seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD in it thou shalt not do any worke thon nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-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 Sabbath day and hallowed x Exod. 20 8 9 10 11 it x. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandement A The fourth Commandement requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14 Gen. 2. 2. 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Mat. 5 17 18 Isa 56 24 6 7. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev 1. 10 Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20 8 10 not only from such works as are at all times sinfull but even from such worldâ—y imployments recreations as are on other dayes lawfull b Exod. 16 25. 26. 27 28 Neh 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 Ier. 17. 21 22 and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12 1 to 13 in the publick private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 20. 7 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Psal 92. title Isa 66 23 Lev. 23. 3 and to that end we are to prepare our hearts with such foresight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our wordly busines that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 2. 8 Luk. 23. 54 55 Exod. 16. 22 25 26 29. Neh. 13. 19 Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by al those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10 Iosh 24. 15 Neh 13. 15 17 Ier. 17. 20 21 22 Exod. 23. 12 Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandement are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26 all carelesse negligent and unprofitable performing of them being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 9 Ezek. 33. 30 31 32 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 all profaning the day by idlenes doing that which is in it self sinful i Ezek. â—3 38 by al needles works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments recreations k Ier. 17. 24 27 Isa 58. 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandement the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayâ—s shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9 from Gods challenging a speciall property in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy GOD m Exod. 20. 10 from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven earth the sea and all that in them is rested the seventh day from that blessing which God put upon that day not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it Wherfore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it n Rom 20. 11 Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandement o Exod. 20. 8 partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exod 16 23 Luk 23. 54 56 with Mar. 15. 42 Neh 13. 9 and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandements q Psal 92 title with vers 13. 14 Ezek. 20 12. 19. 20 and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3 Isai 1. 8 22 24 with Acts 4. 10 11 Rev. 1. 10 and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 21. 26 for that there is lesse light of nature for it t Neh. 6. 14. and yet it restraineth our naturall liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21 that it commeth but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it w Deut. 5. 14 15 Amos 8. 5 and that Sathan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Iam. 1. 7 â—er 17. 21 22 23 Neh. 13. 15 to 25 Q. What is the summe of the six Commandements which containe our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39 and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12 Q. Which is the fifth Commandement A. The fifth Commandement is Honour thy Father and thy mother tâ—at thy dayes may be long upon the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee a Exod. 20. 4 Q. Who aâ—e meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement A By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandement are meant not only naturall parents b Prov. 23. 22 Eph 6. 1 2 but all Superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2 and gifts d Gen. 420. 21 22. Gen. â—5 8 and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin 5. 13 Church f 2 Kin 2. 12 2 Kin 13. 14 Gal. 4. 19 or Common-wealth g Isa 49. 23 Q. Why are Superiours styled Father and Mother A. Superiours are styled Father and Mother both to each them in all duties towards their Inferiours like naturall parents to expresse love and
