An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the duty that God requires of man?

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

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

Answer: It is unquestionably the duty of every man to obey the will of God, so far as he has made it known to him; Micah 6:8. He has showed you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Question: On what account is man's obedience due to God?

Answer: It is due to him, FIRST, as he is our Creator, in whom we live, and move, and have our being; Acts 17:27, 28. SECONDLY, As he is our Benefactor, from whom we receive all our mercies; Deuteronomy 28:47. Because you served not the Lord your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore shall you serve your enemies, which the Lord shall send against you, in hunger, thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things. THIRDLY, As he is our Lord, and lawgiver; James 4:12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.

Question: Is obedience due to none but God only?

Answer: Yes; subjects must obey their lawful magistrates; Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but of God; The powers that be are ordained of God. People their ministers; Hebrews 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account. Children their parents; Ephesians 6:1. Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. But not as they are to obey God.

Question: What is the difference between our obedience to God's commands, and men's?

Answer: We are to obey God, chiefly and supremely, for his own sake, but creatures secondarily, and for God's sake; 1 Peter 2:13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of men for the Lord's sake. And Ephesians 6:1. Children obey your parents [in the Lord,] for this is right.

Question: What must we do when the commands of God and men fall cross to one another?

Answer: In that case we must yield our obedience to God, and not to man, whatever we suffer for it; Acts 4:19. Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God judge you.

Question: Why must we obey God rather than man?

Answer: Because God is the supreme and sovereign Lord of our consciences; and no creature has power to command our obedience but in and from him; Isaiah 33:22. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king, he will save us.

Question: Have the people liberty to compare the laws of God and men, and judge how they agree or differ?

Answer: Yes; their judgment of discretion is both commanded; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 15. I speak as to wise men; judge you what I say. And commended; Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Question: What is the only rule for our obedience to God?

Answer: The will of God revealed in the scriptures is our only rule of obedience; Isaiah 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Question: But if a man have a voice, a vision, or a dream, seeming to hint the secret will of God, may he not obey it?

Answer: Yes; if it be consonant to the revealed will of God in the word, otherwise not; Deuteronomy 29:29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed, belong unto us, and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: That it is highly sinful and dangerous to disobey the known will of God in anything; Romans 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Luke 12:47. And that servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: That is a blessed man, who conscientiously labors to obey the will of God, so far as he can discover it; John 13:17. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. Galatians 6:16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: It is highly sinful and dangerous to command others, or obey commands from others, which are not according to God's command; Hosea 5:11. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. Jeremiah 7:31. And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. Of the Moral Law


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?

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

Question: Is every man under the direction and obligation of law?

Answer: Yes; man being a reasonable creature, is capable of, and fitted for government by law, which other creatures are not; and being an accountable creature to God, must needs be under a law; Romans 2:15. Which show the works of the law written in their hearts; their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another.

Question: How could man be under a law before the law was given by Moses?

Answer: Before ever the law was given at Sinai, all the race of Adam had a law written in their hearts, namely, the light of reason, and dictates of natural conscience; Romans 2:14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves. And besides this, the church had the revealed will of God to direct them; 2 Peter 1:19, 20. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Question: What is the meaning of the moral law?

Answer: It is not a law to direct and order our manners; but a law that binds universally and perpetually, as the ten commandments do those to whom they are promulged, and the light of nature does all others; Romans 2:14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves. Luke 16:17. It is easier for Heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Question: Why is it said to be summarily comprehended in the ten commandments?

Answer: Because much more is included in every command than is expressed, as our Savior shows in his exposition of it; Matthew 22:40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Question: Does the moral law bind Christians under the gospel?

Answer: Yes, it does, as a rule to order their conduct by; James 2:8, 9, 10. If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself; you do well: But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors; for whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, is guilty of all.

Question: Is the moral law the same thing with the covenant of works, and imposed for the same end?

Answer: God never designed the law to be the way of man's justification since the fall; Galatians 3:21, 22. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid! for if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law; but the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But it was promulged to convince man of sin; Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust except the law had said, You shall not covet. And bring them to Christ; Galatians 3:24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn the abominable nature of Popery. The Pope being that lawless one, who will not be bound by the laws of God himself; 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Then shall that wicked one be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; but assumes power to dispense with God's laws to others.

Question: What is the second inference hence?

Answer: That man dies not as beasts die; which are under no moral law, and therefore capable of no sin; but must come to judgment after death; Ecclesiastes 3:21. Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth? Hebrews 9:27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, so after this the judgment.

Question: What is the third inference hence?

Answer: That though the actions of men naturally considered are transient, yet their consequences and effects are permanent; an act is soon done, a word soon spoken, a thought soon thought; but when done, spoken, or thought, they are placed to account; Galatians 6:7, 8. Be not deceived, God is, not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap; for he who sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That God will proceed with men by different rules in the day of judgment, according to the different laws they lived under in this world; Romans 2:12. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.

Question: What is the fifth inference from hence?

Answer: That those who have sinned against the clearest light, and best helps, will, if they die impenitent, be judged to the greatest misery; Matthew 11:23. And you, Capernaum, which are exalted unto Heaven, shall be brought down to Hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Hebrews 2:3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.

Question: What is the sixth inference from hence?

Answer: That we are to prize the moral law highly, as a rule of life; Psalm 119:105. Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path: So are we to bless God for the gospel dispensation, by which only we can attain to justification and salvation; Hebrews 12:22. But you are come to mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels. Of love to God and Man


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the sum of the ten commandments?

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

Question: What is the sum of the ten commandments?

Answer: To love the Lord our God with a supreme love, and men with a sincere love, in and for him; Matthew 22:37, 38. Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment: The second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Question: What is the first thing contained in our supreme love to God?

Answer: It implies the loving of God purely and absolutely for himself. The excellencies that are in him; Canticles 1:3. Your name is as ointment poured forth; therefore the virgins love you. And the benefits we receive from him; Psalm 116:1. I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplication.

Question: What is the second property of this supreme love?

