THE

 

SHORTER CATECHISM;

 

THE PROOFS THEREOF OUT OF THE SCRIPTURES, IN WORDS AT LENGTH.

 

Question 1. What is the chief end of man 

 

Answer. Man's chief end is to glorify GOD, and to enjoy him for ever.

 

 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

 Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 

 Psal. lxxiii. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. Ver. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

 

Q. 2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him

 

A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God, and enjoy him.

 

 2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

 

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach 

 

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

 

Q. 4. What is God 

 

A. God is a Spirit/ infinite/ eternal/ and unchangeable/ in his being, wisdom," power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

 

 John iv. 24. God is a Spirit.

 

 Job xi. 7. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thow find out the Almighty unto perfection 

 

 Psal. xc. 2. From everlasting, to everlasting, thou art GoD.

 

 Jam. i. 17. The Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 

 Psal. cxlvii. 5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

 

 Rev. iv. 8., Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almightt, which was, and is, and is to come.

 

 Rev. xv. 4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name For thou only art holy.

 

 Exod. xxiv. 6. The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Ver. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.

 

Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one

 

A. There is but one only,1 the living and true God."

 

 Dent. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. m Jer. x. 10. But the Lord, he is the true God, he is the living God, and everlasting King.

 

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead 

 

A. There are three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;0 and these three are one God, the same in substanee, equal in power and glory.

 

 Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

 

 1 John v. 7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

 

Q. 7. What is the work of creation 

 

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

 

Gen. i. throughout. 1. In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. ..

 

 Heb. xi, 3. Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.

 

 Gen. i. 31. And God saw every thing- that he had made, and behold it was very good ; and the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

 

Q. 8. How did Gob create man 

 

A. God created man male and female^ after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures."

 

 Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image; in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

 

 Col. iii. 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him.

 

 Eph. iv. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

 Gen. i. 28. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

 

Q. 9. What are God's works of providence 

 

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

 

 Psal. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

 

 Psal. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.

 

 Isa. xxviii. 29. This also cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.

 

 Heb. i. 3. Upholding all things by the word of his power.

 

 Psal. ciii. 19. His kingdom ruleth over all.

 

 Matt. x. 29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing And one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. Ver. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

 

Q. 10. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the state wherein he was created 

 

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

 

 Gal. iii, 12. The man that doeth them shall live in them.

 

 Gen. ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

 

Q. 11. Did our first parents continue in the state wherein they were created 

 

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

 

 Gen. iii. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it Was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

 Eccl. vii. 27. God hath made man upright.

 

Q. 12. What is sin 

 

A. Sin is a transgression of the law of God.

 

 1 John iii. 4. Sin is the transgression of the law.

 

Q. 13. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the state wherein they were created 

 

A. Their eating the forbidden fruit.

 

Gen. iii. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

Q. 14. Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression 

 

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

 

 Gen. ii. 16. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

 

 Gen. i. 28. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat. Ver. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.

 

 Rom. v. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Ver. 18. By the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation.

 

 1 Cor. xv. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

 

Q. 15. Into what state did the fall bring mankind.

 

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

 

 Rom. v. 12. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

 

Q. 16. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state into which man fell 

 

A. The sinfulness of that state into which man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin/ the want of original righteousness/ and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called Original Sin,1 together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

 

 Rom. v. 19. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners.

 

 Rom. iii. 10. There is none righteous, no, not one.

 

 Eph. ii. 1. You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ver. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

 

 Psal. Ii. 5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

 

Q. YJ. What is the misery of that state into which man fell

 

A. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God,T are under his wrath and curse," and so made liable to all the miseries of this life,0 to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever.

 

 Gen. iii. 8. Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden. Ver. 24. So he drove out the man.

 

 Eph. ii. 3. And were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

 

 Gal. iii. 10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

 

 Rom. vi. 23. The wages of sin is death.

 

Q. 18. Who is the Redeemer of mankind A. The LoRd Jesus Christ/ who being the eternal Son of GOD, became man, and so was, and continued to be, God and man, in two distinct natures and one Person, for ever.

 

 1 Tim, ii. 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.

 

 John i. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

 

Gal. iv. 4. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

 

 Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever.

 

 Luke i. 35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God.

 

Col. ii. 9. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

 

 Heb. vii. 24. But this Man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Ver. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

 

Q. 19. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man 

 

A. Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.