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it g Exod 20 8 9 10 11 Q. VVhat is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath to himself h Deut. 15 12 13 14 Q. Which day of the seven hath GOD appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath i Gen. 2. 2 3. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day k Exod. 20 8 10 even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other days l Exod. 16 25 26 27 26 Neh. 13. 5 16 17 18 19 21 22. and spending the whole time in the publâ—ke and private exercises of Gods worship m Luk. 4 16 Acts 20 7 Ps 92. title Isa 66. 23 except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity mercy n Mat. 12. 1 to 13 Q What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required o Ezek. 22 25 Amos 8. 5 Mal. 1. 13 and the prophaning the day by idleness p Acts 20 7 9. or doing that which is in it self sinful q Ezek. 23 38 or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about worldly imployments or recreations r Jer. 17. 24 25 26 Isai 58 13 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own imployments Å¿ Exo. 20 9 his challenging a special propriety in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day t Exod. 20 11 Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee u Exod. 20 12 Q. VVhat is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places relations as Superiors w Eph. 5. 21 Inferiors x Pet. 2 17 or Equals y Ro. 12. 10 Q. VVhat is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations z Mat. 5 15 4 5 6. Ezek. 34 2 3 4 Rom. 13 8 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shal serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment a Deu. 5 16 Eph 6 2 3 Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shall not kill b Exod. 20 13 Q. What is required in the 6 Comandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preseâ—ve our own life c Eph 5 28 29 and the life of others d 1 Kings 18 4 Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the tâ—kâ—ng away of our own life or the life of our neighbor unjustly and whatsoever tendeth thereunto e Acts 16 28 Gen 9 6. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery f Exod. 20 14 Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment reqâ—ireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour g 1 Cor. 7 2 3. 5 34 36 Col 4 6. 1 Pet. 3 2 Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions h Mat. 15 19 5 28 Eph. 5 3 4 Q. Which is the eighth Commandement A. The eighth Commandement is Thou shalt not steal i Exod. 20 15 Q. What is required in the eight Commandement A. The eighth Commandement requireth the lawfull procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others k Gen. 30 30. 1 Tim. 5 8 Q What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbors wealth or outward estate l Lev. 25 35. Deut. 22 1 2 3 4 5. Exod. 2 3 4 5 Gen. 47 14 20 Pro 21 17 23 20 21. 28. 19. Ephe. 4. 28 Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor m Exo 20 16 Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man n Zach. 8 16 and of our own and our neighbors good name o 3 John v. 12 especially in witness bearing p Prov. 14 5 25 Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbors good name q 1 Sam 17 28 Lev. 19 16 Psal 15 3 Q. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his Ox nor his Asse nor any thing that is thy neighbors r Exod. 20 17 Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition s Heb. 13. 5 1 Tim. 6. 6 with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor and all that is his t Job 31. 29. Rom. 12. 15. 1 Tim. 1 5. 1 Cor. 13 4 5 6 7. Q What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate u 1 Kin. 21 4. Esther 5. 13. 1 Cor. 10. 10. envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor w Gal. 5 26. Jam. 3. 14. 16. and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his x Rom. 7. 7 8.
Saints or any other creature d Col. 2. 18 Rev. 19. 10 Rom. 1. 25 and since the Fall not without a Mediator nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone e Iohn 14. 6 1 Tim. 2. 5. Eph. 7. 18 Col. 3. 17 III. Prayer with thanksgiving being one speciall part of Religious Worship f Phil. 4. 6 is by GOD required of all men g Psal 65 2 and that it may be accepted it is to be made in the Name of the Son h Iohn 14. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 5 by the help of his Spirit i Rom. 8. 26. according to his Will k Ioh. 5. 14 with understanding reverence humility fervency faith love and perseverance l Psal 47. 7 Eccles 5. 1 2 Heb. 12. 28 Gen. 18. 27 Iames 5. 16. Iam. 1 6 7 Mark 11. 24. Mar 6. 12. 14. 15. Col 4. 2. Ep. 6. 18 and if vocall in a known tongue m Cor. 14. 14 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawfull n 1 Ioh 5 14 and for all sorts of men living or that shall live hereafter o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 Ioh. 17 20 2. Sa. 7. 29 Ruth 4. 12 but not for the dead p 2 Sam. 12 21 22. 23. with Luk. 16. 25 26 Rev. 14 3 nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death q 1 Ioh. 5. â—6 V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear r Act. 15. 21 Rev. 1. 3 the sound Preaching Å¿ 2. Tim. 4. 2 and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience to God with understanding faith and reverence t Iam. 1. 22 Acts 10. â—5 Mat. 13. 19. He 4. 2. Isa 66. 2 singing of Psalms with grace in the heart u Col. 3. 16 Ephes 5. 19 Iam. 5. 13 as also the due administration worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ are all parts of the ordinary Religious Worship of God w Mat. 28. 19 1 Cor. 11. 13 to 29. Acts 2. 