Answer: Supreme love denotes the whole man to God and Christ: So that in life and death that man designs the glory of God as his main end; Romans 14:7, 8. For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's.

Question: What is the third property of supreme love?

Answer: It causes the soul to depreciate and slight all other things in comparison with God's glory, and a saving interest in Christ; Acts 20:24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy; Philippians 3:8. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.

Question: What is the fourth property of supreme love?

Answer: It centers the soul in God as its only rest; Psalm 116:7. Return unto your rest, O my soul. And cannot be satisfied until it come to the full enjoyment of him; 2 Thessalonians 3:5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Question: Why must we love God with a supreme love?

Answer: Because such a love only suits the transcendent excellency of God; commands all we are and have for God; and is the only love that will continue to the end; Romans 8:35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Question: What is it to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Answer: It is the exact observation and practice of the golden rule of Christ; Matthew 7:12. Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

Question: Are all men to be loved alike, and with the same degree of love?

Answer: No; though we must love all men with the love of benevolence, yet the saints only with the love of delight; Psalm 16:3. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent in whom is all my delight. Psalm 15:4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the Lord. And to such we must especially do good; Galatians 6:10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn the excellency of divine love. Moses expresses the whole duty of man in ten commandments: Christ hangs the whole law upon these two, love to God and our neighbor; Mark 12:30, 31. And you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself: There is none other commandment greater than these. And the apostle reduces these two into one; Galatians 5:14. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this.-You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: It convinces the holiest of men how far short they come in their obedience to the rule of duty, and therein the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, Galatians 3:24.

Question: What is the third inference from hence?

Answer: It discovers the excellency and perfection of the law of God; Psalm 19:7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: And that we are highly to honor and magnify it as a rule of duty, though we must utterly renounce it as the way of our justification.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That there is nothing too dear for a Christian in this world, but he must give it up by self-denial, when it comes in competition with his supreme love to God; Luke 14:26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple; that is Love them less than me. Of the Preface to the ten Commandments


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the preface to the ten commandments?

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

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

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

Question: Why does God use arguments and inducements to win men to the obedience of his laws?

Answer: Because he loves to work on man as a rational creature, according to the principles of his nature; Hosea 11:4. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: And because he delights in none but free and cheerful obedience; Psalm 110:3. Your people shall be willing in the day of your power.

Question: What is the first argument in this preface?

Answer: It is the sovereignty of the Lawgiver, [I am the Lord,] which should awe the heart of every man to obedience; James 4:12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.

Question: What is the second argument to obedience?

Answer: Our propriety in God by covenant, [I am the Lord your God;] this obliges to obedience, and aggravateth disobedience; Psalm 50:7. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, even your God. Hosea 9:1. For you have gone a whoring from your God.

Question: What is the third argument unto obedience?

Answer: The benefits of redemption that they receive from God. Benefits persuade to duty; and the goodness of God leads you to repentance, Romans 2:4.

Question: How can deliverance out of Egypt be an argument to them that never were in Egypt?

Answer: As that deliverance was a type of our deliverance, so it is an argument to us, and an argument from the less to the greater; for it obliges us more than them; Luke 1:74, 75. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Question: What is that deliverance we have? and how does it oblige us to obedience?

Answer: Our deliverance is not from Egypt, but from Hell; Colossians 1:13. Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. And our persons are bought by the Redeemer to glorify God; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. What don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you? For you are bought with a price: Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Question: Is it not mercenary to serve God upon the account of benefits received, or to be received?

Answer: He who makes religious duties mediums to attain carnal advantages only, is of a worse than mercenary spirit; Hosea 7:14. And they have not cried unto me with their hearts, when they howled upon their beds: They assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me. But to be quickened by mercy to duty is not mercenary, but evangelical; Hosea 3:5. They shall fear the Lord, and his goodness.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That great is the condescension of God to man, that he will use arguments to induce him to obedience, who might exact it only by his sovereignty, and justly damn us for our disobedience; 2 Corinthians 5:20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: We pray you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: That the more mercy any receive from God, the more obligations are laid on them to obey him; Psalm 116:1, 2. I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice, and my supplications: Because he has inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Question: What is the third inference from hence?

Answer: The more mercies and favors any man sins against, the greater is that man's sin, and the sorer will be his punishment; Amos 3:2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That God's expectations are greater, where his mercies and favors have been so; Isaiah 5:4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That memorials of God's mercies are to be kept by us, to provoke us to constant and cheerful duties of obedience; Exodus 17:14. And the Lord said unto Moses, write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua. Psalm 103:2, 3. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Of the first Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment is, You shall have no other gods before me.

Question: What is the first duty enjoined in the first commandment?

Answer: It is to know and acknowledge the existence or being of God, and consequently condemns all atheism, both in judgment and practice; Hebrews 11:6. For he who comes to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Psalm 14:1. The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.

Question: What is the second duty of the first commandment?

Answer: It requires all men to know and acknowledge the unity of God; Deuteronomy 6:4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. And condemns polytheism, or plurality of gods; 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6. For though there be that are called gods, whether in Heaven or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many;) but to us there is but one God.

Question: Whence sprang the opinion of more gods than one at first in the world?

Answer: It sprang from ignorance of God's omnipresence and omnipotence. Hence came their vain imaginations; Romans 1:21. Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. They thought the presence and power of God might reach one place, and not another; 1 Kings 20:23. And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills, therefore they were stronger than we: But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Question: What were the first creatures worshiped as gods?

Answer: Probably the heavenly bodies, sun, moon, and stars, because of their splendor and influences. These as heralds, do proclaim God to the world; Psalm 19:1, 2. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handy work: Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge. And these messengers of God were mistaken for God himself; Job 31:26, 27, 28. If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness, and my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand; this also were an iniquity, for I should have denied the God that is above.

Question: What does these words [before me] import?

Answer: It notes God's perfect knowledge and abhorrence of all idolatry, or worshiping of another God, as what he cannot endure to behold; Jeremiah 44:3, 4. Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense to serve other gods whom they knew not, neither they, you, nor your fathers. Howbeit, I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early, and sending them, saying, Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Question: Are none guilty of this sin but heathenish idolaters?

