Question: What is required in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duty, which belongs to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

Question: Is it the duty of children to reverence their parents?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, Lev. 19:3.

Question: And must they give honour to them?

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

Question: And may they upon no account despise them?

Answer: No: Despise not thy mother when she is old, Prov. 23:22.

Question: Ought they to carry themselves respectfully towards them?

Answer: Yes: King Solomon rose up to meet his mother, and bowed himself to her, 1 Kings 2:19.

Question: And to speak honourably of them?

Answer: Yes: Her children rose up, and called her blessed, Prov. 31:28.

Question: Is it the duty of children to obey their parents?

Answer: Yes: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, Eph. 6:1.

Question: And to receive their instructions?

Answer: Yes: Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, Prov. 1:8.

Question: And to submit to their correction?

Answer: Yes: The fathers of our flesh corrected us, and we gave them reverence, Heb. 12:9.

Question: Should children labour to rejoice the hearts of their parents?

Answer: Yes: My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, Prov. 23:15.

Question: And to requite them?

Answer: Yes: Let them show piety at home, and requite their parents, 1 Tim. 5:4.

Question: And to have their consent in disposing of themselves?

Answer: Yes: Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and went to Padan-aram, for a wife, Gen 28:7.

Question: Is Christ an example of this subjection?

Answer: Yes: For he went with his parents to Nazareth, and was subject to them, Luke 2:51.

Question: Is it the duty of children to be respectful to the aged?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, Lev. 19:32.

Question: And must they be observant of their teachers?

Answer: Yes: For they will mourn at the last, who obey not the voice of their teachers, and incline not their ear to them that instruct them, Prov. 5:11,13.

Question: And must they order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters?

Answer: Yes: Ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder, 1 Pet. 5:5.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to be tender of their children?

Answer: Yes; For can a woman forget her sucking child? Isa. 49:15.

Question: And mild toward them?

Answer: Yes; For a father pities his children, Ps. 103:13.

Question: And to bear with them?

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

Question: And yet must they correct them when it is necessary?

Answer: Yes; For he that spares his rod hates his son; but he that loves him, chastens him betimes, Prov. 13:24.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to pray for their children?

Answer: Yes: Job offered for his sons burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all, Job 1:5.

Question: And to bless God for them?

Answer: Yes: They are the children which God hath graciously given thy servant, Gen. 33:5.

Question: Are they to bless them in the name of the lord?

Answer: Yes: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, Heb. 11:20.

Question: And are they to provide for them what is convenient?

Answer: Yes: If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God?

Answer: Yes: Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.

Question: And to teach them the things of God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, Deut. 6:7.

Question: And to oblige them to their duty?

Answer: Yes: I know Abraham, that he will command his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19.

Question: And ought they to set them a good example?

Answer: Yes: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Ps. 101:2.

Question: And must they patiently part with their children when God calls for them?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, Gen. 22:16.

Question: Is it the duty of servants to honour their masters and mistresses?

Answer: Yes: Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, 1 Tim. 6:1.

Question: Is it their duty to obey them?

Answer: Yes: Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, Eph. 6:5.

Question: And to be just and true to them?

Answer: Yes: Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, Titus 2:10.

Question: Ought they to be diligent in the duty of their place though they suffer unjustly?

Answer: Yes: Servants be subject not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, 1 Pet. 2:18.

Question: And must they have an eye to God in all?

Answer: Yes: As to the Lord, and not to men, Col. 3:23.

Question: Is it the duty of masters to be just to their servants?

Answer: Yes: Masters give to your servants that which is just and equal, Col. 4:1.

Question: And to be gentle towards them?

Answer: Yes: Forbearing threatening, Eph. 6:9.

Question: Should all masters of families worship God with their families?

Answer: Yes: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:15.

Question: And should they restrain sin in their families?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacle, Job 22:28.

Question: Is it the duty of wives to be respectful to their husbands?

Answer: Yes: Let the wife see that she reverence her husband, Eph. 5:33.

Question: And to love them?

Answer: Yes: They must love their husbands, and love their children, Tit. 2:4.

Question: Must they be submissive to their husbands?

Answer: Yes: Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord, Col. 3:18.

Question: Must they be faithful and obedient to them?

Answer: Yes: They must be chaste keepers at home, obedient to their own husbands, Tit. 2:5.

Question: Must they receive instruction from them?

Answer: Yes: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, 1 Cor. 14:35.

Question: Must they be helpers to them in religion?

Answer: Yes: That they may be won by the conversation of the wives, 1 Pet. 3:1.

Question: Is it the duty of husbands to love their wives?

Answer: Yes: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them Col. 3:19.

Question: Must they love them dearly?

Answer: Yes: Let every one love his wife even as himself, Eph. 5:33.

Question: And delight in them?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, Prov. 5:18, 19.

Question: And be tender of them?

Answer: Yes: Giving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Question: Is it the duty of husbands and wives to be pleasing one to another?

Answer: Yes: He that is married careth how to please his wife, and she that is married how to please her husband, 1 Cor. 7:33,34.

Question: Is it their duty to live in the fear of God, and to pray together?

Answer: Yes: As heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Question: Should they promote the eternal salvation one of another?

Answer: Yes: What knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 1 Cor. 7:16.

Question: Is it the duty of subjects to reverence their magistrates?

Answer: Yes: Fear God, honour the king, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Question: And to obey them in the Lord?

Answer: Yes: We must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey magistrates, Tit. 3:1.

Question: And to be loyal to them?

Answer: Yes: For the powers that be are ordained of God, Rom. 13:1.

Question: Is it our duty to pray for magistrates?

Answer: Yes: For kings, and for all that are in authority, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And to pay them tribute?

Answer: Yes: Tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, Rom. 13:7.

Question: Must we be peaceable under their government?

Answer: Yes: That we under them may lead a quiet and peaceable life, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And all this conscientiously?

Answer: Yes: Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake, Rom. 13:5.

Question: Ought magistrates to be as parents to their subjects?

Answer: Yes: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers, Isa. 49:23.

Question: Is it the duty of people to love and respect their ministers?

Answer: Yes: Know them which labour among you, and esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake, 1 Thess. 5:12,13.

Question: Ought they to submit to their instructions?

Answer: Yes: Obey your guides, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, Heb. 13:7.

Question: And to provide for their comfortable subsistence?

Answer: Yes: Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, Gal. 6:6.

Question: And ought ministers to be as spiritual fathers to their people?

Answer: Yes: We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1 Thess. 2:11.

Question: Is it the duty of equals to be kind one to another?

Answer: Yes: Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, Rom. 12:10.

Question: And to be respectful one to another?

Answer: Yes: In honour preferring one another, Rom. 12:10.

Question: And to be submissive one to another?

Answer: Yes: Yea, all of ye, be subject one to another, 1 Pet. 5:5.


Question: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.

Question: Is it a sin for children to despise their parents?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be he that sets light by his father or mother, Deut. 27:16.

Question: Or to disobey them?

Answer: Yes: The eye that mocks at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it, Prov. 30:17.

Question: Is it a sin for children prodigally to spend their parents' substance?

Answer: Yes: He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, Prov. 29:16.

Question: Or to grieve their parents?

Answer: Yes: A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, Prov. 10:1.

Question: Is it a sin for inferiors to be rude and undutiful to their superiors?

Answer: Yes: For a child to behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, Isa. 3:5.

Question: Is it a sin for superiors to be harsh and unkind to their inferiors?

Answer: Yes: Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3:21.

Question: Is it a sin to be vexatious to our relations?

Answer: Yes: Her adversary provoked her to make her to fret, 1 Sam. 1:6.

Question: And to be quarrelsome with our relations?

Answer: Yes: Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen, for we be brethren, Gen. 13:8.

Question: And to be suspicious of our relations?

Answer: Yes: For charity thinketh no evil, 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.


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

Answer: The reason annexed to the filth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

Question: Is there a gracious promise made to those that honour their parents?

Answer: Yes: It is the first commandment with promise, Eph. 6:2.

Question: Is long life promised?

Answer: Yes: That thy days may be long in the land.

Question: Is outward prosperity promised?

Answer: Yes: That it may be well with thee, Eph. 6:3.

Question: Are temporal blessings promised to good people?

Answer: Yes: Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, 1 Tim. 4:8.

Question: And are they promised particularly to pious and dutiful children?

Answer: Yes: My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee, Prov. 3:1, 2.

Question: Do all good children prosper in this world?

Answer: No: For all things come alike to all, Eccl. 9:2.

Question: But are they most likely to prosper?

Answer: Yes: For by humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour and life, Prov. 22:4.

Question: Shall they prosper as far as is for God's glory?

Answer: Yes: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, Ps. 50:15.

Question: And as far as is for their own good?

Answer: Yes: For we read of those whom God sent into captivity for their good, Jer. 24:5.

Question: But shall good children live for ever in, the heavenly Canaan?

Answer: Yes: There their inheritance shall be for ever, Ps. 37:18.

Question: And are disobedient children often punished in this life?

Answer: Yes: As Absalom that was hanged in an oak, 2 Sam. 18:9.


Question: What is the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment is, Thou shall not kill.

Question: Does the sixth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's life?

Answer: Yes: For the life is more than meat, Matt. 6:25.

Question: Has God a tender regard to the life of men?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth to all life and breath, Acts 17:25.

Question: Has he by this law made a hedge about life?

Answer: Yes: That men might not be like the fishes of the sea, Habak. 1:14.

