Aegyptian Bondage of Sin and Satan and from the power of Death and Hell Ans The same which God spake in the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus saying I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt and out of the house of Bondage 1. Thou shalt have no other Gods but me 2. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likenesse of any thing that is in Heaven above nor in the Earth beneath nor in the Water under the Earth Thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments c. Quest 3. These Commandments or ten Words first are or may be the heads of direction for a Christians life who is reconciled to God in Christ and at peace with the Law of God in and by Christ the condemning power of the Law being taken away Rom. 8.1 2. in respect of that man or woman who hath his or her pardon sealed in Christ And secondly it may be as a light to them who are in Christ and have the spirit of Christ to assist and direct to a right understanding of this will of God the Father in Christ But what are the particular branches of duty and obedience to God our Father according to which a Christian ought to declare his or her thankfulnesse and love to the Lord the holy blessed God reconciled to you in Jesus Christ Ans The Lord Christ hath given a more short distribution of these ten Commandments dividing them into two principal Tables or Branches Mat. 22.35 1. Of the love of God 2. Of the love of our Neighbour Quest 4. But are there not in both these Tables many particular sins forbidden as evidences of ingratitude and contrary to the holy will and nature of our God and many particular duties required and directories of our special duties held forth as rules of our thankfulnesse not onely in these two Tables of the Law in general but in every Commandment in particular Ans Yes verily there is not a Commandment either Affirmative requiring a duty or Negative forbidding a sin Isa 1.20 but it infolds several particulars elswhere expressed in the Word of God and necessarily implyed in Luke 10.25 c. Psa 119.125 Gen. 5.24 6.8 9. Luk. 1.6 and to be referred unto the particular Commandments of the first and second Table as lights of truth from the spirit of Christ for our more comfortable christian walking with God by the strength of Christ that great Prince and Law-giver of his Church Quest .. 5. I conceive there are many sins forbidden and many duties commanded But what rules may be observed for finding out particular sins forbidden and duties commanded in every precept of the first or second Table Ans First observe that in the first Table are four Commandments 1. Rule The three first of which are Negative precepts forbidding sin expresly 1. Against God 2. Against his Worship 3. And thirdly against Gods name 4. And the fourth which concerneth Gods Sabbath is partly Affirmative partly Negative This you may finde if you consider the four first Commandments Secondly again the like you may observe in the second Table 5. The fifth Commandment which is the first of the second Table is Affirmative holding forth the duties of children to Parents and so of inferiours to superiours The five last are all set down Negatively forbidding sins 6. First against the life of our Neighbour in the sixth Command 7. Secondly against the charity of our Neighbour in the seventh 8. Thirdly against our Neighbour in his goods in the eigth 9. Fourthly against the good name of our Neighbour in the ninth 10. Lastly against the coveting or desire of doing our Neighbour wrong in any of these even in our hearts in the tenth and last Quest 6. This is the first rule What is a second Ans Secondly consider that in every Negative precept whatsoever sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded As in that of Psalm 34.14 Eschew evil and do good both the Negative and Affirmative are expressed First Negative Thou shalt do no evil And Secondly Affirmatively Thou shalt do good So in every Commandment Negative though the contrary good is not expressed yet it is implyed and expressed in other places of Scripture and so to be referred to these Commandments Quest 7. What is a third Rule Ans Thirdly consider that in every Affirmative precept commanding a duty to God or to our Neighbour the contrary sin is forbidden As for example if God command that I should love my Neighbour as my self there he doth by that forbid all hatred of my Neighbour for love and hatred as light and darknesse cannot agree together 2 Cor. 6.14 This is a third Rule Quest 8. What is a fourth Rule Ans Every Commandment forbidding any sin mediatly or immediatly against God or our Neighbour forbids all means occasions kindes and degrees of that sin inward or outward in thought word or deed intention or motion to sin Exod. 34 20. so perfect is the law of God in every particular of these ten Words or ten Commandments For Example in that sixth Commandment Thou shalt do no murther or Thou shalt not kill thy Neighbour In this is forbidden all kinde of murther all rash anger Mat. 5.21 c. all evil provoking words or deeds all murthering thoughts all malice or hatred in the very hearts and so all occasions of murther as our Saviour himself interprets the Law to his Disciples Matthew 5. and so in other commands as forbidding Adultery or the like 2. Again every Commandment requiring the performance of any duty to God or to our Neighbour it requireth that we should by the power of Christ wait upon God in the use of all good means and occasions to perform that duty with every kinde and degree of that duty Mat. 5.44 c. inward and outward even to perfection of sincerity and sincere endeavour at least to Gods glory and the good of our selves and others As when the Lord requireth in the fourth Commandment Isa 58.13 That we should remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy he commands we should sanctifie it in making it our delight not doing our pleasure on Gods holy day or speaking our own words Eph 4.29 but sucn as may be for Gods glory and edification of our selves and others glorifying God and waiting on God for power in Christ in hearing of the Word Preached Prayer Sacraments catechising conference meditation and the like acts of piety charity or necessity Quest 9. Is there any other rules to be observed Ans There might be divers but I will name but one more Every Commandment Affirmative or Negative is spiritual A command of God bindes
not onely the tongue and the hand or our works and actions which humane Laws take notice of Acts 24.14 15 16. but it bindes our very souls and consciences thoughts intentions and motions of the heart to do good and not to think or act evil for God is a spirit Iohn 4.24 Ier. 17.10 and they that Worship him must Worship him in spirit and in truth and he is a searcher of the heart and a tryer of the reins Quest 10. I am glad to hear your knowledge of these Rules in general Now I pray you what order or method should or may I use to know and finde out the particular or special sins forbidden and duties required in every Commandment And first in the first Commandment I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt out of the house of Bondage thou shalt have no other Gods but me Ans All this is not the first Commandment for properly the first words I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt out of the house of Bondage are rather a Preface or entrance into the Commandment then a command it self Quest 11. But wherefore doth God set a Preface or Portal or Entrance before his ten Commandments Ans To gard them from contempt and to strike men with an awful reverence of God the Law-giver when they begin to hear Exo 19. or hear or think of Gods Commandments as the people were at Mount Sinai Quest 12. What doth the Lord hold forth by way of Preface to work this consideration in the hearts of his people Ans Three things especially First setting forth Majesty by his great Name Iehovah challenging to himself Lordship and Dominioâ— over all whereby he may compel and hath just right to require and command obedience I am the Lord. Secondly Exo. 19.56 Deut. 10.14 e. 2 Cor. 5.19 he puts them in minde of his being in Covenant with them by a Covenant of Grace and special favour as his chosen people in Christ I am the Lord thy God which must needs be in Christ in whom God had reconciled them to himself Thirdly he puts them in minde of the great benefit he had bestowed upon them The benefit of Redemption from Aegyptian Bondage by which they might minde their Redemption promised in Christ and in both be stirred up to be sensible of Christ and declare their thankfulnesse by willing and sincere obedience to God Law Qâ—est 13. You have given good reason of the Preface Now what is the first Commandment Ans It followeth in the next words Thou shalt have no other Gods but me Quest 14. How then may you finde out your particular sins or duties Ans Although this is a Negative precept and therefore I might 1. Consider the general sin forbidden And 2. The general duty required in this Commandment as contrary to the sin forbidden And 3. Observe the particular duty required and the particular sins forbidden in this first Commandment and might observe the like method in the rest Yet I shall first hold forth the general duty required Quest 15. What is the general Duty required in this first Commandment Isa 43.3 Exo 20.23 Deut. 26.17 GeÌ„ 17.1 Psa 16.8 Act. 2.25 Ans I am commanded to have Jehovah the Lord for my God and for my God alone to chuse and set the Lord alwayes before me as my God Quest 16. What is the general sin forbidden in this prohibition Deu. 4.34 Exo. 34.14 Isa 44.8 1 Cor. 8.4 5. Phil. 3.10 Ans To make to our selves set up or have any other God or Gods or any creature thing or likenesse of thing to be God or in stead of God unto us Quest 17. What are the particular duties reqoired and sins forbidden in this first Commandment Ans There are many particular duties required and sins forbidden in other places of Scripture expresly and here required or forbidden in the general I will name but these few the rest you may observe as you read the holy Scriptures and refer them to this Commandment As I have spoken first of the general duty required and after of the sin forbidden So I conceive in the particulars it is best to begin first with the duties required and so with the Affirmative part that we may first see that holy Nature and Righteousnesse we had by creation and lost by the fall And Secondly the sin forbidden that we may see the sinfulnesse of our Nature and miserable condition since the fall And thirdly I shall oppose particular sins against particular duties as light is opposite to darknesse And Fourthly set down in brief the blessing promised to the obedient and curse threatned to the rebellious that we may more clearly see our extreme need of Christ both as a Justifier and Sanctifier without whom there is no salvation and who is made of God unto his people wisdom righteousnesse 1 Cor. 1.30 Mat. 1.21 sanctification and Redemption Quest 18. Tell me then what is the first particular duty you conceive fit to be observed in this first of Gods Commandments Deu. 7.9 Ans That as it is a duty to have the Lord the true God for my God so it is my duty Rom. 10.13 14. Acts 17.23 2 Kings 26.27 1. To know this God that is my God that I may know how to do him acceptable service in Jesus Christ for how can I worship rightly an unknown God 2. To acknowledge this God to be my God and to be honoured of me and all men whatsoever Quest 19. I conceive you answer right that knowledge of God is a particular duty required in the general duty of having the Lord our God But is there any places of Scripture of which the Lord doth expresly command to know him what he is or what a one he is or hath declared himself to be Deut. 4.39 7.9 Ier. 24.7 Hos 6.6 2 Chron. 28.9 Ps 9.10 Col. 1.10 Ar. f There are divers places of Scripture which hold forth this duty you may search and consult with these noted in the Margin and refer them and the like places to this duty as Explications of this Commandment Quest 20. What is the sin forbidden contrary to this duty of knowing God Hos 4.1.6 Ier. 9 6.24 â— 25 Ans Ignorance of God or not knowing God this is a sin contrary to the duty of knowledge and contrary to this Commandment as is evident in divers Scriptures wherein God disalloweth of ignorance as a sin Quest 21. What second sin is forbidden Ans Atheism to live without God Eph. 2.12 or to deny him in our hearts words or actions as in Atheism Quest 22. What is the blessing of those who know God aright Ans It is life eternal with which those are blessed who know God to be the onely true God Ioh. 17.3 and whom he hath sent Iesus Christ Quest 23. What is the curse or misery threatned to those who
sighs and groans of the spirit unto God at least in our desires Iam. 5.10 Rom. 8.26 27. 9. By way of Covenant Ier. 50.4 5. or renewing of our Covenant and performing our Vows to the Lord. 10. With perseverance giving the Lord no rest until according to his promise 1 Thes 5.17 Gen. 32.10 11. Isa 62.6 7. he grant the lawful desires of our souls so far as they may be for Gods glory and the good of his Church or that he make Ierusalem a praise in the earth Quest 24. What are the particular sins contrary to these particular duties in Prayer Answ There are divers particular sins opposite to these duties relating to the manner of prayer and especially these that follow First it is a sin to pray ignorantly not understanding to whom Mar. 10.35 c. in whose Name or for what we pray Heb. 11.6 Iam. 1.6 7. Secondly to pray without faith or any eye to a promise that we may have ground to hope for obtaining of that we desire Gen. 4.5 Isa 1.15 Pro. 28.9 Iudg. 10.10 c. Thirdly to pray without repentance so as God will not accept our persons or prayers but both are abominable in his sight Ier. 14.10 c. 4.14 Mat. 15.9 Fourthly to pray without reverence and devotion with wandring imaginations or vain distractions in this holy service Isa 15.1 c. Fifthly to pray formally without sincerity Luk. 18.11 12. Iam. 4.6 Sixthly to pray without humility ot sense of our own unworthinesse or submission to the holy will of the most blessed God August Confes lib. O Lord give me chastity but do not give it yet Seventhly to pray without spiritual fortitude or any wrestling with God or to pray faintly as Augustine before his conversion for chastity as desiring and not caring whether his petition was granted or not Eighthly Psal 77.1 2. to pray without zeal or fervency without sight or sense of the want or what we pray for Mark 2.19 29. or of the misery under which we lie without sorrow of affliction of spirits for the absence of Christ in respect of that present distresse in which we are Ninthly Gen. 35.1 to pray without renewing our Covenant or paying our Vows unto our God Tenthly Iohn 15.4 1 Sam. 12.23 to pray without perseverance to surcease or leave off prayer to this great God for our felves or for the Church and people God Quest 25. What should the meditation of these sins evein in our prayers work upon the souls of men Ans First to the wicked men out of Christ Pro. 28.9 21.4 it may be a Schoolmaster to ead them to Christ teaching them that even their prayers and much more their plowing is sin and therefore they should not eat nor sleep in quiet until they come into Christ and finde pardon Quest 26. But what may it teach Gods Children Ans First to see that when we have done all thtt we can we are unprofitable servants we can do no duty so well as we should and therefore stand in need of Christ and Justification by Christ without whom there is no salvation Acts 4.12 Secondly to call to minde that our Sanctification is imperfect and therefore we had need of Christs vertue daily to nourish the life of grace in our souls that we may be more able to call upon God and do him service Rom. 8.26 27. wich joy and comfort in and by Christs spirit Quest 27. You have opened the duties commanded and particular sins forbidden as they relate to Prayer ordinary Now what are the duties commanded and forbidden in respect of Prayer and fasting extraordinary practised by the Church of God Lev. 23.17 c. Iosh 7.7 c. Iudg. 10.28 1 Sā 7.6 Acts 14.23 Ionah 3.6.7 Mal. 2.2 Neh. 1.4 c. Ans Prayer extraordinary and fasting used by the Church as an outward help and furtherance to fit for Prayer is Prayer joyned with fasting or abstinence from ordinary labours and corporal refreshments so far as strength and fitnesse will suffer in sense of our unworthinesse Ot any creature-comforts and of our worthinesse that all temporal blessings should be cursed unto us for our sins that being truly humbled with sigh and sense of our sins Mark 2.20 Ps 85.8 Rev. 8. 