---

3

 

HAVING SEEN WHAT THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH US TO BELIEVE CONCERNING GOD, IT FOLLOWS TO CONSIDER WHAT THEY REQUIRE AS THE DUTY OF MAN.

 

 

Question 91. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

Answer. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will. [Rom 12:1-2; Mic 6:8; 1 Sam 15:22]

 

Question 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience?

Answer. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law. [Gen 1:26-27; Rom 2:14-15; Rom 10:5; Gen 2:17]

 

Question 93. What is the moral law?

Answer. The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing and binding every one to personal, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, in the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and body, [Deut 5:1-3; Deut 5:31; Deut 5:33; Luke 10:26-27; Gal 3:10; 1 Thess 5:23] and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man: [Luke 1:75; Acts 24:16] promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it. [Rom 10:5; Gal 3:10; Gal 3:12]

 

Question 94. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall?

Answer. Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righteousness and life by the moral law; [Rom 8:3; Gal 2:16] yet there is great use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate. [1 Tim 1:8]

 

Question 95. Of what use is the moral law to all men?

Answer. The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and the will of God, [Lev 11:44-45; Lev 20:7-8; Rom 7:12] and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly; [Mic 6:8; James 2:10-11] to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives: [Ps 19:11-12; Rom 3:20; Rom 7:7] to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery, [Rom 3:9; Rom 3:23] and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, [Gal 3:21-22] and of the perfection of his obedience. [Rom 10:4]

 

Question 96. What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerate men?

Answer. The moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to awaken their consciences to flee from wrath to come, [1 Tim 1:9-10] and to drive them to Christ; [Gal 3:24] or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable, [Rom 1:20; Rom 2:15] and under the curse thereof. [Gal 3:10]

 

Question 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?

Answer. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, [Rom 6:14; Rom 7:4; Rom 7:6; Gal 4:4-5] so as thereby they are neither justified [Rom 3:20] nor condemned; [Gal 5:23; Rom 8:1] yet, besides the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good; [Rom 7:24-25; Gal 3:13-14; Rom 8:3-4] and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, [Luke 1:68-69; Luke 1:74-75; Col 1:12-14] and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience. [Rom 7:22; Rom 12:2; Titus 2:11-14]

 

Question 98. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

Answer. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon Mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone; [Deut 10:4; Exod 34:1-4] and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man. [Matt 22:37-40]

 

Question 99. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten commandments?

Answer. For the right understanding of the ten commandments, these rules are to be observed:

1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin. [Ps 19:7; James 2:10; Matt 5:21-22]

2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures. [Rom 7:14; Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37-39; Matt 5:21-22; Matt 5:27-28; Matt 5:33-34; Matt 5:37-39; Matt 5:43-44]

3. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments. [Col 3:5; Amos 8:5; Prov 1:19; 1 Tim 6:10]

4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; [Isa 58:13; Deut 6:13; Matt 4:9-10; Matt 15:4-6] and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded: [Matt 5:21-25; Eph 4:28] so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included; [Exod 20:12; Prov 30:17] and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included. [Jer 18:7-8; Exod 20:7; Ps 15:1; Ps 15:4-5; Ps 24:4-5]

5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done; [Job 13:7-8; Rom 3:8; Job 36:21; Heb 11:25] what he commands, is always our duty; [Deut 4:8-9] and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times. [Matt 12:7]

6. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto. [Matt 5:21-22; Matt 5:27-28; Matt 15:4-6; Heb 10:24-25; 1 Thess 5:22; Jude 23; Gal 5:26; Col 3:21]

7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places. [Exod 20:10; Lev 19:17; Gen 18:19; Josh 14:15; Deut 6:6-7]

8. That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them; [2 Cor 1:24] and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them. [1 Tim 5:22; Eph 5:11]

 

Question 100. What special things are we to consider in the ten commandments?

Answer. We are to consider in the ten commandments, the preface, the substance of the commandments themselves, and several reasons annexed to some of them, the more to enforce them.

 

Question 101. What is the preface to the ten commandments?

Answer. The preface to the ten commandments is contained in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [Exod 20:2] Wherein God manifesteth his sovereignty, as being Jehovah, the eternal, immutable, and almighty God; [Isa 44:6] having his being in and of himself, [Exod 3:14] and giving being to all his words [Exod 6:3] and works: [Acts 17:24,28] and that he is a God in covenant, as with Israel of old, so with all his people; [Gen 17:7; Rom 3:29] who, as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, so he delivereth us from our spiritual thraldom; [Luke 1:74-75] and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone, and to keep all his commandments. [1 Pet 1:15,17-18; Lev 18:30; Lev 19:37]

 

Question 102. What is the sum of the four commandments which contain our duty to God?

Answer. The sum of the four commandments containing our duty to God is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our strength, and with all our mind. [Luke 10:27]

 

Question 103. Which is the first commandment?

Answer. The first commandment is, Thou shall have no other gods before me. [Exod 20:3]

 

Question 104. What are the duties required in the first commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; [1 Chron 28:9; Deut 26:17; Isa 43:10; Jer 14:22] and to worship and glorify him accordingly, [Ps 95:6-7; Matt 4:10; Ps 29:2] by thinking, [Mal 3:16] meditating, [Ps 63:6] remembering, [Eccles 12:1] highly esteeming, [Ps 71:19] honouring, [Mal 1:6] adoring, [Isa 45:23] choosing, [Josh 24:15,22] loving, [Deut 6:5] desiring, [Ps 73:25] fearing of him; [Isa 8:13] believing him; [Exod 14:31] trusting, [Isa 26:4] hoping, [Ps 130:7] delighting, [Ps 37:4] rejoicing in him; [Ps 32:11] being zealous for him; [Rom 12:11; Num 25:11] calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, [Phil 4:6] and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; [Jer 7:23; James 4:7] being careful in all things to please him, [1 John 3:22] and sorrowful when in any thing he is offended; [Jer 31:18; Ps 119:136] and walking humbly with him. [Mic 6:8]

 

Question 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; [Ps 14:1; Eph 2:12] idolatry, in having or worshipping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; [Jer 2:27-28; 1 Thess 1:9] the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; [Ps 81:11] the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; [Isa 43:2; Isa 43:23-24] ignorance, [Jer 4:22; Hos 4:1,6] forgetfulness, [Jer 2:32] misapprehensions, [Acts 17:23,29] false opinions, [Isa 40:18] unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; [Ps 50:21] bold and curious searching into his secrets; [Deut 29:29] all profaneness, [Titus 1:16; Heb 12:16] hatred of God; [Rom 1:30] self-love, [2 Tim 3:2] self-seeking, [Phil 2:21] and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; [1 John 2:15-16; 1 Sam 2:29; Col 2:2,5] vain credulity, [1 John 4:1] unbelief, [Heb 3:12] heresy, [Gal 5:20; Titus 3:10] misbelief, [Acts 26:9] distrust, [Ps 78:22] despair, [Gen 4:13] incorrigibleness, [Jer 5:3] and insensibleness under judgments, [Isa 42:25] hardness of heart, [Rom 2:5] pride, [Jer 13:15] presumption, [Ps 19:13] carnal security, [Zeph 1:12] tempting of God; [Matt 4:7] using unlawful means, [Rom 3:8] and trusting in lawful means; [Jer 17:5] carnal delights and joys; [2 Tim 3:4] corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; [Gal 4:17; John 16:2; Rom 10:2; Luke 9:54-55] lukewarmness, [Rev 3:16] and deadness in the things of God; [Rev 3:1] estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; [Ezek 14:5; Isa 1:4-5] praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; [Rom 10:13-14; Hos 4:12; Acts 10:25-26; Rev 19:10; Matt 4:10; Col 2:18; Rom 1:25] all compacts and consulting with the devil, [Lev 20:6; 1 Sam 28:7,11; 1 Chron 10:13-14] and hearkening to his suggestions; [Acts 5:3] making men the lords of our faith and conscience; [2 Cor 1:24; Matt 23:9] slighting and despising God and his commands; [Deut 32:15; 2 Sam 12:9; Prov 13:13] resisting and grieving of his Spirit, [Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30] discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; [Ps 73:2-3; Ps 73:13-15,22; Job 1:22] and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have or can do, to fortune, [1 Sam 6:7-9] idols, [Dan 5:23] ourselves, [Deut 8:17; Dan 4:30] or any other creature. [Hab 1:16]

 

Question 106. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first commandment?

