Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.[1]


Question: To whom is Baptism to be administered?

Answer: Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to none other.

Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ; and to none other.[1]


Question: Are the infants of such as are professing believers to be baptized?

Answer: The infants of such as are professing believers are not to be baptized; because there is neither command nor example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain consequence from them, to baptize such.


Question: How is Baptism rightly administered?

Answer: Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the person in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.[1]


Question: What is the duty of those who are rightly baptized?

Answer: It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give up (join) themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

It is the duty of those who are rightly baptized to give up (join) themselves to some visible and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.[1]


Question: What is the visible church?

Answer: The visible church is the organized society of professing believers, in all ages and places, wherein the Gospel is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper rightly administered.

The visible church is the organized society of professing believers, in all ages and places, wherein the Gospel is truly preached and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper rightly administered.[1]


Question: What is the invisible church?

Answer: The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.

The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.[1]


Question: What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer: The Lord's Supper is a holy ordinance, 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.

The Lord's Supper is a holy ordinance, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, His death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of His body and blood, with all His benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.[1]


Question: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

Answer: It is required of them that would worthily (that is, suitably) 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.

It is required of them that would worthily (that is, suitably) partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves, of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body; of their faith to feed upon Him; of their repentance, love, and new obedience: lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.[1]


Question: What is Prayer?

Answer: Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.

Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.[1]


Question: What rule has God given for our direction in prayer?

Answer: The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.

The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.[1]


Question: What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer: The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father, which art in heaven," teaches us to draw near to God, with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us, and that we should pray with and for others.

The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father, which art in heaven," teaches us to draw near to God, with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us, and that we should pray with and for others.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the first petition?

Answer: In the first petition, which is "Hallowed be thy name," we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify Him in all that whereby He makes Himself known, and that He would dispose all things to His own glory.

In the first petition, which is "Hallowed be thy name," we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify Him in all that whereby He makes Himself known, and that He would dispose all things to His own glory.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the second petition?

Answer: In the second petition, which is "Thy kingdom come," we pray that satan's kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced; ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

In the second petition, which is "Thy kingdom come," we pray that satan's kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced; ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the third petition?

Answer: In the third petition, which is, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," we pray that God by His grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to His will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.

In the third petition, which is, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," we pray that God by His grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to His will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

Answer: In the fourth petition, which is, "Give us this day our daily bread," we pray that of God's free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy His blessing with them.

In the fourth petition, which is, "Give us this day our daily bread," we pray that of God's free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy His blessing with them.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

Answer: In the fifth petition, which is, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.

In the fifth petition, which is, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.[1]


Question: What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

Answer: In the sixth petition, which is, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

In the sixth petition, which is, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.[1]


Question: What does the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer: The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen," teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to Him; and in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, AMEN.

The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen," teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to Him; and in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, AMEN.[1]


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear, love, and trust God more than anything else.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The First Commandment -- You must not have other gods. (Exodus 20:3)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not use His name to curse, swear, cast a spell, lie or deceive, but will use it to call upon Him, pray to Him, praise Him and thank Him in all times of trouble.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Second Commandment -- You must not misuse your God's name. (Exodus 20:7)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not look down on preaching or God's Word, but consider it holy, listen to it willingly, and learn it.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Third Commandment -- You must keep the Sabbath holy. (Exodus 20:8)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither look down on our parents or superiors nor irritate them, but will honor them, serve them, obey them, love them and value them.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Fourth Commandment -- You must honor your father and mother. [So that things will go well for you and you will live long on earth]. (Exodus 20:12)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither harm nor hurt our neighbor's body, but help him and care for him when he is ill.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Fifth Commandment -- You must not kill. (Exodus 20:13)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that our words and actions will be clean and decent and so that everyone will love and honor their spouses.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Sixth Commandment -- You must not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will neither take our neighbor's money or property, nor acquire it by fraud or by selling him poorly made products, but will help him improve and protect his property and career.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Seventh Commandment -- You must not steal. (Exodus 20:15)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not deceive by lying, betraying, slandering or ruining our neighbor's reputation, but will defend him, say good things about him, and see the best side of everything he does.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Eighth Commandment -- You must not tell lies about your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16 )


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not attempt to trick our neighbor out of his inheritance or house, take it by pretending to have a right to it, etc. but help him to keep & improve it.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Ninth Commandment -- You must not desire your neighbor's house. (Exodus 20:17)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We must fear and love God, so that we will not release our neighbor's cattle, take his employees from him or seduce his wife, but urge them to stay and do what they ought to do.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Tenth Commandment -- You must not desire your neighbor's wife, servant, maid, animals or anything that belongs to him. (Exodus 20:17)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does God say to us about all these commandments?

Answer: This is what He says: "I am the Lord Your God. I am a jealous God. I plague the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate me with their ancestor's sin. But I make whole those who love me for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:5)

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Conclusion to the Commandments


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does it mean?

Answer: God threatens to punish everyone who breaks these commandments. We should be afraid of His anger because of this and not violate such commandments. But He promises grace and all good things to those who keep such commandments. Because of this, we, too, should love Him, trust Him, and willingly do what His commandments require.

I. The Ten Commandments -- The Conclusion to the Commandments


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that God created me, along with all creatures. He gave to me: my body and soul, my eyes, ears and all the other parts of my body, my mind and all my senses. He preserves them as well. He gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and land, wife and children, fields, animals and all I own. Every day He abundantly provides everything I need to nourish this body and life. He protects me against all danger. he shields and defends me from all evil. He does all this because of His pure, fatherly and divine goodness and His mercy, not because I've earned it or deserved it. For all of this, I must thank Him, praise Him, serve Him and obey Him. Yes, this is true!

II. The Creed -- The First Article -- On Creation I believe in God the Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth.


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that Jesus Christ is truly God, born of the Father in eternity and also truly man, born of the Virgin Mary. He is my Lord! He redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, bought and won me from all sins, death and the authority of the Devil. It did not cost Him gold or silver, but His holy, precious blood, His innocent body--His death! Because of this, I am His very own, will live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him righteously, innocently and blessedly forever, just as He is risen from death, lives and reigns forever. Yes, this is true.


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: I believe that I cannot come to my Lord Jesus Christ by my own intelligence or power. But the Holy Spirit called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as He calls, gathers together, enlightens and makes holy the whole Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus in the one, true faith. In this Church, He generously forgives each day every sin committed by me and by every believer. On the last day, He will raise me and all the dead from the grave. He will give eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. Yes, this is true!

II. The Creed -- The Third Article -- On Becoming Holy I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and an everlasting life. Amen.


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: In this introduction, God invites us to believe that He is our real Father and we are His real children, so that we will pray with trust and complete confidence, in the same way beloved children approach their beloved Father with their requests.

III. The Our Father -- Introduction -- Our Father, Who is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:9)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Of course, God's name is holy in and of itself, but by this request, we pray that He will make it holy among us, too.

III. The Our Father -- The First Request -- May Your name be holy. (Matthew 6:9)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: How does this take place?

Answer: It happens when God's Word is taught clearly and purely, and when we live holy lives as God's children based upon it. Help us, Heavenly Father, to do this! But anyone who teaches and lives by something other than God's Word defiles God's name among us. Protect us from this, Heavenly Father!

III. The Our Father -- The First Request


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly God's Kingdom comes by itself, without our prayer. But we pray in this request that it come to us as well.

III. The Our Father -- The Second Request -- Your Kingdom come. (Matthew 6:10)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: How does this happen?

Answer: It happens when the Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that we believe His holy Word by His grace and live godly lives here in this age and there in eternal life.

III. The Our Father -- The Second Request


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly, God's good and gracious will is accomplished without our prayer. But we pray in this request that is accomplished among us as well.

III. The Our Father -- The Third Request -- May Your will be accomplished. As it is Heaven, so may it be on Earth. (Matthew 6:10)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: How does this happen?

Answer: It happens when God destroys and interferes with every evil will and all evil advice, which will not allow God's Kingdom to come, such as the Devil's will, the world's will and will of our bodily desires. It also happens when God strengthens us by faith and by His Word and keeps us living by them faithfully until the end of our lives. This is His will, good and full of grace.

III. The Our Father -- The Third Request


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: Truly, God gives daily bread to evil people, even without our prayer. But we pray in this request that He will help us realize this and receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

III. The Our Father -- The Fourth Request -- Give us today our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does "Daily bread" mean?

