

Answer: Yes: They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, Gal. 5:24.

Question: Is grace planted in them?

Answer: Yes: There is a well of water springing up to eternal life, John 4:14.

Question: Is this work perfect at first?

Answer: No: It is first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear, Mark 4:28.

Question: Do all that are sanctified die unto sin?

Answer: Yes: Reckon ye yourselves dead unto sin, Rom. 6:11.

Question: Do they live unto righteousness?

Answer: Yes: Being dead to sin, we live unto righteousness, 1 Pet. 2:24.

Question: Are they enabled to do so?

Answer: Yes: For it is through the Spirit that we mortify the deeds of the body, Rom. 8:13.

Question: And is the course of their conversation accordingly?

Answer: Yes: They walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, Rom. 8:1.

Question: Is it our duty to submit to the Spirit as a sanctifier?

Answer: Yes: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the works of the flesh, Gal 5:16.

Question: And is the grace of God promised us for this purpose?

Answer: Yes: Sin shall not have dominion over you, Rom. 6:14.


Question: What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

Answer: The benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Question: Are they that are justified happy in this life?

Answer: Yes: For being justified by faith, we have peace with God, Rom. 5:1.

Question: And are they so that are adopted?

Answer: Yes: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, 1 John 3:2.

Question: And are they so that are sanctified?

Answer: Yes: For to the pure all things are pure, Tit. 1:15.

Question: May they have an assurance of God's love?

Answer: Yes: Ye know that ye have eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

Question: Is the Spirit the author of that assurance?

Answer: Yes: The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God, Rom. 8:16.

Question: Is it wrought by evidences?

Answer: Yes: Hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments, 1 John 2:3.

Question: Do all believers attain this assurance?

Answer: No: Some walk in darkness, and have no light, Isa. 50:10.

Question: But should they labour after it?

Answer: Yes: Show the same diligence unto the full assurance of hope unto the end, Heb. 6:11.

Question: And is it an unspeakable comfort?

Answer: Yes: For the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Ghost, Rom. 5:5.

Question: And is it just cause for triumph?

Answer: Yes: I know whom I have believed, 2 Tim. 1:12.

Question: Is peace of conscience a precious privilege?

Answer: Yes: For if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God, 1 John 3:21.

Question: Is it the fruit of grace?

Answer: Yes: For the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever, Isa. 32:17.

Question: Has Christ left it as a legacy to his disciples?

Answer: Yes: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, John 14:27.

Question: Can those who are unjustified have this peace?

Answer: No: There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked, Isa. 57:21.

Question: Should those that are justified labour after it?

Answer: Yes: Return to thy rest, O my soul, Ps. 116:7.

Question: Should this peace govern us?

Answer: Yes: Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, Col. 3:15.

Question: And will it preserve us?

Answer: Yes: The peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds, Phil. 4:7.

Question: And will it be our comfort in the day of evil?

Answer: Yes: Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, 2 Cor. 1:12.

Question: Is it therefore our interest to secure it?

Answer: Yes; Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence, Acts 24:16.

Question: May those who are justified have joy in the Holy ghost?

Answer: Yes: For believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1:8.

Question: Have they cause for joy?

Answer: Yes; for gladness is sown for the upright in heart, Ps. 97:11.

Question: Is it their duty to rejoice?

Answer: Yes; Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice, Phil. 4:4.

Question: Is it their interest to rejoice?

Answer: Yes: For the joy of the Lord is their strength, Neh. 8:10.

Question: May they rejoice in all conditions?

Answer: Yes; for we glory in tribulations also, Rom. 5:3.

Question: And is this a superlative joy?

Answer: Yes: It is gladness in the heart more than in the time that their corn and wine increased, Ps. 4:7.

Question: Is grace growing?

Answer: Yes: He that hath clean hands shall be Ber and Ber, Job 17:9.

Question: Is it so in its nature?

Answer: Yes: For it is as the shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day, Prov. 4:18.

Question: Is it our duty to grow in grace?

Answer: Yes: Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. 3:18.

Question: And may we rest in what we have attained?

Answer: No: But press forward towards the mark, Phil. 3:14.

Question: Is it promised to all believers that they shall grow?

Answer: Yes: For to him that hath shall be given, Matt. 25:29.

Question: Will the grace of God make them grow?

Answer: Yes: I will be as the dew unto Israel, he shall grow as the lily, Hos. 14:5.

Question: Shall true believers persevere to the end?

Answer: Yes: For he that hath begun a good work will perform it, Phil. 1:6.

Question: Will hypocrites persevere?

Answer: No: These have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away, Luke 8:13.

Question: Does it appear by their apostasy that they never were sincere?

Answer: Yes: They went out from us because they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us, 1 John 2:19.

Question: But shall any that are justified finally fall away?

Answer: No: For whom he justified, them he glorified, Rom. 8:30.

Question: Is every fall a falling away?

Answer: No: For though he falls he shall not be utterly cast down, Ps. 37:24.

Question: May the appearances of grace be lost?

Answer: Yes: From him shall be taken away even that which he seemed to have, Luke 8:18.

Question: But can true grace be finally lost?

Answer: No: It is that good part which shall never be taken away, Luke 10:24.

Question: Will God recall his gifts?

Answer: No: The gifts and callings of God are without repentance, Rom 11:26.

Question: Will he secure them?

Answer: Yes: We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, 1 Pet. 1:5. and 1:7.

Question: Is the perseverance of the saints secured by the divine power?

Answer: Yes: No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hands, John 10:29.

Question: And by the divine providence?

Answer: Yes: For he will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, 1 Cor. 10:13.

Question: And by the divine grace?

Answer: Yes: I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me, Jer. 32:40.

Question: And by the intercession of Christ?

Answer: Yes: I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, Luke 22:32.

Question: And by the indwelling of the Spirit?

Answer: Yes: The anointing which you have received, abideth in you, 1 John 2:27.

Question: And by the stability of the promise?

Answer: Yes: My covenant will I not break, Ps. 89:34.

Question: May they be secure then?

Answer: No: Be not high-minded, but fear, Rom. 11:20.

Question: But may they be encouraged?

Answer: Yes: He will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom, 2 Tim. 4:18.


Question: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

Answer: The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.

Question: Is the happiness of believers confined to this present life?

Answer: No: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. 15:19.

Question: Is the best of their happiness in this life?

Answer: No: For in the world ye shall have tribulation, John 16:33.

Question: Must they die as well as others?

Answer: Yes: It is appointed unto men once to die, Heb. 9:27.

Question: Must the best and most useful die?

Answer: Yes: The righteous perisheth, and merciful men are taken away, Isa. 57:1.

Question: Ought they then to wait for it?

Answer: Yes: All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come, Job 14:14.

Question: And to prepare for it?

Answer: Yes: Therefore be ye also ready, Matt. 24:44.

Question: Is death loss to a good Christian?

Answer: No: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, Phil. 1:21.

Question: Should it therefore be a terror?

Answer: No: For the righteous hath hope in his death, Prov 14:32.

Question: Does God take special care of the death of his people?

Answer: Yes: For precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints, Ps. 116:15.

Question: Is death in the covenant?

Answer: Yes: All is yours, whether life or death, 1 Cor. 3:22.

Question: Can it separate them from the love of God?

Answer: No: Neither death nor life can do that, Rom. 8:38.

Question: Are believers perfect in holiness in this life?

Answer: No: I have not yet attained, neither am already perfect, Phil. 3:12.

Question: Are their souls made perfect at death?

Answer: Yes: The spirits of just men are made perfect, Heb. 12:23.

Question: Are they delivered from sin?

Answer: Yes: He that is dead is freed from sin, Rom. 6:7.

Question: Are they made perfect in knowledge?

Answer: Yes: Then shall I know, even as also I am known, 1 Cor. 13:12.

Question: And perfect in holiness?

Answer: Yes: For they are come to the perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, Eph. 4:13.

Question: Might they pass into glory without being made perfect in holiness?

Answer: No: For corruption cannot inherit incorruption, 1 Cor. 15:50.

Question: Being made perfect in holiness, are they confirmed in it?

Answer: Yes: He that is holy, let him be holy still, Rev. 22:11.

Question: Do the souls of believers at death sleep with their bodies?

Answer: No: For when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:8.

Question: Do they go to Christ?

Answer: Yes: Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, Phil. 1:23.

Question: And will he receive them?

Answer: Yes: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, Acts 7:59.

Question: Shall they be where he is?

Answer: Yes: That where I am there ye may be also, John 14:3.

