neighbour A. Yes he that speaketh the truth in his heart that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour shall never be moved Psal 15.2 3. Q. May not a false witness certainly expect punishment A. Yes a false witness shall not be unpunished and he that speaketh lies shall not escape Prov. 19.5 Q. Should we not then be very careful that we raise no false report upon our neighbour A. Yes thou shalt not raise a false report put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness Exod. 22.1 Q. Hath not God testified his hatred against this sin A. Yes these things doth the Lord hate a false witness that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren Prov. 6.16 19. Q. Are not tale-bearers forbidden by God A. Yes thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people Lev. 19.16 Q. Doth not the whisperer who in a private way spreadeth false reports occasion much mischief and confusion A. Yes a froward man soweth strife and a whisperer separateth chief friends Prov. 16.28 Q. And are not the words of a tale-bearer very hateful A. Yes the words of a tale-bearer are as wounds and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly Prov. 18.8 Q. Are not all men concerned to speak the truth and only the truth in matters of Judgment and Justice A. Yes ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty but in righteousness shalt thou judg thy neighbour Lev. 19.15 Q. Is not an unjust sentence an abomination to the Lord A. Yes he that justifieth the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abomination to the Lord Prov. 17.15 Q. Should not men shew their anger against tale-bearers and slanderers A. Yes the north-wind driveth away rain so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue Prov. 22.23 Q. Should they not refrain from the company of slanderers also A. Yes whoso privily slandereth his neighbour him will I cut off he that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight Psal 201.5 7. Q. Is it not a great injustice to wrong persons because of their infirmities A. Yes thou shalt not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling-block before the blind but shalt fear thy God Lev. 19.14 Q. Is it not a very barbarous cruelty to reproach and revile any that are in affliction A. Yes let their habitation be desolate for they persecute him whom thou hast smitten and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded Psal 69.25 26. Q. Is not such scoffing enough to sadden and make heavy the heart of the afflicted A. Yes reproach hath broken my heart and I am full of heaviness Psal 69.20 Q. Is it not a great rashness in men to condemn persons as notorious sinners only because God is pleased to punish them with some extraordinary judgment A. Yes suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things I say unto you nay Luke 13.2 3. Q. Is not speaking the truth a duty we own to all men A. Yes wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for he that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness but a false witness deceit Eph. 4.25 Prov. 12.17 Q. And are their not severe judgments to be poured out upon liars A. Yes all Liars shall have their portion in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 Q. Is not humanity and Courtesie in behavior a debt we owe to all men A. Yes be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another and in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Rom. 12.10 Phil. 2.3 4. Q. Is not meekness a debt we owe to all men A. Yes be patient towards all men see that none render evil for evil unto any man 1 Thes 5.14 15. Q. is not Brawling a very insufferable evil A. Yes it is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top then with a brawling woman in a wide house Prov. 21.9 Q. Should we not beware of entring into friendship with persons of such an humour A. Yes make no friendship with an angry man and with a furious man thou shall not go Prov. 22.24 Q. Should we not then endeavour that we our selves be guilty of none of these faults A. Yes let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice Eph. 4.31 Q. Is it not injustice in us to envy and grudg that others have those gifts which we lack A. Yes is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own is thine eye evil because I am good Mat. 20.15 Q. And should we not give unto men that respect that is due to them in respect of their ranks and qualities A. Yes honour all men love the brotherhood honour the King rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man 1 Pet. 2.17 Lev. 19.32 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to supply those that are in any sort of want if it be in their power A. Yes withhold not good from him to whom it is due when it is in the power of thy hand to do it say not unto thy neighbour go and come again and to morrow I will give when thou hast it by thee Prov. 3.27 28. Q. Is it not a duty we owe to our neighbour to reprove them discreetly and seasonably if they be in any course of sin A. Yes Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise reprove him and not suffer sin upon him Lev. 19.17 Q. Is it not a strange madness in men not to harken to a faithfull reprof A. Yes whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledg but he that hateth reprof is brutish Prov. 12.1 Q. And is not destruction threatned to such sort of persons A. Yes he that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy Prov. 29.1 Q. Is not ingratitude to benefactors a very barbarous crime A. Yes if you do good to those that do good to you what thank have you for sinners also do even the same Luk. 6.33 Sect. 4. Of Duty to Magistrates pastors of the duty of Parents to Children and Childrens duty unto Parents Q. IS it not the duty of children to honour their Parents whether Civil Spiritual or Natural A. Yes 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 Q. Is not the supream Magistrate a Civil Parent A. Yes and kings shall be thy nursing fathers and queens thy nursing mothers Isa 49.23 Q. Do not all those who are under the civil magistrates authority owe him honour and reverence A. Yes fear God honour the
King 1 Pet. 2.17 Q. Should not men then beware of Speaking evil of the magistrate A. Yes thou shalt not revile the gods nor speak evil of the ruler of thy people curse not the king no not in thy thought Exod. 22.28 Act. 23.5 Eccl. 10.20 Q. Is not maintainance of their persons and authority a debt we owe to the Civil Magistrate A. Yes render therefore unto Cesar the things that are Cesars pay ye tribute for they are God's Ministers Mat. 22.21 Rom. 13.6 Q. Since the business of that calling is so weighty the dangers and hazards of it so great are we not obliged to pray earnestly to God for them A. Yes I exhort therefore that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for Kings and for all that are in authority that they may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Do not subjects owe obedience to the commands of the Magistrate A. Yes let every soul be subject to the higher powers and submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whether it be to the King as supreme or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well Rom. 13.1 1 Pet. 2.13 Q. But what if the Magistrate enjoyns any thing contrary to what God hath commanded A. We ought to obey God rather than men Acts 5.29 Q. But must we not in this case patiently suffer and not to secure our selves