4 5 6. and subjection to miscry by Christs absence or seeming absence from our selves or any other Saint in particular or from the Church of God in general either in respect of spiritual graces or want of the manifestation of Christs power and presence to help in any distresse we may seek the face of God in Christ with greater earnestnesse and finde a return of our Prayers with more joy in the Lord who is the hearer of Prayer in and through the mediation and merit of Jesus Christ Quest 28. What are the sins contrary to this duty of extraordinary Fasting and Prayer Ans To refuse or neglect Humiliation with Fasting and Prayer Isa 22.12 c. 58. 3 c. when the Lord calls for it or to perform the duty formally or by halfs not fully as the Lord requireth Quest 29. You have declared the duties required and sins contrary in Prayer Now what are the duties commanded and sins forbidden in respect of praises and thanksgiving unto the Lord and first in general Psal 50.15 23. 103.2 3. Ans It is the duty of every childe of God in Christ to glorifie God in all thankfulnesse for all deliverances from danger Rom. 12.1 or any other mercies received either spiritual or temporal Quest 30. What ia the contrary sin forbidden Deu. 32. 5 6 7. Luk. 27.17 Hab. 1.16 Isa 42.8 Ps 110.12 Ans To be ingrateful by sinning against God or to neglect to glorifie God for his favours bestowed or to sacrifice to our own nets or give the praise to any other which is due to God Quest 31. What are the particular duties required in Thanksgiving Ans There are divers you may observe these four First An acknowledgement of the blessings and graces which the Lord hath given us Gen 32.10 Neh. 9.5 to be far above all that we can do and above and beyond all thanksgiuing and praise that can come from us Gen. 28.20 21. Psal 16.5 6 7. Secondly A contentment in the lot and condition the Lord is pleased to order for us in his good Providence Acts 17.26 Ps 66.4 Thirdly A Declaration of Gods mercies bestowed upon us to others to Gods glory Ps 118.5 95.1 2 107. 8 c. Fourthly An Exhortation and stirring up of others to glorifie God with us for the Lords mercies Quest 32. What are the contraries of these duties Ans They are all sins As 2 Chron. 35.25 Ion. 4.8 9. First not to acknowledge Gods mercies and give the Lord thanks for them Secondly 2 Kin. 6.33 to be discontented at the Lords disposing of us either in prosperity
the description of a visible Church and whether Christ or his Apostles did unchurch a church for some failings and whether it be lawfull for others to do so Whether children of Believers Baptized have an infant membership in the church Q 7 p. 290 c p. 170. and of their more full admission and entring into covenant when they come to make profession of faith and are admitted to the Lords Supper Whether any of our mixt congregations in England and London in particular Q. 8. p. 296 297 c. c 154. be true Churches for matter and forme as the Churches of Corinth Galatia Pergamus and others in the Primitive times and whether all Separatists doe not sinne in separating from us and unchurching of us contrary to the practice of Christ and his Apostles VVhether our Ministers bee true Ministers or Antichristian Q. 9. p. 315 316 c. and whether their Ordination and calling bee lawfull to particular Congregations Qu. 10. p. 322.323 c. Whether our Churches be rightly constituted in respect of a formall union of members and rightly ordered for discipline admission unto or suspending from the Lords Supper and whether some failings in discipline can make our Churches to be no true churches of Christ but Antichristian and to be separated from and whether our Church reforming be as a house pulled down and no church untill it be builded up againe Classis 22. Qu. 1 332 c. HOw all these graces of knowledge Faith Repentance and Love are to bee enlivened and particularly our knowledge of God with particular helpes and directions herein Classis 23. Qu. 1. p. 341 c. HOw a man or woman may waite on Christ to enliven this knowledge of themselves of Christ and of the Sacraments and how they may waite on Christ to enliven their Faith their Repentance and their charity that they may come more comfortably to the Lords Table Classis 24 25. VVHat are the foure immediate preparatory graces to bee quickened Qu. 1. p. 357 c. and acted before we draw neer to the Sacrament sorowfull humblenesse sacred hunger heavenly joyfulnesse and covenant renewing How men or women may know whether they have life of grace Qu. 2. p. 363 364 c. and be Gods children or not with divers particular examples of the manner of converting of men and women to God and speciall comforts to doubting Christians with a direction how to live by faith Classis 26. VVHerefore God suffers doubtings to be in his children Qu. 1. p. 385 c. with helps to keepe from dispaire comforts against decay in grace and directions to live by faith untill Christ bring out of darkenesse and bring light of comfort to a poor fearfull soule Classis 27 28. Qu. 1. p. 408 c. VVHat are the present acting graces Sacramentall actions and operations or exercises both of bodily and spirituall senses in the time of celebration of the Lords Supper for refreshing of our soules at the Lords Table Classis 29. Qu. 1. p. 450 c. VVHat graces are to be exercised imediately after receiving before wee depart and how wee should goe home rejoycing and feast with sweete Meditations of Christ and the Sacrament every night when we go to bed and Morning when we awake with the rich graces and benefits are sealed and wee may finde in a dayly communion with Christ in our soules Q. 2. p. 456 c What those subsequent graces are to be exercised and practized for or in the manifestating of our thankefulnesse in the whole course of our lives particularly the Root Grace of Love manifested in our obedience First in believing what is to be believed according to the Word of God and ancient Creeds agreeing to and with the Scriptures Classis 30. THe manifestation of our love and our obedience in walking Qu. 1. p. 472 c. and the Ten Commandements held forth as a light from â—hrist to leade us unto Christ and a directory for our comfortable walking with Christ in the whole course of our lives in particular the explication of the first Commandement The 2 Section of the 30 Classis VVHat is the second Commandement with the explication of it Qu. 1. p. 493 c. and in the use a light from Christ How to discover all false lights and false worships in the world contrary to the light of Christ that they may be avoyded and the true light followed The 3 Section of the 30 Classis WHat the Third Commandement is with the duties required Q. 1. p. 534 c. and sinne forbidden and the use of it as a light from Christ to lead unto Christ both as a justifyer and sanctifyer that we may walke comfortably with Christ in our lives The 31 Classis Qu. 1. p. 545 c. VVHat the fourth Commandement is with the explication of it and how it is a light from Christ to lead us unto Christ as a justifyer and sanctifyer with the benefit and end of the Commandement for the comfort of Christs church The 32 Classis Q. 2. p. 575 VVHat are the Commandements of the second Table and in particular the first Commandement with the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden as they concerne superiours and inferiours in generall both in respect of commutative and distributive justice The 33 Classis Q. 1. p. 597. c. WHat are the particular duties of superiours and inferiours according to their severall Relations first in the oeconomicall or household estate of Husbands and Wives Parents and children Masters and servants with directions how to get strength to performe them Secondly in the state Ecclesiasticall Ministers and People page 634. c. and in particular whether Ministers have any maintenance due to them in the New Testament by Ordinance of Christ Page 639. c. or are to live onely of almes and charity of the people And what the office of Rulers and Elders is in the church Page 632. Thirdly in the State politicall the duties of Magistrates and people Page 654 c. with light from Christ to leade to Christ in the use and practice of them The 33 Classis 2 Section WHat are the sixt last Commandemens in their Order with the sinns forbidden and duties commanded Q. 1. p. 657 c. with light from Christ to direct the children of God not to rest in any duties or performances of duties but on Christ for justification and yet to glorifie God in and for and by every grace given to us in Christ Jesus Whether a bare forme or saying of prayer be sufficient Q. 2. p. 679 c. in what manner we ought to pray and praiâ—â— God with directions how to attaine the gift of Prayer 〈◊〉 helpe of Christs Spirit Page 681. c. and an example of a man who could not Read yet learned to pray for the comfort of himselfe and encouragement of others Quest
are ignorant and know not God Ans The Lord Iesus shall come from heaven in flaming fire 1 Thes 1.7 1. and render vengeance to them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ Quest 24. What is the condition of ignorant men then whether simple ignorant or carelesly ignorant or wilfully ignorant of God And what counsel is to be given to these ignorant and sinful souls Ans Their condition is miserable and damnable therefore they should wait on Christ in his Ordinances for Power to lament their ignorance Acts 5.31 1 Cor. 4. Ps 9.10 Iohn 3.16 and not rest until Christ give them remission of their sin that in the end they may know God in Christ and trust on him and be saved Quest 25. You have satisfied me in the first particular duty and sin forbidden Now what is a second duty required Ans As it is my duty to know God so it is my duty to believe Gen. 15.6 2 Chron. 20.20 Ps 9.10 Ioh. 14.1 Heb. 11.6 Pro. 3.5 and repose my trust and confidence in God my God in Iesus Christ as my God in Christ that so I may rightly glorifie God in every condition by believing and depending upon God in all estates for things corporal spiritual and eternal Quest 26. What are the contrary sins to this faith trust and confidence in God Psal 78.21 22. Num. 20 12 1 Sam. 27.1 Ans First unbelief and distrust of God or his goodnesse manifested in Gods Word and faithful promises for the good of his Church and children Quest 27. What is a second sin Deut 1.29 c. Ier. 49.16 Psal 118.8 9. Ans Presumption against Gods threatnings and carnal confidēce in mens riches and honours or any thing but on the Lord and his goodnesse and truth in his promises Quest 28. What is the punishment and misery of unbelievers and such presumptuous persons Ans They are cursed in this life Ier. 17.5 Rev. 21.8 Mar. 16.16 Acts 5.31 and to be separated from God and cursed and tormented for ever hereafter except God in time give faith and repentance in Christ Iesus Quest 29. What is a third particular duty required in this first Command Ans Hope Rom. 5.1 c. Ps 5.6 7 33.22 Tit. 1.2 1 Pet. 1.3 by which we expect and wait for those blessings spiritual temporal or eternal which God hath promised in Christ and which we believe God will in his due time give according to his promise Quest 30. What is the contrary sin Ans Despair 2 Kings 6.33 Mat. 27.4 5. Heb. 10.38 39. and impatiently casting off hope and refusing to wait upon God any longer casting away confidence in God Quest 31. What is fourth particular duty required in this first Command Ans If we must have the Lord Iehovah for our God as God commands then as I must know and acknowledge the Lord to be my God Deu. 6.5 and believe in him and trust in him and hope and depend upon him Mat. 22.27 19. 17. Iam. 1.17 1 Ioh. 1.14 so it is my duty to love him with all my heart and soul above all and for himself as the chiefest good and the Author and Fountain of good unto all and to love Gods Word and children for God with all the Ordinances and means of grace Quest 32. What is the contrary sin Mat. 10.37 Ioh. 12.43 1 tim 3.2 Ro. 1.30 Ans Love of any thing above God and hatred of God his Word Ordinances and children or any thing that is near and dear to the great God Quest 33 What is a fifth particular duty commanded Gen. 31.42 De. 6.13 13.12 Mat. 10.28 1 Pet. 1.16 17. Gen. 28. Ans An holy childe-like fear of sinning against so great and good a God with a holy reverence of his Majesty at all times and in all places whatsoever Quest 34. What are the contrary particular sins forbidden in this Commandment Ps 30.1 2 Ro. 3 18. Luk. 23.30 Eccl. 8.12 13. Rom. 2.5 Ans First carnal security or want of the fear of God or of offending God presumption to sin in Gods presence without reverence of Gods Majesty and a hardnesse of heart or seared conscience without fear of God 1 Tim. 4.2 Secondly servile slavish fear of Gods judgements Dan. 5.6 Acts 24.25 Thirdly base fear of the creature without consideration of Gods greatnesse and goodnesse over all 1 Sam. 15.24 Mat. 10.28 Quest 35. What is a sixth particular duty in this first Commandment Ans Inward spiritual Deu. 13.4 Isa 1.29 and son-like obedience in a gratitude or thankful acknowledgement of Gods free gifts of grace upon us far above our deservings Gen. 32.10 1 Cor. 1◠31 Num. 14.14 that in all we may seek to glorifie this great and good God not with outward onely but with sincere and hearty obedence as our God and heavenly Father in Iesus Christ Quest 36. What are the contrary sins forbidden Ans Disobedience rebellion 1 Sam. 15 22 23. Isa 1.2 Ier. 44.17 Hab. 1.16 ingratitude sacrificing to our own nets or to any creature in our hearts and not to God Quest 27. What other particular duties are required or sins forbidden in this first Commandment Ans There are divers other concerning our inward obedience which may be found in several places of Scripture and to be referred hither I will touch but one more Quek 38. What is that duty required Phil. 4.4 Gē 17.1 Neh. 8.10 Hab. 3.17 18. Ioh. 16.21 22. Ans This is joy delight and content in God as the chiefest good in which the heart of a childe of God can delight in or rest contented or satisfied in either in this world or the world to come Quest 39. What are the sins contrary to this joy in the Lord Gen. 30.1 2. 1 Kings 21.4 5. Psal 42.5.11 Ans First sinful sadnesse and discontented heavinesse when men are so sorrowful for want of the creature comforts or satisfaction of their delight in the creature or their own wills that they forget that all-sufficient fulnesse of joy Eph. 3.18 19. or cause of rejoycing is in God the Lord and Saviour of his Church and people Gen. 6.1 2 3. 1 Kin. 11.1 2 3. Eccl. 2.8 c. Ionah 4.6 7. Quest 40. What is a second sin Ans To joy and delight in any creature or creature delight in husband Wife children friends or whatsoever earthly thing above God or to draw our hearts from God This is a sin and sometimes God seeth it best to take these temporal joyes from his children or turns them to sorrows Ioh. 16.21 22. that we may seek to and rest in him for joy eternal which none can take from us Quest 41. What use I pray you can you make of this knowledge of these many duties required and sins forbidden in this Commandment Ans First I may see in this light 2 Cor. 2.10 Who is sufficient