Question: Will they be with him in heaven?

Answer: Yes: We have a house not. made with hands, eternal in the heavens, 2 Cor. 5:1.

Question: Do they pass into this glory at death?

Answer: Yes: That when ye fail ye may be received into everlasting habitations, Luke 16:9.

Question: Do they immediately pass into it?

Answer: Yes: This day shall thou be with me in paradise, Luke 23:43.

Question: Are they guarded by angels thither?

Answer: Yes: He was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom, Luke 16:22.

Question: Are they happy then in their death?

Answer: Yes: Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, Rev. 14:13.

Question: Happier than in life?

Answer: Yes: The day of their death is better than the day of their birth, Eccl. 7:1.

Question: And is their end peace?

Answer: Yes: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace, Ps. 37:37.

Question: Is death gain to the wicked man?

Answer: No: For when a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish, Prov. 11:7.

Question: Is it therefore a terror to the wicked?

Answer: Yes: This night thy soul shall be required of thee, Luke 12:20.

Question: Do the souls of the wicked, at death go into torment?

Answer: Yes: The rich man died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, Luke 16: 22, 23.

Question: Do they go away under the guilt of their sins?

Answer: Yes: If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins, John 8:24.

Question: Is it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God?

Answer: Yes: For our God is a consuming fire, Heb. 12:29.

Question: Are the souls of believers distinguished from them?

Answer: Yes: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, Ps. 49:15.

Question: Are the bodies of believers well provided for at death?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord is for the body, 1 Cor. 6:13.

Question: May they be cheerfully committed to the grave?

Answer: Yes; My flesh also shall rest in hope, Ps. 16:9.

Question: Do they still remain united to Christ?

Answer: Yes: For they sleep in Jesus, 1 Thess. 4:14.

Question: Do they rest in their graves?

Answer: Yes: For there the weary be at rest, Job 3:17.

Question: Is the grave a good Christian's bed?

Answer: Yes: He shall enter into peace, they shall rest in their beds, Isa. 57:2.

Question: May the saints triumph over the grave then?

Answer: Yes: O grave where is thy victory? 1 Cor. 15:55.

Question: And need they to fear no evil in it?

Answer: No: For the sucking child shall play upon the hole of the asp, Isa. 11:8.

Question: Are all who are regenerate delivered from the second death?

Answer: Yes: Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death shall have no power, Rev. 20:6.

Question: Shall the dead be raised again?

Answer: Yes: There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust, Acts 24:15.

Question: Shall the same body be raised again?

Answer: Yes: Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God, Job 19:26.

Question: Shall it be done by the power of Christ?

Answer: Yes: For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. 15:22

Question: Shall there be a vast difference between the godly and the wicked at the resurrection?

Answer: Yes: For some shall awake to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt, Dan 12:2.

Question: Has Christ himself assured us of this?

Answer: Yes: The hour is coming when all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation, John 5:28,29.

Question: Is it certain when this shall be?

Answer: Yes: For he hath appointed a day, Acts 17:31.

Question: But is it known to us?

Answer: No: For of that day and hour knoweth no man, Mark 13:32.


Question: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

Answer: At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.

Question: Shall the dead bodies of believers be raised?

Answer: Yes: For the dead shall be raised, 1 Cor. 15:52.

Question: Is it possible that the same body should return to life again?

Answer: Yes: Why should it seem a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead? Acts 26:8.

Question: Is it certain that they shall be raised?

Answer: Yes: For if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen, 1 Cor. 15:13.

Question: Has Christ undertaken for the resurrection of believers?

Answer: Yes: I am the resurrection and the life, John 11:15.

Question: Are they in error who deny it?

Answer: Yes: Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God, Matt. 22:29.

Question: Shall the believer's body be raised up in glory?

Answer: Yes: It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory, 1 Cor. 15:43.

Question: Shall it be the glory of Christ's glorified body?

Answer: Yes: He shall change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, Phil. 3:21.

Question: Shall they be raised by virtue of their union with Christ?

Answer: Yes: Together with my dead body shall they arise, Isa. 26:19.

Question: Shall they be raised to such a life as we now live?

Answer: No: For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, Matt. 22:30.

Question: Shall they be raised to an immortal life?

Answer: Yes: For this mortal must put off immortality, 1 Cor. 15:53.

Question: Shall they that are found alive be changed?

Answer: Yes: Behold, I show you a mystery, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1 Cor. 15:51.

Question: Shall all the saints at that day be brought to Jesus Christ?

Answer: Yes: At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ there shall be a gathering together unto him, 2 Thess. 2:1.

Question: Shall they be separated from the wicked?

Answer: Yes: As the Shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats, Matt. 25:32.

Question: Shall all the saints be then together?

Answer: Yes: For he shall gather his elect from the four winds, Matt. 24:31.

Question: And none but saints?

Answer: Yes: For he shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, Matt. 13:41.

Question: And saints made perfect?

Answer: Yes: For then that which is perfect is come, 1 Cor. 13:10.

Question: Shall they attend upon Christ at his coming?

Answer: Yes: Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, Jude 14.

Question: Shall they be assessors with him in his judgment?

Answer: Yes: For the saints shall judge the world, 1 Cor. 6:2.

Question: Shall they be openly acknowledged in the day of judgment?

Answer: Yes: Him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven, Matt. 10:32.

Question: Will God own them as his own?

Answer: Yes: They shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels, Mal. 3:17.

Question: And will that be their honour?

Answer: Yes: If any man serve me, him will my Father honour, John 12:26.

Question: Shall they be openly acquitted?

Answer: Yes: For their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing come, Acts 3:19.

Question: Shall the wicked be condemned then?

Answer: Yes: He shall say to them on his left hand, Depart from me.

Question: Shall they be sent away with a blessing?

Answer: No: Depart ye cursed.

Question: Shall they go into a place of ease?

Answer: No: Into fire.

Question: Into ordinary fire?

Answer: No: Into fire prepared.

Question: Shall it be for a short time?

Answer: No: But into everlasting fire.

Question: Shall they have good company?

Answer: No: But the devil and his angels, Matt. 25:41.

Question: Will the salvation of the saints aggravate their condemnation?

Answer: Yes: For they shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, Luke 13:28.

Question: Shall the saints at the day of judgment be put in possession of eternal life?

Answer: Yes: The righteous into life eternal, Matt. 25:4,6.

Question: Shall they be blessed?

Answer: Yes: Come, ye blessed of my Father, Matt. 25:34.

Question: Shall they be perfectly blessed?

Answer: Yes: For in thy presence is fulness of joy, Ps. 16:11.

Question: Shall there be any sin in heaven?

Answer: No: For they are as the angels of God in heaven, Matt. 22:30.

Question: Shall there be any sorrow there?

Answer: No: For God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, Rev. 21:4.

Question: Shall there be any dying there?

Answer: No: There shall be no more death, Rev. 21:4.

Question: Is heaven a place of rest?

Answer: Yes: There remaineth a rest for the people of God, Heb. 4:9.

Question: Is it light?

Answer: Yes: It is the inheritance of the saints in light, Col. 1:12.

Question: Is it honour?

Answer: Yes: It is a crown of glory that fades not away, 1 Pet. 5:4.

Question: Is it wealth?

Answer: Yes: It is an inheritance incorruptible, 1 Pet. 1:4.

Question: Is it joy?

Answer: Yes: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord, Matt. 25:21.

Question: Shall we in heaven see God?

Answer: Yes: When he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is, 1 John 3:2.

Question: Shall we see him clearly?

Answer: Yes: Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face, 1 Cor. 13:12.

Question: Shall we enjoy him?

Answer: Yes: God himself shall be with them, and be their God, Rev. 21.

Question: Shall we be satisfied in the vision and fruition of God?

Answer: Yes: I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness, Ps. 17:15.

Question: Shall this be everlasting?

Answer: Yes: So shall we ever be with the Lord, 1 Thes. 4:17.

Question: Is this happiness purchased?

Answer: Yes: It is the purchased possession, Eph. 1:14.

Question: Is it promised?

Answer: Yes: It is eternal life which God, that cannot lie, promised, Tit. 1:2.

Question: Is it sure to all good Christians?

Answer: Yes: Even the poor in the world, if rich in faith, are heirs of the kingdom, Jam. 2:5.

Question: Should we not be solicitous that it may be sure with us?

Answer: Yes: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Luke 18:18.

Question: Should we not then have it much in our eye?