rise up against him A. Yes for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless They that resist shall receive to themselves damnation 1 San. 26.9 Rom. 13.2 Q. Are not the Ministers of the Word Parents also A. Yes though you have ten thousand instructers in Christ yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4.15 Q. Since they do us the greatest benefits are we not obliged to honour and love them A. Yes and we beseech you brethren know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thess 5.12 13. Q. Is it not very dangerous to despise and deride the Ministers of the Gospel A. Yes he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10.16 Q. Do we not owe to Ministers maintenance and provision A. Yes the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel therefore let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things 1 Cor. 9.14 Gal. 6.6 Q. Are we not to give obedience to whatsoever they out of God's Word shall deelare to us to be our duty A. Yes obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief Heb. 13.17 Q. Are not they who never had the Gospel preached unto them much more innocent than they that have heard and resisted it A. Yes wo unto thee Chorazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you Mat. 11.21 22. Q. Are we not also obliged to pray for Ministers A. Yes praying always with all prayer and supplication for all Saints and for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel Eph. 6.18 19. Q. Is it not the duty of children to honour and reverence their natural Parents A. Yes ye shall fear every man his Mother and his Father honour thy Father and thy Mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee Lev. 19.3 Deut. 5.16 Q. Should not this respect and reverence be given to Parents even when they are correcting their children A. Yes furthermore we had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence Heb. 12.9 Q. If Parents have any infirmities is it not the duty of children to cover and conceal them A. Yes and Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and went backward and covered the nakedness of their Father and their faces were backward and they saw not their Father's nakedness Gen. 9.23 Q. Is it not necessary for children to attend to the counsel their Fathers A. Yes my Son hear the instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Father Prov. 1.8 Q. Is it not an heinous sin to despise their counsel and for children to mock the persons of their Parents A. Yes hearken to thy Father that begat thee and despise not thy Mother when she is old for the eye that mocketh his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 23.22 Prov. 30.17 Q. Is it not an horrid wickedness in children to curse their Parents and that which deserveth the severest punishment A. Yes every one that curseth his Father or his Mother shall surely be put to death he hath cursed his Father or his Mother his blood shall be upon him his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness Lev. 20.9 Prov. 20.20 Q. Is not the child bound to obey the command of his Parents when it hath nothing in it contrary to our duty to God A. Yes children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right and well-pleasing unto God Eph. 6.1 Col. 3.20 Q. Should not Parents be careful how they educate and bring up their children A. Yes train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov. 22.6 Q. Should not Parents encourage their children in the ways of God and not be harsh and unkind to them A. Yes Fathers provoke not your children to wrath lest they be discouraged but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Col. 3.21 Eph. 6.4 Q. Is it not a cruel fondness in Parents to spare the rod when childrens faults require it A. Yes he that spareth his rod hateth his son Prov. 13.24 Q. And must it not be given timely and not be delayed A. Yes he that loveth his son chasteneth him betimes and while there is hope Prov. 13.24 19.18 Q. Is not moderate correction given in meekness the best remedy to prevent the ruine of a wicked child A. Yes foolishness is bound in the heart of a child but the rod of correction shall drive it from him Prov. 22.15 Sect. 5. Of duty to
his mercy to deliver their souls from death and to feed them in time of famine Psal 33.18 19. Q. Should we then give up our selves to idleness and expect to be fed by miracles A. Upon no means for the command is If any will not work neither shall he eat 2 Thes 3.10 Q. But what if our condition be such that we are not able to work may we then cast our burden upon God A. Yes cast all your care upon him for he careth for you 1 Pet. 5.7 Q. But if we use the means and yet cannot have whereupon to live may we in this case trust in God A. Yes when the poor and needy seek for water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water Isa 41.17 18. Q. Is it not then an extraordinary folly to distrust God A. Yes therefore I say unto you take no thought for your life what you shall eat or what you shall drink neither for your body what you shall put on behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feedeth them are ye not much better than they c. Mat. 6.25 26 Q. But I want grace and will God give me this if I ask it A. Yes if ye 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 the Lord will give grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Luke 11.13 Psal 74.11 Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of obedience of patience in suffering and of honour due to God in his house possessions his day and word Q. IS it not the duty of every man to give chearful obedience to the will of God A. Yes behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams therefore I will hear what God the Lord will speak and I will say the will of the Lord be done 1 Sam. 15.22 Psal 85.8 Acts 21.14 Q. What is that obedience that God requires of man A. He hath shewed 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 Miâ— 6.8 Q. Doth not God give up men to walk in their own counsel when they refuse to hearken to his will A. Yes but my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me so I gave them up unto their hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels Psal 81.11 12. Q. Is not a proud person very unfit to obey A. Yes the wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God Psal 10.4 Q. But may not men have high conceits of their obedience to God's will A. No when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to be patient under affliction A. Yes take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience behold we count them happy which endure ye have heard of the patience of Job be also patient Jam. 5.10 11.8 Q. We should not then murmur or grudg at whatever he does A. No it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it 1 Sam. 3.18 Psal 39.9 Q. Is it not very unlike the act of a child to oppose his Fathers will A. Yes furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh that corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live Heb. 12.9 Q. Is it not sin that bringeth affliction upon people A. Yes fools because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Psal 107.17 Q. God doth not then willingly send afflictions A. No he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men Lam. 3.13 Q. Is it not a mercy to many that they have been corrected A. Yes it was good for me that I have been afflicted