Answer. These words before me or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation: [Ezek 8:5-6; Ps 44:20-21] as also to persuade us to do as in his sight, whatever we do in his service. [1 Chron 28:9]

 

Question 107. Which is the second commandment?

Answer. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee 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. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. [Exod 20:4-6]

 

Question 108. What are the duties required in the second commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath instituted in his Word; [Deut 32:46-47; Matt 28:20; Acts 2:42; 1 Tim 6:13-14] particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ; [Phil 4:6; Eph 5:20] the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; [Deut 17:18-19; Acts 15:21; 2 Tim 4:2; James 1:21-22; Acts 10:33] the administration and receiving of the sacraments; [Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23-30] church government and discipline; [Matt 18:15-17 Matt 16:19; 1 Cor 5; 1 Cor 12:28] the ministry and maintenance thereof; [Eph 4:11-12; 1 Tim 5:17-18; 1 Cor 9:7-15] religious fasting; [Joel 2:12,18; 1 Cor 7:5] swearing by the name of God; [Deut 6:13] and vowing unto him; [Isa 19:21; Ps 76:11] as also the disapproving, detesting, opposing all false worship; [Acts 17:16-17; Ps 16:4] and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of idolatry. [Deut 7:5; Isa 30:22]

 

Question 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, [Num 15:39] counselling, [Deut 13:6-8] commanding, [Hos 5:11; Mic 6:16] using, [1 Kings 11:33; 1 Kings 12:33] and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; [Deut 12:30-32] tolerating a false religion; [Deut 13:6-12; Zech 13:2-3; Rev 2:2; Rev 2:14-15,20; Rev 17:12; Rev 17:16-17] the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever; [Deut 4:15-19; Acts 17:29; Rom 1:21-23,25] all worshipping of it, [Dan 3:18; Gal 4:8] or God in it or by it; [Exod 32:5] the making of any representation of feigned deities, [Exod 32:8] and all worship of them, or service belonging to them, [1 Kings 18:26,28; Isa 65:11] all superstitious devices, [Acts 17:22; Col 2:21-23] corrupting the worship of God, [Mal 1:7-8,14] adding to it, or taking from it, [Deut 4:2] whether invented and taken up of ourselves, [Ps 106:39] or received by tradition from others, [Matt 15:9] though under the title of antiquity, [1 Pet 1:18] custom, [Jer 44:17] devotion, [Isa 65:3-5; Gal 1:13-14] good intent, or any other pretence whatsoever; [1 Sam 13:11-12; 1 Sam 15:21] simony; [Acts 8:18] sacrilege; [Rom 2:22; Mal 3:8] all neglect, [Exod 4:24-26] contempt, [Matt 22:5; Mal 1:7,13] hindering, [Matt 23:13] and opposing the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed. [Acts 13:44-45; 1 Thess 2:15-16]

 

Question 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?

Answer. The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments; [Exod 20:5-6] are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, [Ps 45:11; Rev 15:3-4] his fervent zeal for his own worship, [Exod 34:13-14] and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; [1 Cor 10:20-22; Jer 7:18-20; Ezek 16:26-27; Deut 32:16-20] accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; [Hos 2:2-4] and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. [Deut 5:29]

 

Question 111. Which is the third commandment?

Answer. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. [Exod 20:7]

 

Question 112. What is required in the third commandment?

Answer. The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes, [Matt 6:9; Deut 28:58; Ps 29:2; Ps 68:4; Rev 15:3-4] ordinances, [Mal 1:14; Eccles 5:1] the Word, [Ps 138:2] sacraments, [1 Cor 11:24-25,28-29] prayer, [1 Tim 2:8] oaths, [Jer 4:2] vows, [Eccles 5:2,4-6] lots, [Acts 1:24,26] his works, [Job 36:24] and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, [Mal 3:16] meditation, [Ps 8:1,3-4,9] word, [Col 3:17; Ps 105:2,5] and writing; [Ps 102:18] by an holy profession, [1 Pet 3:15; Mic 4:5] and answerable conversation, [Phil 1:27] to the glory of God, [1 Cor 10:31] and the good of ourselves, [Jer 32:39] and others. [1 Pet 2:12]

 

Question 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; [Mal 2:2] and the abuse of it in an ignorant, [Acts 17:23] vain, [Prov 30:9] irreverent, profane, [Mal 1:6-7,12; Mal 3:14] superstitious [1 Sam 4:3-5; Jer 7:4; Jer 7:9-10,14,31; Col 2:20-22] or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, [2 Kings 18:30,35; Exod 5:2; Ps 139:20] ordinances, [Ps 50:16-17] or works, [Isa 5:12] by blasphemy, [2 Kings 19:22; Lev 24:11] perjury; [Zech 5:4; Zech 8:17] all sinful cursings, [1 Sam 17:43; 2 Sam 16:5] oaths, [Jer 5:7; Jer 23:10] vows, [Deut 23:18; Acts 23:12,14] and lots; [Esther 3:7; Esther 9:24; Ps 22:18] violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful [Ps 24:4; Ezek 17:16; Ezek 17:18-19] and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; [Mark 6:26; 1 Sam 25:22; 1 Sam 25:32-34] murmuring and quarrelling at, [Rom 9:14,19-20] curious prying into, [Deut 29:29] and misapplying of God's decrees [Rom 3:5,7; Rom 6:1] and providences; [Eccles 8:11; Eccles 9:3; Ps 139] misinterpreting, [Matt 5:21-48[1]] misapplying, [Ezek 13:22] or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it; [2 Pet 3:16; Matt 22:24-31] to profane jests, [Isa 22:13; Jer 23:34,36,38] curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; [1 Tim 1:4,6-7; 1 Tim 6:4-5,20; 2 Tim 2:14; Titus 3:9] abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, [Deut 18:10-14; Acts 19:13] or sinful lusts and practices; [2 Tim 4:3-4; Rom 13:13-14; 1 Kings 21:9-10; Jude 4] the maligning, [Acts 13:45; 1 John 3:12] scorning, [Ps 1:1; 2 Pet 3:3] reviling, [1 Pet 4:4] or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; [Acts 13:45-46,50; Acts 4:18; Acts 19:9; 1 Thess 2:16; Heb 10:29] making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; [2 Tim 3:5; Matt 23:14; Matt 6:1-2,5,16] being ashamed of it, [Mark 8:38] or a shame to it, by unconformable, [Ps 73:14-15] unwise, [1 Cor 6:5-6; Eph 5:15-17] unfruitful, [Isa 5:4; 2 Pet 1:8-9] and offensive walking, [Rom 2:23-24] or backsliding from it. [Gal 3:1,3; Heb 6:6]

 

Question 114. What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?

Answer. The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The Lord thy God, and, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain, [Exod 20:7] are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; [Lev 19:12] especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment; [Ezek 36:21-23; Deut 28:58-59; Zech 5:2-4] albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men. [1 Sam 2:12,17,22,24; 1 Sam 3:13]

 

Question 115. Which is the fourth commandment?

Answer. The fourth commandment is, 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 it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor 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 in the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it. [Exod 20:8-11]

 

Question 116. What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, [Deut 5:12-14; Gen 2:2-3; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; Matt 5:17-18; Isa 56:2,4; Isa 56:6-7] and in the New Testament called The Lord's day. [Rev 1:10]

 

Question 117. How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?