Answer: Yes: For we look not at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen, 2 Cor. 4:18.

Question: And should we not be comforted and encouraged with the prospect of it?

Answer: Yes: For the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed, Rom. 8:18.


Question: What is the duty which God requires of man?

Answer: The duty which God requires of man is obedience to his revealed will.

Question: Does God require duty of men?

Answer: Yes: Now, O Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, Deut. 10:12.

Question: Of every man?

Answer: Yes: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, Matt. 13:9.

Question: Has he authority to require duty?

Answer: Yes: If I be a master, where is my fear, Mal. 1:6.

Question: Is it fit he should rule us?

Answer: Yes: For we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture, Ps. 100:3.

Question: Is it fit we should obey him?

Answer: Yes: For the borrower is servant to the lender, and the fool is servant to the wise in heart, Prov. 22:7; 11:29.

Question: Ought we therefore to inquire what our duty is?

Answer: Yes: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, Ps. 119:33.

Question: Has God made known his will concerning our duty?

Answer: Yes: He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel, Ps. 147:19.

Question: Are we to obey it?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments, Deut. 27:10.

Question: Is that obedience the condition of our acceptance?

Answer: Yes: Obey my voice, and I will he your God, Jer. 7:23.

Question: Is obedience to God reasonable?

Answer: Yes: It is our reasonable service, Rom. 12:1.

Question: Is it easy?

Answer: Yes: For his commandments are not grievous, 1 John 5:3.

Question: And will it he acceptable?

Answer: Yes: For to obey is better than sacrifice, 1 Sam. 15:22.

Question: Must our obedience to God be sincere?

Answer: Yes: Fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity, and in truth, Josh. 24:14.

Question: Must it be universal?

Answer: Yes: Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments, Ps. 119:6.

Question: Must it be with delight?

Answer: Yes: I delight in the law of God after the inward man, Rom. 7:22.

Question: Must it be constant?

Answer: Yes: Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long, Prov. 23:17.

Question: Must God's commands take place of men's?

Answer: Yes: We ought to obey God rather than men, Acts 5:29. and 4:19.

Question: Should we therefore labour to know the will of God?

Answer: Yes: Understand what the will of the Lord is, Eph. 5:17.

Question: Are we to study his secret will?

Answer: No: For secret things belong not to us.

Question: But his revealed will?

Answer: Yes: For things revealed belong to us, and to our children, that we may do all the words of this law, Deut. 29:29.

Question: Is obedience to God's revealed will the whole duty of man?

Answer: Yes: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man, Eccl. 12:13.


Question: What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

Answer: The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.

Question: Was the moral law revealed to man in innocency?

Answer: Yes: For God created man in his own image, Gen. 1:27.

Question: Is it written in the heart of man?

Answer: Yes: They show the work of the law written in their heart, Rom. 2:15.

Question: Is there then a law of nature?

Answer: Yes: Doth not even nature itself teach you? 1 Cor. 11:14.

Question: Is that a law of God?

Answer: Yes: For he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, Job 33:16.

Question: Does natural conscience enforce that law?

Answer: Yes: For the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, Rom. 2:14.

Question: Did the Gentiles sin by the breach of that law?

Answer: Yes: What they know naturally, in these things they corrupt themselves, Jude 1:10.

Question: And will they be punished for the breach of it?

Answer: Yes: They that have sinned without law, shall perish without law, Rom. 2:12.

Question: Has God given us the moral law more fully?

Answer: Yes: I have written unto them the great things of my law, Hos. 8:12.

Question: Are we under that law as a covenant?

Answer: No: For a man is not justified by the works of the law, Gal. 2:16.

Question: Are we under it as a rule?

Answer: Yes: We are under the law to Christ, 1 Cor. 9:21.

Question: Is the law of God very extensive?

Answer: Yes: Thy commandment is exceeding broad, Ps. 119:96.

Question: And very excellent?

Answer: Yes: The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, and just, and good, Rom. 7:12.

Question: Is it admirable?

Answer: Yes: Thy testimonies are wonderful, Ps. 119:129.

Question: Is any thing unjust in it?

Answer: No: I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, Ps. 119:128.

Question: Is it beyond any other law?

Answer: Yes: What nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, Deut. 4:8.

Question: Does the law of God bind the inward man?

Answer: Yes: For the law is spiritual, Rom. 7:14.

Question: Does it forbid heart sins?

Answer: Yes: Wash thy heart from wickedness, Jer. 4:14.

Question: Does it require heart service?

Answer: Yes: My son, give me thy heart, Prov. 23:26.

Question: Does the law show us our way?

Answer: Yes: It is a light to our feet, Ps. 119:105.

Question: Does it discover sin to us?

Answer: Yes: By the law is the knowledge of sin, Rom. 3:20.

Question: Does it warn us concerning sin and duty?

Answer: Yes: By them is thy servant warned, Ps. 19:11.

Question: Does it show us the need of Christ?

Answer: Yes: The law was our schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ, Gal. 3:24.

Question: And does Christ do that for as which the law could not?

Answer: Yes: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, Rom. 10:4.

Question: Ought we to love the law of God?

Answer: Yes: I love thy commandments above gold, Ps. 119:127.

Question: And to consult it upon all occasions?

Answer: Yes: Thy testimonies are my delight, and my counsellors, Ps. 119:24.

Question: And to confirm it?

Answer: Yes: We must walk in the law of the Lord, Ps. 119:1.


Question: Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

Answer: The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.

Question: Was the moral law in force before the ten commandments were given?

Answer: Yes: For Abraham commanded his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19.

Question: Was it at last summed up in these commandments?

Answer: Yes: For the law was given by Moses, John 1:17.

Question: Was the law of the ten commandments given first to Israel?

Answer: Yes: He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts to the children of Israel, Ps. 103:7.

Question: But are they binding to us now?

Answer: Yes: For Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfil, Matt. 5:17.

Question: Did God himself give these commandments?

Answer: Yes: From his right hand went a fiery law for them, Deut. 33:2.

Question: Did God himself speak to them?

Answer: Yes: Thou camest down upon Mount Sinai, and speakest with them from heaven, Neh. 9:18.

Question: Did he use the ministry of angels therein?

Answer: Yes: They received the law by the disposition of angels, Acts 7:58.

Question: Did God himself write them?

Answer: Yes: He gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God, Exod. 31:18.

Question: Was the law given with much terror?

Answer: Yes: For it was given upon a mount that burned with fire, and with blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Heb. 12:18.

Question: Was the sight terrible to Moses himself?

Answer: Yes: For he said, I exceedingly fear and quake, Heb. 12:21.

Question: Did it strike an awe upon the people?

Answer: Yes: For they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient, Exod. 24:7.

Question: And should not we be awed by the consideration of it?

Answer: Yes: Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, 2 Cor. 5:11.

Question: Did the ten commandments include the whole moral law?

Answer: Yes: If thou wilt enter into life, keep these commandments, Matt. 19:17.


Question: What is the sum of the ten commandments?

Answer: The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves.

Question: Is all the law summed up in a word?

Answer: Yes: All the law is fulfilled in one word, Gal. 5:14.

Question: Is that a short and sweet word?

Answer: Yes: For it is love; love is the fulfilling of the law, Rom. 13:10.

Question: Is it our duty to love God?

Answer: Yes: Take good heed to yourselves that ye love the Lord your God, Josh. 23:11.

Question: Must we love him with a sincere love?

Answer: Yes: Grace be with them that love him in sincerity, Eph. 6:24.

Question: And with a B love?

Answer: Yes; My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God, Ps. 42:2.

Question: And with a superlative love?

Answer: Yes: There is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, Ps. 73:25.

Question: And is all this included in the first and great commandment?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; this is the first and great commandment, Matt. 22:37,38.

Question: And is this the sum of our duty to God?

Answer: Yes; For if any man love God, the same is known of him, 1 Cor 8:3.

Question: Must those who love God be careful to please him?

Answer: Yes: Ye that love the Lord, hate evil, Ps. 97:10.

Question: Is there good reason why we should thus love God?

Answer: Yes: Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, Deut. 11:1.

Question: For is he most lovely in himself?

Answer: Yes: God is love, 1 John 4:8.

Question: And most loving to us?

Answer: Yes: We love him because he first loved us, 1 John 4:19.

Question: Will he return our love?

Answer: Yes: All things shall work together for good to them that love God, Rom. 8:28.

Question: And in the other world?

Answer: Yes: For eye hath not seen what God hath prepared for them that love him, 1 Cor. 2:9.

Question: Will you then love God above all?