12. What sins are contrary to these duties concerning hearing or believing and obeying Gods word Ans To come to Gods house without a due preparation of the heart and minde and memory before we come 1. By examination of our knowledge or want of knowledge or by meditation of Christ and his Prophetical Office to teach us that we may learn of Christ or prayer for Gods Ministers or for our selves for our profiting in the Ordinance Mic. 7.16 Mat. 13.15 2 Tim 1.4.3 2. To be present without serious attentions with gazing eyes deaf dull itching prejudicate ears or wandring hearts Ier. 6.10 3. To hear with hypocritical prophane or uncircumcised hearts oâ— ears without love towards Gods Word 4. To hear with wilful hard impenitent hearts Acts 28.27 28. 17.11 or disobedient forgetful mindes without care to remember or confer of Gods Word after or prayer to God for a blessing upon it to our selves or those who have heard it Quest 13. What danger or judgement are such evil hearers subject unto Or how doth doth God punish such wicked and carelesse hearers of his word Prov. 28.9 Mat. 13.14 15. 2 Thes 2.10 c. 1 Cor. 1.18 c. Ans He that turneth away his ear from hearing of Gods Word his prayer is abominable and God many times gives them up to blindenesse of minde and hardnesse of heart to strong delusions to believe lyes and perish for ever Quest 14. What may these sins and dangers teach such wicked men Ans To come in betimes to wait on Christ for hearing ears Pro. 20.12 Mat. 13.16 and seeing eyes that they may hear and believe on and receive Christ and be justified and saved Quest 15. What way this teach Gods Children Ans To wait daily on Christ for more strength Ioh. 15.5 to prepare more conscionably to hearken more attentively to believe and follow Christ more fully until they come to glory Quest 16. You have answered concerning the first part of Gods worship the Prceaching of the word Now what is required in this command concerning Gods Ministers and their duty in this solemn worship Ans 2 Tim. 4.12 3 4. Deu. 33.9 2 Cor. 5.20 1 Cor. 5.20 2 5 6. The Ministers of Christ rightly called to this great Ministerial Office they are to Preach the Word of God in season and out of season with all faithfulnesse long-suffering and patience as for God and in Christs stead in godly sincerity boldnesse and zâ—al for Gods glory and the salvation of souls And this with Divine authority and holy wisdom and in demonstration of the spirit and of power Quest 17. What are the sins of Ministers contrary to this Ans To Preach Lyes in Hypocrisie 1 Tim. 4.1 2. Gal. 1.8 9. 1 Tim. 1.3 4. 6.3 c. or any Doctrine contrary to the word of God or Gospel of Christ or unprofitable for the people to whom they Preach Secondly to Preach the word of God corruptly 2 Cor. 2.17 Ier. 23.28 1 Pet. 5. 1 c. or not of a ready minde but for filthy Lucre sake or with Lording over Gods heritage Thirdly to Preach the Word flatteringly to please men sowing pillows under mens Elbows Ier. 23.18 Ezek. 22.28 or not as the Servant of Christ Fourthly not to Preach or to be negligent Ministers in their Ministerial Office Exo. 34.2 3. Quest 18. What it the penalty of such Ministers who Preach or people Who hear the word of God in such a sinful manner Mat. 7.21 c. Luk. 13.24 c. Ans The Lord Christ will not know or own them to be any of his at the day of Judgement but shut them out of heaven Quest 19. What should he the consideration of this work in these mens mindes as Ioh. 5.1 c. to want ordinances Acts 8.21 c. 2 Tim. 2 25 26. 1 Thes 1.10 Ans It should teach them in time to wait on Christ in his Ordinances to see if God will give them true faith in Christ and true Repentance and forgivenesse of their sinful speaking or hearing of Gods Word that they may be delivered from wrath to come Quest 20. You have answered concerning the first outward part of Gods worship the Preaching and hearing of Gods word Now what are the duties commanded or the sins forbidden in relation to the second part of Gods outward worship the blessed Sacraments Ans They are already declared in the former part of this Catechism in the 26 27 28 Classis where you may finde divers directions of duties to be practised for right preparation and participation for the blessed Sacrament And divers sins are or may be observed contrary to those duties with the danger of unworthy receiving 1 Cor. 11.27 both intimated by the Apostle and the Doctrine of the Sacraments are opened at large in the Classes aforesaid Quest 21. What are the duties commanded and sins forbidden in the third publike Ordinance or part of Gods worship offering up the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praises unto God And first for prayer Ans It is a general duty for all to pray to God in the Name of Christ for all things lawful and necessary for themselves or others Ioh. 16.23 1 Tim. 2.1 2. for Gods glory and good of Christs Church Quest 22. What is the general sin contrary unto this duty of prayer unto God in the Name of Christ Isa 46.6 7. 57.8 Ans First to put up our prayers to any other god then to the true God or to any other as to God or to any Idol Image or similitude of the true or any false God or to any Mediator as Mediator either Angels or Saints departed or the Image of any of them 1 Sam. 22.23 Iob. 15.4 Secondly to neglect prayer for our selves or not to pray for another and for the Churches of Christ Militant upon Earth Quest 23. What are the particular duties required in Prayer Ans There are many particular duties you may observe these in brief 1 Cor. 14.15 1. We must pray with knowledge and understanding both to whom in whose Name and for what we pray Iam. 1.5 2. We must pray with Faith and in Christs Name having an eye to Gods promises of those things for which we pray 3. We must pray with repentance that our sins separate betwixt God and us Iohn 16.23 to keep good things from us 4. We must pray with reverend Devotion having our hearts and mindes firmly fixed on God to whom we pray Acts 10.1 2. 5. In sincerity powring out our hearts unto God 1 Sam. 1.13 15. 6. With humility or humblenesse of spirit Isa 57.15 Ps 51.17 Luk. 22.41 42. submitting our wills to the will of God 7. With fortitude even wrestling by faith with our God in prayer until we conquer Gen. 32.24 c. Hos 12. 8. With fervency and zeal of spirit for the grace we do pray for even with tears
the evening before as to make our selves or any other under our charge unfit for the Lords service on the Lords Sabbath day when it comes the Lord requiring preparation for as well as performance of a duty Quest 13. What are the particular duties of preparation in the morning before the publike Ordinances Mark 16.1 Ephes 5.16 Ans To rise early and improve as much time as can possibly be spared from workes of necessity in private Reading Catechizing and Prayer in our Familes and in secret meditation and Prayer in our closets for Gods blessing upon the publike Ordinances both inabling the Minister of Christs for their duties and the people of God and our selves in the Ordinances to meete Christ 1 Cor. 10. â— and receive refreshing from Christ to our comfort and to Gods glory Quest 14. What is the particular sinne contrary to this particular duties Ans To mispend the morning of the Sabbath or Lords day by oversleeping our selves or otherwise neglecting reading Meditation Catechizing or Prayer for Gods Ministers the Congregations or our selves or any spirituall duty which wee have time to performe in private or secret and neglect to the disfurtherance of our spirituall refreshing in Gods holy Ordinances Quest 15. What reason can you give that all this is required for preparation to meet Christ in the Ordinances Ans Because in every duty all meanes and helpes to the performance of that duty are likewise required to be made use of As Ex. 36.37 So 1 Sam. 12.29 1 John 3.23 Rom. 10.17 and so the neglect of any one help or meanes of performance and Christs power to performe it must needs be a sinne Quest 16. But how may this appeare that when a Duty is required the use of meanes to performe the duty it required Ans We may illustrate this by an example or two First to believe on Jesus Christ is a duty being the command of God and hearing of Gods Word which is a meanes of faith is commanded likewise as well as to believe Therefore the meanes faith is commanded also as a duty Mat. 13.9 Ex. 19.10 11.28 1 Cor. 11.28 Eze. 36.37 1 Sam. 6.3.6 7. 1 Cron. 15 13. and so helpes to duty as well as duties themselves the like I might say here of preparation to the Sacrament and so the neglect of any helpe or meanes to further the performance of a duty is sinne as to neglect prayers or helpes made and so in particular the neglect of right preparation for Ordinance on the Lords Day for God will be sought and served in a right order Quest 17. You have shewed the duty of preparation for the Sabbath both before it come and in the morning for better sanctification of the day now what is or are the particular duties which respect the Rest of the Lords day and what light from Christ for direction in these Answ To rest from all our owne workes of worldly profit Levit. 23.3 Nehe. 13.25 16. Jer. 17.22 Ex. 16.29 30. Ex. 34.21 or pleasure as from buying and selling carrying of burdens and journeis not of absolute necessity or any other of the like kind of labours though in earing time or harvest except such as are noted before to be workes of mercy and in case of necessity aforesaid Quest 18. What are the particular sins contrary to this duty Ans A pharisâ—icall overstrict Jewish superstition in the bare outward Rest refusing workes of mercy or necessity on the Sabbath day so much as to kindle a fire in a cold season for needfull refreshing or to prepare warme meate necessary the better to inable even the weake for Gods service 1 Macah. 2.37.38 Ex. 35.3 Mark 34 Mat. 12.1 2 3 4 5 9. â— necessary defence from the enemy seeking to destroy or any of the like nature Christ having eased us of this strictnesse declaring the Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath for mans good not hurt and respecting mercy above sacrifice Quest 19. What other particular sinnes are there contrary to the rest of the Sabbath or Lords day Ans To prophane this day by bodily unnecessary labours Levit. 15.32.35 Nehe. 13. Jerem. 17. or workes which might have beene done the day before or may be deferred untill the day following or by buying or selling bearing of burdens any the workes of mens ordinary worldly calling for worldly profits Isai 58.13 or by words of conference about such worldly things for our profit or the like Quest 20. It is evident this labour for profit is prohibited what thinke you of carnall pleasures and pastimes upon the Sabbath or Lords daye in gaming sporting to sit gazing at their dores or otherwise mispending of pretious time on the Lordâ— day Ans They are unlawfull also as being the sinfull practize of Idolaters in their Feasts and holy dayes Ex. 32.5 6 or the practice of prophane irreligious people hindering the improvement of that spirituall refreshment the soule hath or should receive in the Ordinance Isai 51.13 Colos 3.16 1 Cor. 10.31 and unbefiting Christians whose delights should be spirituall and heavenly in a sweet Communion with God in Christ and one with another in spiritull graces and exercise of them But in these carnall delights men rather dishonour then honour God as becommeth Christians Quest 21. You have declared the duties commanded and sinnes forbidden concerning the rest of the Sabbath is there no more required Genes 2.3 Exod. 20.8 Ans Yes there is a sanctification of this rest also commanded in all deligent practize performance of and attendance on Christ in all the Ordinances of Christ both private before we come to the Congregation Levit. 23.3 Ezek. 20.12 and publike when wee are present in the Congregation and private and secret duty when we returne home to our houses and Families Quest 22. You have already shewed the duties of preparation in private before wee come to the publike now what are the publike duties in which the people of God ought to sanctifie this rest and glorifie God in this his day and what light from Christ to enable for these Ans They are diverse but you may observe these that follow and first a timely presence in the house of God to be ready as one man to joyne with the Minister of Christ in publike Prayer to God for a blessing upon the worke of the day and his owne ordinances Gen. 28.16 17. Nehem. 8.1.23 and the pious endevours both of Christs Ministers and people every one being ready with the Congregation to heare what Gods Ministers shall speake unto them from God Acts 10.33 Quest 23. What is the particular sinne contrary unto this duty Ans A negligent late comming to the house of God not being ready to joyne with the Congregation in the beginning Eccles. 5.1 1 Cor. 14.40 and so are more ready to offer foolish Sacrifices then to heare and joyne with the Congregation as good order in the
Commandements of my Heavenly Father and so these foure first Commandements or first Table of the Law of God Psal 119.101.128 and to refrain from every sinwhatsoever Quest 49. What is the finall cause or chiefe ends at which your soule doth or ought to aime at in this your obedience Ans The prime and chiefe end is the glorifying of God 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Cor. 10.31 1 Pet. 2.9 1 John 5.10 11 12. my God and Father in Christ And the next the Declaration of my love and thankfulnesse to the Lord my God and to shew forth his praises who called me out of darknesse to light and hath freely given me life eternall and everlasting salvation in Christ Jesus The Thirty two Classis or company of Questions Question 1. YOu have profitably and plainely endevoured to declare the duties commaded and the sinnes forbidden in the first Table of the Law of God and held them forth as a light to the feete of Gods Saints by the helpe of the spirit of Christ And in the performance of our Duties and Declaration of our more immediate love unto our God in Christ Now what I pray you do you call the second Table of the Law of God and what are the Commandemtnts comprehended in this second Table what light from Christ to teach this Ans This second Table is that which holdeth forth rules for the manifestation of our love to our Neighbour Mat. â—2 38 39 40. in and for God as our selves and these Rules are comprehended in the six last Commandements of the Decalogue or ten words of Gods Minde to his people Ex. 34.28 Quest 2. What then you doe conceive to be the generall duties of this second Taeble of the Law Ans That which the Lord Christ and the spirit of Christ in the Prophets Mat. 22.39 Levit. 19.18 Rom. 13.8 9. and Apostles holdeth forth unto us namely to love our Neighbour as our selves Quest 3. What is the sinne contrary to this duty of loving our Neighbour as our selves Ans Not to do as we would be done be done by Mat. 7.12 Levit. 19.17 18. Isai 58.7 or instead of love to hate our Neighbour and to hide our selves from our own flesh Quest 4. You say the Lord requireth that we should love our Neighbours as our selves Therefore it seemeth to mee that the Lord requireth his child to love himselfe Now what is this love of a mans selfe according to which hee ought to love his Neighhour Ans Certainly the Lord doth require that a man should in a right manner love himselfe Mâ—t. 22 37 38 39. Phâ—l 2.12 Eph. 5.29 and this love of a man towards himselfe is that love wherewith a Believer should in and for and after God love his owne soule and body in seeking the temporall and eternall good of both for Gods glory and his owne eternall happinesse and salvation Quest 5. What are sinnes contrary to this true and right ordered love of a Man or Womans selfe Ans There are diverse sins contrary to a right and true love of a mans self first a perverse and wicked hatred of Mans selfe Acts 18.6 either of a Mans soule and body by an obstinate rejecting of grace and meanes of grace or willfull Rebellion against God or hatred of his body and life by a Mans desperate rejecting and refusing the meanes of preserving the body and health and life of it or by a desparate destroying of the body and life by any meanes whatsoever An example of this I have seen in divers who in strength and violence of Satans temptations or a kinde of frensie and braine distemper have utterly rejected meanes of comfort some for the soule some for the body some for both as Francis Spira did in Germany after his fall from the Gospell History of Francis Spirra to subscribe to Popery continuing in that sad condition to the day of his death I say nothing of Ahitophel and Iudas 2 Sam. 17.23 Mat. 27.5 who wickedly destroyed themselves contrary to the sixt Commandement of which I shall speak in its place Quest 6. What is a second sinne contrary to the true love of a mans selfe Ans Philauty or corrupt and inordinate love of a mans selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 either above God which is a wicked Idolatrous love making an Idoll of a mans selfe and setting up an Idoll in his heart and preferring that above God 2 Tim. 3.2 Or to be so inebriated and drunk with selfe love as to admire onely himselfe and turne his affections of love wholy into himselfe as that Misanthropâ—s who hated every man but himselfe â— Cor. 4.14 Thirdly to love a mans selfe from and for himselfe not from and for God in Christ or from Christ Quest 7. But may there not be a good and holy hatred of a mans selfe Ans We must distinguish of a mans selfe there is a threeford selfe First a mans soule and body or person consisting of both considered in themselves as Gods creatures 1 Thess 5.23 Secondly the old Adam in a mans selfe or the corruption of soule and body by sinne Rom. 6.6 either originall or actuall that Law or power of corruption in our members rebelling against the Law of our minds or Thirdly a mans spirituall selfe or the new Adam and image of Christ in the soule the regenerate part Galat. 