Answer. The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, [Exod 20:8,10] not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; [Exod 16:25-28; Neh 13:15-22; Jer 17:21-22] and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy [Matt 11:1-13]) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: [Isa 58:13; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2 Ps 92 title; Isa 66:23; Lev 23:3] and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day. [Exod 20:8; Exod 16:22,25-26,29; Luke 23:54,56; Neh 13:19][2]

 

Question 118. Why is the charge of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?

Answer. The charge of keeping the sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own. [Exod 20:10; Exod 23:12; Josh 24:15; Neh 13:15,17;[3] Jer 17:20-22]

 

Question 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, [Ezek 22:26] all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; [Acts 20:7,9; Ezek 33:30-32; Amos 8:5; Mal 1:13] all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; [Ezek 23:38] and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations. [Jer 17:24,27; Isa 58:13]

 

Question 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?

Answer. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [Exod 20:9] from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: [Exod 20:10] from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. [Exod 20:11]

 

Question 121. Why is the Word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?

Answer. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, [Exod 20:8] partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, [Exod 16:23; Luke 23:54,56; Mark 15:42; Neh 13:19] and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, [Ps 92:13-14; Ps 92 title; Ezek 20:12; Ezek 20:19-20] and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; [Gen 2:2-3; Ps 118:22,24; Acts 4:10-11; Rev 1:10] and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, [Ezek 22:26] for that there is less light of nature for it, [Neh 9:14] and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; [Exod 34:21] that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; [Deut 5:14-15; Amos 8:5] and that Satan with his instruments labours much to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety. [Lam 1:7; Jer 17:21-23; Neh 13:15-23[4]]

 

Question 122. What is the sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man?

Answer. The sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man, is, to love our neighbour as ourselves, [Matt 22:39] and to do to others what we would have them to do to us. [Matt 7:12]

 

Question 123. Which is the fifth commandment?

Answer. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. [Exod 20:12]

 

Question 124. Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?

Answer. By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, [Prov 23:22,25; Eph 6:1-2] but all superiors in age [1 Tim 5:1-2] and gifts; [Gen 4:20-22; Gen 45:8] and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, [2 Kings 5:13] church, [2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal 4:19] or commonwealth. [Isa 49:23]

 

Question 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother?

Answer. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; [Eph 6:4; 2 Cor 12:14; 1 Thess 2:7-8,11; Num 11:11-12] and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents. [1 Cor 4:14-16; 2 Kings 5:13]

 

Question 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?

Answer. The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. [Eph 5:21; 1 Pet 2:17; Rom 12:10]

 

Question 127. What is the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?

Answer. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, [Mal 1:6; Lev 19:3] word, [Prov 31:28; 1 Pet 3:6] and behaviour; [Lev 19:32; 1 Kings 2:19] prayer and thanksgiving for them; [1 Tim 2:1-2] imitation of their virtues and graces; [Heb 13:7; Phil 3:17] willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; [Eph 6:1-2; Eph 6:5-7; 1 Pet 2:13-14; Rom 13:1-5; Heb 13:17; Prov 4:3-4; Prov 23:22; Exod 18:19,24] due submission to their corrections; [Heb 12:9; 1 Pet 2:18-20] fidelity to, [Titus 2:9-10] defence, [1 Sam 26:15-16; 2 Sam 18:3; Esther 6:2] and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; [Matt 22:21; Rom 13:6-7; 1 Tim 5:17-18; Gal 6:6; Gen 45:11; Gen 47:12] bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, [1 Pet 2:18; Prov 23:22; Gen 9:23] that so they may be an honour to them and to their government. [Ps 127:3-5; Prov 31:23]

 

Question 128. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?

Answer. The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; [Matt 15:4-6] envying at, [Num 11:8-9] contempt of, [1 Sam 8:7; Isa 3:5] and rebellion [2 Sam 15:1-12] against, their persons [Exod 21:15] and places, [1 Sam 10:27] in their lawful counsels, [1 Sam 2:25] commands, and corrections; [Deut 21:18-21] cursing, mocking [Prov 30:11,17] and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government. [Prov 19:26]

 

Question 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?

Answer. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, [Col 3:19; Titus 2:4] pray for, [1 Sam 12:23; Job 1:5] and bless their inferiors; [1 Kings 8:55-56; Heb 7:7; Gen 49:28] to instruct, [Deut 6:6-7] counsel, and admonish them; [Eph 6:4] countenancing, [1 Pet 3:7] commending, [1 Pet 2:14; Rom 13:3] and rewarding such as do well; [Esther 6:3] and discountenancing, [Rom 13:3-4] reproving, and chastising such as do ill; [Prov 29:15; 1 Pet 2:14][5] protecting, [Job 29:12-17; Isa 1:10,17] and providing for them all things necessary for soul [Eph 6:4] and body: [1 Tim 5:8] and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, [1 Tim 4:12; Titus 2:3-5] honour to themselves, [1 Kings 3:28] and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them. [Titus 2:15]

 

Question 130. What are the sins of superiors?

Answer. The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, [Ezek 34:2-4] and inordinate seeking of themselves, [Phil 2:21] their own glory, [John 5:44; John 7:18] ease, profit, or pleasure; [Isa 56:10-11; Deut 17:17] commanding things unlawful, [Dan 3:4-6; Acts 4:17-18] or not in the power of inferiors to perform; [Exod 5:10-18; Matt 23:2,4] counseling, [Matt 14:8; Mark 6:24] encouraging, [2 Sam 13:28] or favouring them in that which is evil; [1 Sam 3:13] dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; [John 7:46-49; Col 3:21; Exod 5:17] correcting them unduly; [1 Pet 2:18-20; Heb 12:10; Deut 25:3] careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; [Gen 38:11,26; Acts 18:17] provoking them to wrath; [Eph 6:4] or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour. [Gen 9:21; 1 Kings 12:13-16; 1 Kings 1:6; 1 Sam 2:29-31]

 

Question 131. What are the duties of equals?

Answer. The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, [1 Pet 2:17] in giving honour to go one before another; [Rom 12:10] and to rejoice in each others' gifts and advancement, as their own. [Rom 12:15-16; Phil 2:3-4]

 

Question 132. What are the sins of equals?

Answer. The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, [Rom 13:8] the undervaluing of the worth, [2 Tim 3:3] envying the gifts, [Acts 7:9; Gal 5:26] grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; [Num 12:2; Esther 6:12-13] and usurping pre-eminence one over another. [3 John 9; Luke 22:24]

 

Question 133. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?

Answer. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, [Exod 20:12] is an express 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. [Deut 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25; Eph 6:2-3]

 

Question 134. Which is the sixth commandment?