Question: Did there need be this law?

Answer: Yes: For men live in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, Tit. 3:3.

Question: Is it a part of the law of nature?

Answer: Yes: For the barbarous people said of a murderer, that vengeance suffers him not to live, Acts 28:4.


Question: What is required in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

Question: Are we to take care of our own lives?

Answer: Yes: No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, Eph. 5:29.

Question: Must we endeavour the preservation of them?

Answer: Yes: Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life, Job 2:4.

Question: Are we to be careful of our diet?

Answer: Yes: Hast thou found honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Prov. 25:16.

Question: Are we to use physic when we need it?

Answer: Yes: Take a lump of figs and lay it upon the boil, Isa. 38:21.

Question: And are we to be cheerful?

Answer: Yes: For a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, Prov. 17:22.

Question: But may we deny Christ to save our lives?

Answer: No: He that so saveth his life shall lose it, Matt. 16:25.

Question: May we commit any wilful sin to save our lives?

Answer: No: We must do no evil that good may come, Rom. 3:8.

Question: But what we do for the preservation of our own lives, must it be with an eye to God's glory?

Answer: Yes: That I may live, and keep thy word, Ps. 119:17. Live and praise thee, Ps. 119:175.

Question: Are we to be compassionate even to the brute creatures?

Answer: Yes: A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, Prov. 12:10.

Question: Are we to be careful of the lives of others as well as of our own?

Answer: Yes: It was Cain that said, Am I my brother's keeper? Gen. 4:9.

Question: Are we to do what we can in our places for the relief of those who are exposed to violence?

Answer: Yes: We must deliver them that are ready to be slain, Prov. 24:11,12.

Question: Must we succour the distressed, like the good Samaritan?

Answer: Yes: Go thou and do likewise, Luke 10:87.

Question: Are we to support the lives of those who are in straits?

Answer: Yes: The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, Job 29:13.

Question: Are we to be meek towards those that provoke us?

Answer: Yes: Showing all meekness toward all men, Titus 3:2.

Question: And are we to be merciful toward those who need us?

Answer: Yes: Put on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, Col. 3:12.


Question: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, and whatsoever tends thereunto.

Question: May we dispose of our own lives at our pleasure?

Answer: No: For surely your blood of your lives will I require, Gen. 9:5.

Question: Is it a sin in any case to kill ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Do thyself no harm, Acts 16:28.

Question: Is it an exceeding sinful sin?

Answer: Yes: It was the sin of Saul and Judas, Sam. 31:4. Matt. 27:5.

Question: Is it a sin needlessly to expose our own lives?

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

Question: But must we not expose our lives to keep a good conscience?

Answer: Yes: Neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I might finish my course with joy, Acts 20:24.

Question: Is drunkenness a sin against our own lives?

Answer: Yes: Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and so that day come upon you unawares, Luke 21:34.

Question: Is uncleanness so?

Answer: Yes: He that commits fornication sins against his own body, 1 Cor. 6:18.

Question: Is immoderate care and grief a sin against our own lives?

Answer: Yes: For the sorrow of the world worketh death, 2 Cor. 7:10.

Question: Is it lawful for the magistrate to take away the life of a malefactor?

Answer: Yes: For he bears not the sword in vain, Rom. 13:4.

Question: May soldiers kill in a lawful war?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood, Jer. 48:10.

Question: But is wilful murder a great sin?

Answer: Yes: The voice of thy brother's blood cries Gen. 4:10.

Question: Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge?

Answer: Yes: Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, Gen. 9:6.

Question: And ought the murderer to be put to death?

Answer: Yes: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him, Prov. 28:17.

Question: Is murder a great affront to God?

Answer: Yes: For in the image of God made he man, Gen. 9:6.

Question: Does it make men like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44.

Question: Is it of dangerous consequence to the murderer?

Answer: Yes: For no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 John 3:15.

Question: Ought we therefore to pray that God would keep us from it?

Answer: Yes: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God of my salvation, Ps. 51:14.

Question: Is malice heart-murder?

Answer: Yes: Lie that hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15.

Question: Is rash anger a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: But I say unto you, Whosoever is angry with his brother without cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, Matt. 5:22.

Question: Is giving foul language a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire, Matt. 5:22.

Question: Is revenge a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, Rom. 12:19.


Question: What is the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Question: Does this commandment concern our own and our neighhour's chastity?

Answer: Yes: For this is the will of God, even our sanctification, 1 Thess. 4:3.

Question: Is it needful there should be such a commandment?

Answer: Yes: For since all are gone aside, they are all become filthy, Ps. 14:3.

Question: Is it agreeable to the light of nature?

Answer: Yes: For Abimelech called adultery a great sin, Gen. 20:9.

Question: And is this command for the public good of mankind?

Answer: Yes: For whoredom and wine take away the heart, Hos. 4:11.


Question: What is required in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.

Question: Is it our duty to keep our bodies pure from all fleshly lusts?

Answer: Yes: We must possess our vessel in sanctification and honour, and not in the lust of concupiscence, 1 Thess. 4:4.

Question: Are we to present our bodies to God?

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

Question: Are we to glorify him with them?

Answer: Yes: Glorify God with your bodies, 1 Cor. 6:20.

Question: Are we to use them for him?

Answer: Yes: For your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, 1 Cor. 6:19.

Question: And to employ them in his service?

Answer: Yes: Yield your members as instruments of righteousness unto God, Rom. 6:13.

Question: May they then be used in the service of our lusts?

Answer: No: For if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, 1 Cor. 3:17.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in heart?

Answer: Yes: That we may be holy both in body and spirit, 1 Cor. 7:34.

Question: And must we keep out all unclean thoughts and desires?

Answer: Yes: We must flee youthful lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22.

Question: And is that the way to prevent the acts of uncleanness?

Answer: Yes: For when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin, James 1:15.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in speech?

Answer: Yes: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, Col. 4:6.

Question: Is it the character of good people to be modest?

Answer: Yes: I will turn to the people a pure language, Zeph. 3:9.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in behaviour?

Answer: Yes: We must have a chaste conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. 3:2.

Question: And in our clothing?

Answer: Yes: Women must adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, 1 Tim. 2:9.

Question: Must we abstain from all appearances of uncleanness?

Answer: Yes: Hating even the garment spotted with the flesh, Jude 1:23.

Question: And from all approaches to it?

Answer: Yes: Come not nigh the door of her house, Prov. 5:8.

Question: Must we resolve against wanton looks?

Answer: Yes: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then, should I think upon a maid? Job 31:1.

Question: Must we always keep our bodies in soberness and chastity?

Answer: Yes: We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7:1.

Question: And must we crucify all the lusts of the flesh?

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

Question: Must the body be subdued?

Answer: Yes: I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, 1 Cor. 9:27.

Question: And must its sinful desires be denied?

Answer: Yes: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee, Matt. 5:29.


Question: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

Question: Is adultery a very great sin?

Answer: Yes: How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Gen. 29:9.

Question: Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge?

Answer: Yes: The adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death, Lev. 20:10.

Question: Is fornication a very great sin?

Answer: Yes: Fornication, and all uncleanness, let it not be once named among you, Eph. 5:3.

Question: Will these sins certainly shut men out of heaven, if they be not repented of and forsaken?

Answer: Yes: For fornicators and adulterers shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:10.

Question: Are unclean thoughts sins?

Answer: Yes: For whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart, Matt. 5:28.

Question: Are unclean reflections sins?

Answer: Yes: For some multiply their whoredoms by calling to remembrance the days of their youth, Ezek. 23:19.

Question: Are unclean desires sins?

Answer: Yes: Inordinate affection, and evil concupiscence, are to be mortified in us, Col. 3:5.

Question: And must all fleshly lusts be shunned?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, 1 Pet. 2:11.

Question: Are unclean words sin?

Answer: Yes: For there must be neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, Eph. 5:4.

Question: Must we therefore take heed of speaking any filthy words?

Answer: Yes: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, Eph. 4:29.

Question: May we take delight in hearing filthy talk?

Answer: No: For evil communications corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15:33.

Question: Are all unchaste actions forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Not only adultery and fornication, but uncleanness and lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19), chambering and wantonness, Rom. 13:13.

Question: Are the occasions of uncleanness here forbidden?

Answer: Yes: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, Eph. 5:11.

Question: Is all uncleanness provoking to God?

Answer: Yes: For I the Lord am holy, Lev. 20:26.

Question: Is it against our bodies?

Answer: Yes: For the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, 1 Cor. 6:13.

Question: Is it a wrong to our souls?

Answer: Yes: For fleshly lusts war against the soul, 1 Pet. 2:11.

Question: Is it wounding to conscience?

Answer: Yes: I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, Eccl. 7:26.

Question: Are idleness and gluttony occasions of uncleanness, and forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: Yes: For this was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness, Ezek. 16:49.

Question: And is drunkenness also a sin of dangerous consequence?

Answer: Yes: For drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:10.


Question: What is the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.

Question: Does the eighth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate?

Answer: Yes: For the earth God has given to the children of men, Ps. 115:16.

Question: Is it necessary there should be such a command?

Answer: Yes: For every brother will utterly supplant, Jer. 9:4.

Question: Is robbing God the worst theft?

Answer: Yes: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me, Mal. 3:8, 9.

Question: And is justice to God the highest justice?

Answer: Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. 22:21.


Question: What is required in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment requires all lawful procuring and furthering our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate.