42 Beside Religious Oaths x Deut. 6. 13 with Neh. 10. 29. Vows y Isa 19. 21 with Eccl. 5. 4 5 Solemn Fastings z Ioel 2 12 Esther 4. 16 Mat. 9. 15 1 Cor. 7. 5 and Thanksgivings upon special occasions a Psal 107 throughout Ester 9. 22 which are in their severall times and seasons to be used in an holy and religious manner b Heb. 11. 28 VI. Neither Prayer nor any other part of Religious Worship is now under the Gospel either tyed unto or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed or towards which it is directed c Iohn 4. 21 but God is to be worshipped every where d Mal. 1. 11 1 Tim. 2. 8 in Spirit and Truth e Iohn 4 23 24 as in private Families f Ier. 10. 25 Deut. 6. 6 7 Iob 1. 5 2 Sam. 6. 18 20. 1 Pet. 3 7. Acts 10. 2 daily g Mat. 6. 11 and in secret each one by himselâ— h Mat. 6. 6 Eph. â— 18 so more solâ—mnly in the publique Assemblies which are not carelessy or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken when God by his Word or Providence calleth thereunto i Isa 56. 7 Heb. 10 25 Prov. 1. 20 21 24 Prov. 8. 34 Acts 13 42 Luk. 4. 16 Acts 2. 42 VII As it is of the Law of Nature that in general a due proportion of time be set a part for the Worship of God so in his Word by a positive Morall and perpetuall Commandment binding all men in all ages he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him k Exod. 20 8 0 11 Isa 56. 2 4 6 7. which from the beginning of the World to the resurrection of Christ was the last Day of the week and from the Resurrection of Christ was changed into the first Day of the week l Gen. 2. 2 3 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 20. 7 which in Scripture is called the LORDS Day m Rev. 1. 10 and is to be continued to the end of the World as the Christian Sabbath n Exod. 20. 8. 10. with Mat. 5 17 18 VIII This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord when men after a due preparing of their hearts ordering of their common affairs before-hand do not only observe an holy rest all the Day from their own works words and thoughts about their worldly imployments and recreations o Exod. 20. 8 Exod. 16. 23 25 26 29 30 Ex. 31. 15 16 17 Isa 58. 13. Nehem. 131 16 17 18 19 21 22 but also are taken up the whole time in the publique and private Exercises of his Worship in the duties of necessity and mercy p Isa 58. 13 Mat. 12. 2 to 13 CHAP. XXII Of lawfull Oaths and Vows A Lawfull Oath is a part of Religious Worship a Deut. 12 20 wherein upon just occasion the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witnesse what he asserteth or promiseth and to judge him according to the truth or falshood of what he sweareth b Exod. 20. 7 Levit. 19. 12 2 Cor. 1. 23 2 Chron. 6 22 23 II. The Name of God only is that by which men ought to sweare and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence c Deut. 6. 13 Therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadfull Name or to swear at all by any other thing is sinfull and to be abhorred d Exod 10. â— Ier. 1. 7 Mat 5. 34 37 Iam. 5. 12 Yet as in matters of weight and moment an Oath is warranted by the Word of God under the New Testament as well as under the Old e Heb. 6. 16 2 Cor. 1. 2â— Isaâ— 6â— 1â— so a lawfull Oath being imposed by lawfull Authority in such matters ought to be taken f 1 Kings â— 31. Neh 13 25. Ezra 10 5. III. Whosoever taketh an Oath ought duely to consider the weightinesse of so solemn an Act and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully perswaded is the truth g Exod. 20. 7 Ier 4. 2 Neither maâ— any man binde himself by Oath to any thing but what is good and just and what he believeth so to be and what he iâ— able and resolved to perform h Gen 24. 2 3 5 6. 8 9. Yet is it a sin to refuse an Oath touching any thing that is good and just being imposeâ— by lawfull Authority i Num. 5. 19 21 Neh. 5 12. Exâ—d 22 7 8 9 10 11 IV. An Oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation or mentall reservation k Ier. 4. 2 Psal 24. 4 It cannot oblige to sin but in any thing not sinfull being taken it binds to performance although to a mans own hurt l 1 Sam. 25 22. â—2 33 34 Psal 15. 4 nor is it to be violated
12. Mat. 12 36 37. II. The end of Gods appointing his Day is for the manifestation of the glory of his Mercy in the eternall salâ—aâ—ion of the Elect of his Iustice in the damnation of the reprobate who are wicked and disobedient For then shall the Righteous go into everlasting Life and receive that fulnesse of Ioy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord but the wicked who know not God and obey not the Gospel of Iesus Christ shall be cast into eternal Torments and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power e Mat. 25. 31 to the end Rom. 2. 5 6 Rom. 9. â—2 2â— Mat. 25 21. Acts 3. 19 2 Thess 1 7 8 9 10 III. As Christ would have us to bee certainly perswaded That there shall be a Day of Iudgement both to deterre all men from sin and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity f 2 Pet. 3. 11 14. 2 Cor. 5 10 11 2 Thes 1. 5 6 7. Luk 21. 2â— 28 Rom. 8. 23 24 25 g Mat. 24. 36 42 43 44 Mark 13. 