Answer. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. [Exod 20:13]

 

Question 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves [Eph 5:28-29] and others [1 Kings 18:4] by resisting all thoughts and purposes, [Jer 25:15-16; Acts 23:12; Acts 23:16-17,21,27] subduing all passions, [Eph 4:26-27] and avoiding all occasions, [2 Sam 2:22; Deut 22:8] temptations, [Matt 4:6-7; Prov 1:10-11; Prov 1:15-16] and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; [1 Sam 24:12; 1 Sam 26:9-11; Gen 37:21-22] by just defence thereof against violence, [Ps 82:4; Prov 24:11-12; 1 Sam 14:45] patient bearing of the hand of God, [James 5:7-11; Heb 12:9] quietness of mind, [1 Thess 4:11; 1 Pet 3:3-4; Ps 37:8-11] cheerfulness of spirit; [Prov 17:22] a sober use of meat, [Prov 25:16,27] drink, [1 Tim 5:23] physic, [Isa 38:21] sleep, [Ps 127:2] labour, [Eccles 5:12; 2 Thess 3:10,12; Prov 16:26] and recreations; [Eccles 3:4,11] by charitable thoughts, [1 Sam 19:4-5; 1 Sam 22:13-14] love, [Rom 13:10] compassion, [Luke 10:33-34] meekness, gentleness, kindness; [Col 3:12-13] peaceable, [James 3:17] mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; [1 Pet 3:8-11; Prov 15:1; Judg 8:1-3] forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; [Matt 5:24; Eph 4:2,32; Rom 12:17,20-21] comforting and succouring the distressed and protecting and defending the innocent. [1 Thess 5:14; Job 31:19-20; Matt 25:35-36; Prov 31:8-9]

 

Question 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, [Acts 16:28] or of others, [Gen 9:6] except in case of public justice, [Num 35:31,33] lawful war, [Jer 48:10; Deut 20:1] or necessary defence; [Exod 22:2-3] the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; [Matt 25:42-43; James 2:15-16; Eccles 6:1-2] sinful anger, [Matt 5:22] hatred, [1 John 3:15; Lev 19:17] envy, [Prov 14:30] desire of revenge; [Rom 12:19] all excessive passions, [Eph 4:31] distracting cares; [Matt 6:31,34] immoderate use of meat, drink, [Luke 21:34; Rom 13:13] labor, [Eccles 12:12; Eccles 2:22-23] and recreations; [Isa 5:12] provoking words, [Prov 15:1; Prov 12:18] oppression, [Ezek 18:18; Ezek 1:14] quarreling, [Gal 5:15; Prov 23:29] striking, wounding, [Num 35:16-18,21] and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any. [Exod 21:18]

 

Question 137. Which is the seventh commandment?

Answer. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery. [Exod 20:14]

 

Question 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, [1 Thess 4:4; Job 31:1; 1 Cor 7:34] words, [Col 4:6] and behavior; [1 Pet 2:3] and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; [1 Cor 7:2; 1 Cor 7:35-36] watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; [Job 31:1] temperance, [Acts 24:24-25] keeping of chaste company, [Prov 2:16-20] modesty in apparel; [1 Tim 2:9] marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, [1 Cor 7:2,9] conjugal love, [Prov 5:19-20] and cohabitation; [1 Pet 3:7] diligent labor in our callings; [Prov 3:11; Prov 3:27-28] shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto. [Prov 5:8; Gen 39:8-10]

 

Question 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, [Prov 5:7] are, adultery, fornication, [Heb 13:4; Gal 5:19] rape, incest, [2 Sam 13:14; 1 Cor 5:1] sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; [Rom 1:24,26-27; Lev 20:15-16] all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections; [Matt 5:28; Matt 15:19; Col 3:5] all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; [Eph 5:3-4; Prov 7:5; Prov 7:21-22] wanton looks, [Isa 3:16; 2 Pet 2:14] impudent or light behaviour, immodest apparel; [Prov 7:10,13] prohibiting of lawful, [1 Tim 4:3] and dispensing with unlawful marriages; [Lev 18:1-21; Mark 6:18; Mal 2:11-12] allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; [1 Kings 15:12; 2 Kings 23:7; Deut 23:17-18; Lev 19:29; Jer 5:7; Prov 7:24-27] entangling vows of single life, [Matt 19:10-11] undue delay of marriage, [1 Cor 7:7-9; Gen 38:26] having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; [Mal 2:14-15; Matt 19:5] unjust divorce, [Mal 2:16; Matt 5:32] or desertion; [1 Cor 7:12-13] idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, [Ezek 16:49; Prov 23:30-33] unchaste company; [Gen 39:10; Prov 5:8] lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; [Eph 5:4; Ezek 23:14-16; Isa 23:15-17; Isa 3:16; Mark 6:22; Rom 13:13; 1 Pet 4:3] and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others. [2 Kings 9:30; Jer 4:30; Ezek 23:40]

 

Question 140. Which is the eighth commandment?

Answer. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. [Exod 20:15]

 

Question 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; [Ps 15:2; Zech 7:4,10; Zech 8:16-17] rendering to everyone his due; [Rom 13:7] restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; [Lev 6:2-5; Luke 19:8] giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; [Luke 6:30,38; 1 John 3:17; Eph 4:28; Gal 6:10] moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; [1 Tim 6:6-9; Gal 6:14] a provident care and study to get, [1 Tim 5:8] keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; [Prov 27:23-27; Eccles 2:24; Eccles 3:12-13; 1 Tim 6:17-18; Isa 38:1; Matt 11:8] a lawful calling, [1 Cor 7:20; Gen 2:15; Gen 3:19] and diligence in it; [Eph 4:28; Prov 10:4] frugality; [John 6:12; Prov 21:20] avoiding unnecessary lawsuits, [1 Cor 6:1-9] and suretiship, or other like engagements; [Prov 6:1-6; Prov 11:15] and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own. [Lev 25:35; Deut 22:1-4; Exod 23:4-5; Gen 47:14,20; Phil 2:4; Matt 22:39]

 

Question 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, [James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17] are, theft, [Eph 4:28] robbery, [Ps 62:10] man-stealing, [1 Tim 1:10] and receiving any thing that is stolen; [Prov 29:24; Ps 50:18] fraudulent dealing, [1 Thess 4:6] false weights and measures, [Prov 11:1; Prov 20:10] removing landmarks, [Deut 19:14; Prov 23:10] injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, [Amos 8:5; Ps 37:21] or in matters of trust; [Luke 16:10-12] oppression, [Ezek 22:29; Lev 25:17] extortion, [Matt 23:25; Ezek 22:12] usury, [Ps 15:5] bribery, [Job 15:34] vexatious lawsuits, [1 Cor 6:6-8; Prov 3:29-30] unjust inclosures and depopulations; [Isa 5:8; Mic 2:2] engrossing commodities to enhance the price; [Prov 11:26] unlawful callings, [Acts 19:19; Acts 19:24-25] and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; [Job 20:19; James 5:4; Prov 21:6] covetousness; [Luke 12:15] inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; [1 Tim 6:5; Col 3:2; Prov 23:5; Ps 62:10] distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; [Matt 6:25,31,34; Eccles 5:12] envying at the prosperity of others; [Ps 73:3; Ps 37:1,7] as likewise idleness, [2 Thess 3:11; Prov 18:9] prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, [Prov 21:17; Prov 23:20-21; Prov 28:19] and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us. [Eccles 4:8; Eccles 6:2; 1 Tim 5:8]

 

Question 143. Which is the ninth commandment?

Answer. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. [Exod 20:16]

 

Question 144. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, [Zech 8:16] and the good name of our neighbour, as well as our own; [3 John 12] appearing and standing for the truth; [Prov 31:8-9] and from the heart, [Ps 15:2] sincerely, [2 Chron 19:9] freely, [1 Sam 19:4-5] clearly, [Josh 7:19] and fully, [2 Sam 14:18-20] speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, [Lev 19:15; Prov 14:5,25] and in all other things whatsoever; [2 Cor 1:17-18; Eph 4:25] a charitable esteem of our neighbours; [Heb 6:9; 1 Cor 13:7] loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; [Rom 1:8; 2 John 4; 3 John 3-4] sorrowing for, [2 Cor 2:4; 2 Cor 12:21] and covering of their infirmities; [Prov 17:9; 1 Pet 4:8] freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, [1 Cor 1:4-5,7; 2 Tim 1:4-5] defending their innocency; [1 Sam 22:14] a ready receiving of a good report, [1 Cor 13:6-7] and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, [Ps 15:3] concerning them; discouraging tale-bearers, [Prov 25:23] flatterers, [Prov 26:24-25] and slanderers; [Ps 101:5] love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; [Prov 22:1; John 8:49] keeping of lawful promises; [Ps 15:4] studying and practicing of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report. [Phil 4:8]

 