before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I kept thy words Ps 119.71.67 Q. Should we not study fruitfulness under corrections A. Yes the Lord's voice cryeth unto the City and the man of wisdom shall see thy name hear ye the rod and who hath appointed it Mic. 6.9 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to honour God A. Yes a Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master if then I be a Father where is mine honour and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of Hosts unto you Mal. 1.6 Q. Should we not then have the highest and most excellent esteem of him in our hearts A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth thy righteousness O God is very high who hast done great things O God who is like unto thee Psal 8.9.71.19 Q. And should we not so far honour his house as to set it a-part wholly for his use A. Yes and Jesus went up to Jerusalem and found in the Temple those that sold Oxen and Sheep and Doves and the Changers of money sitting and he said unto them take these things hence make not my Fathers house an house of merchandize Joh. 2.14 16. Q. Should we not also be glad when we have the opportunity of going thither A. Yes I was glad when they said unto me let us go unto the house of the Lord Psal 122.1 Q. But should we not be very careful over our hearts and all our senses when we go to the house of God A. Yes keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools Eccl. 5.1 Q. Is it not our duty also to have such a respect to his peculiar possessions which are set a-part for the maintenance of those that attend his service as not to turn it to any other use A. Yes will a man rob God yet he have robbed me yet ye say wherein have we robbed thee in Tithes and Offerings ye are cursed with a curse Mal. 3.8 9. Q. Is it not just and necessary that something be allotted for the support and maintenance of those that attend the service of God A. Yes the labourer is worthy of his reward and if we have sown unto you spiritual things is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things 1 Cor. 9.11 1 Tim. 5.18 Q. But should the Ministers of the Gospel have support and maintenance as well as those who did wait at the Altar were partakers with the Altar A. Yes Do
ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.13 14. Q. Is it not our duty to honour God in keeping holy his Sabbaths A. Yes keep the Sabbath-day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee Deut. 5.12 Q. But must we abstain from all unnecessary works on the Sabbath-day A. Yes in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates Exod. 20.10 Q. Is it not a sin to be weary of the Sabbath A. Yes hear this ye who say when shall the Sabbath be gone that we may set forth wheat shall not the land tremble for this Amos 8.5 8. Q. Are there not special blessings promised to those that sanctifie the Sabbath A. Yes blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing any evil even unto him will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters Isa 56.2 5. Q. But are we Christians obliged to keep one day of the seventh as well as the Jews were A. Yes think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Mat. 5.17 Q. And have we any reason for the change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first A. Yes and upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them Acts 20.7 Q. Is it not our duty to express our reverence to God by honouring his word A. Yes in God I will praise his word in the Lord will I praise his word Psal 56.10 Q. Is preaching of the Word necessary A. Yes for Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. Should we not then be desirous to hear the Word preached A. Yes as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 Q. Will the hearing of the Word do us any good if we be not doers of it A. No be ye doers of the Word not hearers only deceiving your own souls Jam. 1.22 Q. May any man preach the Gospel at his own pleasure A. No how can they preach except they be sent no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.4 Q. Must we believe what every one that pretends to be a Preacher saith A. No believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the World 1 Joh. 4.1 Q. Is not the Scripture the rule by which their doctrine is to be tried A. Yes and the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Acts 17.11 Q. But should not obedience be given to those that have a lawful calling to the Office and who preach sound doctrine A. Yes obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Heb. 13.17 Q. Should not such be also honoured and had in respect A. Yes let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 10.15 Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper Q. IS it not the duty of all that would be saved and have the remission of their sins to be baptized A. Yes then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 2.38 Q. What is Baptism A. A washing with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. Are we not by vertue of our Baptism engaged against sin and to walk in newness of life A. Yes know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life What shall we say then shall we continue in sin Rom. 6.3 4.1 Q. Can any thing hinder those who believe in Christ to be baptized A. No and Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest and he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and they went both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Acts 8.36 37 38. Q. Should the infants of Parents professing Faith in Christ be baptized A. Yes for the promise is to you and your children Acts 2.39 Q. Is it not the duty of every one that is baptized into Christ to walk as new creatures A. Yes for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 3.27 5.24 Q. Do not these men who walk in the lusts of the flesh and who walk not soberly righteously and godly blaspheme that holy name by which they are called A. Yes Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Jam. 2.7 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to take the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Yes for I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying this Cup is the new Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. Q. Have not believers a communion with Christ in the Sacrament A. Yes the cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the body of Christ 2 Cor. 10.26 Q. Are all those who eat the bread which signifieth the body of Christ as well obliged to take the cup which signifieth and represents the blood of Christ A. Yes and he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it unto them saying drink ye all of it Mat. 26.27