 

 Heb. ii. 14. For us much then as the children are partakers of flesh-and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. Ver. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

 

 Heb. x. 5. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.

 

 Matt. xxvi. 38. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.

 

 Luke i. 31. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

 

 Heb. iv. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

Q. 20.

 

What office does Christ execute as our Redeemer 

 

A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a Prophet/ of a Priest/ and of a King," both in his state of humiliation and exaltation.

 

 Acts iii. 22. Moses truly said unto the Fathers, A Prophet shall the Lokd your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

 

 Heb. xii. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh : for if they escaped not who vefused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Compare with 2 Cor. xiii. 3.

 

 Heb. v. 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. Verse 6. Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.

 

 Psal. ii. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. Vers 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

 

 Isa. ix. 6. For unto us a child is born, unt us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Verse 7. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.

 

Q. 21. How does Christ execute the office of a Prophet 

 

A. Christ executes the office of a Prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit/ the will of God for our salvation.

 

 John i. 18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared him.

 

 John xv. 15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth : but I have called you friends ; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.

 

 John xx. 31. These things are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, ye might have life through his name.

 

 John xiv. 26. The Comforter, which is the Holt Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.

 

Q. 22. How does Christ execute the office of a Priest

 

A. Christ executes the office of a Priest, in his once offering up himself a sacrifice to satisfy Divine Justice/ and reconcile us to God/ and in making continual intercession for us.

 

 Heb. ix. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

 

 Heb. ii. 17. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

 

 Heb. vii. 24. But this man, because he cometh ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Ver. 25. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

 

Q. 23. How does Christ execute the office of a King 

 

A. Christ executes the office of a King, in subduing us to himself,11 in ruling and defending us/ and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

 

 Psal. ex. throughout. Ver. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, &c.

 

 Isa. xxxiii. 22. The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us.

 

 1 Cor. xv. 25. For he must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

 

Q. 24. Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist 

 

A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life,T the wrath of God,0 and the cursed death of the cross/ in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

 

 Luke ii. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger.

 

 Gal. iv. 4. God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

 

 Isa. liii. 2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness: and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Ver. 3. He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief

 

 Luke xxii. 44. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

 Mat. xxvii. 46. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me

 

 Phil. ii. 8. He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

 Mat. xii. 40. As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart, of the earth.

 

Q. 25. Wherein consists Christ's Exaltation 

 

A. Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up to heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God the Father/ and in coming to judge the world at the last day.1

 

 1 Cor. xv. 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.

 

 Mark xvi. 19. So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

 

 Acts xvii. 31. He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

 

Q. 26. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ 

 

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us, by his Holy Spirit.

 

 John i. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Verse 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God.

 

 Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing' of the Holy Ghost. Verse 6. Which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

 

Q. 27. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ 

 

A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us," and thereby uniting tis to Christ/

 

 Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation : in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Verse 1 4, Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 

 Eph. ii. 8. By grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

 

 Eph. iii. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.

 

Q. 28. What benefits do they that truly believe, partake of in this life 

 

A. Justification, Sanctification/ and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany, or flow from them.

 

 1 Cor. i. 30. Of him ye are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

 

Q. 29. What is Justification 

 

 A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us/ and received by faith alone.

 

 Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Verse 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

 

 Rom. iv. 6. Even as David also descriheth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Verse 7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Verse 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

 

 Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

 

 2 Cor. v. 19. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Verse 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, that knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

 Rom. v. 17. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one ; much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Verse 18,

 

 Therefore as by the offence of one.judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Verse 19. As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

 Gal. ii. 16, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.

 

Q. 30. What is Sanctification 

 

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

 

 Eph. iv. 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Verse 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

 Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Verse 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

 Rom. viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

Q. 31. What are the benefits which, in this life, do either accompany or flow from justification and sanctification 

 

A. Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost/ increase of grace,1' and perseverance therein unto the end.1

 

 Rom.v. 1. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Verse 5. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

 Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the. Holy Ghost.

 

 Prov. iv. 18. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

 

 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have

 

eternal life.

 

 1 Pet., i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

 

Q. 32, What benefits do believers receive from Christ

 

at their death 

 

A. The souls of believers at their death pass into glory/ and their bodies rest in their graves,11 till the resurrection.'