Question: Is religion a friend to outward prosperity?

Answer: Yes: In wisdom's left hand are riches and honour, Prov. 3:16.

Question: Does it teach us to be diligent in our callings?

Answer: Yes: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, Prov. 27:23.

Question: And to keep close to them?

Answer: Yes: Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, 1 Thess. 4:11.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: For the hand of the diligent maketh rich, Prov. 10:4.

Question: Does religion teach us to be prudent in our affairs?

Answer: Yes: The good man will guide his affairs with discretion, Ps. 112:5.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: For through wisdom is a house builded, Prov. 24:3.

Question: Must we serve God with our worldly estate?

Answer: Yes: Honour the Lord with thy substance, Prov. 3:9.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: So shall thy barn be filled with plenty, Prov. 3:10.

Question: Must we cheerfully use our estates?

Answer: Yes: For I know no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life, Eccl. 3:12.

Question: And must we cheerfully serve God with them?

Answer: Yes: We must serve the Lord our God with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abundance of all things, Deut. 28:47.

Question: Must we be just to all we deal with?

Answer: Yes: Render therefore to all their due, Rom. 13:7.

Question: And must we give everybody their own?

Answer: Yes: Owe no man any thing but to love one another, Rom. 13:8.

Question: Must we be true to every trust reposed in us?

Answer: Yes: As the workmen who dealt faithfully, 2 Kings 12:15.

Question: And is honesty the best policy?

Answer: Yes: For a little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Ps. 37:16.

Question: And shall we have the comfort of it in this world?

Answer: Yes: He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, that despiseth the gain of oppression and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be in the munitions of rocks, bread shall be given him, and his waters shall he sure, Isa. 33:15, 16.

Question: If therefore we have done any wrong, must we make restitution?

Answer: Yes: Zaccheus stood and said, If I have wronged any man, I restore him fourfold, Luke 19:8.

Question: Must we concern ourselves for the welfare of others?

Answer: Yes: Look not every one on his own things, but everyone also on the things of others, Phil. 2:4.

Question: And must we do all we can to promote the welfare of others?

Answer: Yes; If thy brother's ox or ass go astray, thou shalt bring them back, Deut. 22:1.

Question: Must we relieve the poor according to our ability?

Answer: Yes; If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen into decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, Lev. 25:35.

Question: Must we be forward to relieve the poor?

Answer: Yes: We must be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. 6:18.

Question: Is that the way to thrive in this world?

Answer: Yes; For he that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again, Prov. 19:17.

Question: And shall it be repayed in the other world?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt be recompenses in the resurrection of the just, Luke 14:14.

Question: And must we make this use of what we have in the world?

Answer: Yes: We must labour that we may have to give to him that needeth, Eph. 4:28.


Question: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment forbids whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth, and outward estate.

Question: May we do what we will with our own estates?

Answer: No: For we are but stewards of the manifold grace of God, 1 Pet. 4:10.

Question: Is it a sin then to waste our estates in prodigality?

Answer: Yes: For the drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty, Prov. 23:31.

Question: Is luxury the way to beggary?

Answer: Yes: He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man, Prov. 21:17.

Question: Is slothfulness a robbing of ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For he that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster, Prov. 18:9.

Question: And is that the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags, Prov. 23:21.

Question: Is keeping idle company the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough, Prov. 28:19.

Question: Is fraud and injustice the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, Prov. 13:11.

Question: Can any expect to prosper in a way of unjust gain?

Answer: No: For he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool, Jer. 17:11.

Question: Do men rob themselves and their families by foolishness in their affairs?

Answer: Yes: For every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands, Prov. 14:1.

Question: And by rash suretyship?

Answer: Yes: For he that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, Prov. 11:15.

Question: Is it a sin to rob ourselves of the comfort of that which God has given us?

Answer: Yes: If a man hath not power to eat of it, it is vanity, and an evil disease, Eccl. 6:2.

Question: And is it a sin to deny it to our relations?

Answer: Yes: If any provide not for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

Question: Is it a great sin to steal from anybody?

Answer: Yes: For everyone that stealeth shall be cut off, Zech. 5:3.

Question: Is it a great sin for children to steal from their parents?

Answer: Yes: Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith it is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer, Prov. 28:24.

Question: And for the rich to oppress the poor?

Answer: Yes: Rob not the poor, because he is poor, Prov. 22:22.

Question: Will you therefore keep your hands from picking and stealing?

Answer: Yes: Because of the fear of God, Neh. 5:15.

Question: Must those who have used themselves to it break it off?

Answer: Yes: Let him that stole steal no more, Eph. 4:28.

Question: Must poor people especially watch and pray against this temptation?

Answer: Yes: Lest I be poor, and steal, Prov. 30:9.

Question: Is it a sin to cheat anybody in a bargain?

Answer: Yes: Let no man go beyond or defraud his brother in any matter, 1 Thess. 4:6.

Question: Is it a sin to use false weights and measures?

Answer: Yes: A false balance is abomination to the Lord, Prov. 11:1.

Question: Is it a sin to give assistance or countenance to any fraud?

Answer: Yes: Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul, Prov. 29:24.

Question: Is it a sin to deny relief to the poor?

Answer: Yes: Whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up the bowels of his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in that man? 1 John 3:17.

Question: Is it a sin to deny the payment of a just debt?

Answer: Yes: For the wicked borroweth, and payeth not again, Ps. 37:21.

Question: Or withhold wages that is due?

Answer: Yes: The hire of the labourers kept back by fraud crieth, James 5:4.

Question: And is the love of money the cause of all these sins?

Answer: Yes: The love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6:10.


Question: What is the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Question: Does this commandment concern our own and our neighbouur's good name?

Answer: Yes: For a good name is better than precious ointment, Eccl. 7:1.

Question: Is there need of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: For every neighbour will walk with slanders, Jer. 9:4.


Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.

Question: Is it our duty to govern our tongues?

Answer: Yes: I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue, Ps. 39:1.

Question: Is he a good Christian that does not?

Answer: No: For if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man's religion is vain, James 1:26.

Question: Must we therefore pray to God to keep us from tongue-sins?

Answer: Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, Ps. 141:3.

Question: Is it our duty to speak truth?

Answer: Yes: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, Zech. 8:16.

Question: Is there good reason for it?

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

Question: And is this the character of a good man?

Answer: Yes: That he speaketh the truth in his heart, Ps. 15:2.

Question: Are all truths to be spoken at all times?

Answer: No: For there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Eccl. 3:7.

Question: But may an untruth be spoken at any time?

Answer: No: For God's people are children that will not lie, Isa. 63:8.

Question: Is it our duty, especially in witness-bearing, to speak truth?

Answer: Yes: For a faithful witness will not lie, Prov. 14:5.

Question: And the whole truth?

Answer: Yes: Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Question: And nothing but the truth?

Answer: Yes: For a lying tongue is but for a moment, Prov. 12:19.

Question: Is it our duty to strive to have a good name with God?

Answer: Yes: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10:16.

Question: And should we endeavour to have a good name with good people?

Answer: Yes: Let those that fear thee turn unto me, Ps. 119:79.

Question: And if possible a good name with all people?

Answer: Yes: Demetrius hath a good report of all men, 3 John 1:12.

Question: Must we abound in those things that are of good report?

Answer: Yes: If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on those things, Phil. 4:8.

Question: In order to our getting a good name must we live by faith?

Answer: Yes: For by it the elders obtained a good report, Heb. 11:2.

Question: Must we walk wisely?

Answer: Yes: For a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, Eccl. 8:1.

Question: Must we do justly?

Answer: Yes: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1 Pet. 2:12.

Question: And be humble?

Answer: Yes: For before honour is humility, Prov. 18:12.

Question: And must we abound in good works?

Answer: Yes: Let your light so shine before men, Matt. 5:16.

Question: But can good people expect to have everyone's good word?

Answer: No: Woe unto you when all men speak well of you, Luke 6:26.

Question: May we hazard a good conscience to preserve our reputation?

Answer: No: For our praise is not of men, but of God, Rom. 2:29.

Question: Ought we to be very tender of the good names of others?

Answer: Yes: We must honour all men, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Question: Must we give them the praise of that in them which is good?

Answer: Yes: We also bear record, 3 John 1:12.

Question: But may we flatter them?

Answer: No: He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail, Job 17:5.

Question: Must we charitably conceal their faults?

Answer: Yes: For charity covers a multitude of sins, 1 Pet. 4:8.

Question: Must we discourage slandering and censoriousness?

Answer: Yes: We must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue, Prov. 25:23.


Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.

Question: Is lying a great sin?

Answer: Yes: Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man, Col. 3:9.

Question: Is it a sin that God hates?

Answer: Yes: Lying lips are abomination to the Lord, Prov. 12:22.

Question: And is it a sin that all good men hate?

Answer: Yes: I hate and abhor lying, Ps. 119:163.

Question: Does it make men like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he is a liar, and the father of it, John 8:44.

Question: And will it bring them to hell?

Answer: Yes: For all liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, Rev. 21:8.

Question: Is it lawful to tell a lie to make sport?

Answer: No: For as a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is he that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? Prov. 26:18, 19.

Question: Is it lawful to tell a lie to excuse a fault?

Answer: No: For Gehazi for doing so had a leprosy entailed on him and his seed for ever, 2 Kings 5:27.

Question: May we tell a lie with intention to do good?

Answer: No: We must not do evil, that good may come, Rom. 3:8.