Answer: Yes; all that place their supreme love or trust in any creature, make that creature their God; and in scripture are called idolaters, Colossians 3:5. And covetousness, which is idolatry. Philippians 3:19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

Question: How does the idolatry forbidden in the first, differ from that forbidden in the second commandment.

Answer: The idolatry forbidden in the first commandment is a sin respecting the object of worship, when we set up anything in the place of God, which by nature is not God; Galatians 4:8. Howbeit, then when you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But that against the second commandment is, when we pretend to worship the true God, but do it by such means, and in such a manner as he has not required, or has forbidden; Exodus 32:4. And he received them at their hands, and fashioned it with a graven tool, after he had made it a molten calf; and they said, These be your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

Question: What is the first inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That it is a special mercy to be brought forth in a land where the true God is known and worshiped; Psalm 147:20. He has not dealt so with any nation; and as for his judgments, they have not known them; praise you the Lord.

Question: What is the second inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That it is a great and dreadful sin to live without the worship of God in the world; Ephesians 2:12. That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

Question: What is the third inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That Christians must not comply with idolatrous and superstitious worship, when they are cast into idolatrous places, however great the danger be; Psalm 16:4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied, that hasten after another God; their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their name into my lips.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That supreme love, fear, and trust of the soul, is God's peculiar right and due. Whoever places them on any other besides God, is guilty of a very heinous and great sin against him; 1 John 2:15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Compared with Job 31:24-28. If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, you are my confidence; this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge; for I should have denied the God that is above.

Question: What is the fifth inference from hence?

Answer: That God's eye discovers the closest idolatry in the world, whether it be in secret actions; Ezek 8:12. Have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark? Every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the Lord sees us not, the Lord has forsaken the earth. Or inward affections; Colossians 3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, impurity, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Question: What is the sixth inference from hence?

Answer: That an high and full condition in the world, is a dangerous condition, and lies most exposed to the danger of heart-idolatry; Proverbs 30:9. Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, who is the Lord? Mark 10:24. How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of Heaven?

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That in covenanting with God, and avouching him for our God, we must wholly renounce all others, and take God alone for our portion, and object of our love and dependence; Hosea 3:3. You shall not be for another man; so will I also be for you. Luke 14:33. So likewise, whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple. Of the second Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment is, [You shall not make unto you any graven image, or any likeness of anything, that is in Heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: For I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the second commandment?

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


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Question: What is forbidden in the second commandment?

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

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

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

Question: What is the sin especially forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer: The sin here forbidden, is the corruption of God's worship, by making any similitude of any person in the Godhead, and performing divine worship before it, or to it; Exodus 32:8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: They have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, these be your gods O Israel, which have brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 4:15, 16. Take you therefore good heed unto yourselves (for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire) lest you corrupt yourselves and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female.

Question: What is the second sin forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: The second sin against this commandment is will-worship, consisting in the addition of man's inventions to the worship of God, as a part thereof; Matthew 15:9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Colossians 2:20, 21, 22, 23. Whereof if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances. (Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

Question: But if those additions be for the more decent worshiping of God, is it not allowed by 1 Corinthians 14:40. Let all things be done decently, and in order?

Answer: No; that scripture commands that God's institutions be regularly and decently performed, but not that we invent ceremonies that are symbolical, to make them more decent than Christ left them.

Question: Why is the second commandment left out in all the public offices of the popish church?

Answer: Because it expressly condemns their idolatrous images, kneeling at the sacrament, prayers to saints, and all their superstitious crosses, surplices, and chrisme, as sinful.

Question: Do they not clear themselves from idolatry, by telling us they only worship God before, or by them, but not the images themselves?

Answer: No, they do not; for the use of images in God's worship is expressly condemned in this commandment; as if this would excuse the papists, it had also excused the Israelite in worshiping the calf, Exodus 32:4.-And they said, These be your gods, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Question: What is the first reason annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The first reason annexed is God's sovereignty, I the Lord; which shows that it belongs to God only to institute his own worship, and make it effectual; and therefore to do that in his worship which he never commanded, is sinful and dangerous; Jeremiah 7:31. And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.

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

Answer: The second reason is God's propriety in us: He is our God, and we belong to him; and therefore to corrupt his worship, greatly aggravates our sins; Hosea 9:1. Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people; for you have gone a whoring from your God, etc.

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

Answer: The jealousy of God over his worship and worshipers; so that this sin of corrupting his worship will dreadfully incense his wrath, as it did, Leviticus 10:1, 2. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire thereon, and offered strange fire, before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

Question: What is the first instruction from the second commandment?

Answer: That it is an heinous sin to neglect the worship of God in that manner he has appointed us to worship him, as in prayer; Jeremiah 10:25. Pour out your fury upon the heathen that don't you know, and upon the families that call not on your name. Hearing the word; Proverbs 28:9. He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Question: What is the second instruction from the second commandment.

Answer: That those who suffer for endeavoring to preserve the purity of God's ordinances, and nonconformity to the contrary injunctions of men, have a good warrant to bear them out in all such sufferings; Deuteronomy 4:2. You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you.

Question: What is the third instruction from the second commandment?

Answer: That it is highly sinful and dangerous to innovate and prescribe by human authority such symbolical rites in the worship of God, as he never appointed or allowed in his word; Matthew 15:9. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Question: What is the fourth instruction hence?

Answer: Hence we learn how much parents and children are obliged to worship God constantly, spiritually, and agreeably to his will revealed in his word; otherwise the jealousy of God will visit them both in the way of judgment: For as obedience entails a blessing, so disobedience entails a curse on posterity; Exodus 34:14. For you shall worship no other God; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Of the third Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment is, [You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that takes his name in vain.]


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Question: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverend use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.


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Question: What is forbidden in the third commandment?

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


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

Answer: The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not allow them to escape his righteous judgment.

Question: How does this commandment differ from the first and second?