5.14 the spirit that fighteth against the flesh Now to hate the first of these selfe our soule or body or person is against nature Ephes 5.29 no man ought to hate himselfe though he may loose himselfe for Christ which is love and no hatred And to hate the third the selfe of grace or grace of Christ in a mans selfe The life of grace in us this is against grace this self must be loved and cherished by all means in and through Christ But for the second selfe spoken of namely our corrupt old Adam in us our body of sinne Coloss 3.5 This ought to be hated as the enemy of the well being both of soule and bodie for ever Job 42.6 as Iob abhorred himself and Paul chastised his body and the converted People of God loathed themselves as they were loathsome to God in their sinnefull corruption Ezek. 36.31 Quest 8. You have satisfied mee in this question how a man ought to love and not to love himselfe now what say you in generall of the love of our Neighbour before we come to the Commandements in particular Ans I have described that in generall before That we must love our neighbour in God and for God as our selves Quest 9. Who is our Neighbour towards whom we ought to exercise our Christian love and Charity Ans All that stand in neede of our helpe or love whether they be our own kindred or strangers Luk. 10.36 37. 1 Tim. 5.8 Mat. 5.48 Prov. 25.21 Galat. 6.10 yea our very enemies and especially the household of faith but
Doctrine and principally from the Word especially implying a difference and distinction of Elders as is it a note of distinction in other places of Scripture as you may reade Gal. 6.10 doe good to all especially to the household of faith And 1 Tim. 4.10 who is the Saviouiour of all especially of them that believe as also from other places of Scripture that besides Pastors and Preachers There are other Elders Assistants to the Ministers of Christ and helpes in government as divers Reformed Churches have used and yet have in their practize of Discipline Quest 39. What kinde of graces or qualifications ought Elders Rulers Deacons or Church officers bee endowed with that they may bee fit to governe in the Church Ans Verily Elders and Deacons and Ministers or any Rulers in the Church according to the Scriptures they ought to be spirituall Heavenly-minded men Acts 6.1 2.3 endued with the Holy Ghost James 3.17 men of wisdome and knowledge in Religion endued with wisdome 1 Tim. 3.9 that is from above 2 Tim. 2.1 2. pure peaceable gentle full of mercy and good fruits without partiality or hypocrisy sound and sincere in the Faith Heb. 5.14 Prudent Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience grave sober Titus 1.9.13 14. not given to drinke patient able in meeknesse to instruct those who oppose themselves 1 Tim. 3.8 2 Tim. 2.23 24 c. Titus 1.5 6 7. not proud as Lords of Gods inheritage but of blamlesse life and conversation humble minded that they may shew themselves good examples to the Flock and when the chiefe Sheapheard shall appeare 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. receive a never fading Crowne of Glory Quest 49. What is the Office of such Elders Rulers or Governours in the Church Answ Being rightly chosen by the Church Acts 6.3 Acts 15.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 9.26 27. Acts 10.45 47. they are to be helpers and assistant in the Government of Christs Church to take care with the Chuch to further the right admission and uniting of Members do the Communion of Saints and especially to Churh fellowship in the holy communion and Supper of the Lord for better not for worse 1 Cor. 11.17 c. Exo. 12.48 Ezek. 44.7 8 9. Jer. 15.19 Mat. 18.15 16. 1 Thess 5.12 13. 2 Thess 3.14 15. that all ignorant unbelieving prophane Scandalous impenitent persons be kept away to separate the pretious from the vile They are to assist in Christian exhortations in godly and brotherly admonitions reprehensions counsells comforts yea to assist not onely in suspensions from the Sacrament that lesser but in that great censure of Excommunication if necessity require they are to assist in overseeing or watching over the flock according to their place and power Mat. 18.17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 5.3 4 5 c. Iames 5.15 16. Acts 6.1 2 3. Zach. 14.5 â—1 Revel 21.3 in visiting of the sicke and having eyes with the Deacons whose office is to take care for the poore Saints and goods of the Church to the glory of God and benefit of Saints in faith and holinesse that the Lord may be found to dwell in the Tabernacle of his Saints with delight Thus the duty of spirituall Fathers Quest 41. Now what are duties commanded and sins forbidden of civill Parents and children in the civill politicall or Common wealth Estate in the relations between Magistrates Kings Princes Governours and people or subjects Ans I shall touch these but very briefly for present and what followeth also in the other Commandements But first for duties of superiors The duty of all Magistrates Deut. 17.18 19 20. Deut. 18 2â— 2 Sam. 13.3 4. Prov. 29.4 2 Cron. 28.9 2 Sam. 8. â—5 2 Cor. 19.5 6. Daniel 4.34 37 Deut. 16.18 19 20. 2 Chron. 15.10 Prov. 28. â—1 Magna Charta Kings Princes Governous or any in higher or lower places is to know the Law of God and in the feare of God in Justice and equity to governe the Common Wealth and people over whom the Lord placeth them to rule according to the Word of God and the good Lawes of the same Nation or Kingdome over which they are considering that they are under God and governe for God as vice-Gerents under the great Kings of Kings and Lord and King of Heaven and Earth Quest 42. What is the sinne of Magistrates and Governours contrary to this duty whether they bee in higher or lower places Ans To Rule or Governe without the knowledg or feare of God unâ—ustly tyrannically or in any corrupt and sinfull way contrary to the Word of God and good Lawes of the Land to sell or defer or deny Justice and right to any man Quest 43. You have held forth the duty of Magistrates and Fathers of the common wealth now what if the duty of subjects and people to Kings Princes Magistrates and Governours in higher or lower places Ans The dutie of subjects and people to their Soveraigne Princes Kings Magistrates or any under God in high or lower places is as to know and acknowledge them as their superiors and bee subject to them in their respective places to love honour preserve 2 Sam. 18 3. Rom. 13.1 2 Pet. 1.17 1 Pet. 2.13 14. 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Mat. 22.21 and obey them in their just and lawfull commands to be serviceable unto them in and for that which is good and to pray for them that they may so governe that we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty being carefull to render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods Quest 44. What are the sinnes of the people and inferiors against their superiors 2 Chron. 36.13 1 Sam. 24.6 1 Sam. 26.9 2 Sam. 1.14 15. Ex 22.28 Ans To Rebell against dishonour or disobey the lawfull and just commands of superiors in higher or lower places Kings Princes or Magistrates to conspire Treason against them to curse them or neglect to pray for them according to the Scriptures is a fearfull sin 2 Sam. 16.7 Eccl. 10.20 1 Sam. 12.23 Quest 45. Sir yoU have manifested the duties and sinnes both of superiours and inferiours declared in Scriptures and to he referred unto this fifth â—ommandement as required by the Lord in this Rule of life and comfortable walking with God in Christ in our severall callings and relation now what use may a Christian make of the knowledge of so many duties requred and sinnes forbidden in this fifth Commandement and what light from Christ to leade us unto Christ for our comfort and direction herein Ans Truly by light from Christ we may here learne to see as in a glasse our owne inability to keepe the Law of God 2 Cor. 3.5 and so consider our extreame neede of Christ First as a justifyer that we may seeke our rest not in our selves or any of our owne performances 1 Cor. 1.30 Eph. 2.14 Isai 11.10 but
for these things 2 Cor. 3.5 Gal 2.16 Iam. 2.10 Gal. 3.24 by the strength of the spirit of Christ my own insufficiency and inability to keep Gods Commandments or ever to be justified by the works of the Law as being never able to perform perfectly that inward spiritual obedience which the Lord requires in his Law but to seek my justification by Christ and in this respect this Law may be said to be a School-master to bring us unto Christ Secondly I may see my weaknesse to walk in this rule of holinesse Rom. 3.20 7.7 Acts 4.12 1 Cor. 1.30 31. Eph. 3.16 c. 1 Thes 5.23 24. Phil. 4.13 which is so spiritually perfect and learn again my extreme need of Christ as a sanctifier as well as a justifier and therefore to seek daily to God in Christ for holinesse in Christ and the holy spirit of Christ that so I may be strengthned by Christ to walk in this path of holinesse for Gods glory and my comfort because I may be able to do all things through Christ that strengthens me and without Christ I can do nothing Thirdly in my daily prayers to my good God and Father in Christ Mat. 6.6 Luk. 10.26 Rom. 2.14 15. from the general and particular duties required and sin forbidden in this and other Commandments comparing this glasse of the Law with the glasse and book of my own conscience by the assistance of the spirit and power of Christ I may 2 Chron. 34.19 20 21. Dan. 9.3 4 5. 1. See my sins Original Actual and of omission and commission against every Commandment and I be more able to confesse them to my heavenly Father and beg the seal of my Pardon in Christ 2. I may beg more strength from God in Christ to glorifie God in the spiritual and holy practise of every duty both towards God and towards my Neighbour Lastly I may learn what graces and spiritual abilities I have received to walk with God by faith in Christ and to perform every particular duty according to my Covenant renewed in the Sacrament Deut. 26.17 c. and give God the glory in Christ Iesus resting upon his promise of blessing And thus we have so far explained the first Commandment The second SECTION of the thirtieth Classis or the second COMMANDMENT 1 Question VVHat is the second Commandment which is next to be considered And what are the parts of it Ans There ate two parts of it 1. The Command it self Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likenesse of any thing that is in Heaven above nor in the Earth beneath nor in the Water under the Earth Thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them 2. The Reason in the words that follow For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments Quest 2. What is the general sin forbidden Isa 29.13 14. Ans As in the first Commandment the Lord did forbid all false or feigned Gods so in this the Lord forbids all false or feigned worship and service of what kinde soever Latreia Deubeia First whether it be the Lord the true God by any Image or invention of man Deut. 4.15 ctc. Secondly or whether it be to any false or imaginary God to bow down or worship that Numb 33.52 Acts 17.29 Isa 40.18 Ier. 7.14 Rom. 1.21 c. Reu. 22.8 9. Thirdly or to the likenesse or similitude of any either of Christ or of Saints or Angels or Sun or Moon or Stars Birds Beasts or any other thing made by God or devised by man to be our God or for our God or the likenesse of any of them to make the invisible God visible to the outward bodily eyes or to worship or serve God in them or by them Quest 3. What is the duty required or the Affirmative part of this second Commandment implied in this Commandment Ans The Lord commandeth all to worship and to serve him who is the true God Deu 6 13 10.20 Mat. 4.10 1 Sā 7.3 Heb. 1.5 Isa 8.20 Ioh. 4.24 and to worship and serve him onely in a true and right manner even in spirit and truth Quest 4. What is a first particular duty required in the general prohibition Ans To have an eye unto Deu. 4.2 Exo. 25.40 Isa 8.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.23 2 Tim. 3.25 e. and to consult with the spirit of God in the holy Scriptures both for the matter and manner of our worship and service of the Lord according to his will and this in outward as well as in ward services Quest 5. What sin is contrary unto this Ans To follow the devices and inventions of men in Gods worship Deu. 12.30 c. Mat. 14.8 9. Iosh 9.14 Ier. 32.34 35. without any ground from Gods word or search to know the minde of God in his service Quest 6. What are the particular services or parts of Gods worship in which we ought to worship and serve the Lord in publike or private according unto his Word or will revealed in his holy Scriptures Ans There in divers publike acts and divers private acts or parts of Gods solemn worship and service but we may observe these four that follow 1. Preaching and revealing of Gods Word and will to the children of men 2. Administration of the Sacrament 3. Spiritual sacrifices of praises and prayer 4. Covenants and renewing of our Vows and Covenants with the Lord our God in Christ Iesus Quest 7. How is God to be served in respect of the Preaching and Revelation of the word and will of God Ioh. 1.24 Ans In spirit and truth or with spiritual worship and that in a fourfold respect Quest What is the first Ans Exo 3.5 19.10 11. Eccl. 1. Acts 10.24 25. A holy and spiritual preparation of my heart and minde by examination meditation prayer before I come to meet Christ that I may hear the voyce of Christ more comfortably when I wait upon him in this Ordinance Deu. 33.34 Luk. 10.39 Acts 16.14 22.3 What is the second Ans A humble and diligent attention as at the feet of Christ to hear Gods Word and be instructed by him from the mouth of Gods Minister Quest 10. What is the third 2 Chron. 20.20 Heb. 4.2 Rō 10.4 1 Thes 2.13 Ans A faithful acceptation or receiving of Gods Word with belief as the certain truth of the holy blessed God Quest 11. What it the fourth respect in which the Lord is to be served spiritualy in hearing of his Word Mat. 28.20 Rō 6.17 Ex. 19.5 23.21 Heb. 5.4 Ans In diligent observation and obedience to that which the Lord holds forth to be believed or done to Gods glory and our own good or the good of others Quest