Question: Will what is got by lying do us any good?

Answer: No: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is vanity, tossed to and fro of them that seek death, Prov. 21:6.

Question: Should we therefore pray against this sin?

Answer: Yes: Remove from me the way of lying, Ps. 119:29.

Question: Is it a sin to belie ourselves?

Answer: Yes: As there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches, Prov. 13:7.

Question: May we be careless of our own good name?

Answer: No: If I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like unto you, John 8:55.

Question: Is it a sin to belie our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: They laid to my charge things that I know not, Ps. 35:11.

Question: Is it folly?

Answer: Yes: He that uttereth slander is a fool, Prov. 10:18.

Question: Is it a sin to speak evil of any?

Answer: Yes: Put them in mind to speak evil of no man, Tit. 3:1,2.

Question: And to be censorious of our brethren?

Answer: Yes: Judge not, that ye be not judged, Matt. 7:1.

Question: Is it a great offence to God to do this?

Answer: Yes: He that speaks evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judgeth the law, James 4:11.

Question: Does it make us like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he is the accuser of the brethren, Rev. 12:10.

Question: Is it a sin to raise a false report?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not raise a false report, Exod. 23:1.

Question: And a sin to spread it?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer, Lev. 19:16.

Question: May we proclaim our brothers' faults?

Answer: No: For charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, 1 Cor. 13:6.

Question: Is it a sin to speak ill of magistrates?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people, Acts 23:5.

Question: Is it a sin to be abusive to the poor?

Answer: Yes: For he that mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker, Prov. 17:5.

Question: May we speak ill of those who speak ill of us?

Answer: No: We must not render railing for railing, 1 Pet. 3:9.


Question: What is the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Question: Does this commandment lay a restraint upon the heart?

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

Question: Does the heart need this restraint?

Answer: Yes: For the inward part is very wickedness, Ps. 5:9.

Question: Does the light of nature discover this?

Answer: No: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7:7.

Question: Are we forbidden to covet another man's house?

Answer: Yes: As they that covet houses and take them away, Mic. 2:2.

Question: Or another man's wife?

Answer: Yes: For her husband is to her a covering of the eyes, Gen. 20:16.

Question: Or another man's goods?

Answer: Yes: I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, Acts 20:33.


Question: What is required in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment requires a full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.

Question: Has God the disposal of our outward condition?

Answer: Yes: My times are in thy hand, Ps. 31:15.

Question: And does he order all events concerning us?

Answer: Yes: He performeth the thing that is appointed for us, Job 23:14.

Question: Ought we therefore to be content with our condition?

Answer: Yes: Be content with such things as you have, Heb. 13:5.

Question: Ought we to be content in every condition?

Answer: Yes: I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4:11.

Question: Must we be content with a little?

Answer: Yes: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6:8.

Question: Can we expect that our condition should be in every thing brought to our mind?

Answer: No: For all is vanity, Eccl. 1:14.

Question: Is it therefore our wisdom to bring our mind to our condition?

Answer: Yes: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound, Phil. 4:12.

Question: Is anything got by this?

Answer: Yes: Godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim. 6:6.

Question: And is this the way to be easy?

Answer: Yes: In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke 21:19.

Question: Is that best which is?

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

Question: Must we therefore make the best of it?

Answer: Yes: For wherefore should a living man complain? Lam. 3:39.

Question: And must we acknowledge it is better than we deserve?

Answer: Yes: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, Gen. 32:10.

Question: Ought we to desire the welfare of our neighbours?

Answer: Yes: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth, 1 Cor. 10:24.

Question: And to pray for it?

Answer: Yes: Supplications and prayers must be made for all men, 1 Tim. 2:1.

Question: And to be well pleased with it?

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

Question: And to lay to heart our neighbour's troubles?

Answer: Yes: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, Heb. 13:3.

Question: And is this a charitable frame of spirit?

Answer: Yes: For charity suffers long, and is kind, 1 Cor. 13:4.


Question: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate desires and affections to any thing that is his.

Question: Is it a sin to fret at the disposals of God's providence?

Answer: Yes: For shall we receive good of the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil also? Job 2:10.

Question: Is it a sin to quarrel with them?

Answer: Yes: For they that murmured were destroyed of the destroyer, 1 Cor. 10:10.

Question: Is it an evil thing to undervalue the mercies we have?

Answer: Yes: As the Israelites that said, There is nothing besides this manna, Numb. 11:6.

Question: And to aggravate the afflictions we are under?

Answer: Yes: As they that said, We die, we perish, we all perish, Numb. 17:12.

Question: May we in any thing be discontented?

Answer: No: For we must in everything give thanks, 1 Thess. 5:18.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to envy our neighbour's welfare?

Answer: Yes: For charity envieth not, 1 Cor. 13:4.

Question: Is envy an offence to God?

Answer: Yes: For is our eye evil because his is good? Matt. 20:15.

Question: Is it hurtful to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For envy is the rottenness of the bones, Prov. 14:30.

Question: Is it the cause of much mischief?

Answer: Yes: For where envy is, there is confusion, and every evil work, James 3:16.

Question: Is it a sin to be pleased with our neighbour's hurt or loss?

Answer: Yes: He that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished, Prov. 17:5.

Question: Is it a sin to desire to sin?

Answer: Yes: Lust not after evil things, as they also lusted, 1 Cor. 10:6.

Question: Does all sin begin in the lustings of the heart?

Answer: Yes: For lust, when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin, James 1:15.

Question: Is it a sin to desire any temporal good inordinately?

Answer: Yes: As Rachel, that said, Give me children, or else I die, Gen. 30:1.

Question: And is it a sin to lust after the delights of sense?

Answer: Yes: As the Israelites who wept again, saying, Who will give us flesh to eat? Numb. 11:4.

Question: Must we therefore suppress all sinful desires?

Answer: Yes: And make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, Rom. 13:14.

Question: Is it a sin to set our hearts upon worldly wealth?

Answer: Yes: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world, 1 John 2:15.

Question: Is covetousness an offence to God?

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

Question: Will it be a vexation to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For he that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, Eccl. 5:10.

Question: Will it be a vexation to our families?

Answer: Yes: For he that is greedy of gain troubles his own house, Prov. 15:27.

Question: And injurious to our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: For they that lay house to house, and field to field, would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, Isa. 5:8.

Question: Is covetousness the cause of much sin?

Answer: Yes: For they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, 1 Tim. 6:9.

Question: Must we therefore watch against it?

Answer: Yes: Take heed, and beware of covetousness, Luke 12:15.

Question: And must we abstain from all the practices of it?

Answer: Yes: Let your conversation be without covetousness, Heb. 13:5.

Question: And must we pray earnestly against it?

Answer: Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, Ps. 119:36.


Question: Is any man able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Answer: No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them in thought, word, or deed.

Question: Are any in this world perfectly free from sin?

Answer: No: For there is no man that sinneth not, 2 Chron. 6:36.

Question: Was Christ, who was not a mere man, perfect?

Answer: Yes: He knew no sin, 2 Cor. 5:21.

Question: Was Adam before the fall perfect?

Answer: Yes: For God made man upright, Eccl. 7:29.

Question: Are the saints in the other life perfect?

Answer: Yes: The glorious church is without spot or wrinkle, Eph. 5:27.

Question: But is any mere man since the fall in this life perfect?

Answer: No: For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not, Eccl. 7:20.

Question: Are self-justifiers self-deceivers?

Answer: Yes: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 1 John 1:8.

Question: And do they put a great affront upon God?

Answer: Yes: For if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, 1 John 1:10.

Question: Are not we able to keep God's commandments better than we do?

Answer: Yes: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Job 34:32.

Question: But are we able perfectly to keep them?

Answer: No: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. 7:21.

Question: Though Noah was said to be perfect, yet did not he sin?

Answer: Yes: For he drank of the wine, and was drunk, Gen. 9:21.

Question: And Job?

Answer: Yes: For he cursed his day, Job 3:1.

Question: And Hezekiah?

Answer: Yes: For his heart was lifted up, 2 Chron. 32:25.

Question: Was St Paul himself perfect?

Answer: No: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, Phil. 3:12.

Question: Do we sin daily?

Answer: Yes: In many things we offend all, Jam. 3:2.

Question: Do we daily sin in thought?

Answer: Yes: For, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen. 8:21.

Question: Are we guilty of many tongue sins?

Answer: Yes: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, Prov. 10:19.

Question: Are the best guilty of many defects?

Answer: Yes: For when the spirit is willing the flesh is weak, Matt. 26:41.

Question: And of many inadvertencies?

Answer: Yes: They are overtaken in a fault, Gal. 6:1.

Question: Can we tell how often we offend?

Answer: No: Who can understand his errors? Ps. 19:13.

Question: Should we not therefore have recourse to Christ daily by faith and repentance?

Answer: Yes: If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 1 John 2:1.


Question: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

Answer: Some sins in themselves, and, by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Question: Is every sin done in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: I did this evil in thy sight, Ps. 51:4.

Question: Is it heinous in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: For he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Hab. 1:13.

Question: But is every sin alike heinous?

Answer: No: He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin, John 19:11.

Question: Are some sins in themselves more heinous than others?

Answer: Yes: If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? 1 Sam. 2:25.

Question: Are presumptuous sins more heinous than others?

Answer: Yes: The soul that doeth ought presumptuously, that soul reproacheth the Lord, Numb. 15:30.