Answer: Yes: I will love thee, O Lord, my strength, Ps. 18:1.

Question: And pray to God to give you grace to love him?

Answer: Yes: The Lord direct our hearts into his love, 2 Thess. 3:5.

Question: Is it our duty to love our neighbour too?

Answer: Yes: He that loveth God, must love his brother also, 1 John 4:21.

Question: Can we pretend to love God, if we do not love our neighbour?

Answer: No: He that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20.

Question: Is this the fulfilling of the law?

Answer: Yes: All is comprehended in this saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Rom. 13:9. James 2:8. Gal. 5:14.

Question: Is it the second great commandment?

Answer: Yes: The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Matt. 22:39.

Question: Is it an old commandment?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, I am the Lord, Lev. 19:18.

Question: Is it a new commandment?

Answer: Yes: A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, John 13:34.

Question: Must we have a respect for all men?

Answer: Yes: Honour all men, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Question: Especially for all good men?

Answer: Yes: We must honour them that fear the Lord, Ps. 15:4.

Question: Must we esteem one another?

Answer: Yes: Let each esteem other better than themselves, Phil. 2:3.

Question: Must we sympathize with one another?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep, Rom. 12:15.

Question: Must we please one another?

Answer: Yes: For even Christ pleased not himself, Rom. 15:2, 3.

Question: Must we help one another?

Answer: Yes: Bear ye one another's burdens, Gal. 6:2.

Question: Must we do good to one another?

Answer: Yes: As we have opportunity we must do good to all men, Gal. 6:10.

Question: Must we pray for one another?

Answer: Yes: Pray one for another that ye may be healed James 5:16.

Question: Must we love even our enemies?

Answer: Yes: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, Matt. 5:44.

Question: Must you hurt nobody in word or deed?

Answer: No: A citizen of Sion doeth not evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour, Ps. 15:3.

Question: Must you be true and just in all your dealings?

Answer: Yes: That which is altogether just shall thou follow, Deut. 16: 20.

Question: Must you bear no malice or hatred in your heart?

Answer: No: For whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15.

Question: Are we to love our neighbour as ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For we are members one of another, Eph. 4:25.

Question: As truly as we love ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Let love be without dissimulation, Rom. 12:9.

Question: And as fruitfully?

Answer: Yes: Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, 1 Cor. 10:33.

Question: And as constantly as we love ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Let brotherly love continue, Heb. 13:1.

Question: Ought we therefore to do as we would be done by?

Answer: Yes: Whatsoever ye would that men should do to yon, do you even so to them, Matt. 7:12.

Question: Should we in our places promote Christian love?

Answer: Yes: For every one that loveth is born of God, 1 John 4:7.

Question: And will this be our comfort?

Answer: Yes: Live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you, 2 Cor. 13:11.


Question: What is the preface to the ten commandments?

Answer: The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Question: Did God himself speak the ten commandments?

Answer: Yes: God spake all these words, saying, Exod. 20:1.

Question: Was it fit they should be introduced with a solemn preface?

Answer: Yes: Hear, O heavens, and give ear, 0 earth, for the Lord hath spoken, Isa. 1:2.

Question: Did he therein assert his own authority?

Answer: Yes: I am the Lord thy God.

Question: Did he remind them of the great things he had lately done for them?

Answer: Yes: I am the Lord thy God, from the land of Egypt, Hos. 12:9.

Question: Was the condition of Israel in Egypt very miserable?

Answer: Yes: For the Egyptians made them to serve with rigour, Exod. 1:13.

Question: Did God bring them out of Egypt?

Answer: Yes: He brought Israel from among them, for his mercy endureth for ever, Ps. 136:11.

Question: Did he do it miraculously?

Answer: Yes: With a strong hand, and a stretched-out arm, for his mercy endureth for ever, Ps. 136:12.

Question: Did this oblige them to keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: When I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I said, Obey my voice, Jer. 7:22, 23.

Question: But does this concern us?

Answer: Yes: For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, Heb. 4:2.

Question: For is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles?

Answer: Yes: Of the Gentiles also, Rom. 3:29.


Question: What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us?

Answer: The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all God's commandments.

Question: Is God the Lord Jehovah?

Answer: Yes: I am the Lord, that is my name, Isa. 43:8.

Question: Is that a reason why we should keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall observe all my statutes, and do them, I am the Lord, Lev. 19:37.

Question: Is he our God?

Answer: Yes: He is thy praise, and he is thy God, Deut. 10:21.

Question: Is that a reason why we should keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: For all people will walk every one in the name of their God, Mic. 4:5. Ps. 95:7.

Question: Is he our Redeemer?

Answer: Yes: Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, Isa. 63:16.

Question: Has he redeemed us from outward troubles?

Answer: Yes: Behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, Josh. 14:10.

Question: And are we therefore bound to keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: Truly, I am thy servant, thou hast loosed my bonds, Ps. 116:16.

Question: And are we very ungrateful if we do not?

Answer: Yes: Now thou hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments? Ezra 9:13, 14.

Question: Has God brought us out of a spiritual Egypt?

Answer: Yes: For Christ proclaims liberty to the captives, Isa. 61:1.

Question: Are we delivered from the bonds of sin?

Answer: Yes: He shall redeem Israel from all their iniquities, Ps. 130:8.

Question: And is our deliverance by Christ greater than theirs out of Egypt?

Answer: Yes: For if the Son make you free, then you shall be free indeed, John 8:36.

Question: And are we therefore bound to keep all his commandments?

Answer: Yes: For we are delivered out of the hands of our enemies, that we might serve him, Luke 1:74, 75.

Question: And was this the design of our redemption?

Answer: Yes: He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit. 2:14.

Question: Is there then all the reason in the world why we should be religious?

Answer: Yes: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, Isa. 1:18.


Question: What is the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Question: Is it an essential duty of religion to worship God?

Answer: Yes: For those have no hope that are without God in the world Eph. 2:12.

Question: Are we concerned to be right in the object of our worship?

Answer: Yes: We must know what we worship, John 4:22.

Question: Does the first commandment direct us in this?

Answer: Yes: For the first of all the commandments is this, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, Mark 12:29.

Question: Does God lay a stress upon our having him for our God?

Answer: Yes: Hear, O my people, and I will speak; I am God, even thy God, Ps. 50:7.

Question: And upon our having him only?

Answer: Yes: Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee; there shall no strange god be in thee, neither shall thou worship any strange god, Ps. 81:8, 9.

Question: Did Israel need this commandment?

Answer: Yes: For their fathers served other gods, Josh. 24:2.

Question: And were they tempted to serve other gods?

Answer: Yes: The gods of the people that were round about them, Deut. 13:7.


Question: What is required in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.

Question: Does that which forbids us to have any other gods, require us to have the true God?

Answer: Yes: Put away the strange gods, and serve the Lord only, 1 Sam. 7:3, 4.

Question: Is it our duty to acknowledge God?

Answer: Yes: The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God, 1 Kings 18:39.

Question: And must we acknowledge him to be the only true God?

Answer: Yes: Thou art the God, even thou alone, 2 Kings 19:15.

Question: Is it our duty to acquaint ourselves with him?

Answer: Yes: Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace, Job 22:21.

Question: Must we grow in that acquaintance?

Answer: Yes: Increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. 1:10.

Question: And may we attain to it?

Answer: Yes: Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, Hos. 6:3.

Question: Must we accept of God for our God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, Deut. 26:17, 18.

Question: And must we join ourselves to him?

Answer: Yes: Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, Jer. 50:5.

Question: And consent to be his?

Answer: Yes: O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant, Ps. 116:16.

Question: Must we take God the Father to be our chief good and highest end?

Answer: Yes: O God, thou art my God, Ps. 63:1.

Question: And God the Son to be our Prince and Saviour?

Answer: Yes: My Lord and my God, John 20:28.

Question: And God the Holy Ghost to be our sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter?

Answer: Yes: For they that are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God, Rom. 8:14.

Question: Must we renounce all others?

Answer: Yes: For by thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. 26:13.

Question: Must we do this deliberately?

Answer: Yes: Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, Josh. 24:15.

Question: Must we do it solemnly?

Answer: Yes: One shall say, I am the Lord's and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, Isa. 44:5.

Question: Must we do it resolutely?

Answer: Yes: Nay, but we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:21.

Question: May we be at liberty to change our Master?

Answer: No: But with purpose of heart must cleave to the Lord, Acts 11:23.

Question: When we have avouched the Lord for our God, must we apply ourselves to him?