Answer: The first has respect to the object of worship, forbidding us to worship any other but God. The second respects the means of worship, forbidding us to worship God by any other means than what he has prescribed. But the third respects the manner of his worship, forbidding all careless, or profane use of his name, and commanding a holy reverence from us in all our solemn addresses to him, or ordinary mention of his name. Malachi 1:6. A son honors his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear! says the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name: And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?

Question: What is the first thing especially required in the third commandment?

Answer: It requires the most awful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God; Psalm 89:7. God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints; and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. And in his worship; John 4:24. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Question: What is the second thing required in this commandment?

Answer: It requires truth in our witness-bearing, as knowing God sees our hearts, and is witness to all that we think or speak; Zechariah 5:4. I will bring it forth, says the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name, etc.

Question: What is the third thing required in this commandment?

Answer: That in all our appeals to God in secret, or doubtful matters, we be sure that the appeal be necessary, awful, and true; Jeremiah 17:16. As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow you, neither have I desired the woeful day, you know: that which came out of my lips was right before you. Psalm 139:23, 24. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.

Question: What does this commandment especially forbid?

Answer: It forbids and condemns all profane oaths, as most injurious to the name of God, Matthew 5:34, 37.-Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is God's throne, etc. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; Nay, nay: for whatever is more than these, comes of evil.

Question: What is the danger of profane or false swearing?

Answer: Such are reckoned enemies to God, Psalm 139:20. Your enemies take your name in vain. The curse of God enters into such families. Zechariah 5:4. I will bring it forth, says the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name, etc. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless.

Question: What else is forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: It forbids and condemns all heedless, wandering, and drowsy performance of God's worship; Isaiah 29:13, 14. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouths, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work, and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. And 2 Kings 10:31. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel, with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

Question: What other sin is forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all light and irreverent use of the scriptures, especially in our jests, or by way of scoffing; Jeremiah 17:15. Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now. Jeremiah 6:10.-Behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Question: By what argument does God enforce the third commandment on men?

Answer: That the breakers of this commandment shall surely be punished by the Lord, either in this life, Deuteronomy 28:58, 59. If you will not observe to do all the words of this law, that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord your God: Then the Lord will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sickness, and of long continuance: Or in that to come, Romans 2:5. But after your hardness and impenitent heart, treasures up unto yourself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God: Except they repent and reform.

Question: What is the first instruction from the third commandment?

Answer: That great and infinite is the patience of God in forbearing and provoking sinners so long as he does; Romans 9:22. What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction?

Question: What is the second instruction from hence?

Answer: That God is to be justified in the severest of his judgments, by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the world; Hosea 4:1, 2, 3. Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel: For the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood touches blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwells therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of Heaven, yes, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Question: What is the third instruction from hence?

Answer: That God takes special notice of, and greatly delights in them that fear and reverence his name; Isaiah 66:5. Hear the word of the Lord, you that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. Malachi 3:16.-And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That those parents have much to answer for, that by their examples teach, or by their negligence encourage their children to profane God's name: Jeremiah 5:7. How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods, etc. Of the Sabbath


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Question: WHICH is the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment is, [Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor the stranger which is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made Heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it.]


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Question: What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God, such set time as he has appointed hi his word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath unto the Lord.


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Question: Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

Answer: From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath.

Question: What special marks of honor has God set upon this fourth commandment.

Answer: God has set four peculiar marks of honor on it. (1.) It is the largest of all the commands. (2.) It has a solemn memento prefixed to it. (3.) It is delivered both positively and negatively, which the rest are not. And, (4.) It is enforced with more arguments to strengthen the command on us, than any other.

Question: Why will God have a Sabbath on earth?

Answer: God will have a Sabbath on earth, to give us therein an emblem of that eternal Sabbath in Heaven, wherein his people shall be serving him, and praising him without interruption, or mixture of any other business throughout eternity; Hebrews 4:9. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.

Question: For what other reasons will God have a Sabbath?

Answer: He will have a Sabbath for the honor of his name, Isaiah 58:13. If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words. For the good of men's souls; Mark 2:27. And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. And in mercy to the bodies of men and beasts.

Question: Is this commandment moral and perpetual, or ceremonial and temporary?

Answer: It is, and must needs be moral, and not ceremonial; because all the reasons that enforce it are perpetual, and the Sabbath continued when the ceremonial law ceased, and was vanished; Matthew 24:20. But pray you, that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath-day.

Question: What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath?

Answer: The first day of the week is our Sabbath, since the resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath; Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord has marked it for himself, by setting his own name on it; Revelation 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. And the apostles and primitive church constantly set it apart to religious uses and ends; Acts 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, etc. 1 Corinthians 16:2. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Question: When does the Christian Sabbath begin?

Answer: It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening, but from morning to morning; because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended, but that ended towards the morning, Matthew 28:1. In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher.

Question: What is the ground of changing the day?

Answer: The solemn commemoration of our redemption by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week: Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Mark 16:9. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Question: Is it the whole day, or only some hours of the day, that are set apart for God?

Answer: Not a part, but the whole day is the Lord's; and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time, as it was for Ananias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated goods, and bring in but a part. Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath-day, is the command.

Question: Is there any other clay holy besides this day?

Answer: No day but this is holy by institution of the Lord; yet days of humiliation and thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a call of providence; but popish holidays are not warrantable, nor to be observed; Galatians 4:10. You observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Question: But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian, what needs any other set time?

Answer: Though Christians must walk every day with God, yet every day cannot be a Sabbath, because God calls us to other duties on those days, but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself.

Question: But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath, may he not keep both days weekly?

Answer: No; for then, by doing more than God requires, he breaks a plain command, Six days shall you labor.

Question: At what time should Christians be up, and at their duties, on the Lord's day?

Answer: As early in the morning as their strength will permit, to prepare by private for public duties; yet the public are not to be entrenched on by private duties; Acts 10:33. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God. Of the Sabbath


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Question: HOW is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer: The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

Question: What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment forbids the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.


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

Answer: The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employment, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the Sabbath-day.