A Scriptural Catechism OR The Duty of Man Laid down in express words of SCRIPTURE Chiefly intended For the benefit of the Younger sort Divided into two Parts The first containing the chief Principles of our Christian Belief The second instructing us in our Duty to God and Man according to the method observed in the Excellent Book entituled The whole Duty of Man To which is added Some Private Devotions in express words of Scripture with devout Collects for several occasions LONDON Printed by H. C. for Moses Pitt at the Angel in St. Paul's Church-yard 1676. To the Excellent and Ever-honoured the Learned Author of The Whole Duty of MAN Worthy and Noble Sir YOur rare and singular modesty in concealing your Name while you publish to the World so many excellent and useful Discourses is very remarkable and commendable It were indeed no strange thing to see trisling Pamphlets steal disguised into the World but that so many good Books of great name and singular esteem of which any one would reflect a lasting Honour upon the Author should be conveyed so secretly into the World this is that which the most part of men I have conversed with do wonder at I do acknowledg that some Authors have very wisely concealed their names at first till they have heard how their Writings have relished with others but this hath never been your motive to do so else the World had long ere now been put out of doubt concerning the Author of these Books It is indeed a pity that so well-deserving an Author should veil himself from the eyes of the World and it is to be seared that ere some few years pass some Bathyllus will own these Books and claim the honour these Writings justly deserve If ever this shall happen and who knows but it may it is my hearty wish that our Famous Maro may be alive to render this counterfeit Author as ignominious as the true Bathyllus was at Rome Worthy Sir when I intended to publish these sheets I had no dispute with my self to whom I should dedicate them they do indeed of right belong unto you for I have not only observed your method but have also made use of your words especially in the Second Part. I will not offend against your modesty to speak much in the commendation of your Books they do indeed speak for themselves and receive their credit and authority from their internal worth And I think I may very modestly say of you what the wise man saith of the vertuous woman Many daughters have done vertuously but thou excellest them all The same of your Writings hath not circled it self within the bounds of the British Isies other Nations have heard of and known the worth of your Books But Sir while others admire this the publick acknowledgment of it is willingly embraced by Worthy Sir Cue of the least of Your Admirers R. E. THE PREFACE Reader THE true intent of this Catechism is to instruct men in the duties and principles of Christianity it contains no jejune notions to scare persons of whatever perswasion from reading of it it being only a brief Câ—mpendium of those Duties which are scattered in the Scriptures I confess it was chiefly intended for the benefit of the younger sort that they might be early acquainted with their duty from the Scriptures which are able to make them wise unto Salvation but I am hopeful it shall also prove of general use I am not ignorant how it is now become a fashion to alledg Scripture-authority for the defence of every opinion be it never so monstrous But this cheat being so easily discovered I am perswaded men will not reject the plain doctrines of Scripture I have not made use of controverted texts neither have I imposed my own comment upon any mans belief In the First Part I have very briefly laid down only these Principles that are undoubtable amongst the best Reformed part of Christendom and which very fairly consist with the practice of vertue and mâ—rality In the Second Part I have laid down these Duties which every mans understanding will tell him are unquestionable they being indeed the plain duties of morality of which I may say as it is Luke 10.28 This do and thou shalt live As for those private devotions in the close I have laid them down in Scripture-expressions because the style of the Holy Ghost is undoubtedly the fittest for spiritual services so that I may say of it as David of Goliah's Sword there is none like it I shall conclude with my advice to Parents and children Parents surely it is your duty to provide for the education of your children Vnder the old dispensation Parents were commanded to teach their children diligently the statutes and commandments of God And this is expressed in the New Testament by bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was the advice and counsel of the wise man Prov. 22.6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it If Parents neglect to instruct their children in the ways of God children will without difficulty train up themselves in the practice of vice and immorality And it is certain accordingly as they are at first seasoned they will retain that savour O the heinous guilt that many Parents bring upon themselves by this neglect and the lamentable misery they bring upon their children I wish I could say that this hath not been the great cause of those monstrous impieties that so much abound amongst us As for children it is undoubtedly their duty to hearken to the instruction of their Parents except it be such as cause to err If indeed Parents shall be so cruel to their children as to mislead them and only teach them their own self-chosen opinions and not the statutes and commandments of God I must pity the case of thâ—se children and desire them to hearken to the Psalmist's advice Psal 34.11 Come ye children hearken unto me I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life and loveth many days that he may see good keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile Depart from evil and do good seek peace and pursue it There is lately Printed for Moses ' Pitt at the Angel in St. Paul's Church-yard A Relation of a Conference held about Religion at London the third of April 1676. by Edw. Stillingfleet D. D. and Gilbert Burnet with some Gentlemen of the Church of Rome in octavo price 2 s. 6 d. THE CONTENTS Part I. Sect. 1. COncerning the Being of God of his Attributes and Perfections pag. 1. Sect. 2. Concerning the Trinity iâ— that God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God p. 3. Sect. 3. Concerning the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament p. 4. Sect. 4. Concerning Creation and Providence p. 6. Sect. 5. Concerning the fall of Man of Sin and of God's willingness to
save Sinners p. 8. Sect. 6. Concerning Christ as Mediator between God and lapsed Man p. 10. Sect. 7. Concerning the Resurrection of our Bodies p. 14. Sect. 8. Concerning the judgment of the Great Day p. 15. Part. II. A particular account of those Duties men are obliged to perform Chap. I. Containing our duty to God Sect. 1. OF Faith Hope Love Fear and Trust p. 17. Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of Obedience of Patience in suffering and of Honour due to God in his House Possessions his Day and Word p. 21. Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper p. 26. Sect. 4. Honour due to God's Name Of Swearing p. 28. Sect. 5. Of worship due to God's Name Of Repentance and of Fasting p. 30. Chap. II. Containing our duty to our selves Sect. 1. OF those Vertues which respect our Souls where 1. Of Humility as it is opposed to Pride and Vain-Glory 2. Of Meekness and of Consideration where an enquiry is made after the safe rule of trying our state and condition p. 36. Sect. 2. Of Contentedness and the contraries to it viz. Murmuring Ambition Covetousness Envy and of Diligence with the danger of despising Grace p. 40. Sect. 3. Of those Vertues that concern our Bodies where 1. Of Chastity 2. Of Temperance in eating and drinking p. 43. Sect. 4. Of Temperance in Sleep in Recreation and in Apparel p. 46. Chap. III. Concerning the Duties we owe to our Neighbours Sect. 1. OF Justice 1. To mens Souls 2. To their Bodies where the hazard of drawing men into Sin and the heinousness of the sin of Murder is discovered p. 49. Sect. 2. Of Justice abâ—ut the possessions of our Neighbours against injuring him as to his Wife or his Goods of Oppression of paying of Debts and of Theft p. 51. Sect. 3. Of false Reports false Witness Slanders Whisperings of Scoffing of positive Justice Truth of Lying of Envy and Detraction of Gratitude p. 55. Sect. 4. Of Duty to Magistrates Pastors of the Duty of Parents to Children and of Childrens duty to Parents p. 58. Sect. 5. Of duty to our Brethren and Relations Husband Wife Friends Masters Servants c. p. 62. Sect. 6. Other Branches of our Duty to our Neighbour of Charity to mens Souls Bodies Goods and Credit of Alms-giving and of Peace-making p. 66. The Ten Commandment p. 71. The Lord's Prayer and the Belief p. 72. Private Devotions in Scripture-Expressiâ—ns p. 72. A Prayer for morning and evening p. 72. A Prayer for Children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer p. 76. Collects for several occasions p 77. A Scriptural Catechism OR The Whole Duty of Man laid down by way of Question and Answer in express words of Scripture PART I. Concerning the Chief Principles of our Religion which we are to believe Sect. 1. Concerning the Being of God Of his Attributes and Perfections Quest VVHat is the whole Duty which God requires of man Answ He hath shewed 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 Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Mic. 6.8 Eccl. 12.13 Q. Do you then believe there is a God whom ye should fear A. Yes verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth Ps 38.11 Q. Do not the works of God declare the being of God A. Yes for the invisible things of him from the creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 Q. Is he not a fool that denies this truth A. Yes the fool hath said in his heart there is no God Ps 14.1 Q. Is there no other God but one A. No we know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but one Q. There be none then who can compare with God A. No who is like unto the Lord amongst the Gods who is like him glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Exod. 15.11 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit who dwelleth in light to which no man can approach whom no man hath seen or can see whose perfection cannot by searching be found out Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.16 Job 11.7 Q. Do you believe that this incomprehensible God is of everlasting being A. Yes before the mountains were brought forth or ever he formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting he is God Ps 90.2 Q. Do you believe that this glorious God is every-where present A. Yes whither shall I go from his spirit or whither shall I flee from his presence If I ascend up into Heaven he is there if I make my bed in Hell behold he is there Psal 139.7 8. Q. And must he not then know all things A. Yes neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4.13 Q. Do you believe God is unchangable A. Yes with him is no variableness nor shadow of turning Jam. 1.17 Q. Do you believe God is Almighty and can do all things A. Yes with God all things are possible Mark 10.27 Q. Is he not also a most holy and glorious God A. Yes holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Isa 6.3 Q. And do you believe that he is a just God A. Yes he is a God of truth without iniquity just and right Deut. 32.4 Q. Is he not also a very merciful and gracious God A. Yes he is the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Exod. 34.6 Ps 145.8 Q. Is not he then the only living and true God A. Yes the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King Jer. 10.10 Sect. 2. Concerning the Trinity that God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God Q. DO you believe that the three persons in the Godhead God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God A. Yes for there are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. Doth not the truth of this appear from the form of Baptizing which Christ taught his Disciples A. Yes Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Matt. 28.19 Q. And is it not also very evidently confirmed from the manner of blessing the Apostles observe in the close of their Epistles A. Yes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all 2 Cor. 13.14 Q. And must worship be given to any but God A. No thou shalt worship the Lord thy
Q. Is it not very necessary for a man to examine himself well before he approach the Table of the Lord A. Yes let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. Is it not a dangerous thing to eat and drink unworthily and irreverently A. Yes for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body 1 Cor. 11.29 Q. Must we not therefore purge our selves from sin and all uncleanness of flesh and spirit before we come to eat and drink A. Yes purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Q. But must we let our soul be empty after it is thus purged from all manner of sins A. No as we must wash and make clean and put away the evil of our doings so we must learn to do well seek judgment relieve the oppressed judg the fatherless plead for the widow lest the unclean spirit return again and our last estate be worse than out first Isa 1.16 17. Luk. 11.26 Q. And will it not be dangerous to come to this feast if we want those spiritual graces which are the wedding-garment of the soul A. Yes and when the King came in to see the guests he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment and he said unto the servants bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matt. 22.11.13 Q. Should not that severe judgment make men afraid to approach without preparation A. Yes for who amongst us can dwell with everlasting burnings who amongst us can dwell with devouring sire Isa 33.14 Q. But is nâ—t life and happiness promised to the worthy Receivers A. Yes whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day for my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drink indeed John 6.54 Sect. 4. Honour due to God's name Of Swearing Q. IS it not the duty of every man to honour the excellent name of the great and glorious God A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth take not the name of God in vain Ps 8.1 Exod. 20.7 Q. Is not blasphemy or the speaking evil of God the highest degree of which is cursing a very heinous crime deserving the severest punishment A. Yes and he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord he shall surely be put to death and all the congregation shall certainly stone him Lev. 24.16 Q. Should not the Prefessors of the Gospel live up to the principles of their Religion that they may not give occasion to others to blaspheme the name of God A. Yes thou that sayest a man should not commit Adultery doest thou commit Adultery thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking of the Law dishonourest thou God for the name of God is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles through you Rom. 2.22 23 24. Q. Is it net the name of God only by which men ought to swear and that with reverence and fear A. Yes how shall I pardon thee for this thy children have forsaken me and swore by them that are no Gods Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his name Jer. 5.7 Deut. 6.13 Q. When you swear to the truth of that you know is false or to the truth of that wherein you are doubtful do you not commit the sin of perjury which God hates and will punish A. Yes ye