Answer: Yes: If the Lord be God, then follow him, 1 Kings 18:21.

Question: Must we glorify him accordingly?

Answer: Yes: Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, Ps. 39:2.

Question: Must we worship him?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve, Matt. 4:10.

Question: Must we worship him with inward worship?

Answer: Yes: We must serve him with our spirits, Rom. 1:9.

Question: Is that the worship he requires?

Answer: Yes: For such the Father seeks to worship him, John 4:28.

Question: Must we remember God?

Answer: Yes: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, Eccl. 12:1.

Question: And think of him with delight?

Answer: Yes: My meditation of him shall be sweet, Ps. 104:34.

Question: Must we adore and admire him?

Answer: Yes: Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Exod. 15:11.

Question: Must we fear him above all?

Answer: Yes: Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread, Isa. 8:13.

Question: And reverence him?

Answer: Yes: He is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Ps. 89:7.

Question: Must we submit to his word?

Answer: Yes: Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears, 1 Sam. 3:9.

Question: And submit to his will?

Answer: Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Question: Must we love God above all?

Answer: Yes: O love the Lord all ye his saints, Ps. 31:23.

Question: Must our desire be towards him?

Answer: Yes: So panteth my soul after thee O God, Ps. 43:1.

Question: Must our delight be in him?

Answer: Yes: Delight thyself always in the Lord, Ps. 37:4.

Question: Must our dependence be upon him?

Answer: Yes: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, Ps. 31:1.

Question: Must we live a life of communion with God?

Answer: Yes: Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord, Ps. 25:15.

Question: And a life of complacency in him?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice in the Lord always, Phil. 4:4.

Question: And a life of conformity to him?

Answer: Yes: Be ye holy, for I am holy, 1 Pet. 1:16.

Question: And a life of confidence in him?

Answer: Yes: Commit thy way unto the Lord, Ps. 37:5.

Question: And a life of regard to him?

Answer: Yes: In all thy ways acknowledge him, Prov. 3:6.

Question: Must our hearts go out towards him?

Answer: Yes: Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, Ps. 25:1.

Question: And must we have him always in our eye?

Answer: Yes; I have set the Lord always before me, Ps. 16:8.

Question: And must we walk with him in the whole course of our conversation?

Answer: Yes: As Enoch walked with God, Gen. 5:24.

Question: And is this inward worship the life of religion?

Answer: Yes: It is better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices, Mark 12:33.


Question: What is forbidden in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying, the true God, as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone.

Question: Is it a great sin to deny the being of God?

Answer: Yes: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God, Ps. 14:1.

Question: Or to deny his omniscience?

Answer: Yes: They say, The Lord shall not see, Ps. 94:7.

Question: Or to deny his justice?

Answer: Yes: He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it, Ps. 10:13.

Question: Or his holiness?

Answer: Yes: Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself, Ps. 50:21.

Question: Or his goodness?

Answer: Yes: I knew thee to be a hard man, Matt. 25:24.

Question: Or his faithfulness?

Answer: Yes: Where is the promise of his coming? 2 Pet. 3:4.

Question: Is it a sin to question God's providence?

Answer: Yes: Is the Lord among us? Or is he not? Exod. 17:7.

Question: Or to question his power?

Answer: Yes: Can God furnish a table in the wilderness, Ps. 78:19.

Question: And is there such a thing as practical atheism?

Answer: Yes: They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, Tit. 1:16.

Question: Is it a great sin to be ignorant of God?

Answer: Yes: Some have not the knowledge of God; I speak it to your shame, 1 Cor. 15:34.

Question: Is it a damning sin?

Answer: Yes: He shall take vengeance on them that know not God, 2 Thess. 1:8.

Question: Is it the cause of all other sins?

Answer: Yes: There is neither truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God, in the land, Hos. 4:1.

Question: Is it a great sin to forget God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast forgotten the God that formed thee, Deut. 32:18.

Question: And to cast off the fear of him?

Answer: Yes: There is no fear of God before his eyes, Ps. 36:1.

Question: And to live without prayer?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, Isa. 43:22

Question: And not to glorify him?

Answer: Yes: The God in whose hand thy breath is, hast thou not glorified, Dan. 5:23.

Question: Is all distrust of God a sin?

Answer: Yes: The evil heart of unbelief departs from the living God, Heb. 3:12.

Question: And tempting God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, Matt. 4:7.

Question: And all the coldness of our love to him?

Answer: Yes: But their heart is far from me, Matt. 15:8.

Question: Does this commandment forbid all ungodliness?

Answer: Yes: For the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness, Rom. 1:18.

Question: And all idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Little children, keep yourselves from idols, 1 John 5:21.

Question: Had the Gentiles other gods besides the true God?

Answer: Yes: They had gods many, and lords manly, 1 Cor. 8:5.

Question: And were those gods devils?

Answer: Yes: They sacrificed to devils and not to God, l Cor. 10:20.

Question: May we have communion with them?

Answer: No: I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, 1 Cor 10:20.

Question: Have those fellowship with them who consult with witches?

Answer: Yes: Is it because there is not a God in Israel. that thou goest to inquire of Beelzebub the god of Ekron, 2 Kings 1:3.

Question: Did the Gentiles multiply their gods?

Answer: Yes: According to the number of thy cities are thy gods, Jer. 2:28.

Question: Were they gods of their own making?

Answer: Yes: And they that make them are like unto them, Ps. 115:8.

Question: Was not that a great affront to the living God?

Answer: Yes: They changed the truth of God into a lie, Rom. 1:25.

Question: Is there not such a thing as spiritual idolatry?

Answer: Yes: These men have set their idols in their hearts, Ezek. 14:4.

Question: Is it idolatry to make a god of our appetites?

Answer: Yes: Whose god is their belly, Phil. 3:19.

Question: Or a god of our money?

Answer: Yes: For covetousness is idolatry, Col. 3:5.

Question: May we give that respect to any creature which is due to God alone?

Answer: No: For his glory he will not give to another, Isa. 42:8.

Question: Is it therefore a sin to love them more than God?

Answer: Yes: He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, Matt. 10:37.

Question: And to trust in them?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, Jer. 17:5.

Question: Is this spiritual adultery?

Answer: Yes: She went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith the Lord, Hos. 2:13.


Question: What are we especially taught by these words, [before me,] in the first commandment?

Answer: These words, [before me,] in the first commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, takes notice of and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.

Question: Are we always in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: Thou knowest my down-sitting, and my up-rising, Ps. 139:2.

Question: Are all our actions in his sight?

Answer: Yes: All my ways are before thee, Ps. 119:168.

Question: Does he take notice of them?

Answer: Yes: He pondereth all our goings, Prov. 5:21.

Question: Are all our good works before him?

Answer: Yes: I know thy work, and thy labour, and thy patience, Rev. 2:2.

Question: Does he know all our inward worship of him?

Answer: Yes: The Lord hearkened, and heard those that thought on his name, Mal. 3:16.

Question: And should that encourage us to have him for our God?

Answer: Yes: For your Father sees in secret, and will reward openly, Matt. 6:4.

Question: Are all our evil works before him?

Answer: Yes: He sets our iniquities before him, Ps. 90:8.

Question: Is the having of other gods oftentimes a secret sin?

Answer: Yes: They do it in the dark, and say, the Lord sees us not, Exod. 8:12.

Question: But does God see?

Answer: Yes: He that formed the eye, shall he not see it? Ps. 94:9.

Question: Does he take notice of all our neglects of him?

Answer: Yes: If we have forgotten the name of our God he knows it.

Question: And does he take notice of all our inclinations to other gods?

Answer: Yes: If we have stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out? Ps. 44:20, 21.

Question: And is he much displeased with secret idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Seest thou the great abominations that they commit? Ezek. 8:6.

Question: And should this oblige us to be faithful to him?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord searcheth all hearts, 1 Chron. 28:9.


Question: What is the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment is, Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath; or that is in the water under the earth: thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Question: Does the second commandment concern the ordinances of God's worship, as the first object of it?

Answer: Yes: Therefore ye shall keep mine ordinances, Lev. 18:10.

Question: Was it requisite there should be a law concerning them?

Answer: Yes: Lest ye say, How did these nations serve their gods? so will I do likewise, Deut. 12:30.

Question: Is this binding to us now?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, flee from idolatry, 1 Cor. 10:14.

Question: Are we Christians forbidden to worship images?

Answer: Yes: That they should not worship idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, Rev. 9:20.