Question: Was ever any sin so heinous as not to be forgiven?

Answer: Yes: The Pharisees blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was so, Mat 12:32.

Question: Are sins against knowledge aggravated sins?

Answer: Yes: That servant that knew his Lord's will, and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes, Luke 12:47.

Question: And sins against mercies?

Answer: Yes: Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people, and unwise? Deut. 32:6.

Question: Especially against spiritual mercies?

Answer: Yes: As Solomon who turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9.

Question: Are sins against reproof aggravated sins?

Answer: Yes: He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, Prov. 29:1.

Question: And sins against our vows and covenants?

Answer: Yes: Thou saidst, I will not transgress, Jer. 2:20.

Question: Are the sins of great professors aggravated sins?

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

Question: And the sins of ministers?

Answer: Yes: Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Rom. 2:21.

Question: May the place be an aggravation of the sin?

Answer: Yes: They provoked him at the sea, even at the red sea, Ps. 106:7.

Question: And the time?

Answer: Yes: They turned aside quickly, Ex. 32:8.

Question: Is it an aggravation of sin, if it be done with contrivance?

Answer: Yes: Woe to them that deviese iniquity, Mic. 2:1.

Question: And if it be done with delight?

Answer: Yes: They rejoice to do evil, Prov. 2:14.

Question: And without blushing?

Answer: Yes: They declare their sin as Sodom, Isa. 3:9.

Question: And if it be boasted of?

Answer: Yes: Whose glory is in their shame, Phil. 3:19.

Question: And if it be often repeated?

Answer: Yes: They have tempted me now these ten times, Num. 14:22.

Question: Should we take notice of these aggravations in our confessions?

Answer: Yes: Aaron shall confess the iniquity of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, Lev. 16:21.


Question: What does every sin deserve?

Answer: Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.

Question: Does sin provoke God?

Answer: Yes: Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly, Hos. 12:14.

Question: Does it deserve his wrath?

Answer: Yes: According to their deserts will I judge them, Ezek. 7:27.

Question: Does that wrath rest upon impenitent sinners?

Answer: Yes: The wrath of God abideth on them, John 3:36.

Question: And is it just it should?

Answer: Yes: For when God renders to every man according to his work, he renders indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, to every soul of man that doeth evil, Rom. 2:6,8.

Question: Does sin deserve God's curse?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is every one that continues not in all things written in the book of the law to do them, Gal. 3:10.

Question: Can any avoid that curse?

Answer: No: For all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, Deut. 28:15.

Question: Can a man bear up under that curse?

Answer: No: For it shall come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones, Ps. 109:18.

Question: Can a man fortify himself against that curse?

Answer: No: For it shall consume the house, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof, Zech. 5:4.

Question: Does sin deserve God's wrath and curse in this life?

Answer: Yes: For these things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, Col. 3:6.

Question: And in the life to come?

Answer: Yes: For wrath is treasured up against the day of wrath, Rom. 2:5.

Question: Does every sin deserve God's wrath?

Answer: Yes: For the wages of sin is death, Rom. 6:23.

Question: Is any sin venial in its own nature?

Answer: No: For the blood of Christ is that which must cleanse from all sin, 1 John 1:7.

Question: Does your sin deserve this wrath and curse?

Answer: Yes: If I be wicked, woe to me, Job 10:15.


Question: What does God require of us, that we may escape the wrath and curse due to us for sin?

Answer: To escape the wrath and anger of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with a diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.

Question: Is the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin?

Answer: Yes: We are by nature children of wrath, Eph. 2:3.

Question: Has God provided a way of escape from that wrath?

Answer: Yes: I have found a ransom, Job 33:24.

Question: Does the gospel show us that way?

Answer: Yes: He shall tell thee words whereby thou mayest be saved, Acts 11:14.

Question: Is it through Christ that we may escape this wrath?

Answer: Yes: It is Jesus that delivereth us from the wrath to come, 1 Thess. 1:10.

Question: Is anything to be done by us in order to our escape?

Answer: Yes: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, Phil. 2:12,13.

Question: Are we concerned to inquire what is to be done by us in order to our escape?

Answer: Yes: Wherewithal shall I come before the Lord? Mic. 6:6.

Question: Will a convinced conscience put us upon this inquiry?

Answer: Yes: When they were pricked to the heart they said, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37.

Question: Must we be serious and solicitous in this inquiry?

Answer: Yes: As the gaoler that came trembling and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30.

Question: Must we be speedy in this inquiry?

Answer: Yes: The morning cometh, and also the night, if ye will inquire, inquire ye, Isa. 21:12.

Question: Must we make this inquiry with resolution?

Answer: Yes: They shall ask their way to Zion with their faces thitherward, Jer. 50:5.

Question: Must we apply ourselves to Christ with this inquiry?

Answer: Yes: Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? Matt. 19:16.

Question: Is that which is to be done by us for our salvation required of us?

Answer: Yes: This is his commandment, That we believe, 1 John 3:23.

Question: And are we called upon to do it?

Answer: Yes: Turn ye, turn ye: why will ye die, 0 house of Israel? Ezek. 33:11.

Question: Is faith in Jesus Christ required that we may escape this wrath?

Answer: Yes: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, Acts 16:31.

Question: Is repentance required?

Answer: Yes: Repent, and be converted, that our sins may be blotted out, Acts 3:19.

Question: Did our Lord Jesus preach these as the two great commandments of the gospel?

Answer: Yes: The kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel, Mark 1:15.

Question: Did the apostles preach them?

Answer: Yes: Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, aud faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 20:21.

Question: And is it required that we diligently use the means of grace?

Answer: Yes: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Matt. 28:20.


Question: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Question: Are we to believe in Jesus Christ?

Answer: Yes: Ye believe in God, believe also in me, John 14:1.

Question: Is Christ in the word the object of our faith?

Answer: Yes: For the word is nigh thee, Rom. 10:8.

Question: Is faith in Christ a grace?

Answer: Yes: It is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, Eph. 2:8.

Question: Is it free grace?

Answer: Yes: To you it is given on the behalf of Christ to believe in him, Phil. 1:29.

Question: Is it a saving grace?

Answer: Yes: For we believe to the saving of the soul, Heb. 10:39.

Question: Is it that by which we live?

Answer: Yes: The just shall live by his faith, Rom. 1:17.

Question: Is unbelief the great damning sin?

Answer: Yes: They could not enter in because of unbelief, Heb. 3:19.

Question: Do we by faith assent to gospel truths?

Answer: Yes: He that has received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true, John 3:33.

Question: Do we by faith consent to gospel terms?

Answer: Yes: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, Matt. 11:29.

Question: Must both these go together?

Answer: Yes: He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshipped him, John 9:38.

Question: Is there good reason for both?

Answer: Yes: For it is both a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 1 Tim. 1:15.

Question: Is this receiving Christ?

Answer: Yes: Ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, Col. 2:6.

Question: Is it applying the righteousness of Christ to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2:20.

Question: And consenting to it?

Answer: Yes: We have now received the atonement, Rom. 5:11.

Question: Must we receive Christ to rule us as well as to save us?

Answer: Yes: For him hath God exalted to be both a Prince and a Saviour, Acts 5:31.

Question: And is it enough only to receive him?

Answer: No: As we have received him, so we must walk in him, Col. 2:6.

Question: Do we by faith rest on Christ alone for salvation?

Answer: Yes: In his name shall the Gentiles trust, Matt. 12:21.

Question: And rely on his righteousness?

Answer: Yes: That I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, Phil. 3:9.

Question: And do we rejoice in him?

Answer: Yes: For we are the circumcision that rejoice in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3:3.

Question: Will faith in Christ produce good affections?

Answer: Yes: For it works by love, Gal. 5:6.

Question: Will it purify the heart?

Answer: Yes: Purifying their hearts by faith, Acts 15:9.

Question: Will it overcome the world?

Answer: Yes: This is the victory, overcoming the world, even your faith, 1 John 5:4.

Question: Will it resist the temptations of Satan?

Answer: Yes: The shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked, Eph. 6:16.

Question: Does it exert itself in obedience?

Answer: Yes: For the gospel is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith, Rom. 16:26.

Question: And does it subject the soul to the grace and government of the Lord Jesus?

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


Question: What is repentance unto life?

Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.

Question: Is true repentance, repentance unto life?

Answer: Yes: God hath to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life, Acts 11:18.

Question: Is it a grace?

Answer: Yes: If God peradventure will give them repentance, 2 Tim. 2:25.

Question: Is it a saving grace?

Answer: Yes: Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, 2 Cor. 7:10.

Question: Is repentance required of every one of us?

Answer: Yes: God commandeth all men everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30.

Question: Is it necessary to our pardon?

Answer: Yes: For repentance and remission of sins are preached to all nations, Luke 24:47.

Question: Is it given to qualify us for pardon?

Answer: Yes: God hath exalted his Son Christ Jesus, to give repentance and remission of sins, Acts 5:3.

Question: Can we be saved without it?

Answer: No: Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish, Luke 13:3.

Question: Is it necessary to repentance, that there be a sense of sin?

Answer: Yes: Cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, Ezek. 16:2.

Question: Must there be an acknowledgment of sin?

Answer: Yes: I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me, Ps. 51:3.

Question: Must we acknowledge the fact of sin?

Answer: Yes: Thus and thus have I done, Josh. 7:20.

Question: And the fault?

Answer: Yes: I have done this evil in thy sight, Ps. 51:4.

Question: And the folly of it?