shall not swear by my name falsly neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God These are the things that ye shall do speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour and love no false oath for this is a thing that I do hate and the curse shall enter into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name and it shall remain in the midst of his house and shall consume it Lev. 19.12 Zech. 8.17 5.4 Q. Must not an oath be taken in the plain and common sense of the words and doth not he who sweareth and hath no real purpose of making good his vow sin exceedingly A. Yes who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord he that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soul to vanity nor sworn deceitfully When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that which thou hast vowed better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay Ps 24.4 Eccl. 5.4 Q. Doth not an oath in any thing not sinful being taken oblige to performance A. Yes he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not shall never be moved Ps 15.4 Q. Is it not then a great sin to violate oaths and vows if lawful A. Yes Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant when lo he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it I will recompence upon his own head Ezek. 17.18 19. Q. Is it not a very great sin for men to make a vow to God in their trouble and when they are delivered to forget to pay it A. Yes when thou vowest a vow to God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools Better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay I will go into the house of God and pay my vows which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble Eccl. 5.4 5. Psal 66.13 14. Q. But does a vow upon the matter lawful cease to oblige to performance when the person himself is under subjection to another who protests against him when vowing A. Yes if a woman vow a vow unto the Lord and bind her self by a bond being in her Fathers house in her youth if her Father disallow her in the day that he heareth not any of her vows or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand and the Lord shall forgive her because her Father disallowed her Numb 30.3.5 Q. Since every oath we swear is the appealing to God to judg the truth of what we speak are not those vain and light oaths so usual in common discourse very sinful and a despising of God A. Yes I say unto you swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's throne nor by the Earth for it is his footstool therefore above all things my brethren swear not neither by
Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other oath Matt. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Q. Should not men then pray earnestly that God will enable them to overcome this wicked custom A. Set a watch O Lord over my mouth and keep the door of my lips Psal 141.3 Sect. 5. Of Worship due to God's Name of Repentance and of Fasting Q. IS it not the duty of every man to worship his Maker A. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture Psal 95.6 7. Q. Is religious worship to be given to God and to him alone A. Yes thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Mat. 4.10 Q. We must not then give this worship to any creature A. No and I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me see thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God and let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels and change not the truth of God into a lie in worshipping and serving the creature Rev. 19.10 Col. 2.18 Rom. 1.25 Q. Is not the only way of coming to the Father by the Son and to ask in his name A. Yes Jesus saith unto him I am the way and the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name that will I do for he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle-wall of partition between us and through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Joh. 14.6.13 Eph. 2.14 18. Q. Are we not obliged to pray for all men A. Yes I exhort therefore that first of all prayers supplications intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Must we pray for our enemies A. Yes but I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you Mat. 5.44 Q. Must we pray for the dead A. No while the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live but now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12.22 23. Q. Vpon the committing of sin is it not our duty to confess it if we would have the guilt removed A. Yes I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Psal 32.5 Q. Must we not also give thanks for the mercies we receive A. Yes what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 13. Q. But will God hear our prayers if we ask any thing that is lawful A. Yes and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. But may we pray for wealth that we may live in riot and excess A. No ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts Jam. 4.3 Q. May we pray to gain the praise of devotion among men A. No and when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Mat. 6.5 Q. Must we not take heed to what we say and not suffer our minds to wander A. Yes with their mouths they shew much love but their heart goeth after covetousness Ezek. 33.31 Q. Should we not be fervent and very zealous in prayer and not cold and faint A. Yes be fervent in spirit serving the Lord for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jam. 5.16 Rom. 12.11 Q. May we expect the answer of that prayer that is not put up in Faith A. No ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord Jam. 1.6 7. Q. Will God hear prayers offered up from an impure heart A. No I will therefore that men pray every-where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting for if they regard iniquity in their heart the Lord will not hear their prayers the sacrifice of the wicked being an abomination to the Lord 1 Tim. 2.8 Psal 16.18 Prov 15.8 Q. But will a prayer from an humble pure and upright heart be heard in the day of trouble A. Yes the prayer of the upright is his delight Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer you He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much Prov. 15.8 Psal 50.15 Psal 102.17 Jam. 5.16 Q. May we go to work in our own strength without looking to God for his help A. No we are not sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Q. But should we not then beg the aid of the spirit of God to assist us in prayer A. Yes he will give the holy spirit to them that ask it likewise the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Luk. 11.15 Rom. 8.26 Q. May not these Families and Kingdoms that call not upon God be afraid of the divine wrath A. Yes pour out thy wrath upon the Heathen that have not known thee and upon the Kingdoms and Families that have not called upon thy name Psal 79.6 Jer. 10.25 Q. Is it not our duty to be present at the publick prayers of the Church A. Yes and my house is called the house of prayer therefore forsake not the assembling of your selves together as the manner of some is but let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience Mat. 21.12 Heb. 10.25 22. Q. Ought we not also to pray frequently in secret A. Yes when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Therefore pray always with all prayer and supplication of the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Mat. 6.6 Eph. 6.18 Q.