Question: What is the rest which God requires on the Sabbath?

Answer: It is not a mere natural or civil, but a holy rest, resembling the rest in Heaven, wherein the mind is most active and busy in the work of God, though the body be at rest, and the spirit not wearied with its work; Revelation 4:8 and the four beasts had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Question: May not any works of our civil calling be ordinarily done on that day?

Answer: No; it is sinful to put our hands ordinarily to our callings on that day, and God usually punishes it. Nehemiah 13:15, 16, 17, 18. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the Sabbath, and bringing up sheaves, and lading donkeys, as also wine-grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath-day; and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Sabbath, unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath-day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet you bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath.

Question: May we not refresh our bodies by recreations, or our minds by thoughts of earthly business, or discourses, on that day?

Answer: Recreations of the body, which are lawful on other days, are sinful on this day; and all the recreations of the mind allowed on this day, are spiritual and heavenly; Isaiah 58:13, 14. If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words; then shall you delight yourself in the, Lord, and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

Question: What works may lawfully be done on that day?

Answer: Christ's example warrants works of necessity, and works of mercy, but no other; Matthew 12:3, 4. But he said unto them, have you not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him, How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shew-bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests. And verse 7. But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, etc.

Question: What are the holy duties of the Sabbath?

Answer: The public worship of God; in reading, and hearing the word preached. Isaiah 66:23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says the Lord, Luke 4:16.-And as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day, and stood for to read. And prayer; Acts 16:13, 14. And on the Sabbath-day we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was accustomed to be made, etc. And receiving the Sacrament; Acts 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached, etc.

Question: Are private duties in our families required, as well as public, on the Sabbath?

Answer: Yes; it is not enough to sanctify the Sabbath in public ordinances, but God requires it to be sanctified in family and private duties; Leviticus 23:3.-But the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.

Question: With what frame of spirit are all Sabbath duties, both public and private, to be performed?

Answer: They are to be performed with spiritual delight; Isaiah 58:13. If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, etc. And all grudging at, and weariness of spiritual exercises, is a sin forbidden; Malachi 1:13. You said also, behold what a weariness is it, and you have snuffed at it, says the Lord of hosts, and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus you brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? says the Lord. Amos 8:5. When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat? etc.

Question: What is the first reason annexed to this command?

Answer: The first reason is the sufficient, and large allowance of time God has given us for our civil callings, and earthly business. Six days in the week is a large allowance.

Question: What is the second reason annexed to this fourth command?

Answer: The second reason is God's sanctifying and separating this day by a special command and institution for his service; so that to profane this time, is to sin against an express divine command.

Question: What is the third reason annexed to this command?

Answer: The third reason is God's own example, who rested the seventh day from all his works, and blessed this day, by virtue of which blessing we are encouraged to sanctify it.

Question: Is it not enough to sanctify this day in our own persons?

Answer: No; if God has put any under our authority, their profaning the Sabbath will become our sin, though we be never so strict in the observation of it ourselves.

Question: May we continue our civil employment to the last moment of our common time?

Answer: Except necessity or mercy urge us, we ought to break off before, and allow some time to prepare for the Sabbath, Luke 23:54. And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That we have all great cause to be humbled for our Sabbath transgressions, either in our unpreparedness for it, our want of delight and spirituality in it, or the due government of our families as God requires.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: That Christians on the Sabbath-day have a fair occasion and help to realize to themselves the heavenly state, in which they are to live abstract from the world, and God is to be all in all to them, Of the fifth Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment is, [Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.]


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Question: What is required in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honor, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.


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Question: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

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


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

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

Question: What relatives are directly and more especially concerned in this fifth commandment?

Answer: All superiors and inferiors are concerned in it; especially, (1.) Political fathers and their children; that is, kings and subjects; Mark 11:10. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, etc. (2.) Spiritual fathers, and their children; that is, ministers, and their people; 1 Corinthians 4:15. For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the gospel. (3.) Natural parents, and their children; Ephesians 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. (4.) All civil superiors and inferiors, as husbands and wives, masters and servants; Ephesians 5:22. Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord. And Ephesians 6:5. Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, according to the flesh, etc.

Question: What is the duty of political fathers, or magistrates, to their political children, or subjects?

Answer: It is to rule and govern the people over whom God has set them with wisdom; 2 Chronicles 1:10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people. Justice; 2 Chronicles 19:5, 6, 7. And he set judges in the land, throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city. And he said to the judges, take heed what you do; for you judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now, let the fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed, and do it, etc. And piety; 2 Samuel 23:3. He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. Carefully providing for their souls in every place of their dominion; 2 Chronicles 17:9. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And for their common outward peace and safety; 2 Chronicles 17:12. And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly, and he built in Judah castles and cities of store.

Question: What are the duties of subjects to their rulers?

Answer: It is to pray for them; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2. I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: For kings, and for all that are in authority, etc. To honor them; 1 Peter 2:17.-Fear God, honor the king. To obey their just laws; Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. And to pay them the tribute that is due to them; Romans 13:7. Render therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, etc.

Question: What are the duties of ministers to their people?

Answer: Their duty is, (1.) To feed their flock constantly with wholesome food; 2 Timothy 4:2. Preach the word, be instant in season, and out of season; rebuke, reprove, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. (2.) To be full of affections of tender affection to them; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us. (3.) To pray for them, Ephesians 1:15, 16. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. (4.) To watch over them; 1 Peter 5:2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, etc. And, (5.) To walk as an example of godliness before them; Titus 2:7. In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works, etc. All which duties require their residence among them; 1 Peter 5:2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, etc.

Question: What are the people's duties towards their ministers?

Answer: Their duty is, (1.) To esteem and love them dearly for their work's sake; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. (2.) To attend on the word preached by them, as the word of God; 1 Thessalonians 2:13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. (3.) To pray for them, and the success of their labors; Hebrews 13:18. Pray for us, etc. (4.) Not to receive light and malicious reports against them; 1 Timothy 5:19. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (5.) To make a competent and comfortable provision for them; Galatians 6:6. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.