Answer: Everything that nourishes our body and meets its needs, such as: Food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, yard, fields, cattle, money, possessions, a devout spouse, devout children, devout employees, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors and other things like these.

III. The Our Father -- The Fourth Request


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We pray in this request that our Heavenly Father will neither pay attention to our sins nor refuse requests such as these because of our sins and because we are neither worthy nor deserve the things for which we pray. Yet He wants to give them all to us by His grace, because many times each day we sin and truly deserve only punishment. Because God does this, we will, of course, want to forgive from our hearts and willingly do good to those who sin against us.

III. The Our Father -- The Fifth Request -- And forgive our guilt, as we forgive those guilty of sinning against us. (Matthew 6:12)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: God tempts no one, of course, but we pray in this request that God will protect us and save us, so that the Devil, the world and our bodily desires will neither deceive us nor seduce us into heresy, despair or other serious shame or vice, and so that we will win and be victorious in the end, even if they attack us.

III. The Our Father -- The Sixth Request -- And lead us not into temptation. (Matthew 6:12)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: We pray in this request, as a summary, that our Father in Heaven will save us from every kind of evil that threatens body, soul, property and honor. We pray that when at last our final hour has come, He will grant us a blessed death, and, in His grace, bring us to Himself from this valley of tears. Amen

III. The Our Father -- The Seventh Request -- But set us free from the Evil One. ( Matthew 6:12)


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does this mean?

Answer: That I should be certain that such prayers are acceptable to the Father in Heaven and will be granted, that He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and that He promises to answer us. Amen. Amen. This means: Yes, yes it will happen this way.

III. The Our Father -- The Seventh Request


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water contained within God's command and united with God's Word.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Where in the Word of God is this?

Answer: Where our Lord Christ spoke in the last chapter of Matthew (Matthew 28:19): "Go into all the world, teaching all heathen nations, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What does Baptism give? What good is it?

Answer: It gives us the forgiveness of sins, redeems us from death and the Devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as God's words and promises declare.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What are these words and promises of God?

Answer: Our Lord Christ spoke one of them in the last chapter of Mark (Mark 16:16): "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be damned."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: How can water do such great things?

Answer: Water doesn't make these things happen, of course. It is God's Word, which is with and in the water. Because, without God's Word, the water is plain water and not baptism. But with God's Word it is a Baptism, a grace-filled water of life, a bath of new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul said to Titus in the third chapter (Titus 3:5-8): "Through this bath of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, which He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that we, justified by the same grace are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What is the meaning of such a water Baptism?

Answer: It means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, in turn, a new person daily come forth and rise from death again. He will live forever before God in righteousness and purity.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Where is this written?

Answer: St. Paul says to the Romans in Chapter Six (Romans 6:4): "We are buried with Christ through Baptism into death, so that, in the same way Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, thus also must we walk in a new life."

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What is confession?

Answer: Confession has two parts: First, a person admits his sin Second, a person receives absolution or forgiveness from the confessor, as if from God Himself, without doubting it, but believing firmly that his sins are forgiven by God in Heaven through it.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Which sins should people confess?

Answer: When speaking to God, we should plead guilty to all sins, even those we don't know about, just as we do in the "Our Father," but when speaking to the confessor, only the sins we know about, which we know about and feel in our hearts.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Which are these?

Answer: Consider here your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Are you a father? A mother? A son? A daughter? A husband? A wife? A servant? Are you disobedient, unfaithful or lazy? Have you hurt anyone with your words or actions? Have you stolen, neglected your duty, let

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: things go or injured someone?

Answer: Please suggest to me a simple way to confess. You should speak to your confessor this way: Honorable, dear Sir: Would you please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness according to God's will. He will respond: Yes. Please go ahead. Then say: I confess in the presence of God that I am a poor sinner and guilty of every kind of sin. I specifically admit to you that I am a servant, maid, etc., but I'm afraid that I have served my master unfaithfully. >From time to time, I have not done what I was told to do. I have angered them and caused them to swear at me. I have neglected my duty and allowed damage to be done. My words and actions have been shameful. I have been angry with my peers. I have complained about my master's wife and sworn at her, etc. I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better. A master or a lady of the house should speak this way: I specifically confess to you that I have not faithfully led my children, servants or wife to God's glory. I have cursed. I have set a bad example with my obscene words and actions. I have hurt my neighbor and spoken evil things about him. I have charged him too much, cheated him and sold him badly made goods. Let him also confess any other sins against God's commandments and his place in life, etc. If a person is not burdened with sins such as these or greater sins, he should not look for other sins or invent them, because that would turn confession into torture. Instead, he should mention one or two that he knows about. For example: specifically I confess that I once cursed. Once I used inappropriate language. Once I neglected to do this or that thing, etc. Let that be enough. If you do not know of anything you have done wrong (which does not seem possible), do not say anything in specific, but receive forgiveness based upon the general confession you make to God in the presence of your confessor. After this, the Confessor will say: May God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith! Then he will ask:

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Do you also believe that the forgiveness I give is God's forgiveness?

Answer: Then you will answer: Yes, dear sir. After this, he will say: May what you believe happen to you. And by the command of my Lord Jesus, I forgive your sins in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace! The confessor will know how to use additional passages to comfort and to encourage the faith of those who sorrow, are troubled or whose conscience is greatly burdened. This is only meant to be a general confession for the uneducated.

V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Answer: It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under bread and wine for us Christians to eat and to drink, established by Christ Himself.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Where is that written?

Answer: The holy apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke and St. Paul write this: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night on which He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said: 'Take! Eat! This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me!' In the same way He also took the cup after supper, gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: 'Take and drink from it, all of you! This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you to forgive sins. This do, as often as you drink it, to remember Me!'"

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: What good does this eating and drinking do?

Answer: These words tell us: "Given for you" and "Shed for you to forgive sins." Namely, that the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us through these words in the sacrament. Because, where sins are forgiven, there is life and salvation as well.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: How can physical eating and drinking do such great things?

Answer: Of course, eating and drinking do not do these things. These words, written here, do them: "given for you" and "shed for you to forgive sins." These words, along with physical eating and drinking are the important part of the sacrament. Anyone who believes these words has what they say and what they record, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Robert E. Smith (translator, 1994; revised 2002, 2004)

Question: Who, then, receives such a sacrament in a worthy way?

Answer: Of course, fasting and other physical preparations are excellent disciplines for the body. But anyone who believes these words, "Given for you," and "Shed for you to forgive sins," is really worthy and well prepared. But whoever doubts or does not believe these words is not worthy and is unprepared, because the words, "for you" demand a heart that fully believes.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar -- The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household


Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.

Question: Is man a reasonable creature?

Answer: Yes: For there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding, Job 32:8.

Question: Has he greater capacities than the brutes?

Answer: Yes: God teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven, Job 35:11.

Question: Is man his own maker?

Answer: No: It is God that hath made us, and not we ourselves, Psalm 100:3.

Question: Is he then his own master?

Answer: No: There is a Lord over us, Psalm 12:4.

Question: Is he his own carver?

Answer: No: Should it be according to thy mind, Job 34:33.

Question: Is he his own end?

Answer: No: For none of us lives to himself, or dies to himself, Romans 14:7.

Question: Is it your business in the world to serve the flesh?

Answer: No: For we are not debtors to the flesh, that we should live after the flesh, Rom. 8:12.

Question: Is it to pursue the world?

Answer: No: For we are not of the world, John 17:16.

Question: Is your happiness bound up in the creature?

Answer: No: For all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Eccl. 1:14.

Question: Will the riches of the world make you happy?

Answer: No: For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, Luke 12:15.

Question: Will the praise and applause of men make you happy?

Answer: No: For it is vain glory, Gal. 5:26.

Question: Will sport and pleasure make you happy?

Answer: No: For the wise man said of laughter, It is mad, and of mirth, What doth it? Eccl. 2:2.

Question: Can the gain of the world make you happy?

Answer: No, For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Matthew 16:26.

Question: Is God then your chief end?

Answer: Yes, For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, Rom. 11:36.

Question: Were you made for him?

Answer: Yes: This people have I formed for myself, Isa. 43:21.

Question: Were you redeemed for him?