 

 Phil. i. 23. Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ. Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said uuto him, Verily I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

 

 Isa. lvii. 2. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

 

 Job xix. 26. And though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

 

Q. 33. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection 

 

A. At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory,k shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment,1 and made perfectly blessed, in the full enjoyment of God,"1 to all eternity.11

 

 1 Cor. xv. 43. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. 1 Matt. x. 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men, him also will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.

 

 1 John iii. 2. When He shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is.

 

 1 Thus, iv. 17. And so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

Q. 34. What is the duty which God requires of man 

 

A. The duty which God requires of man, is obedience to his revealed will.0

 

 Micah vi. 8. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God 

 

Q. 35. What did God at first reveal unto man for the rule of his obedience 

 

A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the Moral Law.p

 

 Rom. ii, 14. When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do iiy nature the things contained in the law ; these having- not the law, are a law unto themselves. Verse 15. Which show the work of the law written in their hearts.

 

Q. 36. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. In the Ten Commandments.''

 

 Deut. x. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the Ten Commandments.

 

 Matt. xix. 17. If thou wilt enter into life, keep the Commandments.

 

Q. 37. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments 

 

A. The sum of the Ten Commandments, is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves/

 

 Matt. xxii. 37. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 

Q. 38. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments 

 

A. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.8

 

 Exod. xx. 2.

 

Q. 39. What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us 

 

A. That because God is the Lord, aud our God and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments.1

 

 Deut. xi. 1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his Commandments alway.

 

Q, 40. What is the First Commandment A. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. {Exod. xx. 3.)

 

Q. 41. What is required in the First Commandment . 

 

A. To knowu and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God,'v and to worship and glorify him accordingly.*

 

 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. And thou Solomon, my son, know thou the

 

God of thy Father.

 

 Deut. xxvi. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and Ills judgments, and to hearken to his voice.

 

 Matt. 10: 10. Thou shall worship the LoRd thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.

 

Q. 43. What is forbidden in the First Commandment 

 

A. The First Commandment forbiddeth the denying or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God, and the giving that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.

 

Q. 43. What are we specially taught by these words {before Me) in the First Commandment 

 

A. These words {before Me) in the First Commandment, teach, that God who sees all things, taketh notice, and is much displeased with the sin of having

 

any other God.

 

Q. 44. Which is the Second Commandment

 

A. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy 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 shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exod xx. 4-6.)

 

 Q. 45. What is required in the Second Commandment

 

 A. The receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his word.

 

 Q.. 46. What is forbidden in the Second Commandment 

 

 A. The worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed by his word.

 

 Q.. 47- What are the reasons annexed to the Second Commandment 

 

 A. The reasons annexed to the Second Commandment, are God's sovereignty over us, his property in us, and the zeal which he has to his own worship.

 

 Q.. 48. Which is the Third Commandment 

 

 A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exod. xx. 7-)

 

 Q. 49. What is required in the Third Commandment 

 

 A. The holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

 

 Q. 50. What is forbidden in the Third Commandment.

 

 A. All profaning, or abusing, any thing whereby God makes himself known.

 

 Q. 51. What is the reason annexed to the Third Commandment 

 

 A. The reason annexed to the Third Commandment is, that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

 

 Q. 52. Which is the Fourth Commandment 

 

 A. Remember the Sabbath-Day to keep it holy; six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ; in i( thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger, that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it. (Exod. xx. 8-11.)

 

 Q. 53. What is required in the Fourth Commandment

 

 A. The keeping holy to God, such set time, as he hath appointed in his word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself.

 

 Q. 54. Which day of the seven has God appointed U> be the weekly Sabbath 

 

 A. Till the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath ;b and the first day of the week, ever since, to continue to the end of the world.

 

 Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.

 

 Q. 55. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified 

 

 A. 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 works of necessity and mercy.

 

 Q. 56. What are the sins forbidden in the Fourth Commandment 

 

 A. 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 worldly employments, or recreations.

 

 Q. 57- What are the reasons annexed to the Fourth Commandment 

 

 A. The reasons annexed to the Fourth Commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employment, his challenging a special property in the seventh, lais own example, and his blessing the Sabbath-Day.

 

 Q. 58. Which is the Fifth Commandment.

 

 A. Honour thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

 

(Exod. xx. 12.)