sin diminish a mans substance and help to impoverish men A. Yes for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life for it is a fire that consumeth to destruction and will root out all a mans inheritance Prov. 6.26 Job 31.12 Q. Doth it not cast an everlasting stain upon a man's good name also A. Yes a wound and dishonour shall he get and his reproach shall not be wiped away Prov. 6.33 Q. Ought not this sin to be severely punished A. Yes 't is an heinous crime yea it is an iniquity to be punished by the Judges Deut. 22.22 Job 31.11 Q. However the committers of this wickedness may escape punishment from men yet will not God's judgments be poured out upon them A. Yes whoremongers and adulterers God will judg and if any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy Heb. 13.4 1 Cor. 3.17 Q. Is not this a sin which shuts out from the Kingdom of Heaven A. Yes and there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth be not therefore deceived neither fornicators nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind shall inherit the Kingdom of God Rev. 21.27 1 Cor. 6.9 Q. And should not this prevail with all men not to be partakers with these men in their sins A. Yes for this we know that no whoremonger nor unclean person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience be not ye therefore partakers with them Eph. 5.5 6 7. Q. Is not moderation and temperance in eating and drinking a commanded duty A. Yes hast thou found honey eat so much as is sufficient for thee lest thou be filled therewith and vomit it And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess Prov. 25.26 27. Eph. 5.18 Q. May not men lawfully pray for so much as sufficeth nature A. Yes two things have I required of thee deny me them not before I die give me neither poverty nor riches seed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Prov. 30 7 8. Q. But is there not a special warning to abstain from excess in eating and drinking A. Yes take heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be over-charged with surfeiting and drunkenness Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof Luke 21.34 Rom. 13.13 14. Q. Should we not then abstain from the company of such persons A. Yes be not amongst wine-bibbers amongst riotous eaters of flesh Prov. 23.20 Q. Do not these sins bring poverty upon men A. Yes for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty Prov. 23.21 Q. Doth not these sins bring diseases and calamities upon mens bodies also A. Yes who hath woe who hath sorrow who hath contentions who hath bablings who hath wounds without cause they that tarry long at the wine Prov. 23.29 30. Q. Doth not the Word of God tell us that drunkards are of the number of those that shall not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven A. Yes be not deceived for neither the covetous nor drunkards shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6.10 Q. Is it not a very great sin to make others drunk that they may sport with their ridiculous behaviour A. Yes wo unto him that giveth his neighbour drink that puttest thy bottel to him and makest him drunken also that thou mayest look on their nakedness Hab. 15. Q. Have they who are mighty to drink any reason to brag of this A. No wo unto them that are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5.22 Q. Are they not then very foolish who upon any pretence whatsoever do commit this sin A. Yes wine is a mocker strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise Prov. 20.1 Sect. 4. Of Temperance in Sleep in Reereation and in Apparel Q. Is it not a very foolish thing to give our selves to immoderate sleep A. Yes go to the ant thou sluggard consider her ways and be wise How long wilt thou sleep when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep yet a little sleep a little slumber a little folding of the hands to sleep Prov. 6.6 10. Q. Is it not the high-way to bring poverty on men to spend their time in sleeping A. Yes love not sleep lest thou come to poverty open thine eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread but drowsiness shall cover a man with rags Prov. 20.13 23.21 Q. Should we not use lawful recreations with moderation and choose a seasonable time for them A. Yes to every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven a time to laugh and a time to dance he hath made every thing beautiful in his time Eccl. 3.1 4 11. Q. Doth not excess in recreations bring to poverty A. Yes he that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man Prov. 21.17 Q. Is not there a wo pronounced against those who use immoderate recreations A. Yes wo unto them that rise up early in the morning that they may follow strong drink that continue until night till wine inflame them and the harp and the viol the tabret and pipe and wine are in their feasts Isa 5.11 12. Q. And should we not be careful that our recreations have nothing of sin in them A. Yes let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying Rom. 13.13 Q. Is not the reward of such who sport themselves with their own deceivings very sad A. Yes they shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day-time spots they are and blemishes sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you 2 Pet. 2 13. Q. Must not men give an account how they have spent their time in recreations A. Yes rejoyce O young man in thy youth and let thy heart chear thee in the days of thy youth and walk in the ways of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes but know thou for all these things God will bring thee into judgment Eccl. 11.9 Q. Is not temperance in apparel a commanded duty A. Yes I will therefore that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefac'dness and sobriety not with broidered-hair or gold or pearls or costly array but which becometh women professing godliness with good works 1 Tim. 2.9 10. Q. Will not God punish their vanity who observe every phantastick light fashion A. Yes because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with stretched-out necks and wanton
our Brethren and stelations Husband Wife Friends Masters Servants c. Q. OVght not brethren to have the greatest tenderness and kindness each to other A. Yes and Abram said unto Lot let there be no strife I pray thee between me and thee for we are brethren Gen. 13.8 Q. Is it not a very pleasant thing to see brethren live together in love A. Yes behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity Psal 133.1 Q. If this love be not fixed in the heart are not brethren in most danger of disagreeing upon the least ground A. Yes and when Joseph's brethren saw that their Father loved him more than all his brethren they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him Gen. 37.4 Q. Is not love amongst those who profess the same Faith and are brethren of the same Church an unquestionable duty A. Yes but as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another Love the brotherhood 1. Thess 4.9 1 Pet. 2.17 Q. Are we not in an especial manner bound to do all good offices to this brotherhood A. Yes as we have opportunity let us do good to all men especially unto them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 Q. Is not this peculiar love to Christians as Christians especially of helping them in their needs very acceptable in the sight of God A. Yes whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple he shall in no wise lose his reward Mat. 10.42 Q. And is it not the duty of these brethren to continue in the belief of that same doctrine A. Yes earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. Q. And must they not hold fast the profession of that faith notwithstanding persecution attend it A. Yes let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering Heb. 10.23 Q. And are we not also as oportunity serves to communicate with them in all holy offices A. Yes they continued stead fastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Act. 2.42 Q. Is it not the duty of strong Christians to bear with the infirmities of the weaker A. Yes we that are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of the weak and not to please our selves