Answer: Yes: Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6:19,20.

Question: Is it your chief business to glorify God?

Answer: Yes: We must glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are God's, I Cor. 6:20.

Question: Must this be ultimately designed in all our actions?

Answer: Yes: Do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10:31.

Question: Is God glorified by our praises?

Answer: Yes: He that offers praise, glorifies me, Ps. 50:23.

Question: And is he glorified by our works?

Answer: Yes: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, John 15:8.

Question: Is God your chief good?

Answer: Yes: For happy is the people whose God is the Lord, Ps. 144:15.

Question: Does all good come from him?

Answer: Yes: For with him is the fountain of life, Ps. 36:9.

Question: And is all good enjoyed in him?

Answer: Yes: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, and of my cup, Ps. 16:5.

Question: Is it your chief happiness then to have God's favour?

Answer: Yes: For in his favour is life, Ps. 30:5.

Question: Is that the most desirable good?

Answer: Yes: For his loving kindness is better than life, Ps. 63:3.

Question: Do you desire it above any good?

Answer: Yes: Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us, Ps. 4:6,7.

Question: And should you give all diligence to make it sure?

Answer: Yes: Herein we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:9.

Question: Is communion with God in grace here the best pleasure?

Answer: Yes: It is good for me to draw near to God, Ps. 73:28.

Question: Is the vision and fruition of God in glory hereafter the best portion?

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

Question: Will you therefore set your heart upon this chief good?

Answer: Yes: Lord, whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee; when my flesh and my heart fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever, Ps. 73:25,26.


Question: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer: The word of God (which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Question: Do we need a rule to direct us to our chief end?

Answer: Yes: For we all like sheep have gone astray, Isa. 53:6.

Question: Could we not find it out of ourselves?

Answer: No: For man is born like the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.

Question: Is divine revelation necessary to religion?

Answer: Yes: For faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Rom. 10:17.

Question: Is not the light of nature suffcient without it?

Answer: No: For the world by wisdom knew not God, 1 Cor. 1:21.

Question: Has God therefore given us a revelation?

Answer: Yes: He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, Mic. 6:3.

Question: Was there revelation from the beginning?

Answer: Yes: At sundry times, and in divers manners, God spake unto the fathers, Heb. 1:1.

Question: Are the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament the word of God, and a divine revelation?

Answer: Yes: For all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3:16.

Question: Were they indited by the blessed Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1:21.

Question: Were they confirmed by miracles?

Answer: Yes; God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, Heb. 2:4.

Question: Do they recommend themselves?

Answer: Yes; For the word of God is quick and powerful, Heb. 4:12.

Question: Is not the Bible then a cheat put upon the world?

Answer: No: For these are not the words of him that hath a devil, John 10:21.

Question: Was the book of the Scripture written for our use?

Answer: Yes: Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, Rom. 15:4.

Question: And is it of great use?

Answer: Yes: For it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Tim. 3:16.

Question: Are the Scriptures the great support of our religion?

Answer: Yes: For we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Eph. 2:20.

Question: Are they the standing rule of our faith and practice?

Answer: Yes: We first have recourse to the law and to the testimony. Isa. 8:20.

Question: Are they the only rule?

Answer: Yes: For other foundation can no man lay, 1 Cor. 3:11.

Question: Are they our guide?

Answer: Yes: For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, Prov. 6:23.

Question: Do they show us the way to heaven and happiness?

Answer: Yes: For in them we thing we have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Christ, John 5:39.

Question: Are the Scriptures our oracle which we must consult?

Answer: Yes: What is written in the law, how readest thou? Luke 10:26.

Question: Are they our touchstone which we must try by?

Answer: Yes: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, Isaiah 8:20.

Question: Are they the weapons of our spiritual warfare?

Answer: Yes: Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 6:17.

Question: Is the written word a sufficient rule?

Answer: Yes: For the law of the Lord is perfect, Psalm 19:7.

Question: Is it plain?

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

Question: Is the church's authority the rule of our faith?

Answer: No: For our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, 1 Corinthians 2:5.

Question: May we depend upon unwritten traditions?

Answer: No: For we must refuse profane and old wives' fables, 1 Timothy 4:7.

Question: Will the written word be the rule of our judgment hereafter?

Answer: Yes: For we must be judged by the law of liberty, James 2:12.

Question: Ought we therefore to be ruled by it now?

Answer: Yes: As many as walk according to this rule, peace shall be on them, Galatians 6:16.

Question: And to be comforted by it?

Answer: Yes: For through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we have hope, Romans 15:4.

Question: Are the Scriptures to be translated into vulgar tongues?

Answer: Yes: For we should hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God, Acts 2:11.

Question: And must we study them?

Answer: Yes: Search the Scriptures, John 5:39.

Question: And labour to understand them?

Answer: Yes: Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts 8:30.

Question: And must we rest satisfied with this revelation of God's will?

Answer: Yes: For if we believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would we be persuaded though one rose from the dead, Luke 16:31.

Question: Is it a great affront to God to neglect his word?

Answer: Yes: I have written unto them the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing, Hosea 8:12.

Question: Must little children get the knowledge of the Scripture?

Answer: Yes: Timothy is commended for this, that from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:15.

Question: And must their parents instruct them therein?

Answer: Yes: They must teach them diligently unto their children, and talk of them, Deuteronomy 6:7.

Question: Must we all love the word of God?

Answer: Yes: O how love I thy law!

Question: And must we meditate therein?

Answer: Yes: It is my meditation all the day, Psalm 119:97.

Question: And will this be to our own advantage?

Answer: Yes: For it is able to make us wise to salvation, 2 Timothy 3:15.


Question: What do the Scriptures principally teach?

Answer: The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Question: Is it necessary that we have a faith concerning God?

Answer: Yes: For he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

Question: Can we have that faith without being taught?

Answer: No: For how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Romans 10:14.

Question: And have they not heard?

Answer: Yes: Verily their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world, Romans 10:18.

Question: Is not the knowledge of God a great privilege?

Answer: Yes: For this is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, John 17:3.

Question: Is it not the best knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For the knowledge of the holy is understanding, Proverbs 9:10.

Question: Does the Scripture teach us that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For if we receive those words, and hide those commandments with us, then shall we understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, Proverbs 2:1, 5.

Question: Do not the works of creation prove that there is a God?

Answer: Yes: For we understand by the things that are made his eternal power and godhead, Romans 1:20.

Question: And do not the works of providence prove it?

Answer: Yes: For verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth, Psalm 58:11

Question: But do not the Scriptures tell us best what God is?

Answer: Yes: For no man hath seen God at any time, the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him, John 1:18.

Question: Are we all concerned to get the knowledge of God?

Answer: Yes: We should all know him, from the least even to the greatest, Hebrews 8:11.

Question: Must children get that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father, 1 John 2:13.

Question: And must we all grow in that knowledge?

Answer: Yes: We must follow on to know the Lord, Hosea 6:3.

Question: Are we to believe what the Scripture reveals concerning God?

Answer: Yes: For these things are written that we may believe, John 20:31.

Question: And must we believe all that the Scripture reveals?

Answer: Yes: Believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets, Acts 24:14.

Question: Must we believe that which is not revealed?

Answer: No: For the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2:11.

Question: Does God require duty of man?

Answer: Yes: For unto man He said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding, Job 28:28.

Question: Is it enough to believe the truth revealed, if we do not the duty that is required?

Answer: No: For faith without works is dead, James 2:26.

Question: Is it enough to do the duty required, though we do not believe the truth revealed?

Answer: No: For he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, 1 John 5:10.

Question: Does the Scripture teach us what duty God requires?

Answer: Yes: He has showed thee what the Lord thy God requires of thee, Mic. 6:8.

Question: And must we do the duty that the Scripture teaches?

Answer: Yes: We must observe to do according to all that is written therein, and not turn from it to the right hand, or to the left, Josh. 1:7.

Question: Must this obedience always accompany faith?

Answer: Yes: For they which have believed in God must be careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3:8.


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Question: Is God a Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For Christ himself has said, God is a Spirit, John 4:24.

Question: Is he a pure Spirit?

Answer: Yes: For God is light, and with him is no darkness at all, 1 John 1:5.

Question: Has he a body as we have?

Answer: No: Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as a man seeth? Job 10:4.