or adversity Thirdly to conceal the Lords favour 2 Kings 7 9. and not to tell others what the Lord hath done for our souls that we may praise the Lord together Fourthly Isa 64.7 not like the woman Lu. 15.9 not to stir up others to to praise the Lord for his goodnesse Quest 33. These are the duties required and sins forbidden for private or ordinary praises But what is the duty of extraordinary praising God with feasting and joyfulnesse Ans Extraordinary praise is when the Church of God for some great and extraordinary mercy received 1 Chron. 16.8 c. 2 Chron. 20.26 27 Neh. 8.9 10. doth celebrate a day of praise solemnly glorifying of the Lord and rejoycing in God in the comfortable sober use of the creatures remembring our friends and especially giving gifts to the poor that they may rejoyce with us and praise the Lord. Quest 34. You have answered concerning the three first parts of Gods solemn worship Now What I pray yon are the duties required in the fourth and last you named to wit Covenants and renewing of our Vows and Covenants before the Lord Answ To understand this we must distinguish of Covenants Vows and Promises they are of two sorts First that general Covenant and Promise or Vow which Gods people make with God in Christ in Baptism and renew again and again in tha Lords Supper Gen. 17.7 8 2. This is an absolute duty and part of Gods worship required in this Command Exo. 19.4 c. 20.1 c. Deut. 5.23 c. 26.17 Iosh 24.19 c. Gen. 28.20 c. That at the Lord doth give himself to be our God and Christ as a reconciled God and Father and take his Church and children to be his people So Gods people are bound and it is tneir duty again not onely to take the Lord for their God but to Covenant Vow and Promise and binde themselves mutually by Vow and Covenant to be Gods people and to give up themselves wholly to be the Lords servants and by all wayes and means to glorifie God and keep his Commandments Quest 35. But is this renewing of this Covenant Vow and general Promise and binding of our selves to God by Vow and Covenant a duty when the Lord calls for it by an extraordinary occasion either of his tryals of us by dangers and adversity or by mercies in deliverances from dangers and Enemies in time of danger Ans Yes certainly Gen. 35.1 1. Sam. 7 2 c. 2 Chron. 15.10 c. Ier. 50.4 5. it is no more but a duty for a man or woman in particular or a Church ard Nation in general upon extraordinaty occasions of Gods providence in adversity or prosperity to seek the Lord by way of Covenant and renewing of our Vows and Covenants with our God in Christ Quest 36. You have answered concerning the general Covenant Vow and Promise in Baptism and the renewing of that Promise Vow or Protestation of a Childe of God in particular or the Church and people of God in general as upon special occasions What are special Vows Ans Special Vows and Protestations Gen. 28.21 22. Psal 66.14 c. 76.42 or Promises to God for some special causes are to be made by fit persons of things lawful and in our own power in a right manner Num. 30.1 c. Psa 116.12 13. Ier. 35.6 7 8. Deut. 7.2 c. Num. 16.3 33. 1 Sam. 6.19 20. 6.7 Eph. 5.15 Ier. 51.45 Rev. 18. Iob. 22.21 1 Cor. 9.27 Psa 132.1 2 3. 1 Cor. 9.11 16.1 3. Rom. 14.23 Iohn 4.24 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and to a right end to glorifie God and as furtherance for avoiding of sin or occasion of sin or of performance of some duty or of declaration of our thankfulnesse for some special mercy received As First not to drink wine or strong drink to avoid drunken company and all occasion of familiarity of such as may entice to any sin as not to have familiarity with Atheists or Papists or any who may draw us to prophanenesse or from our precise and strict walking with the precise God of Heaven and Earth or bring us in danger of Gods judgements by their company or to spend some time daily in secret acquaintance with God And secondly to do some special good as to give some part of our estate for maintenance of the Preaching of the Gospel where it is wanting or so much yearly out of our encrease and gain to the Ministers of Christ or to the poor of Christ in thankfulnesse to God for his mercies in deliverance from special dangers or communicating to us some special favours and all this in faith spirit and in truth as unto God our God reconciled unto us in Christ Iesus Quest 37. What are the sins contrary to the duty of Vows and Covenants and Protestations thus made or renewed in a right manner unto God Ans First all rash inconsiderate unlawful Vows Secondly all breaking of our Vows Ecc. 5.2 5.4 Deut. 23.21 Prov. 20 2◠Promises or Protestations lawful made to God in a true manner and to a right end Thirdly all Vows Promises of Covenants made with the Devil Lev. 20.27 Deu. 18.10 c. or service done unto the Devil immediatly as Witches Wisards Conjurers or such like use to do Or service done to the Devil mediatly 1 Sam. 28.7 c. Acts 16.19 Ezek. 21.21 22. Is◠1.19 by feeking unto consulting with Witches Wisards Conjurers Fortune-tellerss or any of the Devil children of that nature for help in distresse or attaining whatsoever we desire Quest 38. Are there any other sins forbidden in this second Commandment Ans I will not stand to set down every particular sin nor is it easie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Col. 2.20 c. But besides all false worship and Ethelo-threskeia or Will-Worship framed in mans brain Exo. 4 5. 12.3.6 19.10 2 Kin. 21.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 10.17 c. 2 Chron. 19.1 2 3 Deu. 13.6 c. 7.2 3. Eph. 5.11 and all neglect of Gods true Worship and of any preparation means help or furtherance thereunto all rest or confidence in Worship or in any duty and not on Christ in duty all help or approbation of Idolatrous false Worship or Will Worship or inward familiarity with Idolaters favouring or sparing of any such as the Word of God holdeth forth to be shunned or punished is a sin and contrary to the second Commandment and so to be avoided 1 Cor. 14.26 11.13 14.40 Lastly all failing in circumstances when what is done is contrary to edification to decency or to order Quest 39. You have thus manifested the duties required and the sins forbidden in the second Commandment Now what may be further learned from hence Psa 119.12 13. Acts 4.12 Ans That the sins and failings in out holy services are or may be exceeding many in the manner as well as in the
the great God That the Lord will blesse and honour them that honour him 1 Sam. 2.30 and extoll them who seeke in Christ to give God the praises due unto his name Quest 28. What may the diligent observation of all these duties commanded and sinnes forbidden with the threatning and promises annexed hold forth unto the sonnes of men or what may this instruct Ans First to wicked and prophane men this holds forth and may teach them to take notice of their miserable condition living in a continuall prophanation of Gods name either in his Titles Word Ordinance or workes of Mercy or Judgement and so of a continuall subjection to the curse of God spirituall and temporall here and to an everlasting curse hereafter Quest 29. What further may such wicked men who are out of Christ learne from hence Ans Not to give sleepe to their eyes with quiet nor take delight in any creature-comfort but waite on Christ in all the meanes of Grace untill Christ make them by his Spirit sensible of their sinne and misery and give them faith and repentance that closing with Christ they may be freed from the guilt and punishment of their sinnes Quest 30. What may the Saints of God learn from hence by light from Christ for instruction 1 Cor. 13.9 Phil. 3.12 13 Ans To see the perfection of this holy Law of God and their owne imperfection and seeke daily to Christ as for assurance of Justification and Pardon of sin so for assured power of Sanctification and increase of strength from Christ that they may be inabled more and more to honour and glorifie the most holy Name of their most blessed Lord God and tender Father in Christ Jesus and that one day they shal glorifie this sacred Name in Heaven with Saints and Angels for evermore The thirty one Classis or company of Questions Question 1. YOu have answered concerning the Third now what is the fourth Commandement Ans Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy Six dayes 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 doe any worke Thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-Servant nor thy Maide-servant nor thy Cattell nor thy Stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes 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 Quest 2. What doe you principally observe and consider in this Fourth Commandement Ans First I observed the substance o◠sum of the Commandement set down in the first words Remember the Sabbath day to Sanctifie it or to keep it holy Secondly the explication or further Declaration of Gods will and pleasure in the next words that follow Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to doe or all thy worke but the Seventh day is the Sabboth of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any worke thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattell nor thy Stranger that is within thy gates Thirdly I observe the grand or chiefe reason and ground of this Commandement in the last words For in Six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and nested the Seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it Quest 3. What doe you consider in the first of these the substance or sum of the Commandement in the first words Answ I consider three things First the memento Remember as holding forth a duty of Minding Deut. 5.15 Genes 2.1 2 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shabath rest Remembring and Observing the Sabbath day before it come for preparation as a day holy to the Lord by his appointment of old even in Paradise before the Fall and as too much forgotten and neglected and therefore he requireth his peple to remember the day with greater observation Heb. 4.10 Secondly I consider the day the Sabbath day or day of Rest the Rest-day a day of ceasing from our owne works as God did from his Thirdly I consider another duty namely the end to remember the sanctification of this Rest day or separating and setting it apart from common and ordinary workes which concerne this present naturall life and a Consecrating of it unto God and to holy spirituall workes such as concerne our spirituall life and these things amongst other I observe considerable in the first expression of the Lord in this Commandement Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Quest 4. What do you consider in the second part Ans First a permission and in this the equity of this Commandement as a strong reason or motive to obedience six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy worke Secondly a Commission or Commandement to worke for since God made all the seven dayes as he did all the Trees of the Garden Gen. 2.16 17. and as hee might have forbid our first Parents halfe the Trees or all but on e if he had pleased and that without any wrong to them yet did forbid them but one Tree of the Garden So the Lord might have forbidden us to worke in three or foure of the dayes or more yea in all but one day And therefore since hee reserveth but one whole day of Seven for his solemne worship Great cause we should yeild most willing obedience to this Commandement and be carefull to keepe this in a holy rest to the Lord. and yet not mispend the six dayes but worke in our lawfull callings Secondly I consider a declaration of of the Lords right in this as being the Lords own separated day in a speciall manner and therefore a strong reason that man should not prophane this day but keepe it holy This in the next words But the Seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God Thirdly I consider a more generall and full prohibition of all manner of work In it thou shalt do no manner of worke that is of thy own workes for which I have allowed thee six dayes to labour in Fourthly I consider the persons who are prohibited from working in particular held forth in these seven expressions First Thou Secondly nor thy Son Thirdly nor thy Daughter Fourthly nor thy Man-servant Fifthly nor thy Made servant Sixtly nor thy Cattell Seventhly nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates or that is within or under thy power jurisdiction protection or command whatsoever Thou shalt not prophane the Sabbath thy self nor suffer any other in thy power to sin in this respect Quest 5. What do you consider in the third and last part you obsorved the principall reason of the Commandement Ans Frst the Lords owne example in the great work of Creation held forth for our imitation For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth The Sea and all that in them is and so the Lord
the Stranger that is within thy Gates That is thou and all that are in thy power without exception Quest 39. But wherefore doth the Lord give this speciall command and direction to his people not onely for themselves but for all under their command Ans That Gods children being carefull and dutifull themselves and diligently performing their duties to all that are under their charge they might not be partakers of other Mens sins Quest 40. But how may one man be guilty of another mans sinne what light have you from Christ to reveile this Ans One may be guilty of another mans sin divers wayes First when a superior commands an inferior to commit a sinne and the sinne be committed of this the superior is guilty as Saul was of killing the Lords Priests 1 Sam. 22.18 2 Sam. 11.15 when hee commanded Doeg to do it and wicked Doeg did it accordingly David kild Vrias by Joab and the sword of the children of AmmoÌ„ And so Iezabell was guilty of that sin of the sons of Belial 1 Kings 21 10. who did beare false witns against Naboth for his Vineyard and thus Magistrates or masters or parents are guilty when they command their subjects or children or servants to prophane the Lords Sabbath Quest 41. What is a second way of being guilty Answ When superiors have power and doe not hinder but suffer inferiors to commit sinne 1 Sam. 3.13 as old Eli suffered his sonnes and did not punish them nor restraine them as hee ought and so when Parents suffer their children or Masters their servants to prophane the Lords Day They are guilty of their childrens sinne and servants sinne Quest 42. What is a third manner how one man may be guilty of another mans sinnes have you any light from Christ for this Ans Wen one man giveth another wicked councell to commit sinne as when Ahitophet counselled Absolom to commit wickednesse with his Fathers concubines 2 Sam. 16 21. or Herodias counselled her Daughter to aske the head of John Baptists Mark 6.24 or when a Master or Father adviseth or counselleth his sonne or servants or any under his charge to prophane the Sabbath Quest 43. What is a fourth manner Ans When Minister or people man or woman doth consent to sinne in others Acts 8.1 Eze. 3.18 or not reprove sin as Saul before his conversion consented to the death of blessed Stephen the Martyr of Christ and for Prophets not to warn the wicked Levit. 19.17 so when Parents or Masters consent to their childrens and servants prophanation of the Lords Day when as they should not suffer sin to lie upon them but reprove them rather So when unworthy Receivers are suffered without any admonition or reproofe Quest 44. What is a fift manner of being guilty Ans When one Man or Woman provokes and stirreth up another to sinne 1 Kings 21 25. as Jezabell provoked Ahab to commit wickednesse and Jobs Wife her Husband to curse God and die Job 2.9 And so when Parents or Masters provoke and stirre up their children or servants by Labour or Pastimes to prophane the Sabbath Quest 45. What is a sixt manner of becomming guilty of other mens sins Ans When men grow to such a height of impudency as to defend other mens sinnes Who call good evill and evill good Isai 5.20 1 Kings 22 6.11.24 1 Sam. 15.22 as wicked Zedechiah defended wicked Ahab in his sinfull course and Saul defended the peoples sin as Lawers plead in unjust causes or when Parents or Masters or any other will plead for Baal and defend the sinnes of their children or servants or Neighbours when they prophane the Lords Day all these ways at least may men be guilty of other mens sins Quest 46. Most certaine the Lord is a most holy God and is Law a most holy Law and perfect rule of holinesse which holdeth forth to us so many duties and so many sinnes in one Commandement of the Sabbath day and sanctification of the rest what use therefore my the knowledged of this truth be of unto the sons of men Ans First concerning wicked men out of Christ the many duties commanded Jer. 17.27 Gâ—lat 3.24 Acts 8.21 22. and sinns forbidden may cause them to tremble for feare of the curse and wrath of God due to them for their prophanation of the Lords day and so be a Schoolemaster to bring them to Christ to see if they may finde pardon and escape the curse and damnation Acts 13.38 39 1 Thess 10 Secondly concerning saints in Christ the Meditation of these things may likewise minde them of Christ First Christ as a justifyer without whose Righteousnesse and Merits they could not be saved 1 Cor. 1.30 and in whom salvation is their portion 2 Cor. 5.17 Secondly Christ as a sanctifyer in whom there is holinesse and power to sanctifie this holy rest this blessed Sabbath as the Lords day in all holinesse and righteousnesse to Gods glory and good of our own soules Quest 47. What benefit is this to the Church that the Lord hath ordained Mat. 28.6 9.17 18. and by his Resurrection and appearing to his Disciples so often one that day consecrated this holy Sabbath Mark 1â— 12 Luk. 24.13 as a day to and for himselfe and for his speciall service and ordinances wherein he now appeareth to his Church Ans A speciall cause of joy that the Saints may once a weeke be as it were in Heaven with Christ meeting Christ in his glorious Ordinances Luke 24.33 34.36 1 Cor. 16.1.2 Mat. 18.20 Ex. 25.21 22. Isai 66.11 John 15.4 5 6. Heb. 4.9 Revel 14.13 and sucking the brests of consolation in all his gracious promises so receiving the sweet juyce and sappe of the life of grace to nourish us in this time of trouble to that Kingdom of glory that eternall Sabbath of rest and peace for ever Quest 48. What is the principall motive or moving cause to stir up and draw the heart of a child of God and your soule in particular to desire and labour in all sincerity and faithfullnesse to glorifie God in a full obedience to every duty commanded and in a full avoyding of every sinne forbidden in these foure Commandemmts or first Table of the Law of God Ans The free love of God in Christ to my soule John 3.16 in the free gift of his onely begotten Sonne and the free love of God the Sonne John 10.15 the Lord Christ himselfe in giving himself and laying down his Life for mee 1 Cor. 5.14 15. to reconcile mee to God and to procure for mee grace and glory this doth constraine mee with a kind of holy and sweet violence or rather powerfull attractive or loadstone of love to love my God againe and to declare my love in a loving Isai 16.9 Psal 119.6 ready willing faithfull and cheerfull obedience yea sincere desire and endevour to fullfill every one of the