Question 145. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbours, as well as our own, [1 Sam 17:28; 2 Sam 16:3; 2 Sam 1:9-10; 2 Sam 1:15-16] especially in public judicature; [Lev 19:15; Hab 1:4] giving false evidence, [Prov 19:5; Prov 6:16,19] suborning false witnesses, [Acts 6:13] wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, outfacing and overbearing the truth; [Jer 9:3,5; Acts 24:2,5; Ps 12:3-4; Ps 52:1-4] passing unjust sentence, [Prov 17:15; 1 Kings 21:9-14] calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; [Isa 5:23] forgery, [Ps 119:69; Luke 19:8; Luke 16:5-7] concealing the truth, undue silence in a just cause, [Lev 5:1; Deut 13:8; Acts 5:3; Acts 5:8-9; 2 Tim 4:6] and holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from ourselves, [1 Kings 1:6; Lev 19:17] or complaint to others; [Isa 59:4] speaking the truth unseasonably, [Prov 29:11] or maliciously to a wrong end, [1 Sam 22:9-10; Ps 52:1-5] or perverting it to a wrong meaning, [Ps 56:5; John 2:19; Matt 26:60-61] or in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice; [Gen 3:5; Gen 26:7,9] speaking untruth, [Isa 59:13] lying, [Lev 19:11; Col 3:9] slandering, [Ps 50:20] backbiting, [Ps 15:3] detracting, [James 4:11; Jer 38:4] tale bearing, [Lev 19:16] whispering, [Rom 1:29-30] scoffing, [Gen 21:9; Gal 4:29] reviling, [1 Cor 6:10] rash, [Matt 7:1] harsh, [Acts 28:4] and partial censuring; [Gen 38:24; Rom 2:1] misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; [Neh 6:6-8; Rom 3:8; Ps 69:10; 1 Sam 1:13-15; 2 Sam 10:3] flattering, [Ps 12:2-3] vain-glorious boasting; [2 Tim 3:2] thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; [Luke 18:9,11; Rom 12:16; 1 Cor 4:6; Acts 12:22; Exod 4:10-14] denying the gifts and graces of God; [Job 27:5-6; Job 4:6] aggravating smaller faults; [Matt 7:3-5] hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession; [Prov 28:13; Prov 30:20; Gen 3:12-13; Jer 2:35; 2 Kings 5:25; Gen 4:9] unnecessary discovering of infirmities; [Gen 9:22; Prov 25:9-10] raising false rumors, [Exod 23:1] receiving and countenancing evil reports, [Prov 29:12] and stopping our ears against just defense; [Acts 7:56-57; Job 31:13-14] evil suspicion; [1 Cor 13:5; 1 Tim 6:4] envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, [Num 11:29; Matt 21:15] endeavoring or desiring to impair it, [Ezra 4:12-13] rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; [Jer 48:27] scornful contempt, [Ps 35:15-16,21; Matt 27:28-29] fond admiration; [Jude 16; Acts 12:22] breach of lawful promises; [Rom 1:31; 2 Tim 3:3] neglecting such things as are of good report, [1 Sam 2:24] and practicing, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering what we can in others, such things as procure an ill name. [2 Sam 13:12-13; Prov 5:8-9; Prov 6:33]

 

Question 146. Which is the tenth commandment?

Answer. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. [Exod 20:17]

 

Question 147. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?

Answer. The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition, [Heb 13:5; 1 Tim 6:6] and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbour, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his. [Job 31:29; Rom 12:15; Ps 122:7-9; 1 Tim 1:5; Esther 10:3; 1 Cor 13:4-7]

 

Question 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Answer. The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; [1 Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Cor 10:10] envying [Gal 5:26; James 3:14,16] and grieving at the good of our neighbour, [Ps 112:9-10; Neh 2:10] together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his. [Rom 7:7-8; Rom 13:9; Col 3:5; Deut 5:21]

 

Question 149. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Answer. No man is able, either of himself, [James 3:2; John 15:5; Rom 8:3] or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; [Eccles 7:20; 1 John 1:8,10; Gal 5:17; Rom 7:18-19] but doth daily break them in thought, [Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21] word, and deed. [Rom 3:9-19; James 3:2-13]

 

Question 150. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God?

Answer. All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous; but some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. [John 19:11; Ezek 8:6,13,15; 1 John 5:16; Ps 78:17,32,56]

 

Question 151. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?

Answer. Sins receive their aggravations,

1. From the persons offending [Jer 2:8] if they be of riper age, [Job 32:7,9; Eccles 4:13] greater experience or grace, [1 Kings 11:4,9] eminent for profession, [2 Sam 12:14; 1 Cor 5:1] gifts, [James 4:17; Luke 12:47-48] place, [Jer 5:4-5] office, [2 Sam 12:7-9; Ezek 8:11-12] guides to others, [Rom 2:17-24] and whose example is likely to be followed by others. [Gal 2:11-14]

2. From the parties offended: [Matt 21:38-39] if immediately against God, [1 Sam 2:25; Acts 5:4; Ps 51:4] his attributes, [Rom 2:4] and worship; [Mal 1:8,14] against Christ, and his grace; [Heb 2:2-3; Heb 12:25] the Holy Spirit, [Heb 10:29; Matt 12:31-32] his witness, [Eph 4:30] and workings [Heb 6:4-6] against superiors, men of eminency, [Jude 8; Num 12:8-9; Isa 3:5] and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; [Prov 30:17; 2 Cor 12:15; Ps 55:12-15] against any of the saints, [Zeph 2:8; Zeph 2:10-11; Matt 18:6; 1 Cor 6:8; Rev 17:6] particularly weak brethren, [1 Cor 8:11-12; Rom 14:13,15,21] the souls of them, or any other, [Ezek 13:19; 1 Cor 8:12; Rev 18:12-13; Matt 23:15] and the common good of all or many. [1 Thess 2:15-16; Josh 22:20]

3. From the nature and quality of the offense: [Prov 6:30-33] if it be against the express letter of the law, [Ezra 9:10-12; 1 Kings 11:9-10] break many commandments, contain in it many sins: [Col 3:5; 1 Tim 6:10; Prov 5:8-12; Prov 6:32-33; Josh 7:21] if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, [James 1:14-15; Matt 5:22; Mic 2:1] scandalize others, [Matt 18:7; Rom 2:23-24] and admit of no reparation: [Deut 22:22,28-29; Prov 6:32-35] if against means, [Matt 11:21-24; John 15:22] mercies, [Isa 1:3; Deut 32:6] judgments, [Amos 4:8-11; Jer 5:3] light of nature, [Rom 1:26-27] conviction of conscience, [Rom 1:32; Dan 5:22; Titus 3:10-11] public or private admonition, [Prov 29:1] censures of the church, [Titus 3:10; Matt 18:17] civil punishments; [Prov 27:22; Prov 23:35] and our prayers, purposes, promises, [Ps 78:34-37; Jer 2:20; Jer 42:5-6; Jer 42:20-21] vows, [Eccles 5:4-6; Prov 20:25] covenants, [Lev 26:25] and engagements to God or men: [Prov 2:17; Ezek 17:18-19] if done deliberately, [Ps 36:4] wilfully, [Jer 6:16] presumptuously, [Num 15:30; Exod 21:14] impudently, [Jer 3:3; Prov 7:13] boastingly, [Ps 52:1] maliciously, [3 John 10] frequently, [Num 15:22] obstinately, [Zech 7:11-12] with delight, [Prov 2:14] continuance, [Isa 57:17] or relapsing after repentance. [Jer 34:8-11; 2 Pet 2:20-22]

4. From circumstances of time [2 Kings 5:26] and place: [Jer 7:10; Isa 26:10] if on the Lord's day, [Ezek 23:37-39] or other times of divine worship; [Isa 58:3-5; Num 25:6-7] or immediately before [1 Cor 11:20-21] or after these, [Jer 7:8-10,14-15; John 13:27,30] or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages; [Ezra 9:13-14] if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled. [2 Sam 16:22; 1 Sam 2:22-24]

 

Question 152. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God?