Answer: Yes: O God, thou knowest my foolishness, Ps. 69:5.

Question: Must we acknowledge the original of sin?

Answer: Yes: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, Ps. 51:5.

Question: Must we acknowledge ourselves odious to God's holiness because of sin?

Answer: Yes: Behold, I am vile, Job 11:4.

Question: And obnoxious to his justice?

Answer: Yes: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand, Ps. 130:3.

Question: Must there be an apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ?

Answer: Yes: There is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared, Ps. 130:4.

Question: Must that invite us to repent?

Answer: Yes: The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance, Rom. 2:4.

Question: Is that evangelical repentance which flows from a hope of that mercy?

Answer: Yes: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Matt. 3:2.

Question: Can there be true repentance where there is a despair of mercy?

Answer: No: Thou saidst there is hope; no, I have loved strangers, and after them will I go, Jer. 2:25.

Question: Have we reason to hope for that mercy?

Answer: Yes: Turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy, Isa. 55:7.

Question: Must there be contrition for sin?

Answer: Yes: When they heard this, they were pricked to the heart, Acts. 2:37.

Question: Must we turn from sin?

Answer: Yes: Everyone mourning for his iniquities, Ezek. 7:16.

Question: Must we mourn greatly for sin?

Answer: Yes: Peter went out and wept bitterly, Matt. 26:75.

Question: Must we mourn after a godly sort?

Answer: Yes: Ye sorrowed according to God, 2 Cor. 7:9,margin.

Question: Must we mourn for sin with an eye to Christ?

Answer: Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

Question: Must we hate sin?

Answer: Yes: I hate every false way, Ps. 119:128.

Question: Must we loathe ourselves because of sin?

Answer: Yes: I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes, Job 42:6.

Question: Must we be ashamed of ourselves before God?

Answer: Yes: I am ashamed, and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God, Ezra 9:6.

Question: And must we humble ourselves greatly in his presence?

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

Question: Must we confess our sins?

Answer: Yes: For he that covers his sins shall not prosper, Prov. 28:13.

Question: And must we aggravate them?

Answer: Yes: I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Luke 15:18.

Question: And must we judge ourselves because of them?

Answer: Yes: If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, 1 Cor. 11:31.

Question: And must we cry earnestly to God for pardon in the blood of Christ?

Answer: Yes: God be merciful to me a sinner, Luke 18:13.

Question: Must we turn from sin?

Answer: Yes: Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions, Ezek. 18:30.

Question: From our own sin?

Answer: Yes: Return ye now every one from his evil way, Jer. 18:11.

Question: And must we turn to God?

Answer: Yes: If thou wilt return, O Israel, return unto me, Jer. 4:1.

Question: Are backsliders invited to return?

Answer: Yes: Return ye backsliding children, Jer. 3:22.

Question: And should they accept the invitation?

Answer: Yes: Behold, we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God, Jer. 3:22.

Question: In repentance must there be a change of the mind?

Answer: Yes: Make ye a new heart, Ezek. 18:31.

Question: Must there be a change of the way?

Answer: Yes: Cease to do evil, learn to do well, Isa. 1:16,17.

Question: Must there be a full resolution against all sin?

Answer: Yes: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols, Hos. 14:8.

Question: And a full resolution of new obedience?

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

Question: And must we be serious in our endeavours accordingly?

Answer: Yes: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, Matt. 3:8.


Question: What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?

Answer: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Question: Does Christ communicate the benefits of redemption?

Answer: Yes: For of his fulness have all we received, John 1:16.

Question: Does he ordinarily communicate them by means?

Answer: Yes: I will for this be inquired of, Ezek. 36:37.

Question: Is he tied to those means?

Answer: No: For the Spirit, as the wind, bloweth where he listeth, John 3:8.

Question: But are we tied to the use of them?

Answer: Yes: Where I record my name, I will come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. 20:24.

Question: Are the ordinances the outward and ordinary means of grace?

Answer: Yes: I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them, Ezek. 37:28.

Question: Are the word, sacraments, and prayer, the great gospel ordinances?

Answer: Yes: Then they that gladly received his Word were baptized, and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking bread, and in prayers, Acts 2:41,42.

Question: Is singing of psalms also a gospel ordinance?

Answer: Yes: Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, Eph. 5:19.

Question: Is it appointed for our own consolation?

Answer: Yes: Is any merry, let him sing psalms, Jam. 5:13.

Question: And for mutual instruction?

Answer: Yes: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, Col. 3:16.

Question: And for God's glory?

Answer: Yes: Singing with grace in your heart to the Lord, Col. 3:16.

Question: Has Christ appointed ministers of the gospel?

Answer: Yes: He hath given pastors and teachers for the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph. 4:11, 12.

Question: Is the administration of ordinances committed to them?

Answer: Yes: For they are the stewards of the mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4:1.

Question: And must they attend that service?

Answer: Yes: We will give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, Acts 6:4.

Question: Are gospel ordinances made effectual to all for salvation?

Answer: No: For with many of them God was not well pleased, 1 Cor. 10:5.

Question: But are they made effectual to the elect?

Answer: Yes: As many as were ordained to eternal life believed, Acts 13:48.


Question: How is the word made effectual to salvation?

Answer: The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.

Question: Is the Word to be read by us?

Answer: Yes: I charge you that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren, 1 Thess. 5:27.

Question: Is it to be read in solemn assemblies?

Answer: Yes: Moses is read in the synagogues every sabbath day, Acts 15:21.

Question: Is it profitable to expound the Scriptures?

Answer: Yes: They that read in the law of God, gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading, Neh. 8:8.

Question: Is the Word of God to be preached?

Answer: Yes: Preach the word, be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, 2 Tim. 4:2.

Question: Is it the duty of all to hear the word?

Answer: Yes: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, Rev. 2:7.

Question: Will the bare reading and hearing of the Word profit?

Answer: No: The letter kills, the Spirit gives life, 2 Cor. 3:6.

Question: But is the reading and hearing of the Word the ordinary means of convincing sinners?

Answer: Yes: For it is mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. 10:4.

Question: And of startling the secure?

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

Question: Is it the ordinary means of conversion?

Answer: Yes: If the prophets had stood in my counsel, they should have turned people from their evil way, Jer. 13:22.

Question: And has it been the conversion of many?

Answer: Yes: When the law of truth was in his mouth, he did turn many away from iniquity, Mal. 2:6.

Question: Is it the ordinary means of working faith?

Answer: Yes: For faith comes by hearing, Rom. 10:17.

Question: And of renewing of the heart?

Answer: Yes: For the seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11.

Question: And of reforming the life?

Answer: Yes: By the words of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer, Ps. 17:4.

Question: Is the reading and hearing of the word needful to those who are regenerate?

Answer: Yes: For they are nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine, 1 Tim. 4:6.

Question: Is it a means of building them up in holiness?

Answer: Yes: It is for the perfecting of the saints, Eph. 4:12.

Question: Will it furnish them for all good?

Answer: Yes: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works, 2 Tim. 3:17.

Question: Will it fortify them against all evil?

Answer: Yes: For the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, Eph. 6:17.

Question: Is it a means of building them up in comfort?

Answer: Yes: That we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 15:4.

Question: Does the Spirit of God make the word effectual for all these good purposes?

Answer: Yes: When the hand of the Lord was with them, a great number believed, and turned to the Lord, Acts 11:21.

Question: Is it effectual through faith unto salvation?

Answer: Yes: It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes, Rom. 1:16.

Question: Is it not a great mercy then to have plenty of the Word of God?

Answer: Yes: Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound, Ps. 89:15.

Question: And should we not welcome those that bring it?

Answer: Yes: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Ps. 118:26.


Question: How is the word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

Answer: That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.

Question: Must we read the Word of God with seriousness?

Answer: Yes: We must give attendance to reading, 1 Tim. 4:13.

Question: And not read it as a common book?

Answer: No: It is not a vain thing, for it is your life, Deut. 32:47.

Question: Must we be diligent to hear the word?

Answer: Yes: Watching daily at Wisdom's gates, waiting at the posts of her doors, Prov. 8:34.

Question: Must we prepare for hearing it?

Answer: Yes: Lay aside all malice, and guile, and hypocrisy, and filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness, 1 Pet. 2:1.

Question: Must we come to it with a spiritual appetite?

Answer: Yes: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet. 2:2.

Question: Must we set ourselves to receive it?

Answer: Yes: As Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear his word, Luke 10:39.

Question: Must we bow our souls before it?

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

Question: Must we diligently hearken to it?

Answer: Yes: Be swift to hear, Jam. 1:19.

Question: Must we hear the word with reverence?

Answer: Yes: When Ezra opened the book all the people stood up, Neh. 8:5.

Question: Must we hear it with care?

Answer: Yes: Take heed how ye hear, Luke 8:18.

Question: And with meekness?

Answer: Yes: Receive with meekness the engrafted word, Jam. 1:21.

Question: And with delight?

Answer: Yes: How sweet are thy words unto my taste: Ps. 119:103.

Question: And with a holy fear?

Answer: Yes: We must tremble at the word, Isa. 66:2.

Question: Must we receive it as the word of men?

Answer: No: But as it is in truth, the Word of God, 1 Thess. 2:13.

Question: Must we take heed of sleeping under the word?

Answer: Yes: Could ye not watch with me one hour? Matt. 26:40.

Question: Must we pray for a blessing upon the word?