 

 Q. 59. What is required in the Fifth Commandment 

 

 A. The preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

 

 Q. 60. What is forbidden in the Fifth Commandment

 

 A. The neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belong to every one in their several places and relations.

 

 Q. 61. What is the reason annexed to the Fifth Commandment 

 

 A. 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.

 

 Q. 62. Which is the Sixth Commandment A. Thou shalt not kill. (Exod. xx. 13.)

 

 Q. 63. What is required in the Sixth Commandment 

 

 A. All lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the lives of others.

 

 Q. 64. What is forbidden in the Sixth Commandment:'

 

 A. The taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor, unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereto.

 

 Q. 65. What is the Seventh Commandment 

 

 A. Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exod. xx. 14.)

 

 Q.66. What is required in the Seventh Commandment 

 

 A. The preservation of our own, and our neighbor's chastity, in thought, speech, and behaviour.

 

 Q. 67. What is forbidden in the Seventh Commandment 

 

 A. All unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

 

 Q. 68. What is the Eight Commandment 

 

 A. Thou shalt not steal. {Exod. xx. 15.)

 

 Q. 69. What is required in the Eighth Commandment 

 

 A. The lawful procuring and furthering of the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.

 

 Q. 70. What is forbidden in the Eighth Commandment i1

 

 A. Whatsoever doth, or may unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbor's, wealth and outward estate.

 

 Q. 71. Which is the Ninth Commandment 

 

 A. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exod. xx. 16.)

 

 Q. 72. What is required in the Ninth Commandment 

 

 A. The maintaining and promoting of truth between, man and man, and of our own, and our neighbour's, good name, especially in witness-bearing.

 

 Q. 73. What is forbidden in the Ninth Commandment 

 

 A. Whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbor's, good name.

 

 Q. 74. Which is the Tenth Commandment 

 

 A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. (JExod. xx. 17-)

 

 Q. 75. What is required in the Tenth Commandment 

 

 A. Full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.

 

 Q. 76. What is forbidden in the Tenth Commandment 

 

 A. All discontentment with our estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.

 

 Q. 77- Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous.

 

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

 

 Ezek. viii. 6. He said furthermore unto me, Son of Man, seest thou what they do Even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary But turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. See verses 13, 15.

 

 Psal. lxxviii. 17. And they sinned yet more against him, by provoking the Most High in the wilderness. See verses 32, 56.

 

 John xix. 11. He that delivereth me unto thee, hath the greater sin.

 

 Q. 78. What does every sin deserve 

 

 A. Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to eome.d

 

 Eph. v. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

 

 Gal. iii. 10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.

 

 xxv. 41. Then shall he say uuto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels.

 

 Q. 79- What does God require of us, that we may escape the wrath and curse due to us for sin 

 

 A. To escape the wrath and curse of God clue to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life,e with the diligent use of all outward means, whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.

 

 Acts xx. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Piov. viii. 33. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. See verses 34, 35.

 

Isaiah lv. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me ; hear, and your souls shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

 

 Q. 80. What is faith in Jesus Christ 

 

 A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace/ whereby we receive,8 and rest upon him alone for salvation,'1 as he is offered to us in the Gospel.

 

 Heh. x. 39. We are not of them that draw hack unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

 

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

 

 Isa. xxvi. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee ; because he trusteth in thee. See ver. 4.

 

 Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

 

 Q. 81. What is repentance unto life 

 

 A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin,' and apprehension of the mercy of God fh Christ,1' does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,1 with full purpose of, and endeavours after, new obedience.T

 

 Acts xi. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repent-ance unto life.

 

 Acts ii. 37. When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Bleu and brethren, what shall we do Sec ver. 38.

 

 Joel ii. 13. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting-, and with weeping, and with mourning. Also ver. 13.

 

 Jer. iii. 22. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings: behold, we come unto thee, for thou art the Loud our God.

 

 Jer. xxxi. 18. Turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. See ver. 19.

 

 Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loath yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations.

 

 Psal. cxix. 59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

 

 2 Cor. vii. 11. For behold this self-same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

 

 Isa. i. 16. Wash ye, make ye clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. See ver. 17.

 

 Q. 82. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.

 

 A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer.

 

 Q. 83. How is the word made effectual to salvation 

 

 A. The Spirit of God makes the reading," but especially the preaching, of the word an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners,0 and of building them up in holiness and comfort/ through faith, unto salvation.i

 

 Neli. viii. 8. So they read in the Book, in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

 

 Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

 

 Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

 

 Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

 

 2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the Uoly Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unte salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. See verses 16, 17.