Rom. 15.1 Q. Are we not obliged to endeavour in all meekness the restoring of any fallen brother A. Yes if a man be overtaken in a fault ye that are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness considering thy self lest thou also be tempted Gal. 6.1 Q. Are we not to have a sympathy and fellow-feeling with these brethren to be nearly toucht with whatever befals them A. Yes rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep be of the same mind one towards another Rom. 12.15 16. Q. Is not this love that which Christ has made the badg of his disciples A. Yes by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love to one another John 13.35 Q. Is it not the duty of the wife to give obedience to the husband A. Yes wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord for the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing Col. 3.18 Eph. 5.22 23 24. Q. Do the faults of the husband justifie the frowardness of the wife A. No likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives 1 Pet. 3.1 Q. Did not holy women in old time obey their husbands A. Yes in the old time the holy women who also trusted in God were in subjection to their own husbands even as Sara obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well 1 Pet. 3.5 6. Q. Is it not the duty of husbands to love their wives A. Yes husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them he that loveth his wife loveth himself for no man ever yet hated his own flesh Col 3.19 Eph. 5.25 28 29. Q. Should not the Husband also honour the wife A. Yes likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledg giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel 1 Pet. 3.7 Q. Should not the vertue of the person be the chief consideration in mariage A. Yes who can find a vertuous woman for her price is far above rubies Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised Prov. 31.10 30. Q. Is it not the duty of friends to carry friendly and faithfully one to another A. Yes a man that hath friends must shew himself friendly Prov. 18.24 Q. Is not unfaithfulness in a friend a very great injustice A. Yes confidence in an unfaithful man in the day of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joynt Prov. 25.19 Q. Is it not our duty to be constant in friendship A. Yes a friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother Prov. 17.17 and 18.24 Q. Is it not great injustice and folly to cast off a faithful friend A. Yes thine own friend and thy fathers friend forsake not Prov. 27.10 Q. Should we be offended at the admonition and reproof of a friend A. No faithful are the wounds of a friend let the righteous smite me it shall be a kindness let him reprove me it shall be an excellent oyl which shall not break my head for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities Prov. 27.6 Psal 141.5 Q. And are we not then obliged to lament the death of a faithful friend A. Yes I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan very unpleasant hast thou been unto me thy love to me was wonderful passing the love of women 2 Sam. 1.26 Q. Is it not the duty of Servants to be obedient to their Masters A. Yes servants obey your Masters in all things according to the flesh Col. 3.22 Q. Must not this obedience be without grumbling and murmuring A. Yes and whatsoever ye do do it heartily with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men Col. 3.23 Eph. 6.7 Q. Is not the servant to be faithful and diligent as well when his Master is absent as when present A. Yes serving them not with eye-service as men-pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God Col. 3.22 Q. And must he not also be honest to his Master A. Yes not purloining but shewing all good fidelity Tit. 2.10 Q. And must he not submit to rebuke A. Yes not
possible endeavours for his dâ—liverance A. Yes if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain if thou sayest behold we know it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it shall not he render to every man according to his deeds Prov. 24.11 12. Q. Is not the duty of Alms-giving perfectly necessary for the approving of our love to God A. Yes whoso hath this world's good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him 1 Joh. 3.17 Q. And is not the performance of this duty very acceptable unto God A. Yes but to do good and communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13.16 Q. Must not men beware that they prâ—pâ—se nâ—t tâ— themselves the praise of men as the motive of their charity A. Yes when thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the Synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven Mat. 6.2 1. Q. And is it not a vain thing to give alms where love to God and men is not the motive A. Yes though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 Q. But must not men give cheerfully and without grudging A. Yes every man as he purposeth in his heart so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity for God loveth a chearful giver 1 Cor. 9.7 Q. Is it not vain and impious to think that the parting with any thing for Christ will impoverish men A. Yes every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my names sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Mat. 19.29 Q. And hath not God particularly promised that the charitable shall not want but shall have a recompense of reward A. Yes the Liberal soul shall be made far and he that watereth shall be watered also himself he that giveth to the poor shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse Prov. 11.25 and 28.27 Q. Is not this a putting our wealth in his hands who hath made solemn promise of repayment A. Yes he that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him again Prov. 19.17 Q. And will not the reward be more or less according to to the degrees of our alms A. Yes he that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 Q. Sh uld we not be very tender of the credit of our neighbour A. Y s a good name is better than precious ointment and rather to be chosen then great riches Eccel 7.1 Prov. 22.1 Q. Will not mens unmercifull judging of others be paid home to them in the strict and severe judgment of God A. Y s judg not that ye be not judged for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged and with what measure you mete it shall be measured to you again Mat. 7.1 2. Q. Is it not a christian duty to study to reconcile and make peace among brethren A. Yes blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 Q. If Christians will observe all those duties which they owe to God to themselves and to their neighbour may they not expect the reward of eternal life Q. Yes this do and thou shalt live Luke 10.28 Q. Are not Christian duties both profitable and pleasant even when they expose us to outward sufferings A. Yes Christ's yoke is easie and his burden is light and his commandements are not grievous therefore rejoyce that ye are counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ Mat 11.30 1 John 5.3 Act. 5.41 Q. Since the danger of delaying our turning to God is so evident and certain should we not betimes set about it A. Yes whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledg nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Ecc. 9.10 The Ten Commandments 1. THou shalt have no other Gods before me 2. 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 Eâ—rth Thou shalt not bow down thy self 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 shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments 3. 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 4. 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 cattel 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 seventh day and hallowed it 5. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbour's The Lord's Prayer OUr Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen The Belief I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilat was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell and rose again from the dead and ascended up into Heaven and fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judg the quick and the dead I believe in