Answer. Every sin, even the least, being against the sovereignty, [James 2:10-11] goodness, [Exod 20:1-2] and holiness of God, [Hab 1:13; Lev 10:3; Lev 11:44-45] and against his righteous law, [1 John 3:4; Rom 7:12] deserveth his wrath and curse, [Eph 5:6; Gal 3:10] both in this life, [Lam 3:39; Deut 28:15-20] and that which is to come; [Matt 25:41] and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ. [Heb 9:22; 1 Pet 1:18-19]

 

Question 153. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?

Answer. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requireth of us repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, [Acts 20:21; Matt 3:7-8; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 16:30-31; John 3:16,18] and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation. [Prov 2:1-5; Prov 8:33-36]

 

Question 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?

Answer. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation. [Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:42,46-47]

 

Question 155. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

Answer. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening, [Neh 8:8; Acts 26:18; Ps 19:8] convincing, and humbling sinners; [1 Cor 14:24-25; 2 Chron 34:18-19,26-28] of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; [Acts 2:37,41; Acts 8:27-38] of conforming them to his image, [2 Cor 3:18] and subduing them to his will; [2 Cor 10:4-6; Rom 6:17] of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; [Matt 4:4,7,10; Eph 6:16-17; Ps 19:11; 1 Cor 10:11] of building them up in grace, [Acts 20:32; 2 Tim 3:15-17] and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. [Rom 16:25; 1 Thess 3:2; 1 Thess 3:10-11,13; Rom 15:4; Rom 10:13-17; Rom 1:16]

 

Question 156. Is the Word of God to be read by all?

Answer. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, [Deut 31:9; Deut 31:11-13; Neh 8:2-3; Neh 9:3-5] yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, [Deut 17:19; Rev 1:8; John 5:39; Isa 34:16] and with their families: [Deut 6:6-9; Gen 18:17,19; Ps 78:5-7] to which end, the holy scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages. [1 Cor 14:6,9,11-12; 1 Cor 14:15-16,24; 1 Cor 14:27-28]

 

Question 157. How is the Word of God to be read?

Answer. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; [Ps 19:10; Neh 8:3-10; Exod 24:7; 2 Chron 34:27; Isa 66:2] with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, [2 Pet 1:19-21] and that he only can enable us to understand them; [Luke 24:45; 2 Cor 3:13-16] with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; [Deut 17:10,20] with diligence, [Acts 17:11] and attention to the matter and scope of them; [Acts 8:30,34; Luke 10:26-28] with meditation, [Ps 1:2; Ps 119:97] application, [2 Chron 34:21] self-denial, [Prov 3:5; Deut 33:3] and prayer. [Prov 2:1-6; Ps 119:18; Neh 7:6,8]

 

Question 158. By whom is the Word of God to be preached?

Answer. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, [1 Tim 3:2,6; Eph 4:8-11; Hos 4:6; Mal 2:7; 2 Cor 3:6] and also duly approved and called to that office. [Jer 14:15; Rom 10:15; Heb 5:4; 1 Cor 12:28-29; 1 Tim 3:10; 1 Tim 4:14; 1 Tim 5:22]

 

Question 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?

Answer. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine, [Titus 2:1,8] diligently, [Acts 18:25] in season and out of season; [2 Tim 4:2] plainly, [1 Cor 14:19] not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; [1 Cor 2:4] faithfully, [Jer 23:28; 1 Cor 4:1-2] making known the whole counsel of God; [Acts 20:27] wisely, [Col 1:28; 2 Tim 2:15] applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; [1 Cor 3:2; Heb 5:12-14; Luke 12:42] zealously, [Acts 18:25] with fervent love to God [2 Cor 5:13-14; Phil 1:15-17] and the souls of his people; [Col 4:12; 2 Cor 12:15] sincerely, [2 Cor 2:17; 2 Cor 4:2] aiming at his glory, [1 Thess 2:4-6; John 7:18] and their conversion, [1 Cor 9:19-22] edification, [2 Cor 12:19; Eph 4:12] and salvation. [1 Tim 4:16; Acts 26:16-18]

 

Question 160. What is required of those that hear the Word preached?

Answer. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, [Prov 8:34] preparation, [1 Pet 2:1-2; Luke 8:18] and prayer; [Ps 119:18; Eph 6:18-19] examine what they hear by the Scriptures; [Acts 17:11] receive the truth with faith, [Heb 4:2] love, [2 Thess 2:10] meekness, [James 1:21] and readiness of mind, [Acts 17:11] as the Word of God; [1 Thess 2:13] meditate, [Luke 9:44; Heb 2:1] and confer of it; [Luke 24:14; Deut 6:6-7] hide it in their hearts, [Prov 2:1; Ps 119:11] and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. [Luke 8:15; James 1:25]

 

Question 161. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

Answer. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered, but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom they are instituted. [1 Pet 3:21; Acts 8:13,23; 1 Cor 3:6-7; 1 Cor 12:13]

 

Question 162. What is a sacrament?

Answer. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, [Gen 17:7,10,12; Matt 28:19; Matt 26:26-28] to signify, seal, and exhibit [Rom 4:11; 1 Cor 11:24-25] unto those that are within the covenant of grace, [Rom 15:8; Exod 12:48] the benefits of his mediation; [Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 10:16] to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; [Rom 4:11;[6] Gal 3:27] to oblige them to obedience; [Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor 10:21] to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; [Eph 4:2-5; 1 Cor 12:13] and to distinguish them from those that are without. [Eph 2:11-12; Gen 34:14]

 

Question 163. What are the parts of a sacrament?

Answer. The parts of a sacrament are two; the one an outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ's own appointment; the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified. [Matt 3:11; 1 Pet 3:21; Rom 2:28-29]

 

Question 164. How many sacraments hath Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament?

Answer. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. [Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:20,23; Matt 26:26-28][7]

 

Question 165. What is Baptism?

Answer. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, [Matt 28:19] to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, [Gal 3:27] of remission of sins by his blood, [Mark 1:4; Rev 1:5] and regeneration by his Spirit; [Titus 3:5; Eph 5:26] of adoption, [Gal 3:26-27] and resurrection unto everlasting life; [1 Cor 15:29; Rom 6:5] and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible church, [1 Cor 12:13] and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's. [Rom 6:4]

 

Question 166. Unto whom is Baptism to be administered?

Answer. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, and so strangers from the covenant of promise, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, [Acts 8:36-37; Acts 2:38] but infants descending from parents, either both, or but one of them, professing faith in Christ, and obedience to him, are in that respect within the covenant, and to be baptized. [Gen 17:7,9; Gal 3:9; Col 2:11-12; Acts 2:38-39; Rom 4:11-12; 1 Cor 7:14; Matt 28:19; Luke 18:15-16; Rom 11:16]

 

Question 167. How is our Baptism to be improved by us?

Answer. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; [Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:4,6,11] by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; [Rom 6:3-5] by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; [1 Cor 1:11-13; Rom 6:2-3] by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; [Rom 4:11-12; 1 Pet 3:21] by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; [Rom 6:3-5][8] and by endeavoring to live by faith, [Gal 3:26-27] to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, [Rom 6:22] as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; [Acts 2:38] and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body. [1 Cor 12:13; 1 Cor 12:25-27]

 

Question 168. What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament of the New Testament, [Luke 22:20] wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; [Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:23-26] have their union and communion with him confirmed; [1 Cor 10:16] testify and renew their thankfulness, [1 Cor 11:24][9] and engagement to God, [1 Cor 10:14-16,21] and their mutual love and fellowship each with the other, as members of the same mystical body. [1 Cor 10:17]

 

Question 169. How hath Christ appointed bread and wine to be given and received in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper?