Question: What are the duties of natural parents to their children?

Answer: It is their duty, (1.) To be tenderly, but not fondly affection, ate to, and tender over them; Isaiah 49:15. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? (2.) To educate them for God; Ephesians 6:4. And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (3.) To restrain their sins by correction; Proverbs 29:15. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. (4.) To provide for their livelihood; 1 Timothy 5:8. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (5.) To pray daily for them; Job 1:5. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morn, and offered burnt-offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts: Thus did Job continually. (6.) To encourage them with endearing language in the way of godliness; Proverbs 31:2, 3. The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what the son of my womb? and what the son of my vows? Give not your strength unto women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

Question: What are the duties of children to parents?

Answer: Their duty is, (1.) To obey them only in the Lord; Ephesians 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. (2.) To reverence and honor them; Leviticus 19:3. You shall fear every man his mother and his father, etc. (3.) To submit to their reproofs and corrections; Hebrews 12:9. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence. (4.) To provide for them, if they be poor and needy, and we have ability; Genesis 47:12. And Joseph nourished his father and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.

Question: What shall children do when parents abuse their authority, by forbidding duty, or commanding sin?

Answer: In such cases children are to obey God, rather than their parents; Acts 4:19. But Peter and John answered, and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge you. But yet to manage their refusals of obedience with all meekness and humility.

Question: What is the first duty of husbands to their wives?

Answer: The first duty, on which all other duties depend, is cohabitation with them; 1 Peter 3:7. Likewise you husbands, dwell with them, according to knowledge, etc. And nothing can make this duty void, but a lawful divorce for adultery; Matthew 5:31, 32. But I say unto you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery, etc.

Question: What is the husband's second duty to his wife?

Answer: True and hearty love to soul and body; Ephesians 5:25. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Evidencing itself in careful provision for them; 1 Corinthians 7:33. But he who is married, cares for the things of the world, how he may please his wife. But especially to their souls, in winning them to Christ; 1 Corinthians 7:16. Or, how know you, O man, whether you shall save your wife? And building them up in Christ; 1 Peter 3:7. Likewise you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.

Question: What are the duties of wives to their husbands?

Answer: It is their duty. (1.) to be in subjection to their own husbands; Ephesians 5:22, 23. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church. (2.) To reverence them; Ephesians 5:33. And the wife see that she reverence her husband. (3.) To express their reverence in suitable words and actions; 1 Peter 3:6. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord, etc. (4.) To be faithful to them; Proverbs 31:12. She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. (5.) To adorn their relation with meekness, and quietness of spirit; 1 Peter 3:4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Question: What are the duties of servants to their masters?

Answer: It is their duty, (1.) To be faithful in all things committed to their charge; Titus 2:10. Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, etc. (2.) To honor them in all respectful words and carriages; 1 Timothy 6:1. Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honor, etc. (5.) To bear patiently their rebukes; 1 Peter 2:18, 19. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

Question: What is the first duty of masters to their servants?

Answer: The first duty is to rule over them with gentleness, and not with terror and rigor; Ephesians 6:9. And you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: Knowing that your Master also is in Heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him.

Question: What is the second duty of masters to their servants?

Answer: To pay them their wages fully, and without delay; Deuteronomy 24:14, 15. You shall not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of your brethren, or of your strangers that are in your land within your gates. At his day you shall give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it, for he is poor, and sets his heart upon it; lest he cry against you unto the Lord, and it be sin unto you. And to provide food for them convenient; Proverbs 27:27. And you shall have goat's milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for maintenance for your maidens.

Question: What is the third duty of masters to their servants?

Answer: The third and principal duty is, to engage them as much as in them lies, to the ways of God, and duties of religion, as Abraham did; Genesis 18:19. For I know him, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, etc. And Joshua, Joshua 24:15. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Of the sixth Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment is, [You shall not kill.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the sixth commandment?

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatever tends thereunto.

Question: What is the natural order of these commandments in the second table?

Answer: In these commands God begins with the nearest concern of man, which is life; Job 2:4.-Skin for skin, yes, all that a man has, will he give for his life. Next to that his command guards his nearest relative, from whom the best outward comfort is to rise, his wife: Mark 10:8. And they twain shall be one flesh, etc. After that his good name, which is very precious to him; Ecclesiastes 7:1. A good name is better than precious ointment. And then his goods, which support his life; Isaiah 3:1. For behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, does take away from Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.

Question: How far does this commandment extend itself?

Answer: It prohibits all cruelty, and commands all help, care, and pity, so far as men's hearts and hands can go, for the relief and preservation of others; Psalm 119:96.-But your commandment is exceeding broad.

Question: Does this command respect only the outward action, or also the inward passion of the soul?

Answer: It respects and bridles the inward passion of the soul, as well as outward actions; as hatred, 1 John 3:15. Whoever hates his brother, is a murderer, etc. And causeless anger; Matthew 5:22. But I say unto you, that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, etc.

Question: Does this command only respect the lives of others?

Answer: No; it primarily respects our own lives, and forbids us all things that tend to the shortening and ruin of them; Ephesians 5:29. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord does the church.

Question: How many ways may men sin against this command, with respect to their own lives.

Answer: A man sins against his own life, not only by destroying himself, as the jailor would have done; Acts 16:27. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled; but by refusing food or physic to preserve life, or macerating our bodies with excessive sorrows; 2 Corinthians 7:10.-But the sorrow of the world works death. Or envy at others felicity; Proverbs 14:30.-But envy, the rottenness of the bones.

Question: How are men guilty of murder with respect to others?

Answer: Murder, with respect to others, may be either with relation to their bodies; Numbers 35:30. Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death, etc. Or to their souls, which is the most heinous murder in the world; Ezekiel 3:18. When I say unto the wicked, You shall surely die, and you give him not warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life: the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand.

Question: Is all destruction of another's life murder in the account of God?