Question: Can he be seen with bodily eyes?

Answer: No. For he is one whom no man hath seen, or can see, 1 Tim. 6:16.

Question: Are not the angels spirits?

Answer: Yes: He maketh his angels spirits, Ps. 104:4.

Question: Are not the souls of men spirits?

Answer: Yes: For he formeth the spirit of man within him, Zech. 12:1.

Question: But is God a Spirit like unto them?

Answer: No: For he is the Father of spirits, Heb. 12:9.

Question: Is God infinite?

Answer: Yes: For we cannot by searching find out God, Job 11:7.

Question: Is he contained in any place?

Answer: No: For the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, 1 Kings 8:27.

Question: Is he everywhere present?

Answer: Yes: For whither can we go from his Spirit, or flee from his presence? Ps. 139:7.

Question: Can any hide himself in secret places that God shall not see him?

Answer: No: For do not I fill heaven and earth, saith the Lord, Jer. 23:24.

Question: Is God eternal?

Answer: Yes: From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God, Ps. 90:2.

Question: Had he beginning of days?

Answer: No: For he is the Ancient of days, Dan. 7:9.

Question: Shall there be any end of his life?

Answer: No: For he is the same, and his years have no end, Ps. 102:27.

Question: Is there with him any succession of time?

Answer: No: For his days are not as the days of man, Job 10:5.

Question: Can he die?

Answer: No: He is the only potentate, that hath immortality, 1 Tim. 6:16.

Question: Is God unchangeable?

Answer: Yes: For he is the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, Jam. 1:17.

Question: Is there any decay of his perfections?

Answer: No: For he fainteth not, neither is weary, Isa. 40:28.

Question: Is there any alteration in his counsels?

Answer: No: For he is not a man that he should repent, 1 Sam. 15:29.

Question: Is it well for us that he is unchangeable?

Answer: Yes: I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed, Mal. 3:6.

Question: Is God infinite in his being?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, I AM THAT I AM, Exod. 3:14.

Question: Is he self-existent?

Answer: Yes: For the Father hath life in himself John 5:26.

Question: Is he the best of beings?

Answer: Yes: For who is a God like unto him? Exod. 15:11.

Question: Is he the first of causes?

Answer: Yes: For he is the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, 1 Cor. 8:6.

Question: Is he the highest of powers?

Answer: Yes: For he King of kings, and Lord of lords, 1 Tim. 6:15.

Question: Is he a God of perfect knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For his understanding is infinite, Ps. 147:5.

Question: Can any thing be hid from him?

Answer: No: For all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb. 4:13.

Question: Does he know things to come?

Answer: Yes: For he declareth the end from the beginning, Isa. 46:10.

Question: Does he know our hearts?

Answer: Yes: For he understandeth our thoughts afar off; Ps. 139:2.

Question: Does he know all our actions?

Answer: Yes: For his eyes are upon the ways of man, Job 34:21.

Question: Is God infinitely wise?

Answer: Yes: For wisdom and might are his, Dan. 2:20.

Question: Are all his works wisely done?

Answer: Yes: In wisdom he hath made them all, Ps. 104:24.

Question: And particularly the work of redemption?

Answer: Yes: For it is the wisdom of God in a mystery, 1 Cor. 2:7.

Question: Can the wisdom of God's counsels be fathomed?

Answer: No: O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Rom. 11:33.

Question: Is. he a God of power?

Answer: Yes: God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God, Ps. 62:11.

Question: Is he Almighty?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord God Almighty, Rev. 15:3.

Question: Is his power irresistible?

Answer: Yes: For none can stay his hand, Dan. 4:35.

Question: Is his sovereignty incontestable?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth not account of any of his matters, Job 33:13.

Question: Is any thing too hard for him?

Answer: No: For with God all things are possible, Matt. 19:26.

Question: Is he a God of perfect holiness?

Answer: Yes: For holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, Isa. 6:3.

Question: Is there iniquity with God?

Answer: No: He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Heb. 1:13.

Question: Is this his glory?

Answer: Yes: For he is glorious in holiness, Exod. 15:11.

Question: And must we give him the glory of it?

Answer: Yes: Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, Ps. 30:4.

Question: And must we study herein to resemble him?

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

Question: Is he a just and righteous Governor?

Answer: Yes: The Lord is righteous in all his ways, Ps. 145:17.

Question: Did he ever do wrong to any of' his creatures?

Answer: No: There is no unrighteousness in him, Ps. 92:15.

Question: And does justice please him?

Answer: Yes: The righteous Lord loveth righteousness, Ps. 11:7.

Question: Is he a merciful God?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, Exod. 34:6.

Question: And a good God?

Answer: Yes: Thou art good, and dost good, Ps. 119:68.

Question: Is he universally good?

Answer: Yes: For he is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works, Ps. 145:9.

Question: Is he in a special manner good to his own people?

Answer: Yes: For truly God is good to Israel, Ps 73:1.

Question: And should we acquaint ourselves with his goodness?

Answer: Yes: O taste, and see that the Lord is good, Ps. 34:8.

Question: Is he a God of truth?

Answer: Yes: The truth of the Lord endures for ever, Ps. 117:2.

Question: Will he perform all his promises?

Answer: Yes: For he is faithful that hath promised, Heb. 10:23.

Question: Is there any danger of his deceiving us?

Answer: No: It is impossible for God to lie, Heb. 6:18.

Question: Is this a complete description of God?

Answer: No: For, lo, these are but part of his ways; and how little a portion is heard of him! Job 26:14.

Question: Must we therefore always speak of God with reverence?

Answer: Yes: For behold God is great, and we know him not, Job 36:26.

Question: And must we pray to him to teach us what we shall say?

Answer: Yes: For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness, Job 37:19.


Question: Are there more gods than one?

Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.

Question: Are there many gods?

Answer: No: For though there be that are called gods, yet there is but one God, 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.

Question: Can there be any but one?

Answer: No: For he has said, I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isa 46:9.

Question: Are you sure there is but one?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord our God is one Lord and there is none other but he, Mark 12:29, 32.

Question: Is the God whom we serve that one God?

Answer: Yes: For Jehovah he is God, Jehovah he is God, 1 Kings 18:39.

Question: Is he infinitely above all pretenders?

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

Question: Is he God alone?

Answer: Yes: O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, thou art the God, even thou alone, Isa. 37:16.

Question: Are all other gods false gods?

Answer: Yes. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens, Ps. 96:5.

Question: Is our God the true God?

Answer: Yes: The Lord he is the true God, Jer. 10:10.

Question: Is he the only true God?

Answer: Yes: This is life eternal, to know the only true God John 17:3.

Question: Is he the living God?

Answer: Yes: The living God, and an everlasting King, Jer. 10:10.

Question: Is he the Sovereign Lord?

Answer: Yes: For he is God over all, blessed for evermore, Rom. 9:5.

Question: Is this one God enough?

Answer: Yes: For he is God All-Sufficient, Gen. 17:1.

Question: Is the Lord Jehovah the maker of all things?

Answer: Yes: He is the everlasting God, even the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Isa. 40:28.

Question: Is he your Maker?

Answer: Yes: He is the Lord our Maker, Ps. 95:6.

Question: Is he the owner of all things?

Answer: Yes: For he is the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, Gen. 14:19.

Question: Is he your rightful owner?

Answer: Yes: We are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand, Ps. 95:7.

Question: Is he the ruler of all things?

Answer: Yes: For his kingdom ruleth over all, Ps. 103:19.

Question: Is he your ruler?

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

Question: Is he the benefactor of all the creatures?

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

Question: Is he your benefactor?

Answer: Yes: For he daily loadeth us with his benefits, Ps. 68:19.

Question: Shall he therefore be yours by your own consent?

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


Question: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God; the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Question: Are there three gods?

Answer: No: For the Lord is one, and his name one, Zech. 14:9.

Question: Is there more than one person in the Godhead?

Answer: Yes: For God said, Let us make man, Gen. 1.26.

Question: Are there distinct persons in the Godhead?

Answer: Yes: For he who is the brightness of his Father's glory, is the express image of his person, Heb. 1:3.

Question: Are there three persons in the Godhead?

Answer: Yes: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, 1 John 5:7.

Question: Is the Father God?

Answer: Yes: For there is one God and Father of all, Eph. 4:6.