Question: Does this commandment forbid the making of images for a religious use?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, Deut. 27:15.

Question: Does it forbid the making an image of what is in heaven above?

Answer: Yes: Lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, shouldst be driven to worship them, Deut. 4:19.

Question: Or on earth, beneath?

Answer: Yes: As they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox, Ps. 106:20.

Question: Or in the waters under the earth?

Answer: Yes: As they made the likeness of creeping things, Rom. 1:23.

Question: Does it forbid us to bow down to them?

Answer: Yes: Shall I bow down to the stock of a tree? Isa. 44:19.

Question: Or to worship them?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall worship no other God, Exod. 34:14.

Question: Or to show any respect to them?

Answer: Yes: I will take away the names of Baalim out of their mouth, Hos. 2:17.

Question: Was it requisite this commandment should be thus enlarged?

Answer: Yes: Precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, Isa. 28:10.

Question: And that it should be backed with many reasons?

Answer: Yes: For they are mad upon their idols, Jer. 50:38.


Question: What is required in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in his word.

Question: Is it our duty solemnly to worship God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, Matt 4:10.

Question: Do we thereby honour him?

Answer: Yes: We give unto him the glory due unto his name, Ps. 29:2.

Question: Does the light of nature teach us to worship God?

Answer: Yes: They cried every man unto his god, Jonah 1:5.

Question: But does it teach us sufficiently how to worship him?

Answer: No: Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Acts 17:23.

Question: Has God in his word appointed us in what way to worship him?

Answer: Yes: For this was ordained in Joseph for a testimony, Ps. 81:5.

Question: And must we worship him in the appointed way?

Answer: Yes: See thou make all things according to the pattern showed thee, Heb. 8:5.

Question: Are we to receive such ordinances as God has appointed?

Answer: Yes: The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey, Josh. 24:24.

Question: Should we labour to understand them?

Answer: Yes: What mean ye by this service? Exod. 12:26.

Question: And are we to observe them?

Answer: Yes: Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Matt. 28:20.

Question: And to observe them duly?

Answer: Yes: As the duty of every day requires, Ezra 3:4.

Question: Are we to keep God's ordinances?

Answer: Yes: That good thing which was committed to thee, keep, 2 Tim. 1:14.

Question: Are we to keep them carefully?

Answer: Yes: Keep them as the apple of thine eye, Prov. 7:2.

Question: Must we keep them pure without corruption?

Answer: Yes: Add thou not to his words, Prov. 30:6.

Question: And entire, without diminution?

Answer: Yes: We must walk in all the ordinances of the Lord, Luke 1:6.

Question: May we neither add nor diminish?

Answer: No: Thou shalt neither add thereto nor diminish from it, Deut. 12:32.

Question: Must we worship God in the spirit?

Answer: Yes: We are the circumcision that worship God in the spirit, Phil. 3:3.

Question: Must we be inward with God in every service?

Answer: Yes: For bodily exercise profiteth little, 1 Tim 4:8.

Question: Is ignorance the mother of devotion?

Answer: No: For if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? Mal. 1:8.

Question: Is it the mother of destruction?

Answer: Yes: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos. 4:6.

Question: Ought we to have an eye to the word of God in our religious worship?

Answer: Yes: For whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom. 1:23.

Question: And to glorify God in it?

Answer: Yes; I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me, Lev. 10:3.

Question: And ought we to shun all idolatrous worship?

Answer: Yes: For I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, 1 Cor 10:20.


Question: What is forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word.

Question: Is it a sin to worship the true God by images?

Answer: Yes: For it changes the truth of God into a lie, Rom. 1:25.

Question: Are not images laymen's books?

Answer: No: For an image is a teacher of lies, Hab. 2:18.

Question: Is it possible to make an image of God?

Answer: No: We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device, Acts 17:29.

Question: Do we know what to represent God by?

Answer: No: To whom then will ye liken God? Isa. 40:18.

Question: Do they that pretend to it put a great affront upon him?

Answer: Yes: For they change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, Rom. 1:28.

Question: May we worship Christ by an image?

Answer: No: For though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more, 2 Cor. 5:16.

Question: Is it idolatry to worship the consecrated host?

Answer: Yes: For it is bread which we break, 1 Cor. 10:16.

Question: Is it idolatry to pray to saints and angels?

Answer: Yes: See thou do it not, but worship God, Rev. 19:10. and 22:9.

Question: Must we be careful to avoid all appearances of idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Take ye therefore good heed to yourselves, lest ye corrupt yourselves, Deut. 4:15.

Question: Should we choose to die rather than worship images?

Answer: Yes: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up, Dan. 3:18.

Question: Is it a sin to worship God in any way not appointed in his word?

Answer: Yes: In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Matt. 15:9.

Question: May we ourselves invent ordinances of worship?

Answer: No: They went a whoring with their own inventions, Ps. 106:39.

Question: Is it not enough if what we invent is not forbidden?

Answer: No: They offered a strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not, Lev. 10:1.

Question: Is it a sin to despise any of God's ordinances?

Answer: Yes: Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it! Mal. 1:13.

Question: Or to be careless in our attendance upon them?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male, and vows and sacrifices to the Lord a corrupt thing, Mal. 1:14.

Question: Are they spiritual idolaters who make images of God in their fancy?

Answer: Yes: They are vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart is darkened, Rom. 1:21.


Question: What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The reasons annexed to the second commandment, are God's sovereignty over us, his property in us, and the zeal he has to his own worship.

Question: Is there good reason why we should take heed of idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Turn ye not to idols, neither make to yourselves molten gods, I am the Lord your God, Lev. 19:4.

Question: Has God a sovereignty over us?

Answer: Yes: For he is a great God, and a great King above all gods, Ps. 95:3.

Question: Ought we therefore to worship him, as he has appointed us?

Answer: Yes: O come let us worship, and bow down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, Ps. 95:6.

Question: And not to worship idols?

Answer: Yes: For they can do neither good nor evil, Isa. 41:23.

Question: Has God a property in us?

Answer: Yes: For we are the people of his pasture, Ps. 95:7.

Question: Ought we therefore to worship him?

Answer: Yes: He is thy Lord, and worship thou him, Ps. 45:11.

Question: And not to worship other gods?

Answer: Yes: For hath a nation changed their gods? Jer. 2:11.

Question: Is God jealous in the matters of his worship?

Answer: Yes: The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God, Exod. 34:14.

Question: Is he much displeased with those who corrupt it?

Answer: Yes: They provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities, 1 Kings 16:13.

Question: Do those who do so hate him?

Answer: Yes: Idolaters are haters of God, Rom. 1:25, 30.

Question: Will he visit their iniquity?

Answer: Yes: In the day m when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them, Exod. 32:34.

Question: Will he visit it upon the children?

Answer: Yes: Our fathers sinned, and are not, and we have borne their iniquities, Lam. 5:7.

Question: And is it just with him to do so?

Answer: Yes: For they are the children of whoredoms, Hos. 2:4.

Question: But will he visit it for ever?

Answer: No: But to the third and fourth generation, Exod. 34:7.

Question: Will those who love God keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, John 15:10.

Question: Will he show mercy to such?

Answer: Yes: For he hath said, I love them that love me, Prov. 8:17.

Question: Will he show mercy to thousands of such ?

Answer: Yes: For the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, Ps. 103:17.


Question: What is the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Question: Does the third commandment concern the manner of our worshipping God?

Answer: Yes: That we serve the Lord with fear, Ps. 2:11.

Question: Is it enough that we seek God in a due ordinance?

Answer: No: But we must seek him after the due order, 1 Chron. 15:13.

Question: Is God's name all that whereby he makes himself known?

Answer: Yes: He proclaimed the name of the Lord, Exod. 34:5.

Question: Ought we to make use of his name?

Answer: Yes: By thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. 26:13.

Question: And to take heed of abusing it?

Answer: Yes: Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, I am the Lord, Lev. 18:21.


Question: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires a holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

Question: Does this commandment require us to glorify the name of God?

Answer: Yes: They shall worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name, Ps. 86:9.

Question: Are we to think of God's name with seriousness?

Answer: Yes: They feared the Lord, and thought upon his name, Mal. 3:16.

Question: Are we to speak of it with reverence?

Answer: Yes: For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few, Eccl. 5:2.

Question: Are we to call upon his name with a holy awe?

Answer: Yes: For we that are but dust and ashes speak to the Lord of glory, Gen. 18:27.

Question: Are we to worship God reverently in every religious duty?