all in the Lord for Gods glory Quest What is the sin contrary unto this love Ans First not to love our Neighbour or not to declare our love unto our Neighbour 1 Cor. 13.1 James 2.15 16. 1 John 3.3 when he needs and we may do it Secondly to hate our Neighbour much more to hate our Friends Brethren Sisters Husband Wife Children Parents and especially and that be Gods children or of the household of Faith Thirdly to love Husband Wife Parents Children Friends or any creature above God and Jesus Christ whom he he hath sent or against God or Gods glory and revealed wil especially to love them that hate Lord. Fourthly 1 Sam. 2.30 2 Chron. 19.2 any inordinate or hypocriticall love love in shew and not indeed disembling love all this is sinne Especially to love them that hate the Lord 2 Sam. 20.9.10 or any inordinate or hypocriticall love love in shew not in deede dissembling love Quest 11. May a child of God hate any man Ans As he may hate himselfe that is his own Corrupt sinfull conditions against or contrary to Gods holy nature and at emnity with God Psal 139.20 21 22. so he may hate them that hate God as they are enemies to God and haters of God and his Saints and servants But yet with humility love and piety desiring and endeavouring their conversion if it be Gods will and so to love them and seeke their good Quest 12. What are the speciall graces in which this Christan love and charity is to bee exercised towards our Neighbour Ans There are divers you may observe these First Christian Humanity by which in Offices of civility hospitality peaceablenesse and good Neighbourhood doing as wee would be done by Isaia 16.3 4. Rom. 12.15 16 17 18. Rom. 16.2 2 Cor. 5.14 15. in counsells comfort visiting in affliction or any other manner of assistance we helpe and so declare our love to our Neighbour and win our Neighbours love and respect againe unto us and all this as in and from that kinde respect of God to us in Christ Quest 13. What is a sinne contrary unto this 1 Sam. 25.14 25. Mat. 7 8 Zâ—ch 1.14 15. Amos 1.9 Mat. 7.12 Ans Inhumanity incivility churlish unquietnesse or any kind of ill Neighbourhood neglecting or refusing to visit in affliction or to assist with counsell or comfort much more they sinne who do any way rejoyce in misery of Neighbours or helpe forward their afflictions doing ill offices against Charity Religion and the rules of good Neighbourhood held forth in holy Scriptures when men do not as they would be done by Quest 14. What is a second grace in Christian friendship Ans Benevolence or good will in which in God and for God Isaia 66.10 Luk. 15.10 wee desire and endeavour the good of our Neighbour When occasion is offered and congratulate our Neighbours prosperity from our very hearts Rom. 12.15 John 3.2.3 as Christians rejoycing in the good one of another Quest 15 What is the sin centrary unto this Ans Wicked envy at the prosperity of our Neighbour Gen. 26.14 Mat. 20.11 Acts 13.45 James 3.14 15 16. or malevolent ill will or unfriendlinesse towards our Neghbour any manner of way against the Word of God Quest 16. What other Graces are there in which our love may be declared to our Neighbour Ans There are diverse other in particular which I refer to a Christians search in the Scripture and shall handle many in the particular Commandements of this second Table onely one I note this is true Christian Justice or righteousnesse to be exercised towards our Neighbour Quest 17. What is this Christian Justice and righteousnesse required in this second Table Ans Justice is a vertue by which a man doth give to every man his right and Christian Justice is a gratious vertue or a grace by which a believing man or woman by vertue and grace of Christ doth in a right manner according to Gods Word from a right Principle Gods love in Christ to the Christians and to a right end Gods glory give right and due to every one Quest 18. How manifold is this Christian Justice or righteousnesse to be practized of Saints Ans Divines divide it into two parts first distributive righteousnesse which is exercised in distribution of good things and of rewards and punishments in a due proportion and order according to the condition merit and worth or desert of every person as will appeare further in the unfoulding of the particular Commandements Quest 19. What is the second Ans Commutative Justice or Righteousnesse is that which is to be communicated to every one according to the equality or inequality of things or matters concerned or according to right and Justice to be communicated as will also appeare further with the sinnes contrary to Justice in the duties commanded and sinne forbidden in the particular commands of the second Table Quest 20. Which is the first Command of the second Table Answ The first Commandement in Order of the Decalogue namely as it is expressed in the twentieth Chapter of Exodus verse 12. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may belong in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Quest 21. What may be observed for the unfoulding of this fifth Commandement Answ Three things especially First the Duty required Honour Secondly the Persons to be honoured all Superiours set down here under the names of Father and Mother Thirdly the reason or Motive to draw to a willing obedience the blessing of long life that thy Dayes may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Quest 22. What is meant or to be understood by Honour Answ First an inward reverent respect and Honourable esteem of a Superiour in Age Birth Place Rom. 13 7. or Worth according as is due to such a Superiour Secondly an outward manifestation of this Râ—verence and Honourable respect in words actions and fitting behaviour upon all occasions as becometh inferiours toward their Superiours in Birth Age Place or Worth both in a Civill and Chriâ—tian relation and in particular expressions and examples will be further manifest Quest 23. What Persons are understood by Father and Mother as superiours unto whom honour must be given as a duty Answ All Parents and those that are in place of Parents in Naturall Civill or Spirituall Relation Quest 24 What are those Parents and Persons in particular States and Conditions to be honoured as superiours and what are the particular inferiours who relatively are bound in duty to give honour unto these as to their superiours and what light from Christ revealing these Answ First in the Oeconomicall or Houshold Estate 1 Husbands the Persons are First husbands wives c. secondly naturall parents Father and Mother these are the superiours to be honoured and the inferiours are their Children Sonnes and Daughters by Nature Adoption or Tuition as are Committed to them as to
are the sinnes of Children contrary to these duties of children to their Parents Answ First Mat. 10.37 for children to love their Parents above Christ is a sinne against Christ and no true love to their Parents Secondly not to love or to hate Levit. 20.9 Prov. 20.20 Deut. 27.16 Prov. 15.20 Prov. 23.22 Gen. 9.22.24 c. Prov. 30.17 curse revile or dishonour despise disgrace or be ashamed of his Parents is a sinne a fearfull sinne cursed is he that seteth light by his Father or his Mother and let all the people say Amen Thirdly To mock scorn or deride Parents is a fearefull sinne yea not to cover but to scorn or deride or despise them in their infirmities this is sinne Fourthly Deut. 21.18 19 20. c. Rom. 1.30 2 Tim. 3.2 Prov. 30.17 1 Sam. 2.25 for children to be rebellious and to disobey and slight the lawfull and good Commandements and directions of Parents is as sinne yea to despise to obey their Mother is a fearfull sinne and hath a terrible curse foretold to fall upon such children 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 eate it Fifthly Prov. 5.1 children sinne in not subjecting themselves to the good instructions and good correcting of their parents Prov. 5.11 12 13. Levit. 9.3 Prov. 31.1 2 3 4. Deut. 21 20. Prov. 28.24 Gen. 26.34 35. Gens 54.50 51. Numb 39.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 7.35 38. yea of Mother and Father Sixthly children sinne in Robbing of their Parents in diminishig any of their Parents goods in Drunkennesse Gaming or any other way whatsoever who so Robbeth his Father or his Mother and saith it is no transgression the same is the companion of a destroyer it is a sin Seventhly it is a sinne to vow and promise or to settle mariage affections or for children to marry contrary to their Parents good advise and against their good will and approbation especially being under their government it was the practise of prophane Esau himselfe to his Parents for the Father hath the right to give his daughter in mariage Gen. 74.12 John 19.27 Eightly children sinne in being unthankfull and unkind to their Parents not taking care for them as Ioseph for old Jacob and Christ for his Mother but neglecting Parents contrary to the order both of nature and grace Mat. 15.5 6. Ninthly to be without naturall affection to Parents Rom. 1.31 or to disrespect their prayer and blessing is a sin Gen. 27.34 Hest 2.7 20. and they worse then Esau Tenthly for children not to obey as Hester did Mordecia but to disrespect or despise or disobey their Tutors or Governours or Parents for their wise just and wholesome commands 2 Chron. 24.2.17 22. Gen. 12.5 Gen. 13.8 Prov. 18.19 Psal 33. 1 2 3. Gen. 27.41 counsells and admonitions or to be unkinde or unthankfull to any of them or theirs for their care over them or to be without love to Brethren or Sister much more to be unkinde unquiet or contentious to quarrell or as Esau to malice or hate one another all this is sinne and subjects to the curse of God Quest 19. Now have received from Christ the great Prophet out of the holy Scripture of truth what is the duties of Parents to children and of children to their Parents declare I pray you by light from Christ what is the meanes to inable children to practize these duties to Gods glory and their Parents comfort and comfort of their own soules Ans It is not in man to direct his steps Jer. 10.23 neither can Parents or children performe their duties by strength of their owne therefore both Parents and children must waite on Christ in his Ordinances Iohn 1.12 Iohn 1.16 Iohn 15.5 Phil. 4.13 Malac. 4.2 and receive dayly strength of grace from Christ to walke comfortably with Christ in their duties for without Christ wee can doe nothing but in and by Christ wee may doe all things as the Apostles witnesseth of himselfe Christ is the Sunne of Righteousnesse who commeth with healing in his Wings not onely to heale our natures but to enlighten and warme and quicken the soules of his children in the performance of every duty Grace in children is the best riches the best portion the same in Parents Quest 20. The mutuall dutiet of Parents to children and of children to Parents being thus held forth declare I pray you the duties of masters and mistresses to their servants and apprentises Gen. 18.19 2 Kings 5 23. Coloss 3.22 Ans Masters and Fathers of Families are in the nature and place of Parents to their servants whilest they are under their charge and ought to be carefull of their servants and apprentises to Catechize and instruct them in the knowledge of God of Christ and of themselves and their duties out of Gods Word that they may doe them service in the feare of God not with eye service Gen. 24.1 56. but in singlenesse of heart as unto Christ For how should Masters or Mistresses expect faithfull service from their servants and apprentises when they never take care to teach them what their duty is out of Gods Word Secondly Job 13 31 Coloss 4.1 Masters ought to rule their servants with Justice and equity according to the Apostles direction Masters give unto your servants that which is just and equall knowing that yee also have a Master in Heaven Thirdly the commandes of Masters and Mistresses to their servants and apprentises must be honest and lawfull agreeable not contrary to the Word of God else they are not to be obeyed 2 Sam. 11 14 15. David sinned in commanding Ioab to to set Vriah in the hottest of the Battell that he might be smitten and die 1 Sam. 22 17. and Ioab sinned in obeying David and Saul sinned in commanding his footmen to to kill the Lords Priests and Saules foot-men did not sinne in disobeying the unlawfull commands of the King their Master Fourthly Gen. 24.5 8. Masters ought to command their Servants and Apprentises things possible for them to do proportionable to their abilities actings of their best endevours not beyond them faithfull Abraham a good Master required no more of his servant Rom. 12.17 1 Tim. 5.8 Fifthly the Masters duty is to provide for his Servants and Apprentices convenient food and rayment and to Grant them necessary rest 2 King 5.13 and refreshing that they may be able to doe their Masters Service with cheerefulnesse as unto living Parents Sixthly the duty of Masters towards their Servants Ephes 6.9 is to correct them when necessity requireth with wisedom and moderation and to forbear cruell threatnings knowing that they have a Master in heaven neither is their respect of persons with him Seventhly the Masters and Mistresses duty Gen. 29.15.21 Gen. 30.28 Exod. 2 9. Prov. 22.6 Deut. 15.12 13 14. towards their