Question: Is Jesus Christ the Word?

Answer: Yes: His name is called the Word of God, Rev. 19:13.

Question: Is the Word God?

Answer: Yes: For in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, John 1:1.

Question: Is the Holy Ghost a divine person?

Answer: Yes: For the Spirit searcheth all things, 1 Cor. 2:10.

Question: Is it the personal property of the Father to beget the Son?

Answer: Yes: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, Ps. 2:7.

Question: Is it the personal property of the Son to be begotten of the Father?

Answer: Yes: For he is the only-begotten of the Father, John 1:14.

Question: Is it the personal property of the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son?

Answer: Yes: For Christ says, I will send you the Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, John 15:26.

Question: Are these three one God?

Answer: Yes: For it is said expressly, these three are one, 1 John 5:7.

Question: Are they the same in substance, and equal in power and glory?

Answer: Yes: For Christ says, I and my Father are one, John 10:30.

Question: Can this doctrine be measured by reason?

Answer: No: For flesh and blood hath not revealed it to us, Matt. 16:17.

Question: But ought we to believe it?

Answer: Yes: For we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt. 28:19. And we are blessed with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 2 Cor. 13:14.

Question: And ought we to improve it?

Answer: Yes: That we all may be one, as the Father is in Christ, and he in the Father, that we also may be one in them, John 17:21.


Question: What are the decrees of God?

Answer: The decrees of God are his eternal purposes, according to the counsel of his own will : whereby for his own glory he hath foreordained whatever comes to pass.

Question: Does God dispose of all things that come to pass?

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

Question: Does he do it according to his own will?

Answer: Yes: For he hath done whatsoever he pleased, Ps. 115:2.

Question: Can any control his will?

Answer: No: For he doth according to his will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, Dan. 4:35.

Question: Has he determined before what he will do?

Answer: Yes: For known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world, Acts 15:18.

Question: Is there a counsel then in all the will of God?

Answer: Yes: For he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, Eph. 1:11.

Question: Is it an eternal counsel?

Answer: Yes: For it was ordained before the world, 1 Cor. 2:7.

Question: Is it free?

Answer: Yes: Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight, Matt. 11:26.

Question: Is it unchangeable?

Answer: Yes: The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, Ps. 33:11.

Question: Is it for his own glory?

Answer: Yes: That we should be to the praise of his glory, Eph. 1:12.

Question: Were all the events of time ordained from eternity?

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

Question: Does any thing come to pass by chance?

Answer: No: For the lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord, Prov. 16:33.

Question: Does every thing come to pass as God has ordained it?

Answer: Yes: For there are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, Prov. 19:21.

Question: 4.Can we search out God's counsels?

Answer: No: For his judgments are a great deep, Ps. 36:6.

Question: Ought we not therefore to acquiesce in them?

Answer: Yes: Here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him, 2 Sam. 15:26.

Question: May we question God's proceedings?

Answer: No: For his thoughts are above our thoughts, Isa. 55:9.


Question: How does God execute his decrees?

Answer: God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

Question: Shall all God's decrees be executed?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord of hosts hath sworn, surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass, Isa. 14:24.

Question: Can any of them be defeated?

Answer: No: For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? Isa. 14:27.

Question: Did God execute his decree in the work of creation?

Answer: Yes: He hath created all things, and for his pleasure they are and were created, Rev. 4:11.

Question: And does he execute his decrees in the works of providence?

Answer: Yes: For out of the mouth of the Most High both evil and good proceed, Lam. 3:38.

Question: Did God begin to work in the creation of the world?

Answer: Yes: Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundations of the earth, Heb. 1:10.

Question: Is he still working?

Answer: Yes: For Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work, John 5:17.

Question: Are all his works copied out of his counsels?

Answer: Yes: For they are what his hand and his counsel determine before to be done, Acts 4:28.

Question: Are God's works many?

Answer: Yes: O Lord, how manifold are thy works! Ps. 104:24.

Question: Are they great?

Answer: Yes: His work is honourable and glorious, Ps. 111:8.

Question: Are they perfect in their kind?

Answer: Yes: God is the Rock, his work is perfect, Deut. 32:4.

Question: Can they be amended?

Answer: No: Whatsoever God doth, nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it, Eccl. 3:14.

Question: Ought they to be studied?

Answer: Yes: They are sought out of all them that have pleasure therein, Ps. 111:2.

Question: Is it a great sin to neglect them?

Answer: Yes: Because they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operations of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up, Ps. 28:5.

Question: Can all God's works be thoroughly discovered?

Answer: No: For no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end, Eccl. 3:11.

Question: Can his designs in them be accounted for?

Answer: No: For his way is in the sea, and his path in the great waters, Ps. 77:19.

Question: But is he glorified in them?

Answer: Yes: All his works do praise him, Ps. 145:10.


Question: What is the work of creation?

Answer: The work of creation is God's making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Question: Did God create the world?

Answer: Yes: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, Gen. 1:1.

Question: Did he create everything in the world?

Answer: Yes: For without him was not any thing made that was made, John 1:3; Jhn 1:10; Col 1:16-17.

Question: Did he create the world by his word?

Answer: Yes: For through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, Heb. 11:3.

Question: Did all things come into being by that word?

Answer: Yes: For by the word of God the heavens were of old, 2 Pet. 3:5.

Question: And are they thereby preserved in being?

Answer: Yes: By the same word they are kept in store, 2 Pet 3:7.

Question: Did God find any difficulty in making the world?

Answer: No: For he spake and it was done; he said, Let there be light, and there was light, Ps. 33:9; Gen. 1:3.

Question: Did he need assistance in it?

Answer: No: For he stretcheth forth the heavens alone, and spreadeth abroad the earth by himself, Isa. 44:24.

Question: Did he make all out of nothing?

Answer: Yes: For the things which are seen were not made of the things which do appear, Heb. 11:13.

Question: Did he bring light out of darkness?

Answer: Yes: For God commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 2 Cor. 4:6.

Question: And order out of confusion?

Answer: Yes: For the earth was without form and void, Gen. 1:2.

Question: Did he make all in six days?

Answer: Yes: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, Exod. 20:11.

Question: Did God make all well?

Answer: Yes: God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, Gen. 1:31.

Question: Did he make all firm?

Answer: Yes: He hath made a decree which shall not pass, Ps. 148:6.

Question: And all for himself?

Answer: Yes: The Lord has made all things for himself, Prov. 16:4.

Question: Did God make all things by Jesus Christ?

Answer: Yes: For by him also he made the worlds, Heb. 1:2. and created all things by Jesus Christ, Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; John 1:3.

Question: Did God manifest his own perfections in the work of creation?

Answer: Yes: For the heavens declare the glory of God, Ps. 19:1.

Question: Must we give him the glory of this work?

Answer: Yes: We must worship him that made the heaven and the earth, Rev. 14:7.

Question: Must we give him thanks for his creatures?

Answer: Yes: Every creature of God is good, and to be received with thanksgiving, 1 Tim. 4:4.

Question: May we be encouraged by the work of creation to trust in God?

Answer: Yes: My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth, Ps. 121:2.

Question: Did God create the angels?

Answer: Yes: He maketh his angels spirits, Heb. 1:7.

Question: Are they attendants upon him?

Answer: Yes: Thousand thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before him, Dan. 7:10.

Question: Are they employed for the good of the saints?

Answer: Yes: They are sent forth to minister for them which shall be heirs of salvation, Heb. 1:14.

Question: Have true believers communion with them in faith, hope, and love?

Answer: Yes: For we are come to an innumerable company of angels, Heb. 12:22.

Question: Did all the angels continue in their integrity?

Answer: No: There were angels that left their first state, Jude 1:6.

Question: Is it probable that they who fell, fell by pride?

Answer: Yes: For they that are lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil, 1 Tim. 3:6.

Question: Were they punished for their sin?

Answer: Yes: God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, 2 Pet. 2:4.


Question: How did God create man?

Answer: God created man male and female, after his image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

Question: Is man God's creature?

Answer: Yes: For we are also his offspring, Acts 17:28.

Question: Were our first parents the work of his hands?

Answer: Yes: Male and female created he them, and called their name Adam, Gen. 5:2.

Question: Was man made with a consultation?

Answer: Yes: For God said, Let us make man, Gen. 1:26.