Answer: No; It is not, if the life of a person be taken away in the course of justice; Genesis 9:6. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Or, in a just and necessary war; Judges 5:23. Curse you Meroz, (said the angel of the Lord) curse you bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Or by pure accident; Deuteronomy 19:5. As when a man goes into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetches a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the helve, and lights upon his neighbor that he die, he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live. Or in self-defense; Exodus 22:2. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

Question: Is there no other way of breaking this command?

Answer: Yes there is: Innocents may be murdered under the forms and solemnities both of justice and religion. So Naboth was murdered by Jezebel: 1 Kings 21:12, 13. They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: And the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones that he died. And the martyrs by bloody Papists. And this strongly proves a day of judgment; Ecclesiastes 3:16, 17. And moreover, I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there, and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: For there is a time there for every purpose, and for every work.

Question: Are duels forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: Yes, they are; for whatever point of honor be touched, or whatever provocation be given, we are not to be our own avengers; Romans 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, etc.

Question: What is the first inference hence?

Answer: That we have great cause to bless God for his protecting law, and for human laws grounded upon his law for the protection of our lives; Romans 13:4.-For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.

Question: What is the second inference hence?

Answer: That all that are guilty of this sin, have great cause to be humbled and afflicted: For it is a crying sin, Genesis 4:10.-The voice of your brother's blood cries unto me from the ground. Yet not to despair of mercy upon true repentance. Manasseh shed innocent blood, and yet was pardoned, upon repentance; 2 Kings 21:16. Moreover, Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, etc.

Question: What is the third inference hence?

Answer: Let all men watch against pride, passion, malice, and revenge, the sin of the heart, from which this horrid sin proceeds; Matthew 15:18, 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, etc. Of the seventh Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment is, [You shall not commit adultery.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the seventh commandment?

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

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

Question: What is the duty required in this commandment?

Answer: The first duty required in this commandment is, the preservation of our own chastity in heart, lip, and life; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. And Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, etc.

Question: Why must we preserve our own chastity?

Answer: Because our bodies are, or ought to be the temples of the Holy Spirit; 1 Corinthians 6:15, 19. Know you not, that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What, don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? And it is the express charge of God that they be kept pure and clean; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor.

Question: What is the second reason?

Answer: The second reason is, because of the evil of it to ourselves: As, (1.) It injures the body; 1 Corinthians 6:18. He who commits fornication, sins against his own body. (2.) It levels us with the Heathen; Ephesians 4:17, 19. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,-who being past feeling, have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all impurity with greediness. (3.) Dishonors our names; Proverbs 6:32, 33. But whoever commits adultery with a woman, a wound and dishonor shall he get, etc. (4.) Scatters our estates; Proverbs 5:10. Lest strangers be filled with your wealth, and your labors be in the house of strangers. (5.) Destroys the soul; Proverbs 6:32.-He who does it, destroys his own soul.

Question: What age is most incident to this sin?

Answer: The youthful age is most apt to be drawn into this sin; Proverbs 7:7. And behold among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding. And 2 Timothy 2:22. Flee also youthful lusts, etc.

Question: How far does this command extend itself?

Answer: It extends itself to the heart, mind, and fancy, as well as to the body, and external actions; Matthew 5:28. But I say unto you, that whoever looks on a woman, to lust after her, has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Question: What are the usual inducements to this sin?

Answer: The usual inducements to this sin are, (1.) Idleness and fullness of the creatures; Ezekiel 16:49, 50. Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom; pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her, and in her daughters, etc. (2.) Wanton gestures; Isaiah 3:16. Moreover, the Lord says, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks, and wanton eyes, walking, and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet. (3.) Filthy communication; Ephesians 5:4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient, etc.

Question: What is the first remedy against this sin?

Answer: The first remedy, and the most effectual, is, to get the Spirit of God within us, to sanctify and rule us; Galatians 5:16.-Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Question: What is the second remedy?

Answer: The keeping of a strict watch over the heart; Proverbs 4:23. Keep your heart with all diligence, etc. And over the external senses; Job 31:1. I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

Question: What is the third remedy against it?

Answer: Deep and serious consideration of the danger of this sin, and what God threatens against adulterers; Hebrews 13:4.-Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.-Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,-shall inherit the kingdom of God. And how he describes them, Proverbs 22:14. The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

Question: What is the fourth remedy against it?

Answer: Prayer; Psalm 119:37. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, etc. And, to evidence our sincerity in prayer, we must study to shun all occasions of this sin; Psalm 18:23. I was also upright before him; and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: What cause those have to bless God, that have been kept from this sin; though the best ought to be humbled for their heart-pollutions.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: Let it warn parents to do what in them lies to prevent the ruin of their children by this sin, (1.) By filling their heads and hands with lawful business. (2.) By serious admonitions and prayers for them. (3.) By keeping them from vain and tempting company. (4.) By disposing them seasonably in suitable marriage.

Question: What is the third inference from hence?

Answer: Let those that are defiled with this sin repent seriously of it as David did; Psalm 51:8. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice. And apply the blood of Christ by faith; for in so doing it may be pardoned; 1 Corinthians 6:11. And such were some of you; but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. Of the eighth Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment is, [You shall not steal.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment requires the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth, and outward estate of ourselves and others.


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

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

Question: What is presupposed in this commandment?

Answer: It presupposeth that God has given every man a propriety in his estate, and that no man's goods are common to others, except by his consent in times and cases extraordinary; Acts 2:44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common.

Question: What is required in this commandment?

Answer: It requires of every man diligence in a lawful calling, to get and preserve an estate for his own and other's good; Proverbs 13:11. He who gathers by labor, shall increase. Ephesians 4:28.-But rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.

Question: What else is required in this commandment?

Answer: It requires us not only to get and keep the things of the world in a lawful manner, but to distribute and communicate them to those that are in want, and not cast them into temptations of sin, or inevitable ruin; Isaiah 58:10. And if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: Then shall your light rise in obscurity, and your darkness be as the noon-day; 1 John 3:17. But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his affections of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?

Question: What else is required in this commandment?

Answer: It requires in every man a public spirit to procure and promote the good and prosperity of others: 1 Corinthians 10:24. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

Question: What else is required in this command?