Answer: Yes: Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law, Ps. 119:18.

Question: Must we receive the word with faith?

Answer: Yes: For it will not profit if it be not mixed with faith, Heb. 4:2.

Question: Must we receive men's words with an implicit faith?

Answer: No: Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, 1 John 4:1.

Question: But must we receive God's word with an implicit faith?

Answer: Yes: For every word of God is pure, Prov. 30:5.

Question: Must we receive it with love?

Answer: Yes: I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food, Job 23:12.

Question: Must we remember the word we read and hear?

Answer: Yes: Lest at any time we let it slip, Heb. 2:1.

Question: Must we lay it up in our hearts?

Answer: Yes: Thy word have I hid in my heart, Ps. 119:11.

Question: Must we meditate on it?

Answer: Yes: In that law doth he meditate day and night, Ps. 1:2.

Question: Must we practise it in our lives?

Answer: Yes: Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, James 1:22.

Question: Will it suffice to hear, though we do not practise?

Answer: No: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them, John 13:17.


Question: How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

Answer: The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in them who by faith receive them.

Question: Do the sacraments certainly save all that partake of them?

Answer: No: They who were rejected of Christ could say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, Luke 13:26.

Question: Are they then effectual by any virtue in themselves?

Answer: No: For bodily exercise profits little, 1 Tim. 4:8.

Question: Do they of themselves confer grace?

Answer: No: For if thou be a breaker of the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision Rom. 2:25.

Question: Is the thing signified of greater consequence than the sign?

Answer: Yes: For circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, Rom. 2:29.

Question: Does the efficacy of the sacraments depend upon the minister?

Answer: No: For who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed? 1 Cor. 3:5.

Question: Does the goodness of the minister invigorate the sacrament?

Answer: No: For Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness, Acts 8:13, 23.

Question: Does the badness of the minister invalidate the sacrament?

Answer: No: For Judas was numbered with us, and obtained part of this ministry, Acts 1:17.

Question: Does the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing of Christ?

Answer: Yes: Lo, I am with you always, Matt. 28:20.

Question: And upon the working of the Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For it is the Spirit that quickeneth John 6:63.

Question: And are they effectual to those only who by faith receive them?

Answer: Yes: He that believes, and is baptized, shall be saved, Mark 16:16.


Question: What is a sacrament?

Answer: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Question: Is a sacrament a holy ordinance?

Answer: Yes: For we minister about holy things, 1 Cor. 9:13.

Question: Must they therefore be holy that attend them?

Answer: Yes: Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, Isa. 52:11.

Question: Are sacraments instituted by Christ?

Answer: Yes: The Lord himself shall give you a sign, Isa. 7:14.

Question: May men institute sacraments?

Answer: No: Jeroboam, that ordained a feast which he had devised of his own heart sinned, and made Israel to sin, 1 Kings 12:33.

Question: Is there in a sacrament an outward and visible sign?

Answer: Yes: Behold the blood of the covenant, Exod. 24:8.

Question: Is there an inward and spiritual grace?

Answer: Yes: For that Rock was Christ, 1 Cor. 10:4.

Question: Are outward signs of use to inform our understandings?

Answer: Yes: For in them Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us, Gal. 3:1.

Question: Are they of use to refresh our memories?

Answer: Yes: These stones shall be for a memorial, Josh. 4:7.

Question: And to stir up our affections?

Answer: Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

Question: Are they of use to transmit the things of God from generation to generation?

Answer: Yes: For your children shall ask you, What mean you by this service? Exod. 12:26.

Question: Is a sacrament a seal?

Answer: Yes: Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, Rom. 4:11.

Question: A seal of the covenant?

Answer: Yes: He gave him the covenant of circumcision, Acts 7:8.

Question: Is a sacrament an oath?

Answer: Yes: They entered into an oath to walk in God's law, Neh. 10:29.

Question: Is it an encouragement to our faith?

Answer: Yes: Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing, John 20:27.

Question: Is it an engagement to obedience?

Answer: Yes: That henceforth we should not serve sin Rom. 6:6.

Question: Is Christ applied to us in sacraments?

Answer: Yes: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal. 3:27.

Question: Are the benefits of the new covenant applied to us?

Answer: Yes: To be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee, Gen. 17:7.


Question: Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

Answer: The sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's supper

Question: Were there sacraments in innocency?

Answer: Yes: The tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2:9.

Question: Were there sacraments under the law?

Answer: Yes: For the law had a shadow of good things to come, Heb. 10:1.

Question: Was circumcision a sacrament?

Answer: Yes: He received the sign of circumcision, Rom. 4:11.

Question: Was the passover a sacrament?

Answer: Yes: Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 5:7.

Question: Have we sacraments now under the gospel?

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

Question: Are baptism and the Lord's supper our two sacraments?

Answer: Yes: For we are baptized into one body, and all drink into one Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:13.

Question: May men add any more sacraments?

Answer: No: Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, Prov. 30:6.


Question: What is baptism?

Answer: Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, does signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Question: Is washing with water the outward sign in baptism?

Answer: Yes: I am come baptizing with water, John 1:31.

Question: Is that well done by sprinkling?

Answer: Yes: For so shall he sprinkle many nations, Isa. 52:15. Ezek. 30:25.

Question: Is that sign significant?

Answer: Yes: If ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, 1 Cor. 6:11.

Question: But is the outward sign alone sufficient?

Answer: No: Baptism saves us, not as it is the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God, 1 Pet. 3:21.

Question: Must baptism be in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?

Answer: Yes: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Sun, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt. 28:19.

Question: And not in the minister's name?

Answer: No: Were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor. 1:13.

Question: Is it therefore one?

Answer: Yes: For there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph. 4:5. There were added to the church daily, Acts 2:47.

Question: Is baptism a door of admission into the visible church?

Answer: Yes: There were added to the church daily, Acts 2:47.

Question: Are we thereby entered into Christ's school?

Answer: Yes: Jesus made and baptized disciples, John 4:1.

Question: And listed under his banner?

Answer: Yes: As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 2 Tim. 2:3.

Question: Is baptism a seal of our ingrafting into Christ?

Answer: Yes: For being baptized into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into his death, Rom. 6:3.

Question: And of our partaking of the new covenant?

Answer: Yes: Be baptized for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2:38.

Question: And of our engagement to be the Lord's?

Answer: Yes: I entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine, Ezek. 16:8.

Question: Is the covenant sealed in the baptism a mutual covenant?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God, Jer. 30:22.

Question: Are we bound by our baptism to renounce the devil and all his works?

Answer: Yes: For the Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8.

Question: And to renounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked world?

Answer: Yes: For we must not be conformed to this world, Rom. 12:2.

Question: And all the sinful lusts of the flesh?

Answer: Yes: For we are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, Rom. 8:9.

Question: Are we bound to believe all the articles of the Christian faith?

Answer: Yes: We must hold fast the form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1:13.

Question: And to keep God's holy will and commandments?

Answer: Yes: That we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. 6:4.

Question: And to walk in the same all the days of our life?

Answer: Yes: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, John 8:31.


Question: To whom is baptism to be administered?

Answer: Baptism is not to be administered to any who are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

Question: Are Jews and Pagans to be baptized upon their believing?

Answer: Yes: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest, Acts 8:31.

Question: Will their justifiable profession warrant the administering of baptism to them?

Answer: Yes: Simon Magus himself believed also and was baptized, Acts 8:13.

Question: Are the children of believing parents to be baptized in their infancy?

Answer: Yes: For a seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation, Ps. 22:30.

Question: Is it possible that they may be in covenant with God?

Answer: Yes: For you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, John 15:16.

Question: Is it probable they should be in covenant?

Answer: Yes: For when Israel was a child, then I loved him, Hos. 11:1.

Question: Is it certain they were in covenant?

Answer: Yes: I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed, Gen. 17:7.

Question: Is it therefore certain they are in covenant?

Answer: Yes: For the blessing of Abraham comes upon the Gentiles, Gal. 3:14.

Question: Does the seal of the covenant therefore belong to them?

Answer: Yes: Every man-child among you shall be circumcised, Gen. 17:10.

Question: Are the children of Christians members of Christ's visible church?

Answer: Yes: For of such is the kingdom of God, Mark 10:14.

Question: Do the promises belong to them?

Answer: Yes: The promise is to you and to your children, Acts 2:39.

Question: Does the promise of the Spirit belong to them?

Answer: Yes: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, Isa. 44:3.

Question: Are they capable of receiving it?

Answer: Yes: John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, Luke 1:15.

Question: Are they then to be baptized?

Answer: Yes: For who can forbid water to them which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:47.

Question: Are the children of believers federally holy?

Answer: Yes: Else were your children unclean, but now are they holy, 1 Cor. 7:14.

Question: Are they so in their parents' right?

Answer: Yes: If the root be holy, so are the branches, Rom. 11:16.

Question: Are they disciples?

Answer: Yes: For the yoke of circumcision was put upon the neck of the disciples, Acts 15:1,10.

Question: Are they to be received in Christ's name?

Answer: Yes: Whosoever receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me, Matt. 18:5.

Question: Are they born unto God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast born unto me, Ezek. 16:20.

Question: Are they bound by relation to be his servants?

Answer: Yes: I am thy servant the son of thine handmaid, Ps. 116:16.

Question: Ought they then to be presented to him?

Answer: Yes: The first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me, Exod. 22:29.

Question: Do children need to be cleansed from the pollutions of sin?