Question: Do all the children of men descend from Adam and Eve?

Answer: Yes: For God has made of one blood all nations of men, Acts 17:26.

Question: Was man's body at first made out of the earth?

Answer: Yes: God made man of the dust of the ground, Gen. 11:7.

Question: And are our bodies of the earth earthy?

Answer: Yes: For I also am formed out of the clay, Job 33:6.

Question: But are they not curiously wrought?

Answer: Yes: For I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Ps. 139:14.

Question: Is God the former of our bodies?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and fenced me with bones and sinews, Job 10:11.

Question: Is he the author of our senses?

Answer: Yes: The hearing ear, and seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them, Prov. 20:12.

Question: Is God the Father of our spirits?

Answer: Yes: For he breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life, Gen. 2:7.

Question: Has God given each of us a soul?

Answer: Yes: The Lord liveth that made us this soul, Jer. 38:16.

Question: Is it a rational soul?

Answer: Yes for the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, Prov. 20:27.

Question: Is it immortal?

Answer: Yes: For the spirit of a man goes upward, Eccl. 3:21.

Question: Does it die with the body?

Answer: No: For when the dust returns to the earth as it was, the Spirit returns to God who gave it, Eccl. 12:7.

Question: Is God then the Sovereign of the heart?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, Behold, all souls are mine, Ezek. 18:4.

Question: Must we therefore commit our souls to him?

Answer: Yes: Into thine hand I commit my spirit, Ps. 31:5.

Question: Was man made after God's image?

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

Question: Did that image consist in knowledge?

Answer: Yes: For we are renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created us, Col. 3:10.

Question: Did it consist in righteousness and true holiness?

Answer: Yes: For the new man after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4:24.

Question: Was there in man at first a perfect purity and freedom from sin ?

Answer: Yes: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, Ezek. 28:15. Compare Ezek. 16:13.

Question: Was there in him a perfect rectitude and disposition to good?

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

Question: Are there some remains of God's image still upon man?

Answer: Yes: For men are made after the similitude of God, Jam. 3:9.

Question: Was man made with a dominion over the creatures?

Answer: Yes: For thou hast put all things under his feet, Ps. 8:6.

Question: Have we not reason to admire God's favour to man?

Answer: Yes: Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps. 144:3.


Question: What are God's works of providence?

Answer: God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.

Question: When God had made the world, did he leave it to itself?

Answer: No: For he upholdeth all things by the word of his power, Heb. 1:3.

Question: Does he see to the whole creation?

Answer: Yes: For the eyes of the Lord are in every place, Prov. 15:3.

Question: Does he condescend to take notice of his creatures?

Answer: Yes: He humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth, Ps. 113:6.

Question: Is any thing at a distance from him?

Answer: No: For he is not far from every one of us, Acts 17:27.

Question: Does he look on as one unconcerned?

Answer: No: For his eyes behold, and his eyelids try, the children of men, Ps. 11:4.

Question: Does God look after the world of angels?

Answer: Yes: For he maketh peace in his high places, Job 25:2.

Question: Does he look after this lower world?

Answer: Yes: For the eyes of all wait upon him, Ps. 145:15.

Question: Does he take care of the fowls?

Answer: Yes: Our heavenly Father feedeth them, Matt. 6:26.

Question: What! even the sparrows?

Answer: Yes: Not one of them shall fall to the ground without our Father, Matt. 10:29.

Question: What! and the ravens?

Answer: Yes: He feeds the young ravens which cry, Ps. 147:9.

Question: Is he the Protector and Benefactor of all the creatures?

Answer: Yes: Thou preservest them all, Neh. 9:6.

Question: Is he man's Protector and Benefactor?

Answer: Yes: For in him we live, and move, and have our being, Acts 17:28.

Question: Do we depend upon God for the support of our life?

Answer: Yes: For he holdeth our soul in life, Ps 66:9.

Question: And for the comforts of life?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, Acts 14:17.

Question: And do we depend upon him for the safety of our life?

Answer: Yes: He keepeth all our bones, Ps. 34:20.

Question: And for the continuance of life?

Answer: Yes: For he is thy life, and the length of thy days, Deut. 30:20.

Question: Does God govern all things?

Answer: Yes: His kingdom ruleth over all, Ps. 103:19.

Question: Does he govern the holy angels?

Answer: Yes: For they do his commandments, Ps. 103:20.

Question: Does he govern the heavenly bodies?

Answer: Yes: The stars in their courses fought against Sisera, Judg. 5:20.

Question: Does he govern the power of the air?

Answer: Yes: Stormy winds fulfil his word, Ps 148:8.

Question: Does he order what weather it shall be?

Answer: Yes: For he saith to the snow, Be thou upon the earth, Job 37:6.

Question: And does he govern the inferior creatures?

Answer: Yes: He spake, and locusts came, Ps. 105:34.

Question: Can he command them?

Answer: Yes: I have commanded the ravens to feed thee, 1 Kings 17:4.

Question: Can he control them?

Answer: Yes: He shut the lions' mouths, Dan 6:22.

Question: Has he a sovereign dominion over the whole creation?

Answer: Yes; For the Lord of hosts is his name, Isa 47:4.

Question: Does God govern the children of men?

Answer: Yes; The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, Dan 4:32.

Question: Does he govern kings?

Answer: Yes: For the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Prov. 21:1.

Question: And does he govern kingdoms?

Answer: Yes; For he is the Governor among the nations, Ps. 22:28.

Question: And families too?

Answer: Yes; For except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, Ps 127:1.

Question: Does be govern great men?

Answer: Yes: For God is the judge, he puts down one, and sets up another, Ps. 75:6,7.

Question: And mean men too?

Answer: Yes: For every man's judgment proceedeth from the Lord, Prov. 29:26.

Question: Can man make his own fortune?

Answer: No: For the way of man is not in himself, neither is it in man that walketh, to direct his steps, Jer. 1:23.

Question: When man purposes, does God dispose?

Answer: Yes: A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps, Prov. 16:9.

Question: Do all comforts and crosses come from God's hand?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things, Isa. 45:7.

Question: Does God's providence extend itself to the smallest things?

Answer: Yes: The very hairs of your head are all numbered, Matt. 10:30.

Question: Is God's government holy?

Answer: Yes: He is holy in all his works, Ps. 145:17.

Question: Is it wise?

Answer: Yes: He is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working, Isa. 28:29.

Question: Is it powerful?

Answer: Yes: For when he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble, Job 39:29.

Question: Is it rightful?

Answer: Yes: God is greater than man, Job 33:12.

Question: Is it just?

Answer: Yes: For shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Gen. 18:25.

Question: Does God sometimes reward and punish in this life?

Answer: Yes: The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner, Prov. 11:31.

Question: But does he always?

Answer: No: For all things come alike to all, Eccl. 9:1, 2.

Question: Does God govern the world for the good of his Church?

Answer: Yes: For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have called thee by thy name, Isa. 45:4.

Question: Is the government of the world committed to the Lord Jesus?

Answer: Yes: For he is head over all things unto the church, Eph. 1:22.

Question: And is all ordered for God's glory?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord alone shall be exalted, Isa. 2:11.

Question: Is it a comfort to good men that God governs the world?

Answer: Yes: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice, Ps. 97:1.

Question: Is it a terror to the wicked?

Answer: Yes: The Lord reigns, let the people tremble, Ps. 99:1.

Question: Ought we to give him the praise of it?

Answer: Yes: Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigns, Rev. 19:6.


Question: What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?

Answer: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.

Question: Did God make man happy as well as holy?

Answer: Yes: For he put him into the garden of Eden, Gen. 2:15.

Question: Did he provide comfortably for him?

Answer: Yes: For he said, I will make him a help meet for him, Gen. 2:18.

Question: Did he admit him into communion with himself?

Answer: Yes: For he then blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, Gen. 2:3.

Question: Was God well pleased in him?

Answer: Yes: For his delights were with the sons of men, Prov. 8:31.

Question: Did God give him a law?

Answer: Yes: The Lord God commanded the man, Gen. 2:16.

Question: Did he give him a command of trial?

Answer: Yes: Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, Gen. 2:17.

Question: Did he assure him of happiness, if he obeyed?

Answer: Yes: For of every tree in the garden (even the tree of life,) thou mayest freely eat, Gen. 2:16.