Answer: It requires restitution of all goods, unjustly gotten, or taken from others; Leviticus 6:4. Then it shall be, because he has sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he has deceitfully gotten, etc. And the restoring of pawns and pledges, when they are due; Ezekiel 18:7. And has not oppressed any, but has restored to the debtor his pledge, etc. Or things lost, if we can discover the true owners.

Question: What is the first sin forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all cozening arid cheating of others in our dealings, and civil commerce with them; 1 Thessalonians 4:6. That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, etc. Proverbs 26:28. A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Question: What is the second thing forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all exaction and oppression of our neighbor, by going beyond them, or working on their necessities, or detaining their dues; Leviticus 25:14. And if you sell ought unto your neighbor, or buy ought of your neighbor's hand, you shall not oppress one another; Proverbs 24:28, 29. Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause: And deceive not with your lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Question: What is the third thing forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all unlawful weights and measures, which is no better than theft in God's account; Micah 6:10, 11. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?

Question: What is the fourth sin forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all family frauds by children; Proverbs 28:24. Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, it is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer. Or servants; Titus 2:9, 10. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters;-not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, etc.

Question: What is the fifth thing forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all tempting of, or encouraging others to defraud those who have any trust committed to them; Psalm 50:18. When you saw a thief, then you consent with him; Proverbs 29:24. Whoever is partner with a thief, hates his own soul, etc.

Question: What is the sixth thing forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids the taking away of another's goods by open robbery by sea or land; Job 5:5.-And the robber swallows up their substance. Or clandestinely and privately; 1 Peter 4:15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, etc.

Question: What is the danger of this sin?

Answer: It brings men's souls, bodies, and estates, under the curse of God; Zechariah 5:3, 4. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth: For every one that steals shall be cut off, as on this side, according to it:-I will bring it forth, says the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief.

Question: What is the first instruction hence?

Answer: Let all that are guilty of this sin repent, and restore, as they expect mercy from God; Ephesians 4:28. Let him that stole, steal no more, etc. Luke 19:8. And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken away anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: To excite all, to whom God has given a competency of the things of the world, that they bless God for keeping them from the temptations of this sin; Proverbs 30:8, 9. Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Of the ninth Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment is, [You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

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


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

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

Question: What is the general scope and aim of the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth command aims chiefly at the preservation and promoting of truth among men; Zechariah 8:16.-Speak you every man the truth to his neighbor, etc. This being of indispensable necessity to the subsistence and welfare of human society; Ephesians 4:25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Question: What is the first thing required particularly in this command?

Answer: This command requires every man to take care of preserving his own good name, by ordering his conversation in universal integrity; 1 Peter 3:15, 16. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every one that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Question: What is the second thing required in this command?

Answer: It requires all due care to preserve the good name and honor of other men as well as our own; for Christians are not to be of narrow and private spirits, which center only in their own interests and concernment; Philippians 2:4. Look not every man on his own things; but every man also on the things of others.

Question: How are we to preserve the good names of others?

Answer: We are to preserve the good names of others by an inward esteem of all the good that is in them; Philippians 2:3.-In lowness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. And manifesting our inward esteem of them by a wise and seasonable expression thereof for their encouragement in the ways of godliness; Romans 1:8. FIRST, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Question: How else are we to defend other men's names?

Answer: By our readiness to receive with joy the reports of that good that is in them; 3 John 3. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth. And discountenancing all reproaches maliciously vented against them; Psalm 15:3.-Nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor.

Question: But what if the report be evidently true?

Answer: In that case we are to grieve for their miscarriages, as the effect and fruit of our love to their souls; 2 Corinthians 2:4. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote unto you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. And to discharge our duties privately and faithfully, in order to their recovery; Matthew 18:15, 16, 17. Moreover, if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone, etc. Winking at, and concealing in love, their lesser and common infirmities; 1 Peter 4:8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: For charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer: It forbids us to injure others, by raising or receiving lies, and false reports which are highly injurious to their good names; Colossians 3:9. Lie not one to another, etc.

Question: What else is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer: It especially forbids perjury, or false swearing, whereby not only the names, but estates and lives of the innocent are injured and ruined; Psalm 35:11. False witnesses did rise up. They laid to my charge things that I knew not; Proverbs 19:5. A false witness shall not be unpunished: And he who speaks lies shall not escape. A sin which God will punish; Malachi 3:5. And I will come near to you to judgment, and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, etc.

Question: What else is forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: It forbids all whispering and backbiting of others secretly; 2 Corinthians 12:20.-Lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, etc. And all tale-carrying from one to another, to our neighbor's injury; Leviticus 19:16. You shall not go up and down as a tale-bearer among the people, etc. And 1 Timothy 5:13.-And not only idle, but tatlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Question: What else does the ninth commandment forbid?

Answer: It forbids all rash and unwarrantable judging of other men's hearts and final estates which is usually accompanied with ignorance of our own; Matthew 7:1, 3. Judge not, that you be not judged. And why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?

Question: What else is forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: It forbids the eclipsing of the true worth and honor of others, by a proud exalting of ourselves; 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5. Charity envies not, charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, etc. Or by crying up one to the disparagement of another good man; 1 Corinthians 3:4, 5. For while one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not carnal? etc.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That the best Christians have cause to be humbled for the sins of the tongue whereby God is dishonored, and others are injured; James 3:2. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. And verse 5, 6. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things: behold how great a matter a little fire kindles. And the tongue is afire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: It is our great concernment to walk with that piety and justice towards God and men, as to cut off all just occasions of reproach from our names; 2 Corinthians 11:12. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasions, etc. 1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Question: What is the third inference from this commandment?

Answer: To bless God that our names are kept sweet and honorable in the world among good men; 3 John 12. Demetrius has a good report of all men, etc. Or if we be reproached, it is by none but wicked men, and that for our duty to God; Daniel 6:5. Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Of the tenth Commandment


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHICH is the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment is, [You shall not covet your neighbor's house, you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.]


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: What is required in the tenth commandment?

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