35 36 37. Luk. 11. 35 36 Rev. 22. 20 so will hee have that Day unknown to men that they may shake off all carnall security and be alwayes watchfull because they know not at what hour the Lord will come and may bee ever prepared to say come Lord Iesus come quickly Amen Charles Herle Prolocutor Cornelius Burges Assessor Herbert Palmer Assessor Henry Robâ—ough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba FINIS The LARGER CATECHISM Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster To be a part of Uniformity in Religion between the Churches of Christ in the three Kingdomes QUESTION WHat is the chief and highest end of man A. Mans chief and highest end is to glorifie God a Rom. 11. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 31 and fully to enjoy him forever b Ps 73. 24. to the end Ioh. 17 21 22 23. Q. How doth it appear that there is a God A. The very light of nature in man and the works of God declare plainly that there is a God c Rom. 1. 19 20. Ps 19. 1. 2. 3 Acts 17. 18 but his Word and Spirit only doe sufficiently and effectually reveale him unto men for their saltion d 1 Cor. 2 9 10 2 Tim 3. 15 16 17 Isa 59. 21 Q. What is the Word of God A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God e 2 Tim. 3 16 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21 the only Rule of Faith Obedience f Eph 2. 20 Rev. 22. 18 19. Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God by their majesty g Hos 8. 12 1 Cor. 2. 6 7 13. Psal 119. 18 129 and purity h Psal 12 6 Ps 119. 140 by the consent of all the parts i Acts 10. 43 Acts 26. 22 and the scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God k Rom. 3. 19 27 by their light and power to convince and convert sinners to comfort and build up Believers unto salvation l Acts 18. 28 Heb. 4. 12 Iam. 1. 18 Psal 19. 7 8 9. Rom. 15. 4 Acts 20. 32 But the Spirit of God bearing witnesse by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man is alone able fully to perswade it that they are the very word of God m Ioh. 16 13. 14 1 Ioh. 2. 20 1â— Ioh. 20. 31 Q. What doe the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man n 2 Tim. 1. 13 Q. What doe the Scriptures make known of God A. The Scriptures make known what God is o Heb. 11. 6 the Persons in the Godhead p 1 Ioh. 5. 7 his Decrees q Acts 15 14 15 18 and the execution of his Decrees r Acts 4. 27 28 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Å¿ Ioh. 4. 24 in and of himself infinite in being t Exod. 3. 14 Iob 11. â— 8 9 glory u Acts 7. 21 blessedness w 1 Tim. 6 15. and perfection x Mat. 5. 45 alsufficient y Gen. 17. 1 eternal z Psal 90. 2 unchangeable a Mal. 3. 6 Iam. 1. 17 in comprehensible b 1 Kin. 8. 27 every where present c Psal 139. 1 to 13. almighty d Rev. 4. 8 knowing all things e Heb. 4. 13 Psal 147. 5 most wise f Rom. 16 17 most holy g Isa 6. 3 Rev. 15 4 most just h Deut. 32 4 most mercifull and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth i Exod 34 6 Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onâ—y the living and true God k Deut. â— 4 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6 Ier. 10. 10 Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There be three Persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one true eternall God the same in substance equall in power and glory although distinguished by their Personall properties l 1 Ioh. 5. 7 Mat 3. 16 17 Mat. 28. 12 2 Cor. 13. 14 Ioh. 10. 30 Q. What are the Personall Properties of the three Persons in the Godhead A. It is proper to the Father to be get the Son m Heb. 1. 5 6 8 and to the Son to be begotten of the Father n Ioh. 1. 14 18 and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity o Ioâ— 15. 16 Gal. 4. 6 Q How doth it appeare that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father ascribing unto them such Names p Isa 6. 3 5 8 with Ioh. 12. 41. and Acts 28. 25 1 Ioh. 5 20 Acts 5. 3 4 attributes q Ioh. 1. 1 Isa 9 6. Ioh. 1. 24 25 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. works r Col. 1. 16 Gen 1. 2 and worship as are proper God onely Å¿ Mat. 28. 19 2 Chr. 13. 14 Q. What are the Decrees of A. Gods Decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will t Eph. 1. 11 Rom. 11. 33 Rom. 9. 14 15 18 whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to passe in time u Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9 22 23 Psal 33. 11 especially concerning Angels and men Q What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and Men A. God by an eternall and immutable Decree out of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to bee manifested in due time hath elected some Angels to glory w 1 Tim. 5 21 and in Christ