 

 Psal. xix. 7. The law of the Loud is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. See ver. 8.

 

 1 Thes. i. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holt Ghost.

 

 Rom. i. 6. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth.

 

 Q. 84. How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation 

 

 A. That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereto with diligence/ preparation/ and prayer,' receive it with faith," and love,w lay it up in our hearts/ and practise it in our lives.y

 

 Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth. me, watching daily at my gates, wailing daily at the posts of my doors.

 

 1 Pet. ii. 1. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings. See ver. 2.

 

 Psal. cxix. 18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wonderful things out of thy law.

 

 Heb. iv. 2. The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

 

 2 Thes. ii. 10. They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

 

 Psal. cxix. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 

 Luke viii.' 15. But that on the good ground, are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

 

 James i. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall he blessed in his deed.

 

 Q. 85. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation 

 

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

 

 1 Cor.in. 6. I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase. See ver. 7.

 

 1 Pet. ill. 21. The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, (not the putting- away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

 Q. 86. What is a sacrament 

 

 A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented,11 sealed, and applied to believers.0

 

 Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. See verse 10.

 

 Rom. iv. II. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised.

 

 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Loud Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. See verse 26.

 

 Q. 87. What are the sacraments of the New Testament 

 

 A. Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.

 

 Q. 88. What is Baptism 

 

 A. Baptism is a sacrament wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,"1 doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace,e and our engagements to be the Lord's/

 

 Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye, therefore, arid teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

 

 Rom. vi. 3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death

 

 Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 

 Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ,, have put on Christ.

 

 Q. 89. To whom is baptism to be administered 

 

 A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him ; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.1'

 

 Acts viii. 36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized See terse 37.

 

 Acts ii. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.

 

 Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generation, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. See verse 10.

 

 Acts ii. 38. And Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Hoiy Ghost. See verse 39.

 

 Col. ii. 11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins ef the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. See verse 12.

 

 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband, else were your children unclean ; but now are they holy.

 

 Q. 90. What is the Lord's Supper 

 

 A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to God's appointment, his death is showed forth,1 and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in graced

 

 Luke xxii. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you, this do in remembrance of me. See verse 20.

 

 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ 

 

 Q. 91. What is required in the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper

 

A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body/ of then-faith to feed upon him/ of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

 

 1 Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. See verse 29.

 

 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith.

 

 1 Cor. xi. 31. If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

 

 1 Cor. v. 7. Puvge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened: for even Cubist our passover is sacrificed for us. See verse 8.

 

 Q. 92. What is prayer 

 

 A. Prayer is an offering up-of our desires to God/ for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins/ and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies .s

 

 Psal. lxii. 8. Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him: God is a refuge for us.

 

 Rom. viii. 27. And He that searcheth the hearts, knoweth the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints, according to the will of God.

 

 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.

 

 John xvi. 23. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,

 

he will give it you.

 

 Dan. ix. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession.

 

 Phil. iv. G. Be careful for nothing ; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 

Q. 93. What rule has God given for our direction in prayer 

 

A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is, that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer.

 

 Matt. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye, Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, &c. (See Lithe xi. 2-4.)

 

 Q. 94. What docs the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach as 

 

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

 

 Isa. lxiv. 9. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.

 

 Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

 Luke xi. 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him 

 

 Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.

 

 Acts xii. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

 

 1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. See verse 2.

 

 Q. 95. What do we pray for in the first petition 

 

 A. In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed he thy name,) we pray, that God would enable us, and others, to glorify Him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.

 

 Q. 96. What do we pray for in the second petition 

 

 A. In the second petition, (which is, Thy kingdom come,) we pray, that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed, that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

 

 Q, 97. What do we pray for in the third petition 

 

 A. In the third petition, (which is, Thy will he done on earth as it is in heaven,) we pray, that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.

 

 Q. 98, What do we pray for in the fourth petition A. In the fourth petition, (which is, Give us this day our daily bread,) we pray, that of God's free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.

 

 Q, 99. What do we pray for in the fifth petition A. In the fifth petition, (which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,) we pray, that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins, which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled, from our heart, to forgive others. Q. 100. What do we pray for in the sixth petition A. In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, hut deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or ' support and deliver us when we are tempted.

 

 Q. 101. What doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us 

 

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

 

end of VOL. 14