Question: Did he threaten death upon his disobedience?

Answer: Yes: For in the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die, Gen. 2:17.

Question: Was this God's covenant with Adam?

Answer: Yes: For we read of those who, like Adam, transgressed the covenant, Hos. 6:7 (margin).

Question: Was, Do this and live, one branch of that covenant?

Answer: Yes: For the man that doeth them, shall live, in them, Gal. 3:12.

Question: Was, Fail and die the other branch of the covenant?

Answer: Yes: The soul that sinneth, it shall die, Ezek. 18:4.

Question: Was this the covenant of innocency?

Answer: Yes: For the law was ot of faith, Gal 3:12.

Question: Was there a mediator of this covenant?

Answer: No: For it is the better covenant that is established in the hands of a Mediator, Heb 8:6.


Question: Did our first parents continue in the state wherein they were first created?

Answer: Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

Question: Is man now in the state wherein he was created?

Answer: No: For God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions, Eccl. 7:29.

Question: Can we now say we are perfectly holy?

Answer: No: If I say I am perfect, that shall prove me perverse, Job 9:20.

Question: Can we say we are perfectly happy?

Answer: No: For man is born to trouble, Job 5:7.

Question: Are we as we were then?

Answer: No: Man was planted a noble vine, but is turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine, Jer. 2:21.

Question: Did man continue long in his state of innocence?

Answer: No: For man being in honour abideth not, Ps. 49:42.

Question: Did God leave man to the freedom of his own will?

Answer: Yes: For if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it, Prov. 9:12.

Question: Did God draw Adam to sin?

Answer: No: For God tempteth no man, James 1:13.

Question: Is he any way the Author of' sin?

Answer: No: Far be it from God that he should do wickedness, Job 34:10.

Question: Did he do what was fit to be done to prevent it?

Answer: Yes: What could have been done more to my vineyard? Isa. 5:4.

Question: Was he obliged to do more?

Answer: No: For may he not do what he will with his own? Matt. 20:15.

Question: Does all the blame of man's sin lie upon himself then?

Answer: Yes: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, Hos. 13:9.

Question: Did man fall by sinning against God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast fallen by thine iniquity, Hos. 14:1.

Question: Was that the beginning of sin in this world?

Answer: Yes: For by one man sin entered into the world, Rom, 5:12.


Question: What is sin?

Answer: Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of, the law of God.

Question: Is there a moral difference of good and evil?

Answer: Yes: For we must cease to do evil, and learn to do well, Isa. 1:16, 17.

Question: Is it all alike then what we do?

Answer: No: For God shall bring every work into judgment, whether it be good, or whether it be evil, Eccl. 12:14.

Question: Is there such thing as sin in thought?

Answer: Yes: For the thought of foolishness is sin, Prov. 24:9.

Question: May sin be committed in word too?

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

Question: Does sin suppose a law?

Answer: Yes: For where there is no law, there is no transgression, Rom. 4:15. and v. 13.

Question: Is sin the breach of a law?

Answer: Yes: For sin is the transgression of the law, 1 John 3:4.

Question: Is it God's law only that can make a thing to be sin?

Answer: Yes: For against thee, thee only, have I sinned, Ps. 51:4.

Question: Is every breach of God's law sin?

Answer: Yes: For all unrighteousness is sin, 1 John 5:17.

Question: Are we to judge of sin by the law?

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

Question: Could we discover sin without some law?

Answer: No: For I had not known sin but by the law. Rom. 7:7.

Question: Is the transgression of the law of nature sin?

Answer: Yes: For they that have not the written law, show the work of the law written in their hearts, Rom. 2:14, 15.

Question: But does the written law discover the root of sin?

Answer: Yes: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7:7.

Question: Is ignorance of God sin?

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

Question: Is disaffection to God's government sin?

Answer: Yes: My people would not hearken to my voice, and Israel would none of me, Ps. 81:11.

Question: Is all disobedience to God's law sin?

Answer: Yes: For the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience, Col. 3:6.

Question: Is it a sin to omit the good which God has commanded?

Answer: Yes: For to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin, James 4:17.

Question: Is it a sin to do it negligently?

Answer: Yes: For if thou doest not well, sin lies at the door, Gen. 4:7.

Question: Is it a sin to do the evil which God has forbidden?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, O do not this abominable thing which I hate, Jer. 44:4.

Question: Is the inclination to evil sin?

Answer: Yes: For St. Paul speaks of the sin that dwells in us, Rom 7:17.

Question: Is sin the worst of evils?

Answer: Yes: It is an evil thing, and a bitter, to forsake the Lord, Jer. 2:19.

Question: Is the sinfulness of it the worst thing in it?

Answer: Yes: For sin by the commandment becomes exceeding sinful, Rom. 7:13.

Question: Is sin worse than affliction?

Answer: Yes: For Moses by faith chose rather to suffer affliction than to enjoy the pleasures of sin, Heb 11:25.

Question: Is it displeasing to God?

Answer: Yes: God is angry with the wicked every day, Ps. 7:11.

Question: Is it destructive to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Be sure your sin will find you out, Numb 32:23.

Question: Ought we not therefore to take heed of sin?

Answer: Yes: Stand in awe, and sin not, Ps. 4:4.

Question: And of all appearances of it?

Answer: Yes: Abstain from all appearances of evil, 1 Thes. 5:22.

Question: And all approaches towards it?

Answer: Yes: Touch not the unclean thing, 2 Cor. 6:17.

Question: And must we hate it?

Answer: Yes: Ye that love the Lord, hate evil, Ps. 97:10. Must little children take heed of sin? My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, 1 John. 2:1.

Question: Is it folly to make light of sin?

Answer: Yes: Fools make a mock at sin Prov. 14:9.

Question: Will our observing the law of God be the best preservative against sin?

Answer: Yes: Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee, Ps. 119:11.

Question: Will an eye to God be the best argument against sin?

Answer: Yes: How shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God, Gen. 39:9.


Question: What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the state wherein they were created?

Answer: The sin whereby our first parents fell from the state wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.

Question: Did our first parents eat the forbidden fruit?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it, Gen. 3:17.

Question: Was their doing so disobedience?

Answer: Yes: For it was by one man's disobedience that many were made sinners, Rom. 5:19.

Question: Did the woman eat forbidden fruit first?

Answer: Yes: The woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Tim 2:14.

Question: Did the serpent tempt her to it?

Answer: Yes: The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 2 Cor. 11:3.

Question: Was that serpent the devil?

Answer: Yes: The old serpent is the devil and Satan? Rev. 20:2.

Question: Did he aim to make man as miserable as himself?

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

Question: Did the tempter teach them to question the command?

Answer: Yes: He said to the woman, Hath God said ye shall not eat? Gen. 3:1.

Question: Did he promise them safety in sin?

Answer: Yes: He said, Ye shall not surely die, Gen. 3:4.

Question: Did he promise them advantage by the sin?

Answer: Yes: In the day ye eat thereof your eyes shall be opened, ver. 5.

Question: Did he feed them with high thoughts of themselves?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall be as gods, ver. 5.

Question: Did he suggest to them hard thoughts of God?

Answer: Yes: For he said, God doth know this, ver. 5.

Question: Did Eve do well to parley with him?

Answer: No: For we should cease to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge, Prov. 19:27.

Question: Did the devil prevail in the temptation?

Answer: Yes: For she took of the fruit, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her, and he did eat, Gen. 3:6.

Question: Was there in this sin the lust of the flesh?

Answer: Yes: For she saw that the tree was good for food.

Question: Was there in it the lust of the eye?

Answer: Yes: For she saw that it was pleasant to the eyes.

Question: And the pride of life?

Answer: Yes: For she saw it was a tree to be desired to make one wise.

Question: Was unbelief of the word of God at the bottom of it?

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

Question: Was there in it an opposition to the divine law?

Answer: Yes: For sin took occasion by the commandment, Rom. 7:8.

Question: Was disobedience in a small matter a great provocation?

Answer: Yes: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is iniquity and idolatry, 1 Sam. 15:23.

Question: If Adam fell thus, have we any reason to be secure?

Answer: No: Wherefore let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10:12.


Question: Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?

Answer: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression.

Question: Are we concerned in our first parents' disobedience?

Answer: Yes: For by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, Rom. 5:18.