God in light and glory n 1 Ioh 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23 Psal 19. 6 which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thes 4 14 and rest in their graves as in their beds q Isai 57. 2 till at the last day they he again united to their souls r Iob 19. 26 27 whereas the souls of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darknesse and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24 Acts 1. 25 Iude v. 6 7 Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shal be a generall resurrection of the dead both of the just unjust t Acts 24. 15 when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self-same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15 51 52 53 1 Thes 4. 15 16 17 Ioh. 5. 28 29 the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body w 1 Cor. 15 21 22 23 24 43 44 Phil. 3. 31 and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Iudge x Ioh. 5. 27 28 29 Mat. 25. 33 Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the generall and final judgment of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4 Iude v. 6 7 14 15 Mat 25 46 the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may wacth and pray and be ever ready for the comming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36 42 44 Luke 21. 35 36 Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of Judgement A. At the day of Iudgment the wicked shal be set on Christs left hand a Mat. 25. 33 and upon clear evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16 shall have the fearfull but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43 and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the devill and his Angels for ever d Luk. 16. 26 2 Thes 1 8 9 Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of Iudgement A. At the day of Iudgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4 17 shall be set on his right hand there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 3â— Mat. 10 32 shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6 2 3 and shal be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 46 where they shal be fully and for ever freed from all sinne and misery i Eph 5. 27 Rev. 14. 13 filled with unconceivable joyes k Psal 16. 11 made perfectly holy and happy both in body soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23 but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to aâ—l eterniâ—y m 1 Ioh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 12 1 Thes 4. 17 18 and this is perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of Iudgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to beleeve concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Q. WHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12 1 2 Mic 6. 8 1 Sam. 15. 22 Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankinde in him beside a speciall command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Morall Law o Gen. 1. â—6 2â— Rom. 2. 14 15 Rom. 10. 5 Gen. 2. 17 Q. What is the Morall Law A. The Morall Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankinde directing and binding every one to personall perfect and perpetuall conformity and obedience thereunto in the frame and disposition of the whole man soul and body p Deut. 5 1 21 32 33 Luk. 10. 26 27 Gal 3. 10 1 Thes â— 13 and in performance of all those duties of holinesse and righteousnesse which he oweth to God and man q â—uk 1 75 Acts 14. 16 promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it r Rom. 10. 5 Gal. 3. 10 12 Q. Is there any use of the Morall Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousnesse and life by the Morall Law Å¿ Rom. 8. 3 Gal. 2. 16 yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or the regenerate t 1 Tim. 1. 8 Q. Of what use is the Morall Law to all men A. The Morall Law is of use to all men to enfoâ—m them of the holy nature and will of God u Lev. 11. 44 45 Lev. 20. 7 8 Rom. 7. 12 of their duty binding them to walk accordingly w Mic. 6. 8 Tim. 2. 10 11 to convince them of their disability to keep it and of the sinfull pollution of their nature hearts and lives x Psal 19 11 12 Rom. 3. 10 Rom. 7. 7 to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y Rom. 3. 9 23 and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ z Gal. 3. 21 22 and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4 Q. What particular use is there of the Morall Law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10 and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 1. 24 or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20 with Rom. 2. 15 Gal. 3. 10. and under the curse thereof e. Q. What speciall use is there of the Morall Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered
tendernesse to them according to their severall relations h Eph. 6. 4 2 Cor. 12. 14 1 Thes 2. 7 8. 11 Nu. 1â— 11 12 and to worke inferiours to a greater willingnesse chearfullnesse in performing their duties to their Superiours as to their parents i 1 Cor. 4. 14 15 16 2 Kings 5 13 Q. What is the generall scope of the fifth Commandement A. The generall scope of the fifth Commandement is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our severall relations as Inferiours Superiours Equals k Eph. 5. 21 2 Pet. 2. 17 Rom. 12. 10 Q. What is the Honour that Inferiours owe to their Superiours A. The Honour which Inferiours owe to their Superiours is all due reverence in heart l Mal. 1. 6 Lev. 19. 3 word m Pro. 31. â—8 1 Pet. 3. 6 and behaviour n Lâ—v 19 â—2 1 King 2. 19 prayer thanskgiving for them o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 imitation of their vertues and graces p Heh 13. 7 Phil. 3. 17 willing obedience to their lawfull commands and counsells q Ephes 6. 1 2 5. 6 7 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5 Heb 13. 17 Prov. 4. 3. 4 Prov. 23. 22 Exod. 18. 19 24 due submission to their corrections r Heb. 12. 9 1 Pet 2. 18 19 20 fidelity to Å¿ Tit. 2. 9. 10 defence t 1 Sam. 26 19 16 2 Sam 18. 3 Esth 6. 2 and maintenance of their persons authority according to their severall ranks and the nature of their places u Mat. 22. 21 Rom. 13. 6. 7 1. Tim. 5. 17 18 Gal. 6. 6 Gen 45. 11 Gen. 47. 12 bearing with their infirmities and covering them in love w 1 Pet. 2. 18. Prov. 23. 22 Gen. 9. 23 that so they may be an honour to them and to their government x Psal 127 3 4 5 Prov. 31 23 Q. What are the sinnes of Inferiours against their Superiours A. The sinnes of Inferiours against their Superiours are all neglect of the duties required toward them y Mat. 15. 4. 5 6 envying at z Num. 11 28 29 contempt of a 1 Sam. 8. 7 Isa 3 5 and rebellion b 2 Sam. 15 1 to 22 against their persons c Exod. 22. 15 and places d 1 Sam. 10. 27 in their lawfull counsells e 1 Sam. 22. 25 commands and corrections f Deut. 21. 18 19 20 21 cursing mocking g Prov. 30. 11 17 and all such refractory and scandalous carriage as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government h Prov. 19. 26 Q. What is required of Superiours toward their inferiours A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God and that relation wherein they stand to love i Col. 3. 19 Tit. 2. 4 pray for k 1 Sam 12. 22 Iob 1. 5 and blesse their inferiours l Kni 8. 55 56 Heb. 7. 7 Gen. 49. 28 to instruct m Deut. 6. 6 7 counsell and admonish them n Eph. 6. 4 countenancing o 1 Pet. 3. 7 commanding p 1 Pet. 2. 14 Rom. 13. 3 and rewarding such as doe well q Esth 6. 3 discountenancing r Rom 13. 3 4 reproving and chastising such as do ill Å¿ Prov. 29. 15 1 Pet. 2. 14 protecting t Iob 29. 1â— 13 14 15 16 17 Isa 1. 10. 17 and providing for them all things necessary for soule u Eph. 6. 4 and body w 1 Tim. â— 8 and by grave wise holy and exemplary carriage to procure glory to God x 1 Tim. 4. 12 Tit. 2 3 4 5 honour to themselves y 1 King 3. 28. and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them z Tit. 2. 25 Q. What are the sinnes of Superiours A. The sinnes of Superiours are beside the neglect of the duties required of them a Ezek. 34 2 3 4 an inordinate seeking of themselves b Phil. 2. 21 their own glory c Ioh. 5. 24 Iohn 7. 18 ease profit or pleasure d Isa 56. 10 11 Deut 1â— 17 commanding things unlawfull e Dâ—n 3. 4. 5. 6 Act. 4. 17 18 or not in the power of inferiours to perform f Exod. 5. 10 to 18 Mat. 23 1. 4 counselling g Mat 14. 8 with Mar 6 24 encouraging h 1 Sam. 13 28 or favouring them in that which is evill i 1 Sam. 3. 13 disswading discouraging or discountenancing them in that which is good k Ioh. 7. 46 47 48 â—9 Col 3. 21 Exod. 5. 17 correcting them unduly l 1 Pet 2. 18 19 20 Heb. 12. 10 Deut. 2â— 3 careles exposing or leaving them to wrong temptation and danger m Gen. 38. 11 26 Acts 18. 17 provoking them to wrath or any way dishonouring themselves or lessening their authority by an unjust indisâ—reet rigorous or remisse behaviour o Gen 9 21 1 Kin. 12 13 14 15 16 1 Kin 1 6 1 Sam. 2. 29 30 31 Q What are the duties of equals A. The duties of equals are to regard the dignity and worth of each other p 1 Pet. 2. 17 in giving honour to go one before another q Rom. 10. 10 and to rejoyce in each others gifts and advancement as in their own r Rom. 12 15 16 Phil 2. 3 4 â— Eph 6. 4 Q. What are the sins of equals A. The sins of equals are beside the neglect of the duties required Å¿ Rom 13. 8 the undervaluing of the worth t 2 Tim 3. 3 envying the gifts u Act. 7. 9 Ga 5. 26 grieving aâ— the advancement or prosperity one of another w Num. 12. 2 Esth â— 12. 13 and usurping preheminence one over another x 3 Ioh. v. 9 Luk. 22. 24 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandement the more to enforce it A. The reason annexed to the fifth Commandement in thâ—se words That thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee y Exâ— 20 12 is an expresse promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shal serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this commandement z Deut. 5. 10 1 Kin. 8. 25. Eph. 6. 2. 3. Q. Which is the sixth Commandement A. The sixt Commandement is Thou shalt not kill a Exo. 20. 13 Q. What are the duties required iâ— the sixth Commandement A. The duties required in the sixth Commandement are all carefull studies and lawfull endeavours to preserve the life of our selves b Eph. 5. 28 29. and otheâ—s c 1 Kin. 18. 4 by resisting all thoughts and purposes d Ier. 26. 15 16. Acts 23. 12 16 17 21 27. subduing all passions e Eph. 4. 26 27 avoyding all occasions f 2 Sa. 2. 22 Deut. 22. 8. temptations g Mat. 4. 6. 7 Pro.