Answer. Christ hath appointed the ministers of his Word, in the administration of this sacrament of the Lord's Supper, to set apart the bread and wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanksgiving, and prayer; to take and break the bread, and to give both the bread and the wine to the communicants: who are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread, and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given, and his blood shed, for them. [1 Cor 11:23-24;[10] Matt 26:26-28;[11] Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20]

Question 170. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?

Answer. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's supper, [Acts 3:21] and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses; [Matt 26:26,28] so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really, [1 Cor 11:24-29] while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death. [1 Cor 10:16]

 

Question 171.How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?

Answer. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves [1 Cor 11:28] of their being in Christ, [2 Cor 13:5] of their sins and wants; [1 Cor 5:7; Exod 12:15] of the truth and measure of their knowledge, [1 Cor 11:29] faith, [1 Cor 13:5;[12] Matt 26:28] repentance; [Zech 12:10; 1 Cor 11:31] love to God and the brethren, [1 Cor 10:16-17; Acts 2:46-47] charity to all men, [1 Cor 5:8; 1 Cor 11:18,20] forgiving those that have done them wrong; [Matt 5:23-24] of their desires after Christ, [Isa 55:1; John 7:37] and of their new obedience; [1 Cor 5:7-8] and by renewing the exercise of these graces, [1 Cor 11:25-26,28; Heb 10:21-22,24; Ps 26:6] by serious meditation, [1 Cor 11:24-25] and fervent prayer. [2 Chron 30:18-19; Matt 26:26]

 

Question 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord's Supper?

Answer. One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof; [Isa 50:10; 1 John 5:13; Ps 88; Ps 77:1-12; Jon 2:4,7] and in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, [Isa 54:7-10; Matt 5:3-4; Ps 31:22; Ps 73:13; Ps 73:22-23] and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, [Phil 3:8-9; Ps 10:17; Ps 42:1-2,5,11] and to depart from iniquity: [2 Tim 2:19; Isa 50:10; Isa 66:18-20] in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians [Isa 40:11,29,31; Matt 11:28; Matt 12:20; Matt 26:28]) he is to bewail his unbelief, [Mark 9:24] and labor to have his doubts resolved; [Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30] and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's Supper, that he may be further strengthened. [Rom 4:11; 1 Cor 11:28]

 

Question 173. May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, be kept from it?

Answer. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in his church, [1 Cor 11:27-31; Matt 7:6; 1 Cor 5; Jude 23; 1 Tim 5:22] until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation. [2 Cor 2:7]

 

Question 174. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the time of the administration of it?

Answer. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, [Lev 10:3; Heb 12:28; Ps 5:7; 1 Cor 11:17; 1 Cor 11:26-27] diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, [Exod 24:8; Matt 26:28] heedfully discern the Lord's body, [1 Cor 11:29] and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, [Luke 22:19] and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; [1 Cor 11:26; 1 Cor 10:3-5,11,14] in judging themselves, [1 Cor 11:31] and sorrowing for sin; [Zech 12:10] in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, [Rev 22:17] feeding on him by faith, [John 6:35] receiving of his fullness, [John 1:16] trusting in his merits, [Phil 1:16] rejoicing in his love, [Ps 63:4-5; 2 Chron 30:21] giving thanks for his grace; [Ps 22:26] in renewing of their covenant with God, [Jer 50:5; Ps 50:5] and love to all the saints. [Acts 2:42]

 

Question 175. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper?

Answer. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success; [Ps 28:7; Ps 85:8; 1 Cor 11:7; 1 Cor 11:30-31] if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, [2 Chron 30:21-23,25-26; Acts 2:42,46-47] beg the continuance of it, [Ps 36:10; Song 3:4; 1 Chron 29:18] watch against relapses, [1 Cor 10:3-5,12] fulfill their vows, [Ps 50:14] and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance: [1 Cor 11:25-26; Acts 2:42,46] but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; [Song 5:1-6; Eccles 5:1-6] in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time: [Ps 123:1-2; Ps 42:5,8; Ps 43:3-5] but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, [2 Chron 30:18-19; Isa 1:16,18] and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence. [2 Cor 7:11; 1 Chron 15:12-14]

 

Question 176. Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper agree?

Answer. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper agree, in that the author of both is God; [Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23] the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits; [Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor 10:16] both are seals of the same covenant, [Rom 4:11; Col 2:12; Matt 26:27-28] are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and by none other; [John 1:33; Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23; 1 Cor 4:1; Heb 5:4] and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second coming. [Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:26]

 

Question 177. Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ?

Answer. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ, in that Baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ, [Matt 3:11; Titus 3:5; Gal 3:27] and that even to infants; [Gen 17:7,9; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Cor 7:14] whereas the Lord's Supper is to be administered often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment to the soul, [1 Cor 11:23-26] and to confirm our continuance and growth in him, [1 Cor 10:16] and that only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves. [1 Cor 11:28-29]

 

Question 178. What is prayer?

Answer. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, [Ps 62:8] in the name of Christ, [John 16:23] by the help of his Spirit; [Rom 8:26] with confession of our sins, [Ps 32:5-6; Dan 9:4] and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. [Phil 4:6]

 

Question 179. Are we to pray unto God only?

Answer. God only being able to search the hearts, [1 Kings 8:39; Acts 1:24; Rom 8:27] hear the requests, [Ps 65:2] pardon the sins, [Mic 7:8] and fulfill the desires of all; [Ps 145:18-19] and only to be believed in, [Rom 10:14] and worshipped with religious worship; [Matt 4:10] prayer, which is a special part thereof, [1 Cor 1:2] is to be made by all to him alone, [Ps 50:15] and to none other. [Rom 10:14]

 

Question 180. What is it to pray in the name of Christ?

Answer. To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake; [John 14:13-14; John 16:24; Dan 9:17] not by bare mentioning of his name, [Matt 7:21] but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation. [Heb 4:14-16; 1 John 5:13-15]

 

Question 181. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ?

Answer. The sinfulness of man, and his distance from God by reason thereof, being so great, as that we can have no access into his presence without a mediator; [John 14:6; Isa 59:2; Eph 3:12] and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to, or fit for, that glorious work but Christ alone, [John 6:27; Heb 7:25-27; 1 Tim 2:5] we are to pray in no other name but his only. [Col 3:17; Heb 13:15]

 

Question 182. How doth the Spirit help us to pray?

Answer. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and what, and how prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty. [Rom 8:26-27; Ps 10:17; Zech 12:10]

 

Question 183. For whom are we to pray?

Answer. We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; [Eph 6:18; Ps 28:9] for magistrates, [1 Tim 2:1-2] and ministers; [Col 4:3] for ourselves, [Gen 32:11] our brethren, [James 5:16] yea, our enemies; [Matt 5:44] and for all sorts of men living, [1 Tim 2:1-2] or that shall live hereafter; [John 17:20; 2 Sam 7:29] but not for the dead, [2 Sam 12:21-23] nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death. [1 John 5:16]

 

Question 184. For what things are we to pray?

Answer. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, [Matt 6:9] the welfare of the church, [Ps 51:18; Ps 122:6] our own [Matt 7:11] or others, good; [Ps 125:4] but not for anything that is unlawful. [1 John 5:14]

 

Question 185. How are we to pray?

Answer. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, [Eccles 5:1] and deep sense of our own unworthiness, [Gen 18:27; Gen 32:10] necessities, [Luke 15:17-19] and sins; [Luke 18:13-14] with penitent, [Ps 51:17] thankful, [Phil 4:6] and enlarged hearts; [1 Sam 1:15; 1 Sam 2:1] with understanding, [1 Cor 14:15] faith, [Mark 11:24; James 1:6] sincerity, [Ps 145:18; Ps 17:1] fervency, [James 5:16] love, [1 Tim 2:8] and perseverance, [Eph 6:18] waiting upon him, [Mic 7:7] with humble submission to his will. [Matt 26:39]

 

Question 186. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer?

Answer. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer; [1 John 5:14] but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's Prayer. [Matt 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4]

 

Question 187. How is the Lord's Prayer to be used?