Question: Were we in their loins when they ate the forbidden fruit?

Answer: Yes: For Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living, Gen. 3:20.

Question: Was Adam a common father?

Answer: Yes: For he was to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, Gen. 1:28.

Question: Was he a public person?

Answer: Yes: For he was the figure of him that was to come, Rom. 5:14.

Question: Was the covenant made with him, and his posterity?

Answer: Yes: For God always established his covenant with men, and with their seed after them, Gen. 9:9.

Question: Was Adam's sin our ruin then?

Answer: Yes: For through the offence of one many are dead, Rom. 5:15.

Question: Was the honour of human nature thereby stained?

Answer: Yes: For Adam begat a son in his own likeness, Gen. 5:8.

Question: Was the power of the human nature thereby weakened?

Answer: Yes: For when we were without strength, Christ died for us, Rom. 5:6.

Question: Was the purity of it thereby corrupted?

Answer: Yes: For in us, that is, in our flesh, there dwells no good thing, Rom. 6:18.

Question: Was Adam himself degenerated?

Answer: Yes: For God said to him, Dust thou art, Gen. 3:19.

Question: And are we in like manner degenerated?

Answer: Yes: For we have all borne the image of the earthy, 1 Cor. 15:49.

Question: Is this degeneracy universal?

Answer: Yes: For all flesh hath corrupted his way, Gen. 6:12.

Question: Did our Lord Jesus descend from Adam by ordinary generation?

Answer: No: For he is the Lord from heaven 1 Cor. 15:47.

Question: Did he then sin in Adam?

Answer: No: For he is undefiled, separate from sinners, Heb. 7:26.

Question: Did all the rest of mankind sin in Adam?

Answer: Yes: For how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Job 25:4.

Question: Are the ways of the Lord herein equal?

Answer: Yes: But our ways are unequal, Ezek. 18:29.


Question: Into what state did the fall bring mankind?

Answer: The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery.

Question: Is mankind in a state of sin?

Answer: Yes: For both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, Rom. 3:9.

Question: Is a state of sin a sad state?

Answer: Yes: For they that are in the flesh cannot please God, Rom. 8:8.

Question: Did the fall bring us into a state of sin?

Answer: Yes: For by it many were made sinners, Rom. 5:19.

Question: Does the world continue in that state?

Answer: Yes: For the whole world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.

Question: And are you by nature in that state?

Answer: Yes: If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me, Job 9:20.

Question: Is mankind in a state of misery?

Answer: Yes: The misery of man is great upon him, Eccl. 8:6.

Question: Is sin the cause of all that misery?

Answer: Yes: For death entered by sin, and so death passed upon all men, Rom. 5:12.

Question: Is misery the consequence of sin?

Answer: Yes: For evil pursues sinners, Prov. 13:21.

Question: Do all the creatures share in the sad effects of sin?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is the ground for thy sake, Gen. 3:17.

Question: And could all this mischief come from that one sin?

Answer: Yes: For how great a matter does a little fire kindle, James 3:5,6.

Question: Did the fall bring mankind into a state of apostasy from God?

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

Question: Is that a sinful state?

Answer: Yes: For it is great whoredom, to depart from the Lord, Hos. 1:2.

Question: And is it a miserable state?

Answer: Yes: Woe unto them, for they have fled from me, Hos. 7:13.

Question: Did the fall bring mankind into a state of slavery to Satan?

Answer: Yes: For they are taken captive by him at his will, 2 Tim. 2:26.

Question: Is that a sinful state?

Answer: Yes: For the prince of the power of the air works in the children of disobedience, Eph. 2:2.

Question: Is it a miserable state?

Answer: Yes: For the god of this world hath blinded their minds, 2 Cor. 4:4.

Question: Is it like the condition of the prodigal son?

Answer: Yes: For he went into a far country, wasted his substance, began to be in want, and was sent into the fields to feed swine, Luke 15:13-15.


Question: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell?

Answer: The sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell consist in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, (which is commonly called original sin,) together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

Question: Are we all born under guilt?

Answer: Yes: For all the world is guilty before God, Rom. 3:19.

Question: Does the whole race of mankind stand attainted at God's bar?

Answer: Yes: For the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, Gal. 3:22.

Question: Is this according to God's rule of judgment?

Answer: Yes: For he visiteth the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, Exod. 20:5.

Question: Is not God unrighteous who thus takes vengeance?

Answer: No: God forbid, for then how shall God judge the world, Rom. 3:6.

Question: Are we all born in sin?

Answer: Yes: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me, Ps. 51:5.

Question: Are we of a sinful brood?

Answer: Yes: For we are a seed of evil-doers, Isa. 1:4.

Question: May we be truly called sinners by nature?

Answer: Yes: Thou wast called a transgressor from the womb, Isa. 48:8.

Question: Is there in every one of us by nature the want of original righteousness?

Answer: Yes: There is none righteous, no, not one, Rom. 3:10.

Question: Is there in us an aversion to that which is good?

Answer: Yes: For the carnal mind is enmity against God, Rom. 8:7.

Question: Is there in us a moral impotency to that which is good?

Answer: Yes: For the carnal mind is not in subjection to the law of God, neither indeed can be, Rom. 8:7.

Question: Can we of ourselves do any thing that is good?

Answer: No: For we are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing of ourselves, 2 Cor. 3:5.

Question: Is there in us a proneness to that which is evil?

Answer: Yes: My people are bent to backsliding from me, Hos. 11:7.

Question: Are there the snares of sin in our bodies?

Answer: Yes: For there is a law in the members warring against the law of the mind, Rom. 7:23.

Question: And are there the seeds of sin in our souls?

Answer: Yes: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. 7:21.

Question: And is the stain of sin upon both?

Answer: Yes: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23.

Question: Did we all bring sin into the world with us?

Answer: Yes: For man is born like the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.

Question: Is it in little children?

Answer: Yes: For foolishness is in the heart of a child, Prov. 22:15.

Question: As reason improves, does sin grow up with it?

Answer: Yes: For when the blade is sprung up, then appear the tares also, Matt. 13:26.

Question: Is it not a wonder of mercy then that we are any of us alive?

Answer: Yes: It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, Lam. 3:22.

Question: Is the whole nature of man corrupted by the fall?

Answer: Yes: The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint, Isa. 1:5.

Question: Is the understanding corrupted?

Answer: Yes: The understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph. 4:18.

Question: Is that unapt to admit the rays of divine light?

Answer: Yes: For they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2:14.

Question: Is the will corrupted?

Answer: Yes: The neck is an iron sinew, Isa. 48:4.

Question: And is that unapt to submit to the rule of the divine law?

Answer: Yes: For what is the Almighty (say they) that we should serve him? Job 21:15.

Question: Are the thoughts corrupted?

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

Question: Is the fancy full of vanity?

Answer: Yes: Vain thoughts lodge within us, Jer. 4:15.

Question: Are the affections corrupted?

Answer: Yes: It is a carnal mind, Rom. 8:7.

Question: Is conscience itself corrupted?

Answer: Yes: Even the mind and conscience is defiled, Tit. 1:15.

Question: Is the whole soul corrupted?

Answer: Yes: The heart is deceitful above all things, Jer. 17: 9.

Question: Is this corruption of the mind sin?

Answer: Yes: For it is enmity against God, Rom. 8:7.

Question: Have we it from our original?

Answer: Yes: For that which is born of the flesh is flesh, John 3:6.

Question: Do we derive it through our parents?

Answer: Yes: For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Job 14:4.

Question: Does it render us odious to God's holiness?

Answer: Yes: For the foolish shall not stand in his sight, Ps. 5:5.

Question: Does it render us obnoxious to his justice?

Answer: Yes: For death reigns over them that have not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, Rom. 5:14.

Question: Does this original corruption produce actual transgression?

Answer: Yes: For a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, Matt. 7:18.

Question: Does it produce it betimes?

Answer: Yes: For the wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies, Ps. 58:3.

Question: Does it produce it naturally?

Answer: Yes: As a fountain casteth out her waters, Jer. 6:7.

Question: Does all sin begin in the heart?

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

Question: Is it not necessary therefore we should have a new nature?

Answer: Yes: Marvel not that I said unto you, Ye must be born again, John 3:7.

Question: Can we get to heaven without it?

Answer: No: For flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 15:50.