Servants and Apprentices is to perform their covenants towards them without fraud or delay and to take care they may learn their Trade and calling that they may live comfortably not only with them but but when according to their Covenants they have done their Service and are departed from them Gen. 30.27.28 esteeming those who have been their faithfull servants as their friends though in estate they be poor and inferiour unto them as Christ esteemed of his Disciples who served him in truth and sincerity John 14 15. Quest 21. These are good directions from Christ of the duties of Masters and Mistresses towards their Servants Apprentices now what are the sins contrary unto these Answ The sins contrary are divers I will note them in briefe First Jerem. 10.25 Prov. 31.26 27. Ephess 2.12 it is a sinne in Masters and Mistresses to neglect Prayer and Catechizing their Families and not to teach and instruct their housholds in the way of God when men or women or their houshold live as without God in the world and their Families are uncatechized in their duties to God or to them Gen. 18.19 for what God commends in Abraham the contrary he disliketh in those who neglect the duty and merit curse Jerm 9.25 Secondly Deut. 24.14 not to governe the houshold and servants with Justice and equity but with unquietnesse Tyranny and oppression is a sinne Prov. 11.29 such a one is a troubler of his own house Thirdly Coloss 4.1 to command the Servant that which is unlawfull and against the Law of God is a sinne if a Master and Mistresse command a Servant to steale it is sinne to command Exod. 20.15 Eph. 4.28 and sinne to obey as contrary to the command of God thou shalt not steale Coloss 4.1 Fourthly to command Servants or Apprentices to doe that which is impossible and above strength and ability in respect of time or power is a sinne and oppression like Pharaos and those wicked Task-masters of the Egyptians over the Children of Israel Ex. 5.7.10.11 who required the whole Tale of Brick and gave no Straw for which and other sinnes God plagued them in the end Fifthly the Master sinneth in not providing for his Servants and Apprentices that which is comfortable 1 Tim. 51.8 fitting and convenient for Cloathing Meat Drink Rest and the like necessaries Sixthly the Master and Mistresse sin in correcting their Servants Exod. 21.20 and Apprentices immoderately indiscreetly with violence passion cruelty forgetting the rule of Christian moderation Ephes 6.9 Prov 9.21 with threatnings worse then present moderate correction and Cockering a Servant is a sinne as dangerous set on the other hand Seventhly Deut. 24.14 15. the Masters and Mistresses sinne in not performing Covenants with their servants in not teaching them their Trades truly without fraud which is part of their wages or recompence for Money received in not rewarding them according to Covenant Leviticus 19.13 Malac. 3.5 Gen. 31.7 and making them free-men that they may live comfortably with them so from them when Service is ended and when they are freemen to be esteemed as friends upon their good carriage and faithfull Service Philemon 16. especially if there be the Grace of God in them communicated in Christ Quest 22. You have set forth divers duties to be performed and divers sinnes forbidden But how shall Masters and Mistresses get ability to perform these duties and to avoid the sinnes to Gods Glory and good of themselves and their Servants Answ Only by vertue and power from Christ for Christ is the Vine John 15.3 4 5 6. and we are the Branches if we have any ability to bring forth fruit and to perform our duties it must be with sappe and juice of life received from Christ Therefore Masters Mistresses Job 22.21 must endeavour to keep a daily acquaintance with Christ so shall they be better inabled to perform their duties to Gods glory Acts. 4.13 and the comfort of themselves and their Servants Quest 23. The duty of Masters and Mistresses towards their Servants and Apprentices being this declared what are the duties of Servants and Apprentices towards their Masters and Mistresses Answ First the duty of Servants and Apprentices is to love honour and reverence their Masters and Mistresses Malac. 1.6 1 Tim. 6.1 2 Kings 15 13. and to receive Instruction from them out of Gods word to be Catechized by them as children by their Parents Eph. 6.5 6 7. Secondly the duty of servants and Apprentices is to be obedient to their Masters and Mistresses in lawfull commands Coloss 3.22 Titus 2.9 and directions willingly with fear and trembling not answering again but without contradiction to serve them 1 Pet 2.23 not with eye service as men-pleasers but in singlenesse of heart as unto Christ Gen. 31.40 Coloss 3.23.24 Prov. 10.4 Thirdly Servants and Apprentices are to serve their Masters and Mistresses with diligence to be thrifty making use of all opportunities to doe their Masters good service for his profit and credit with all singlenesse of heart as unto God Prov. 12.24 Prov. â—2 29 Ephes 6.8 knowing in this they serve the Lord Christ and shall receive their reward from God although their Masters should proue ungratefull Fourthly Psal 101.6.7 the duty of the servants and Apprentices is to serve their Masters and Mistresses with all wisedome faithfullnesse and truth both in word Prov. 17.2 Titus 2.10 Ephe. 4.25 and deed without all lying or falshood whatsoever as being alwayes in Gods presence who knoweth whether they speake truly or do truly and faithfully their service or not Fifthly 1 Pet. 2.18 19. the servants and Apprentices duty is to submit to their Masters â—ust Admonitions Reproofs and Corrections yea Gen. 16.6.7 although their Maâ—â—ers or Mistresses faile in the manner of their carriage towards them yet they are not to runne away or in pride to oppose but to carry themselves in all humility towards their Maâ—â—ers and Miâ—â—resses Gen. 16.8.9 submitting themselves unto them Eccles 5.8 as is convenient in the Lord leaving their cause to God who is higher then the highest to a lawfull course of Justice not taking the Law into their own hands or being their own Judges For the Magistrate beareth not the sword in vaine â—om 13 â— 2 3 4.7 he is the Minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evill servant or Master Sixthly the Servants and Apprentices duty is to keep all their Masters Secrets Prov. 23.11 Prov. 20.19 which ought to be kept and concealed not revealing them to discredit or the dishonour Prov. 25.9 or disprofit of their Masters or Mistresses Gen. 24.2.3 c. the Master reposeth a trust in his servant whom he taketh into his house to be carefull both of his profit and honour and to doe him faithfull service Seventhly the duty of
7.51 Prov. 20.25 Malac. 3.8 9. or resist or revile or discontent the Ministers of Jesus Chrst in or about their Ministeriall office or any other unlawful wayes is a sin Fifthly to take away or keepe back from them any part of that honorable maintenance or countenance which is due unto them by the Ordinance of the Lord Jesus 1 Thess 5.17 Galat. 6.6 7. is sacriledge a robbing and mocking of God and an odious sinne and more particularly what is approved of by the lawfull Magistrate Iohn 15.20 21. Iohn 16.1 2 3. Acts 9.25 2 Cor. 11.32.33 Luke 11.49 50. Acts. 8.2 3 Acts 9.4 5 Luk. 19.27 2 Sam 6.7 Sixthly to persecute betray or not to defend and preserve the Ministers of Jesus Christ by all lawfull and good meanes in their lives goods good names and especially in and for the execution of their Ministeriall office is a sinne and the property and marke of wicked men whom Christ will one day take for his enemies who refuse to have him to rule over them Seventhly for any to intrude themselves into the office of Christs Ministers 2 Chron. 26.19 20. or to usurpe a Ministeriall office in the Church of Christ for which he hath no call from Christ nor ground or title from the Word of God Heb. 5.4 is certainly a sin an odious sin against Christ Jesus Quest 34. You have revealed by Scripture and light from Christ in the Scripture what are the duties required and the sinneâ— forbidden both of Christs Ministers anâ— of the people over whom the holy Ghost hatâ— made them overseers and in particulaâ— how the people ought to receive reverence and countenance their Ministers Pastors and Teachers and give them that honorable maintenance which is due to Gods Ministers by Divine right and according to the Ordinances of the Lord Christ But is there any promise of blessing or any such encouragement to those who do thus receive honour and pay freely that honorable Maintenance that is due to God for his service and to Gods Ministers for their labour and service according to the Oâ—dinance of Christ Ans Yea verily the Scripture holdeth forth diverse promises to this effect Prov. 3.9.10 as that in the Proverbs Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thy increase so shall thy Barnes be filled with plenty and thy Presses shall burst out with new Wine thou shalt be sure if thou honour God in his service or faithfull servants 1 Sam. 2.30 God will honour thee yea the Lord biddeth his people to trie and prove him if they would bring in the maintenance of his Ministery and service as they ought Malac. 3.10 11. if he would not open the Windowes of Heaven and powre a blessing upon them and he would blesse and not curse their increase and Christ saith hee Mat. 10.40 41. that receiveth his Disciples and Ministers receiveth him and they that receive a Prophet in the Name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward so that there is great encouragement for Saints and all Gods people to perform their duties herein Quest 35. Is there any thinke you that love the Lord Iesus that will not love and honour his faithfull Ministers and willingly give them all respect due to them by the Ordinance of Christ Ans Certainly all men have not faith and some are unreasonable and wicked men 2 Thess 3.2 who love not Christ nor his Ministers I have heard divers Ministers complaine Gens 47.22.26 2 Chron. 36.16 17. that in some parts they have beene used far worse then the Egyptians used their Priests they finde no favour but have been subject to divers abuses which was a fearfull sinne that once brought a forraigne enemy upon Gods owne people But now we hope better things that as the Lord hath honoured those who are in high places so he will honour them with one grace more to take care that there may be faithfull and honorable Ministers placed in every congregation in the Kingdome 1 Tim. 5.71 and that they may have an honorable maintenance duly payd them according to the Ordinance of Christ 1 Cor. 9.14 Quest 36. I have received good satisfaction for the duties of Ministers Pastors and Teachers in the church of Christ and the peoples duties unto them both in respect of reverence and maintenance But what is your judgement I pray you hath Christ appointed no government in his Church and so no governours who as Fathers are to be honoured and who are to be as Rulers in the Church for right ordâ—â—ing of Christs discipline for Gods glory and the good of his Church what light from Christ to direct in this Ans Yes certainly as the Scripture holdeth forth the Lord Christ himselfe to be the chiefe Lord and Governour Isaia 2.6 7 Mich. 5.2 Mat. 2.6 yea the King of his Church and the Governement to be upon his shoulder so when the Lord Christ ascended up into Heaven and led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men as hee gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4 11 12. c. 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 12.8 for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ so hee hath given Elders 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 6.1 2 3. Rom. 12.7 Rulers and Governments or helpes in Government as Overseers Deacons Ministers and Officers for the good of the Church of Christ Quest 37. But who are these Elders and Officers that are to have government in the Church Ans First it is evident in Scripture that the same men who are called in Scripture Presbyters Acts 20.17 28. or Elders and Rulers they are called Overseers or Bishops and Pastors 1 Tim. 5.17 such as must labour in the word and Doctrine and not only take heede to all the flocke over which the holy Ghost hath made them overseers Titus 1.5 6 7 8 9. But feede the Church of God which hee hath purchased with his own blood Acts 29.28 So that it is evident that the same men who are Pastors and Teachers have authority from Christ to be Elders 1 Pet. 5.2 3 4. and Rulers in the Church although they are not to lord it over Gods heritage but to be ensamples to the flock as St. Seter holdeth forth the light of Christ unto the Church Quest 38. Are there no other Elders or Ruling Officers in the Church but Pastors and Teachers and such as labour publikely in Preaching and so in the word and doctrin Ans Divers learned men do affirme from that place of the Apostle to Timothy Aretius Piscâ—tor Beza in 1 Tim. 5.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 12.28 Heb. 13.17 24. The Church of Gâ—neva The Chu ch of Scotland And Holland Frâ—nce Nâ—w England and nâ—w England the Elders that Rule well are worthy of double honour especially those that labour in Word and
in Jesus Christ who is our peace-maker and whose rest is glorious 1 Cor. 1.30 Secondly as a sanctifyer and nourisher in grace by his spirit of faith and preserver to glory that receiving dayly refreshing nourishment from Christ by meeting Christ in his Ordinances Mat. 18.20 John 15.5 2 Pet. 3.18 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. wee may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and by his power be kept through Faith unto salvation The Thirty three Classis or company of Questions The second Section Question 1. YOu have opened the fift Commandement at large both in the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden with the use and application as by a light from Christ to leade us unto Christ both as a justifyer and a sanctifyer to enable us to walke comfortably with Christ in the course of our lives Now I pray you tell mee in briefe what are the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in the sixt commandement Thou shalt not kill Ans This Commandement is negative as are the rest that follow Gen. 9.6 and this sixt Commandement God gave for preservation of the life of man as being Gods owne Image as hee did the seventh commandement for preservation of a holy seed Malac. 2.15 The eight coÌ„mandement for preservation of mens estated and that propriety which God hath given to men in their owne children or any thing else as goods Deut. 22.1 2 3. Psal 15.3 and the ninth Commandement was given for preservation of a man or womans good name and the Tenth to keepe the very heart and desires of the soule in a right order to the glory of God and the good of our Neighbour But in every one of these negative commandements the affirmative duties are required and a walking according to that rule of righteousnesse which God planted at first in man and woman when hee created them in his owne Image I will therefore first hold forth the duty and then the sinnes forbidden and some use of them In this sixt Commandement Thou shalt not kill or Thâ—u shalt doe no murther Prov. 4.23 In the affimaitive part the Lord requireth of every man woman or child to be carefull to preserve his or her owne life of soule and body Gen. 1.27 Mat. 4.6 7 Prov. 24.11 Job 29.12 and the life of his or her Father Mother Husband Wife Brother Sister Neighbour or of any Man Woman Job 29.13 Acts 19.30 31. Deut. 20.19 20. 2 Pet. 1.7 1 Sam. 15.2 3. 1 Pet. 3.8 9. Coloss 3.3 1 John 3.15 Eph. 4.27 Deur 30.35 Mat. 10.28 Rom. 3.15 16 17. or Child in the world by all lawfull and good meanes in heart word and deed in love meekenesse long-suffering and to avoide all occasion of murder lying in waite to destroy or the unlawfull destroying the life of any of whatsoever degree or condition they or any of them may be all malice hatred envy rash anger disdaine evill words or actions especially old grudges and drunkennesse all occasion of murders and forgtefulnesse of Gods presence or want of feare of offending the great God and sinning against Christ Jesus Quest 2. You havâ— held forth the duties in generall with divers particular meanes to preserve life and occasions of taking life away to be avoyded Now what are the contrary sinnes to bee avoided in generall or particular as briefe as you can Ans All selfe-murder of soule Gens 4.6 7 c. or body or any unlawfull killing of any of mankind much more of Husband Prov. 18.19 Wife Father Mother Brother Sister Neighbour or any other and all means and occasion of soule killing or unlawfull taking away the life of any Levit. 