Answer: Yes: We must serve him acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12:28.

Question: And is there good reason for it?

Answer: Yes: For our God is a consuming fire, Heb. 12:29.

Question: Ought we to behave ourselves very reverently in public worship?

Answer: Yes: For God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of his saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him, Ps. 89:7.

Question: Must we be holy in worshipping God?

Answer: Yes: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Ps. 96:9.

Question: Must we be holy in prayer and praise?

Answer: Yes: Lifting up holy hands, 1 Tim. 2:8.

Question: Must our thoughts be fixed?

Answer: Yes: O God, my heart is fixed, Ps. 108:1.

Question: Must pious and devout affections be working in us?

Answer: Yes: We must be fervent in spirit serving the Lord, Rom. 12:11.

Question: Must we be very humble in our approaches to God?

Answer: Yes: As the publican that stood afar off, and would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, Luke 18:13.

Question: Must we give glory to God in his word?

Answer: Yes: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name, Ps. 138:2.

Question: Must we hear it with reverence?

Answer: Yes: We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God, Acts 10:33.

Question: Must we give glory to God in swearing when we are called to it?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and shalt swear by his name, Deut. 6:13.

Question: Must we be cautions in swearing?

Answer: Yes: We must fear an oath, Eccl. 9:2.

Question: Must we be conscientious in swearing?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt swear in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness, Jer. 4:2.

Question: Must we give glory to God in vowing?

Answer: Yes: Vow and pay unto the Lord your God, Ps. 76:11.

Question: Must we glorify God in his great works?

Answer: Yes: We must magnify his works which men behold, Job 36:24.

Question: And must we glorify him by our good works?

Answer: Yes: Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2:19.


Question: What is forbidden in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment forbids all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God makes himself known.

Question: Do all hypocrites take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For they make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth and righteousness, Isa. 48:1.

Question: Do they therefore profane that name?

Answer: Yes: The name of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. 2:24.

Question: Do hypocritical worshippers take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness, Ezek. 33:31.

Question: And is their seeming religion a vain religion?

Answer: Yes: That man's religion is vain, James 1:26.

Question: Can it be pleasing to God?

Answer: No: Bring no more vain oblations, Isa. 1:11,13.

Question: Can it be profitable to themselves?

Answer: No: For they receive the grace of God in vain, 2 Cor. 6:1.

Question: Do covenant-breakers take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For they lie unto him with their tongues, Ps. 78:36.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to use the name of God lightly and carelessly?

Answer: Yes: For thou shall fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God, Deut. 28:58.

Question: Will God's friends thus affront him?

Answer: No: Thine enemies take thy name in vain, Ps. 139:20.

Question: Is it the character of the wicked?

Answer: Yes: Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins, Jer. 12:2.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to swear rashly?

Answer: Yes: Above all things, my brethren, swear not, Jam. 5:19.

Question: Is it a sin to swear by creatures?

Answer: Yes: Whether by heaven, or by the earth, or by the head, Matt. 5:34-36.

Question: Must our communication be yea, yea, and nay, nay?

Answer: Yes: For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, Matt. 5:37.

Question: Is it a sin to swear falsely?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not forswear thyself, Matt. 5:33.

Question: Is profane swearing a great sin?

Answer: Yes: For it blasphemes that worthy name by which we are called, Jam. 2:7.

Question: Is it an inexcusable sin?

Answer: Yes: For they transgress without cause, Ps. 25:3.

Question: Does it bring judgments upon families?

Answer: Yes: For the curse shall enter into the house of him that swears falsely, and shall consume it, Zech. 5:4.

Question: And upon nations?

Answer: Yes: Because of swearing the land mourns, Jer. 23:10.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to jest with the word of God?

Answer: Yes: Be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong, Isa. 28:22.

Question: Or to use it as a charm?

Answer: Yes: As those exorcists which said, We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth, Acts 19:13.

Question: Is it a sin to put a slight upon sacred things?

Answer: Yes: Ye have profaned my name, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible, Mal. 1:12.


Question: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

Answer: 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.

Question: Do the breakers of the third commandment commonly escape punishment from men?

Answer: Yes: For men hear the voice of swearing, and utter it not, Lev. 5:1.

Question: And do they fancy they shall escape God's judgments?

Answer: Yes: The wicked contemn God, and yet say in their heart, he will not require it, Ps. 10:13.

Question: But shall they escape God's judgments?

Answer: No: Be not deceived, God is not mocked, Gal. 6:7.

Question: Shall those who profane God's holy name escape his righteous judgments?

Answer: No: The Lord will make their plagues wonderful, Deut. 28:59.

Question: Shall hypocrites escape them?

Answer: No: Woe unto you scribes and pharisees, hypocrites, Matt. 23:13.

Question: Shall scoffers escape them?

Answer: No: For they shall be broken, and snared, and taken, Isa. 28:13.

Question: Shall covenant breakers escape them?

Answer: No: Seeing he despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, he shall not escape, Ezek. 17:18.

Question: Shall swearers go unpunished?

Answer: No: For he that sweareth shall be cut off: Zech. 5:3.

Question: Shall they who use God's name vainly go unpunished?

Answer: No: For every idle word that men speak they must give account, Matt. 12:36.

Question: And shall their words be witnesses against them?

Answer: Yes: God shall cause their own tongues to fall upon them, Ps. 44:8.


Question: What is the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall 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 the 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.

Question: Does the fourth commandment concern the time of worship?

Answer: Yes: For there is a time to every purpose, Eccl. 3:1.

Question: Must our worship be confined to that time?

Answer: No: For we must pray always, Eph. 6:18.

Question: But is that appointed for the certain time?

Answer: Yes: Blow up the trumpet in the time appointed, Ps. 81:3.

Question: Is it the will of God we should take special notice of this command?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, Remember it.

Question: Are we apt to forget it?

Answer: Yes: They have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, Ezek. 22:26.

Question: Must we keep holy the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, Deut. 5:12.

Question: Is a sabbath a day of rest?

Answer: Yes: It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, Lev. 16:31.

Question: Must we labour the six days, and do all our work?

Answer: Yes: For in the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, Gen. 3:19.

Question: But is not work for God part of our work?

Answer: Yes: For we must work the works of God, John 6:28.

Question: Must we not then do that on the six days?

Answer: Yes: Every day will I bless thee, Ps. 145:2.

Question: But must we especially do it on sabbath days?

Answer: Yes: For it is the Holy of the Lord, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Must we therefore rest from other work on that day?

Answer: Yes: That we may attend upon the Lord without distraction, 1 Cor. 7:35.

Question: Must children keep holy the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Thou, and thy son, and thy daughter.

Question: And servants?

Answer: Yes: That thy man-servant and maid-servant may rest as well as thou, Deut. 5:14.

Question: And is there good reason for the sanctification of the sabbath?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall keep my sabbaths, I am the Lord your God, Lev. 19:3.


Question: What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer: 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.

Question: Must holy time be kept holy?

Answer: Yes: For every thing is beautiful in its season, Eccl. 3:11.

Question: Can man make time holy?

Answer: No: For I am the Lord which sanctify you, Lev. 20:8.

Question: Has God appointed a sabbath?

Answer: Yes: It is as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, Deut. 5:12.

Question: Had he authority to do so?

Answer: Yes: For the day is thine, the night also is thine, Ps. 74:16.

Question: Did he appoint it for us?

Answer: Yes: For the sabbath was made for man, Mark 2:27.

Question: Did he appoint one day in seven?

Answer: Yes: For a seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.

Question: One whole day?

Answer: Yes: For in the evening and the morning were the first day, Gen. 1:5.

Question: Must we keep it?

Answer: Yes: Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep, Exod. 31:13.

Question: Must we keep it as a treasure?

Answer: Yes: We must call the sabbath honourable, Isa. 58:13.

Question: And keep it as a talent?

Answer: Yes: For thou madest known unto them thy holy sabbaths, Neh. 9:14.

Question: Must we keep it with care?

Answer: Yes: We must lay hold on it, to keep the sabbath from polluting it, Isa. 56:2.

Question: Must we keep it holy to God?

Answer: Yes: For he that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord, Rom. 14:6.


Question: Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?

Answer: 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.

Question: Was the sabbath appointed from the beginning of the world?

Answer: Yes: God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it when the heavens and the earth were finished, Gen. 2:1-3.

Question: Was it in remembrance of the work of creation?

Answer: Yes: Because that in it he rested from all his work, Gen. 2:3.

Question: Was it observed before the giving of the law upon mount Sinai?