Answer: Yes: For they are shapen in iniquity, Ps. 51:5.

Question: Is there provision made for their cleansing?

Answer: Yes: For there is a fountain opened to the house of David, Zech. 13:1.

Question: Are the nations to be discipled by baptism?

Answer: Yes: Go ye and disciple all nations, baptizing them, Matt. 28:19.

Question: Are children a part of the nations?

Answer: Yes: Your little ones stand here this day, to enter into covenant with God, Deut. 29:11,12.

Question: And has Christ excepted them?

Answer: No: Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, Matt. 19:14.

Question: Were the families of believers baptized by the apostles?

Answer: Yes: Lydia was baptized, and her household, Acts 16:15.

Question: Did Christ himself receive the seal of the covenant in his infancy?

Answer: Yes: When he was eight days old he was circumcised, Luke 2:21.

Question: Is infant baptism useful for preserving the church?

Answer: Yes: That our children may not cease from fearing the Lord, Josh. 22:25.

Question: Was it a great mercy to you that you were baptized?

Answer: Yes: For we are the children of the covenant, Acts 3:25.

Question: Must we be careful to improve our baptism?

Answer: Yes: Be ye mindful always of his covenant, 1 Chron. 16:15.

Question: Is it a good argument against sin ?

Answer: Yes: How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein? Rom. 6:2.

Question: And for holiness?

Answer: Yes: For we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. 6:4.

Question: Is it a great encouragement to faith?

Answer: Yes: Thou art my God from my mother's belly, Ps. 22:10.

Question: Is it a good plea in prayer?

Answer: Yes: Save the son of thy handmaid, Ps. 86:16.

Question: Is it a strong inducement to brotherly love?

Answer: Yes: For we all are baptized into one body, 1 Cor. 12:13.


Question: What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer: The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are not, after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.

Question: Was the Lord's Supper instituted by Christ himself?

Answer: Yes: I received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you, 1 Cor. 11:23.

Question: Did he leave it as a legacy to his church?

Answer: Yes: It was in the night wherein he was betrayed, 1 Cor. 11:23.

Question: Did he intend it should continue?

Answer: Yes: Till he come, 1 Cor. 11:26.

Question: Is bread to be used in this sacrament?

Answer: Yes: For he took bread, Matt 26:26.

Question: And does that signify it to be a strengthening ordinance?

Answer: Yes: For bread strengthens man's heart, Ps. 104:15.

Question: Is the cup to be used in this sacrament?

Answer: Yes: He took the cup when he had supped, 1 Cor. 11:25.

Question: Does that signify it to be a refreshing ordinance?

Answer: Yes: For wine makes glad the heart Ps. 104:15.

Question: Must these be given and received?

Answer: Yes: Jesus took bread, and gave to them,--- took the cup, and gave it to them, Mark 14:22,23.

Question: Are the people to partake of the cup?

Answer: Yes: Drink ye all of it, Matt. 26:27.

Question: Is the ordinance doubled?

Answer: Yes: Because the thing is established, Gen. 41:32.

Question: Does the bread signify the body of Christ?

Answer: Yes: This is my body which is broken for you, 1 Cor. 11:21.

Question: Does the wine signify the blood of Christ?

Answer: Yes: This cup is the New Testament in my blood, Luke 22:20.

Question: Are they turned into the very body and blood of Christ?

Answer: No: For it is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing, John 6:63.

Question: But is the doctrine of Christ crucified meat and drink to a believing soul?

Answer: Yes: My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, John 6:55.

Question: And are we to feed upon that doctrine?

Answer: Yes: He that eateth me, even he shall live by me, John 6:57.

Question: Is the Lord's Supper a commemorating ordinance?

Answer: Yes: Do this in remembrance of me, Luke 22:19.

Question: Is it a confessing ordinance?

Answer: Yes: Ye do show the Lord's death, 1 Cor. 11:26.

Question: Is it a communicating ordinance?

Answer: Yes: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. 10:16.

Question: Is it a covenanting ordinance?

Answer: Yes: For it is the New Testament, 1 Cor. 11:25.

Question: Is it a confirming ordinance?

Answer: Yes: For Christ in it is evidently set forth, Gal. 3:9.

Question: Is it an ordinance of communion with all Christians?

Answer: Yes: For we have been all made to drink into one Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:13.

Question: Is the pardon of sin sealed to believers in this sacrament?

Answer: Yes: It is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins, Matt. 26:28.

Question: Is the gift of the Holy Ghost sealed to them?

Answer: Yes: Receive ye the Holy Ghost, John 20:22.

Question: Is the promise of eternal life sealed to them?

Answer: Yes: That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, Luke 22:30. Matt. 26:29.

Question: Do we, by receiving this sacrament, bind ourselves out from all sin?

Answer: Yes: For we reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, Rom. 6:11.

Question: And do we bind ourselves up to all duty?

Answer: Yes; For being made free from sin, we become the servants of righteousness, Rom. 6:18.

Question: Is the Lord's Supper a spiritual feast?

Answer: Yes: A feast of fat things, of wines on the lees, Isa. 26:6.

Question: Is it a marriage-feast?

Answer: Yes: A certain king made a marriage for his son, Matt. 26:2.

Question: Is it a feast upon a sacrifice?

Answer: Yes: Christ is sacrificed for us, let us keep the feast, 1 Cor. 5:7,8.

Question: Is it a feast upon a covenant?

Answer: Yes: As Isaac made a feast for Abimelech when they swore one to another, Gen. 26:30,31.

Question: Are all good Christians invited to this feast?

Answer: Yes: Come, for all things are now ready, Luke 14:17.

Question: Are they often to partake of it?

Answer: Yes: As often as ye eat this bread, 1 Cor. 11:26.


Question: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

Answer: It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

Question: Are the ignorant to be admitted to the Lord's Supper?

Answer: No: For they discern not the Lord's body, 1 Cor. 11:29.

Question: Are those to be admitted to it who are openly profane?

Answer: No: For what concord hath Christ with Belial? 2 Cor. 6:15.

Question: But must all visible adult believers be admitted to it?

Answer: Yes: All the congregation of Israel shall keep the passover, Exod. 12:47.

Question: Must those who come to the Lord's Supper prepare for it?

Answer: Yes: We must prepare our heart to seek God, the Lord God of our fathers, 2 Chron. 13:18.

Question: Must we put away every sin?

Answer: Yes: Purge out the old leaven, 1 Cor. 5:7.

Question: And must we cleanse ourselves from all pollutions?

Answer: Yes: I will wash my hands in innocency, so I will compass thine altar, O Lord, Ps. 26:6.

Question: Must we sequester ourselves from the world?

Answer: Yes: Tarry ye here, while I go yonder and worship, Gen. 22:5.

Question: And must we apply ourselves seriously to this service?

Answer: Yes: We must engage the heart to approach unto God, Jer. 30:21.

Question: When we come to this ordinance must we examine ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, 1 Cor. 11:28.

Question: Must we examine our spiritual state?

Answer: Yes: Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, 2 Cor. 13:5.

Question: Must we examine our particular ways?

Answer: Yes: Let us search and try our ways, Lam. 3:40.

Question: Just we renew our repentance for sin?

Answer: Yes: For if we would judge ourselves, we shouldl not be judged, 1 Cor. 11:31.

Question: And our faith in Christ crucified?

Answer: Yes: Who loved me and gave himself for me, Gal. 2:20.

Question: Must we steadfastly purpose to lead a new life?

Answer: Yes: I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments, Ps. 119:106.

Question: And must we be in charity with all men?

Answer: Yes: First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift, Matt. 5:24.

Question: And must we stir up desires towards Christ?

Answer: Yes: Let him that is athirst come, Rev. 22:17.

Question: Must we receive this sacrament with great reverence?

Answer: Yes: In thy fear will I worship towards thy holy temple, Ps. 5:7.

Question: And with fixedness of thought?

Answer: Yes: Bind the sacrifice with cords unto the horns of the altar, Ps. 118:27.

Question: Must we receive it with godly sorrow for sin?

Answer: Yes: They shall look on me whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

Question: And with holy joy in the Lord?

Answer: Yes: They did eat their meat with gladness, praising God, Acts 2:46,47.

Question: Must we receive it with an affectionate remembrance of the love of Christ?

Answer: Yes: We will remember thy love more than wine, Cant. 1:4.

Question: And with all earnest desire of mercy from God?

Answer: Yes: I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord, Ps. 116:13.

Question: Must those who have received this sacrament be very watchful against all sin?

Answer: Yes: He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints, but let them not turn again to folly, Ps. 85:8.

Question: Must they abound in all duty?

Answer: Yes: I will pay my vows unto the Lord, Ps. 116:14.

Question: And must they ever preserve a sense of their engagements?

Answer: Yes: Thy vows are upon me, O God, Ps. 56:12.

Question: Do those who wilfully resolve to continue in sin receive unworthily?

Answer: Yes: For what hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction, Ps. 50:16,17.

Question: And do those receive unworthily who have no regard to Christ in what they do?

Answer: Yes: For they say the table of the Lord is contemptible, Mal. 1:7.

Question: Are they that do so guilty of a great sin?

Answer: Yes: They are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11:27.

Question: And are they in great danger?

Answer: Yes: For they eat aud drink judgment to themselves, 1 Cor. 11:29.

Question: But shall weak believers, who bewail their unworthiness, be encouraged?

Answer: Yes: For he will not break the bruised reed, Matt. 12:20.