19.17 is a sinne Mat. 5.22 Prov. 17.19 James 1.20 Mat. 5.21 c. Acts 5.31 as all hatred malice rash anger envie contempt emulation strife contentions and heartrisings wrath especially amongst brethren want of brotherly love or uncharitablenesse in any respect in thought word or deed especially evill reviling words giving the lie or any other provocations of quarrells all unlawfull duells or other occasions whatsoever all being a degree of murder Therefore is necessity to seek to Christ for Repentance and Remission of sins Quest 3. Now wee have heard the duties of the sixt what are the duties of the seventh Commandement Thou shalt not commit Adultery 2 Tim. 2.22 Heb. 13.4 Mat. 5.28 Job 31.1 1 Thess 4.2 3 4. Ephes 5.3 4. 5. Eph. 5.25 to 33. Answ The Lord requireth all true chastity both in the married and single estate both in minde and in body both inward holinesse and chastity of the heart and affections and outward holinesse and chastity of the Eyes Eares Tongue and whole man every one walking as Christians and as knowing how to possesse his vessell in holinesse and honour And waiting on Christ in use of all good meanes to prevent sinne in this as in other temptations the husband resting satisfyed with the love of his own Wife Prov. 5.18.19 and the Wife of her own Husband delighting in each others love constantly in the Lord. Quest 4. Now you have shewed the duty declare what are the sinnes contrary to this duly both in the single and in the Married estate and first in the single estate Ans All unchaste corrupt lusts of the heart Gen. 6.2 1 John 2.16 1 Pet. 2.11 Jam. 1.14.15 Gens 38.18 Gen. 39.9 2 Sam. 11.2 3 4. Jer. 5.7 Prov. 7.22 c. Isai 5.11 12. 1 Cor. 7.9 Levit. 20. â—0 Malac. 2.14 15 16. or lust of the eyes and all selfe pollution by speculative wantonnesse or wicked imaginations defiling the soule and all fornication or adultery in act or any meanes or occasions thereunto in heart word or deeds active or passive provoking God to anger and all keeping company with Harlots or mispending time in idlenesse drunkennesse or any manner of sin whatsoever Quest 5. What are the sins in the maried estate Answ Besides that all those sinnes noted in the single estate are sinnes likewise in the married all breach of wedlock or conjugall fidelity and promise made betweene man and wife either in thought Lev. 18.18 Mat. 19.9 Heb. 13.4 1 Cor 5.1 Mark 6.17 18. 1 Cor. 7.2 3 4 5. 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Levit. 18.19 20. Levit. 20.18 Ezek. 18.6 Ezek. 16.49 Rom. 13.13 14. Eph. 5.5 6. Levit. 19.29 Deut. 23.17 18. Gens 34.25.31 Heb. 13.4 Reve. 21.8 word or deede and all Polygamy and also all unlawfull divorce or separation all whoredome adultery incest or any such wickednesse whatsoever all denyall of due benevolence which may occasion breach or decay of love or sinne otherwise all effeminatenesse and immodest immoderate or unseasonable use of the marriage-bed in times prohibited by the Law of nature of God or of lawfull consent betweene themselves all pampering of the flesh or surfeting and drunkennesse to nourish unlawful lusts and all force and rashnes all impudent behaviour or prostitution of
themselves or others Wives or Daughters unto filthinesse all wicked whoredome and all Baudes or keepers of brotherly houses for meeting base whores abhorminable and odious to God and good men occasions of theft murther and Gods judgement curse and hell in the end Quest 6. Since there are so many duties required in Husbands Wives and others concerning chastity in the married and single estate and so many sinnes forbidden deserving Gods wrath and curse temporall spirituall and eternall what use should all make of this holy Law of God and what light from Christ to lead us unto Christ for profit hereby Ans Truly this light from Christ and his spirit should leade unto Christ Heb. 13.4 to see the sinfulnesse of all impurity and uncleannesse both in the married and single estate and to see and be sensible of the wrath of God due to this sinne and every branch of it 1 Cor. 30 so to finde and and feele an extreame need of Chirst both as a justifyer and as a sanctifyer 2 Pet. 1.10 11. And to fly dayly to Christ as for a more full assurance of pardon and peace Eph. 5.1 2 so for power to walke in all chastity and holy purity of soule and body before God Rom. 12.1 2. offering up our selves our soules and bodies a living sacrifice acceptable to God in Jesus Christ walking holily before God John 15.5 Phil. 4.13 not like the World but like Saints And this not by our own vertue and strength but by the vertue of Christ Quest 7. Now you have declared duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in the seventh Commandement and so far how to walke comfortably with Christ by the power of Christ according to the Rule and light of Christ and his spirit in the light of this Law or commanding part of Gods word Psal 119.105 which I pray you are the Duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in the eight Commandement which is the next in order Thou shalt not steale Ans The Lord requireth that every man woman and child according to capacity of instruction now and ever shall study and endevour by all lawfull and good meanes Mat. 5.43 44 45 c. Acts 7.60 Ex. 23.4 5 justly and with equity and right to preserve his owne Galat. 6.10 and his Neighbours yea his enemies goods Ex. 23.6 7. children servants or estate from all wrong and all injustice whatsoever their owne alwayes and their Neighbours when God puts it into the power of their hands to do it Luk. 10.33 34 35 c. by word or by deede to manifest we love our Neighbour as our selves Quest 8. What are the sinnes contrary to this duty required in the sixt Cmmandement Ans To do unjustly any manner of way to the wrong of himslfe or his neighbour Prov. 20.25 Malac. 3.8 9. to commit sacriledge or rob God in robbing or stealing of that which is religiously and rightly appointed by God or given to Gods worship or the maintenance of Gods Ministers or any that pertaine to his sanctuary Deut. 19.14 Prov. 22.28 Ex. 21.16 1 Tim. 1.10 Eph. 4.6 7. Thess 4.2.8.1 Ezek. 22.13 Prov. 19.26 Prov. 28.24 Exod. 22. Levit. 19.13 2 Thess 3.6.10 11 c. John 6.12 to remove the ancient land markes or to steale either persons children or servants ot any goods or chatells or the like either by fraud and cozenage or by force either secretly or openly under pretence of Law or unlawfully or other wayes either from stranges or from Parents or Masters and Mistresses is sin all dishonest gain and all unrighteousnesse in contracts bargaines buying selling in any manner of Covenant whatsoever all oppression extortion detaining of goods lent or lost is sinfull theft and all wicked walking disorderly and mispending or wasting of a mans owne estate or others especially Parents or Masters in drunkennesse idlenesse Prov. 23.21 whoring or the like wickednesse yea by rash and desperate entring into suretiship to the undoing of himselfe wife Prov. 23.29 Deut. 15.7 8 to 16. children or any other is sin and not to do our selves or to others for the good of our own estate or theirs poor brother or servant as wee would they should in justice mercy Mat. 7.12 and equity according to Gods word doe unto us is a sin and a breach of this eight Commandement of Jehova our God Quest 9. Certainly here are many duties required and many sinnes forbidden in a few words in this Commandement wherein doth the light of grace from Christ direct us to make a right use of this light and rule of life in this Commandement Ans This may still preach unto a poore soule an extreme neede of Christ both as a justifyer and a sanctifyer 1 Cor 1.30 and teach iis to waite dayly on Christ in his ordinances Iohn 1.9 Iohn 12.5 Iohn 15.5 and seeke dayly to Christ for light and direction and for vertue and power from Christ to glorifie God in walking justly and righteously in our callings and cariages to God and men Zach. 5.3 4. least we sin against God and procure a curse upon our labours instead of a blessing Quest 10. Now you have thus briefly givtn a light from Christ for direction and helpe if the eight Commandement what I pray you are the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in the ninth Commandement Thou shalt not be are false witnesse against thy Neighbour Ans The Lord requireth and commandeth faithfull Testimony Prov. 14.5 25. Psal 15.2 Prov. 12.19 Epla 4.15 when men are called to witnesse truth and upon all occasions to speake the truth as it is in the heart that the heart and tongue should agree to declare the truth when it is to Gods glory and good of our neighbour Deut. 1.16 17. Exod. 23.2.6 when rightly and lawfully wee are called to it for Judges and Magistrates to give righteous judgement Ministers to Preach truth Rom. 9.11 Zach. 8.16 17. for Lawyers to speake truth in pleading the causes of poore or rich not to hinder but to further justice and equity Prov. 22.1 Mat. 10.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Prov. 23. to preserve the good name of a mans selfe or neighbour in truth and righteousnesse with the right ordering of our tongues in wisdome and truth upon all occasions to Gods glory and good of our selves and others superiors or inferiors or equalls Psal 119.128 with love of truth and hate of falshood and deceit Quest 11. What are the sinnes forhidden in this Commandement Deut. 5.20 Mat. 19.18 Mat. 26.5 Psal 52.3 4 5. Psal 5.3 1 Sam. 22.9 10. Ans All false witnesse bearing upon Oath or otherwise all procuring of false witnesses and all vaine lying or uncharitable speaking to the diffamation or hurt of our owne good name or the good of any other Levit. 5.1 2. 2 Sam. 10.1 2. Mat. 7.1 2. Ezek. 22.28 John 7.24.51 Ex. 23.2 Deut. 16.18 19. Prov. 17.23 Ex.
22.21 Ezek. 22.6 7. Ezra 4.19 Dan. 6.7 8 Isai 10.1 2 Luke 18.2 3 4 5. superior inferior or equalls or their estates inward or outward all concealing of truth not witnessing all wresting or depraving of actions or words contrary to the minde of the speaker or doer all false teaching and lying all unjust judgement without due tryall and examination to finde out truth and all erring in judgement contrary to truth all pleading of Lawyers against truth and all wresting of judgement for bribes or by-respects or hindering the right execution of judgement by unjust writs of error contrary to right and truth to oppresse a poore man and his just cause in law or conscience all unjust Records or concealling truth all Decrees Orders and Ordinances contrary to the right rule of truth or equity all false delayes or pretences to delay petitioners for Justice and right like as the unjust Judge did the poor widow Rom. 1.31 Psal 15.3 Exo. 23.1 All these are both theft and false witnes bearing sins against the eight ninth Commandement All Covenant breaking all credulous receiving of false rumors and reports and nourishing them by rash believeing of them or relating them to others Nehe. 6.6 7. Ezek. 22.9 all carring tales lying and speaking untruth to deceive in jest or earnest all officious or pernirious lies in trading buying Levit. 19.16 selling or otherwise all not ruling the tongue and all other wayes and meanes of hurting with the tongue by any idle unprofitable or sinfull words whatsoever James 3.2 3. c. Quest 12. Certainly Christ in this glasse of the Law giveth a light to finde out many sins and failing even in the best much more the abominations of wicked men Gen. 6.5 who are sencelesse of the villanies of their owne evill hearts what benefit may we reape by this Ans First Mat. 12.36 to teach wicked men to tremble the sinnes of whose words are sufficient to damm them for ever in hell fire Secondly to teach them to prize the Gospell which brings them news of a Saviour Prov. 23.26 and to waite on the meanes of grace if at any time Christ will give them Repentance and faith in Christ Jesus Heb. 13.5 Phil. 3.11 12 13. that they may be delivered out of the snare of the devill who are taken captive by him at his will Thirdly to teach Gods children to fly dayly to Christ and meet Christ in his Ordinances 2 Pet. 1.9 10 11. as to gaine more assurance of pardon even of their sinnefull words so for power to set a watch before their mouthes Psal 39.1 2. and to keepe the dors of their lips that they sinne not in their words Eph. 4.29 c. but that no corrupt communication come out of their mouthes but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers as becomes those who have received true light from Christ Quest 13. You are now come by Gods goodnesse and light from Christ to the tenth and last Commandement of the Decalogue tell I pray you what are the duties commanded and the sinnes forbidden in this Commandement Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Oxe nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Ans To open the Commandement a little and then to give you the duties Note first that whereas Moses here useth the Hebrew word Tatehmod covet in Deut. 5.21 he useth the word Tithavveh desire which the Hebrewes make lesse then to covet implying a prohibition of the least desire or thought to commit sinne in wronging our Neighbour so much as in our hearts or desires and in Deuterinomy the wife is named before the house and the field is added which is not named here Secondly you may observe the object of this coveting or desire prohibited Thou shalt not covet First in particular not thy Neighbours house Secondly not his wife Thirdly not his man-servant Fourthly not his maide-servant Fifthly not his Oxe Sixthly not his Asse Seventhly in the generall Nor any thing that is thy Neighbours Now the duty the Lord requireth is Prov. 23.26 wee should give God our hearts and every man and woman should be content in their minds Heb. 13.5 hearts and affections with that outward estate and condition in which it hath pleased God to place them Phil. 4.11 12 13. to behave themselves well towards their Neighbours not onely in outward actions but inwardly in affections and to declare their love out of a pure heart using all meanes to cherish and keepe good thoughts Luke 10.27 Galat. 5.17 Phil. 4.8 1 Thess 5.23 Prov. 4.23 desires and affections in their hearts and to banish or keepe evill lusts and desires out that by the strength of Christ they may bee carefull not to sinne so much as in a lust or desire or thought against God or their Neighbour Quest 14. Now you have held forth the duty required in the affirmative part of this Commandement what I pray you are the sinnes prohibited and what light from Christ the great Prophet of his Church to reveale these in the sacred Scriptures Ans First in generall the Lord prohibits all sinfull or evill concupiscence Rom. 7.7 and lusts or desires of the heart even before consent of will Coloss 3.5 originall corruption and pollution of heart Gen. 8.21 Mat. 15.19 the root of evill lusts and desires All actuall particular unlawfull passions lusts and desires of the soule Mat. 5.22.38 1 John 2. yea the very lusts of the eyes as our Saviour speaketh hee that looketh upon a Woman to lust after her 15 16. Jo 1.31.1 hath committed adultery with her in his heart and hee that is but angry with his brother unadvisedly is in danger of judgement Mat. 5.22 Joshua 7.21 Psal 19.7 Heb. 4 12.13 Isai 55.7 So that in this the perfection precisenesse and exact strictnesse of the Law of God appeareth above all humane Lawes whatsoever because they onely take hold of men sinning in words or actions Prov. 24.9 Jere. 17.9 10. Genes 6.5 James 2.10 11. Deut. 27.26 not of evill thoughts except they bee made manifest But the Lord searcheth the very heart and sinnefull lusts desires imaginations and thoughts of the heart make them guilty before God and subject men to the curse as breakers of Gods most holy Law Quest 15. Blessed bee God that you have received this light from Christ to declare the minde of God in these Ten Commandements both concerning duties commanded and sinnes forbidden yea even to the very thoughts lusts and desires of our soules good or evill Now what profit or benefit may the knowledge of this bring to a Christian soule and what light from Christ to make a right use of this that God hath revealed by Christ and his Spirit in the explication of these directions for