Answer: Yes: For before that it was said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath to the Lord, Exod. 16:23.

Question: Was that appointed to be kept on the seventh day of the week?

Answer: Yes: For he spake of the seventh day on this wise, Heb. 4:4.

Question: Was the law of the sabbath given more particularly to Israel?

Answer: Yes: I gave them my sabbath to be a sign between me and them, Ezek. 20:12.

Question: Was it religiously observed among them?

Answer: Yes: For their enemies did mock at their sabbaths, Lam. 1:7.

Question: Did they sanctify the sabbath in solemn assemblies?

Answer: Yes: Moses of old time is read in the synagogues every sabbath day, Acts 15:21.

Question: Was the blessing confined to the seventh day?

Answer: No: For the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it, Exod. 20:11.

Question: Was the sabbath to continue in gospel times?

Answer: Yes: For there remaineth the keeping of a sabbath to the people of God, Heb. 4:9 marg.

Question: Did Christ intend it should continue?

Answer: Yes: For he said, Pray that your flight be not on the sabbath day, Matt. 24:20.

Question: Did he in order to that expound the fourth commandment?

Answer: Yes: For he allowed that it is lawful to do well upon the sabbath day, Matt. 12:12.

Question: Is there the same need of sabbaths now that ever there was?

Answer: Yes: For I gave them my sabbaths that they might know that I am the Lord, Ezek. 20:12.

Question: Is the sabbath changed now to the first day of the week?

Answer: Yes: For on the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread, Acts 20:7.

Question: Was it because on that day of the week our Lord Jesus rose from the dead?

Answer: Yes: For he rose as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, Matt. 28:1.

Question: And because on that day the Spirit was poured out?

Answer: Yes: For that was when the day of Pentecost was fully come, Acts. 2:1.

Question: Was it fit there should be an alteration?

Answer: 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 from the land of the north, Jer. 16:14, 15.

Question: Did the apostles observe the first day of the week?

Answer: Yes: On the first day of the week let everyone lay by, 1 Cor. 16:2.

Question: Did the primitive church call it the Lord's day?

Answer: Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, Rev. 1:10.

Question: In a thing of this nature ought we to acquiesce?

Answer: Yes: For if any man will be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God, 1 Cor. 11:16.


Question: How is the sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer: The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful in other days; and spending the 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.

Question: Must we rest on the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, Exod 31:15.

Question: Must we rest from worldly employments?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein, Jer. 17:24.

Question: And from recreations?

Answer: Yes: Not finding thine own pleasure, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Is this to signify our being dead to this world?

Answer: Yes: For he that is entered into his rest has ceased from his own works, Heb. 4:10.

Question: And to awaken us to think of leaving it?

Answer: Yes: For here we have no continuing city, Heb. 13:14.

Question: Must this rest be dedicated to God?

Answer: Yes: It is a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord, Exod. 35:2.

Question: Must we spend time on that day in the public exercises of God's worship?

Answer: Yes: For it is a holy convocation, Lev. 23:3.

Question: Must we do so every sabbath, as we have opportunity?

Answer: Yes: From one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord, Isa. 66:23.

Question: And must we not absent ourselves from public worship?

Answer: No: Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, Heb. 10:25.

Question: Must we spend time on that day in the private exercises of religion?

Answer: Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings, Lev. 23:3.

Question: Did the disciples of Christ thus spend the first Lord's day?

Answer: Yes: For on the first day of the week the disciples were assembled, John 20:19.

Question: Must we prepare for the sabbath day beforehand?

Answer: Yes: It was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on, Luke 23:54.

Question: Must the sabbath be a day of holy joy?

Answer: Yes: We will rejoice and be glad in it, Ps. 118:24.

Question: Must it be a day of praise?

Answer: Yes: The psalm for the sabbath day begins, It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, Ps. 92:1.

Question: Must we be spiritual in the duties of the day?

Answer: Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, Rev. 1:10.

Question: And must we take pleasure in them?

Answer: Yes: Call the Sabbath a delight, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Are works of mercy and charity proper for a sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Ought not this woman to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day, Luke 13:16.

Question: And may works of necessity be done on that day?

Answer: Yes: Do not you on the sabbath lead your ox, or your ass, to watering, Luke 13:15.


Question: What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

Answer: 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.

Question: Do we profane the sabbath if we neglect the sabbath work?

Answer: Yes: I came seeking fruit, but found none, Luke 13:7.

Question: Or if we perform carelessly?

Answer: Yes: Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick, Mal. 1:13.

Question: Or if we be weary of it?

Answer: Yes: They say, When will the sabbath be gone? Amos 8:5.

Question: Or if we idle away sabbath time?

Answer: Yes: Why stead ye here all the day idle? Matt. 20:6.

Question: And much more if we do that which is in itself sinful?

Answer: Yes: They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths, Ezek. 23:38.

Question: Do we profane the sabbath by violating the sabbath rest?

Answer: Yes: What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Neh. 13:17.

Question: May we not buy and sell on that day?

Answer: No: Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise, John 2:16.

Question: May we not work harvest-work on that day?

Answer: No: In earing-time, and in harvest, thou shall rest, Exod. 34:21.

Question: May we not however think and speak at our pleasure on that day?

Answer: No: Not doing thine own ways, nor speaking thine own words, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Was he punished that gathered sticks on the sabbath?

Answer: Yes: They stoned him with stones that he died, Numb. 15:36.

Question: Are nations sometimes punished for sabbath profanation?

Answer: Yes: If ye will not hallow the sabbath day, I will kindle a fire in the gates of Jerusalem Jer. 17:27.

Question: Is the contempt of the sabbath a contempt of God?

Answer: Yes: This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day, John 9:16.


Question: What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

Answer: 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.

Question: Has God allowed us six days of the week?

Answer: Yes: Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work.

Question: Has he reserved but one day in seven for himself?

Answer: Yes: For he hath not made us to serve with an offering, nor wearied us with incense, Isa. 43:23.

Question: Does he claim a special property in the seventh day?

Answer: Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.

Question: Has our Lord Jesus a property in it?

Answer: Yes: For the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath, Mark 2:28.

Question: Ought we not therefore to devote it to his service?

Answer: Yes: For will a man rob God? Mal. 3:8.

Question: Did God the Creator set us an example of sabbath rest?

Answer: Yes: For the seventh day he rested and was refreshed, Exod. 31:17.

Question: Did God the Redeemer set us an example of sabbath work?

Answer: Yes: For as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, Luke 4:16.

Question: And has he given us encouragement in the work of the Christian sabbath?

Answer: Yes: For when they were assembled on the first day of the week, Jesus stood in the midst, John 20:19.

Question: Has God blessed the sabbath day, and so put an honour upon it?

Answer: Yes: The Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Question: Is it not an ill thing then for us to put a slight upon it?

Answer: Yes: As they do that despise the holy things, and profane the sabbath, Ezek. 22:8.

Question: Has God appointed it to be a day of blessings to us?

Answer: Yes: There will I come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. 20:24.

Question: Are not they enemies to themselves then that neglect it?

Answer: Yes: They forsake their own mercies, Jonah 2:8.


Question: What is the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Question: Do the six last commandments concern our duty to our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: For this is his commandment, That we love one another, 1 John 3:23.

Question: And must we mind that as well as our duty to God?

Answer: Yes: Providing for honest things, not only. in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men, 2 Cor. 8:21.

Question: And are we concerned to be very careful in second-table duties?

Answer: Yes: That the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed, 1 Tim. 6:1.

Question: Will our devotions be acceptable without this?

Answer: No: When ye make many prayers I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood, Isa 1:15.

Question: Is religion toward God a branch of universal righteousness?

Answer: Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. 22:21.

Question: And his righteousness toward men a branch of true religion?

Answer: Yes: For pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, Jam. 1:27.

Question: Does the law of God require both?

Answer: Yes: To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God, Mic. 6:8.

Question: And does the grace of the gospel teach both?

Answer: Yes: To live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2:12.

Question: Must every godly man then be an honest man?

Answer: Yes: For we must live in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And must he be a charitable man?

Answer: Yes: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous, Ps. 112:4.

Question: And will the trial be by this at the great day?

Answer: Yes: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat, Matt. 25:35.

Question: Does the fifth commandment concern our duty to our relations?

Answer: Yes: For all ye are brethren, Matt. 23:8.

Question: And must we be careful to do this duty?

Answer: Yes: That they who will not be won by the word, may be won by the conversation, 1 Pet. 3:1.