an act of Gods free grace g 1 Io. 3. 1 whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the priviledges of the Sons of God h Ioh. 1. 12 Rom. 8. 17 Q. VVhat is Sanctification A. Sanctification is the work of Gods free grace i 2 Thes 2 13 whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God k Eph. 4. 23 24 and are inabled more and more to dye unto sin and live unto righteousness l Rom 6 4 Q. VVhat are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification Adoption and Sanctification are assurance of Gods love peace of Conscience m Rom. 5 1 2 5 joy in the holy Ghost n Rom. 14 17 increase of grace o Pro 4 18 and perseverance therein to the end p 1 Io. 5. 13 1 Pet. 1. 5 Q. VVhat benefiâ—s do Beleevers receive from Christ at death A. The souls of Beleevers are at their death made perfect in holiness q Heb. 12 23 do immediately pass into glory r 2 Cor. 5 1 6 8 Phil. 1. 23 Luk. 23. 43 and their bodies being still united to Christ s 1 Thes 4 14 do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2 till the Resurrection u Iob 19. 26 27 Q. VVhat benefits do Beleevers receive from Christ at the Resurrection A. At the Resurrection Beleevers being raised up in glory w i Cor 15 43 shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of Judgment x Mat. 25 23. 10. 32 and made perfectly blessed in full injoying of God y 1 Joh. 3. 2 1 Cor. 13. 2 to all eternity z 1 Thes 4 17 18 Q VVhat is the duty which God requireth of man A. The Duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will a Mic. 6. 8 1 Sam. 15 22 Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his Obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his Obedience was the Moral Law b Rom. 2 14 15. and 10. 5 Q Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments c Deu. 10. 4 Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our Neighbor as our selves d Mat. 22 37 38 39 40 Q. VVhat is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage e Exod. 20 Q What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teaâ—h us A The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments f Luk. 1 74 75. 1 Pet. 1 15 16 17 18 19 Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt hâ—ve no other Gods before me g Exod. 20 3 Q. VVhat is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledg God to be the only true God and our God h 1 Chro. 28. 9. Deut 26. 17 and to worship and glorifie him accordingly i Mat 4 10 Psa 29. 2 Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying k Psa 14. 1 or not worshiping and glorifying the true God as God l Ro. 1 21 and our God m Psa 81 10 11 and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone n Rom. 1. 25 26 Q. What are we specially taught by these words Before me in the first Commandment A These words Before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God o Ezek. 8. 5 to the end Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments p Exod. 20 4 5 6 Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and intire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word q Deut 32 46. Mat. 28. 20 Act. 2. 42. Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by Images r Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19 Exod. 32. 5 8 or any other way not appointed in his Word Å¿ Deut. 12 31 32 Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods Soveraignty over us t Psa 95. 2 3 6 his propriety in us u Ps 45. 11 and the zeal he hath to his own Worship w Exod 34 13 14 Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain x Ex. 20. 7 Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names y Mat. 6. 9 Deu. 28. 58 Titles z Ps 68. 4 Attributes a Rev. 15 3 4 Ordinances b Mal. 1 11 14 Words c Psa 138 1 2 and Works d Iob 36 24 Q What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbideth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God makes himself known c Mal. 1. 6 â— 12. 2 â— 3. 14 Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment f 1 Sam. 2 12 17 22 29. 1 Sam 3. 13. Deut 28. 58 59 Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six days shall thou labour and do all thy work
of God in him and whether he be of such holiness of life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel and to examine him touching his learning and sufficiency and touching the evidences of his Calling to the holy Ministry and in particular his fair and direct Calling to that place The Rules for Examination are these 1. That the party examined be dealt withall in a brotherly way with mildness of spirit and with special respect to the gravity modesty and quality of every one 2. He shall be examined touching his skil in the Original Tongues and his tryal to be made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of some into Latin and if he be defective in them enquiry shall be made the more strictly after his other learning and whether he hath skill in Logick and Phylosophy 3. What Authors in Divinity he hath read and is best acquainted with and tryal shall be made in his knowledg of the grounds of Religion and ability to defend the Orthodox Doctrine contained in them against all unsound and erronious opinions especially these of the present age of his skill in the sense and meaning of such places of Scripture as shall be proposed unto him in cases of Conscience and in the Chronology of the Scripture and the Ecclesiastical History 4. If he hath not before preached in