Answer. The Lord's Prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer. [Matt 6:9; cf. Luke 11:2[13]]

 

Question 188. Of how many parts doth the Lord's Prayer consist?

Answer. The Lord's Prayer consists of three parts; a preface, petitions, and a conclusion.

 

Question 189. What doth the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer. The preface of the Lord's Prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven, [Matt 6:9]) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; [Luke 11:13; Rom 8:15] with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, [Isa 64:9] heavenly affections, [Ps 123:1; Lam 3:41] and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: [Isa 63:15-16; Neh 1:4-6] as also, to pray with and for others. [Acts 12:5]

 

Question 190. What do we pray for in the first petition?

Answer. In the first petition, (which is, Hallowed by thy name, [Matt 6:9]) acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in ourselves and all men to honor God aright, [2 Cor 3:5; Ps 51:15] we pray, that God would by his grace enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem him, [Ps 67:2-3] his titles, [Ps 83:18] attributes, [Ps 86:10-13,15] ordinances, Word, [2 Thess 3:1; Ps 147:19-20; Ps 138:1-3; 2 Cor 2:14-15] works, and whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by; [Ps 145; Ps 8] and to glorify him in thought, word, [Ps 103:1; Ps 19:14] and deed: [Phil 1:9,11] that he would prevent and remove atheism, [Ps 67:1-4] ignorance, [Eph 1:17-18] idolatry, [Ps 97:7] profaneness, [Ps 74:18; Ps 74:22-23] and whatsoever is dishonorable to him; [2 Kings 19:15-16] and, by his over-ruling providence, direct and dispose of all things to his own glory. [2 Chron 20:6,10-12; Ps 83; Ps 140:4,8]

 

Question 191. What do we pray for in the second petition?

Answer. In the second petition, (which is, Thy kingdom come, [Matt 6:10]) acknowledging ourselves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion of sin and Satan, [Eph 2:2-3] we pray, that the kingdom of sin and Satan may be destroyed, [Ps 67:1,18; Rev 12:10-11] the gospel propagated throughout the world, [2 Thess 3:1] the Jews called, [Rom 10:1] the fullness of the Gentiles brought in; [John 17:9,20; Rom 11:25-26; Ps 67] the church furnished with all gospel-officers and ordinances, [Matt 9:38; 2 Thess 3:1] purged from corruption, [Mal 1:11; Zeph 3:9] countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate: [1 Tim 2:1-2] that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins, and the confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already converted: [Acts 4:29-30; Eph 6:18-20; Rom 15:29-30,32; 2 Thess 1:11; 2 Thess 2:16-17] that Christ would rule in our hearts here, [Eph 3:14-20] and hasten the time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever: [Rev 22:20] and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world, as may best conduce to these ends. [Isa 64:1-2; Rev 4:8-11]

 

Question 192. What do we pray for in the third petition?

Answer. In the third petition, (which is, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven, [Matt 6:10]) acknowledging, that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and do the will of God, [Rom 7:18; Job 21:14; 1 Cor 2:14] but prone to rebel against his Word, [Rom 8:7] to repine and murmur against his providence, [Exod 17:7; Num 14:2] and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh, and of the devil: [Eph 2:2] we pray, that God would by his Spirit take away from ourselves and others all blindness, [Eph 1:17-18] weakness, [Eph 3:16] indisposedness, [Matt 26:40-41] and perverseness of heart; [Jer 31:18-19] and by his grace make us able and willing to know, do, and submit to his will in all things, [Ps 119:1,8; Ps 119:35-36; Acts 21:14] with the like humility, [Mic 6:8] cheerfulness, [Ps 100:2; Job 1:21; 2 Sam 15:25-26] faithfulness, [Isa 38:3] diligence, [Ps 119:4-5] zeal, [Rom 12:11] sincerity, [Ps 119:80] and constancy, [Ps 119:112] as the angels do in heaven. [Isa 6:2-3; Ps 103:20-21; Matt 18:10]

 

Question 193. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

Answer. In the fourth petition,(which is, Give us this day our daily bread, [Matt 6:11]) acknowledging, that in Adam, and by our own sin, we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life, and deserve to be wholly deprived of them by God, and to have them cursed to us in the use of them; [Gen 2:17; Gen 3:17; Rom 8:20-22; Jer 5:25; Deut 28:15] and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us, [Deut 8:3] nor we to merit, [Gen 32:10] or by our own industry to procure them; [Deut 8:17-18] but prone to desire, [Jer 6:13; Mark 7:21-22] get, [Hos 12:7] and use them unlawfully: [James 4:3] we pray for ourselves and others, that both they and we, waiting upon the providence of God from day to day in the use of lawful means, may, of his free gift, and as to his fatherly wisdom shall seem best, enjoy a competent portion of them; [Gen 43:12-14; Gen 28:20; Eph 4:28; 2 Thess 3:11-12; Phil 4:6] and have the same continued and blessed unto us in our holy and comfortable use of them, [1 Tim 4:3-5] and contentment in them; [1 Tim 6:6-8] and be kept from all things that are contrary to our temporal support and comfort. [Prov 30:8-9]

 

Question 194. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

Answer. In the fifth petition, (which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, [Matt 6:12]) acknowledging, that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature, can make the least satisfaction for that debt: [Rom 3:9-12,19; Matt 18:24-25; Ps 130:3-4] we pray for ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would, through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin, [Rom 3:24-26; Heb 9:22] accept us in his Beloved; [Eph 1:6-7] continue his favour and grace to us, [2 Pet 1:2] pardon our daily failings, [Hos 14:2; Jer 14:7] and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness; [Rom 15:13; Ps 51:7-10,12] which we are the rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged to expect, when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from the heart forgive others their offenses. [Luke 11:4; Matt 11:14-15; Matt 18:35]

 

Question 195. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

Answer. In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, [Matt 6:13]) acknowledging, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations; [2 Chron 32:31] that Satan, [1 Chron 21:1] the world, [Luke 21:34; Mark 4:19] and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us; [James 1:14] and that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption, [Gal 5:17] weakness, and want of watchfulness, [Matt 26:41] are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations, [Matt 26:69-72; Gal 2:11-14; 2 Chron 18:3; 2 Chron 19:2] but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them; [Rom 7:23-24; 1 Chron 21:1-4; 2 Chron 16:7-10] and worthy to be left under the power of them: [Ps 81:11-12] we pray, that God would so overrule the world and all in it, [John 17:15] subdue the flesh, [Ps 51:10; Ps 119:133] and restrain Satan, [2 Cor 12:7-8] order all things, [1 Cor 10:12-13] bestow and bless all means of grace, [Heb 13:20-21] and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin; [Matt 26:41; Ps 19:13] or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation; [Eph 3:14-17; 1 Thess 3:13; Jude 24] or when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it, [Ps 51:12] and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof: [1 Pet 5:8-10] that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected, [2 Cor 13:7,9] Satan trodden under our feet, [Rom 16:20; Zech 3:2; Luke 22:31-32] and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever. [John 17:15; 1 Thess 5:23]

 

Question 196. What doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer. The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, (which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [Matt 6:13]) teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments, [Rom 15:30] which are to be taken, not from any worthiness in ourselves, or in any other creature, but from God; [Dan 9:4,7-9,16-19] and with our prayers to join praises, [Phil 4:6] ascribing to God alone eternal sovereignty, omnipotency, and glorious excellency; [1 Chron 29:10-13] in regard whereof, as he is able and willing to help us, [Eph 3:20-21; Luke 11:13] so we by faith are emboldened to plead with him that he would, [2 Chron 20:6,11] and quietly to rely upon him, that he will fulfil our requests. [2 Chron 14:11] And, to testify this our desire and assurance, we say, Amen. [1 Cor 14:16; Rev 22:20-21]