publique with approbation of such as are able to judg he shal at a competent time assigned him expound before the Presbytery such a place of Scripture as shall be given him 5. He shall also within a competent time frame a discourse in Latin upon such a common place or Controversie in Divinity as shall be assigned him and exhibite to the Presbytery such Theses as express the sum thereof and maintain a Dispute upon them 6. He shall Preach before the People the Presbytery or some of the Ministers of the Word appointed by them being present 7. The proportion of his gifts in relation to the place unto which he is called shall be considered 8. Beside the tryal of his gifts in Preaching he shall undergo an examination in the Premises two several days and more if the Presbytery shall judg it necessary 9. And as for him that hath been formerly ordained a Minister and is to be removed to another charge he shall bring a Testimonial of his Ordination and of his abilities and Conversation whereupon his fitness for that place shall be tryed by his Preaching there if it shall be judged necessary by a further examination of him In all which he being approved he is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve there to Preach three several days and to converse with the people that they may have tryal of his Gifts for their edification may have time and occasion to enquire into and the better to know his life and Conversation In the last of these three days appointed for the tryal of his gifts in Preaching there shall be sent from the Presbytery to the Congregation a publick intimation in writing which shall be publickly read before the people and after affixed to the Church door to signifie that such a day a competent number of the Members of that Congregation nominated by themselves shall appear before the Presbytery to give their consent and approbation to such a man to be their Minister or otherwise to put in with all Christian discretion and meekness what exceptions they have against him if upon the day appointed there be no just exception against him but the people give their consent then the presbytery shall proceed to ordination Upon the day appointed for Ordination which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation that they may the more earnestly joyn in Prayer for a blessing upon the Ordinance of Christ and the labours of his Servant for their good The Presbytery shall come to the place or at least three or four Ministers of the Word shall be sent thither from the Presbytery of which one appointed by the Presbytery shall preach to the people concerning the office and duty of Ministers of Christ and how the people ought to receive them for their work sake After the Sermon the Minister who hath Preached shall in the face of the Congregation demand of him who is now to be ordained concerning his faith in Christ Jesus and his perswasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion according to the Scripture His sincere intentions and ends in desiring to enter into this Calling His diligence in Praying Reading Meditation Preaching Ministring the Sacraments Discipline and doing all Ministerial Duties towards his Charge His Zeal and Faithfulness in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel and Unity of the Church against Error and Schism His care that himself and his Family may be unblameable and examples to the Flock His willingness and humility in meekness of Spirit to submit unto the admonitions of his Brethren and Discipline of the Church And his resolution to continue in his duty against all trouble and persecution In all which having declared himself professed his willingness and promised his endeavours by the help of God The Minister likewise shall demand of the People concerning their willingness to receive and acknowledg him as the Minister of Christ and to obey and submit unto him as having rule over them in the Lord and to maintain encourage and assist him in all the parts of his Office Which being mutually promised by the People the Presbytery or the Ministers sent from them for Ordination shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and Work of the Ministry by laying their hands on him which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing to this effect Thankefully acknowledging the great mercy of God in sending Jesus Christ for the redemption of his people and for his ascension to the right hand of God the Father and thence pouring out his Spirit and giving gifts to Men Apostles Evangelists Prophets Pastors and Teachers for the gathering and building up of his Church and for sitting and inclining this man to this great Work To entreat him to fit him with his holy Spirit to give him who in his name we thus set apart to this holy service to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all things that he may both save himself and his people committed to his charge This or the like form of prayer and blessing being ended let the Minister who preached briefly exhort him to consider of the greatness of his Office and Work the danger of negligence both to himself and his people the blessing which will accompany his faithfulness in this life and that to come and withal exhort the people to carry themselves to him as to their Minister in the Lord according to their solemn promise made before and so by prayer commending both him and his Flock to the Grace of