not know God at the day of judgment seeing the Lord will have no mercy on them A. 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vegeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. Seeing the case of ignorant persons is thus dangerous doth it not greatly concern us to get wisdom and understanding A. Prov. 4.7 Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom and with all thy gettings get understanding Q. What must we do to get wisdom A. Jam. 1.5 If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him Q. Will not the knowledge of the holy Scriptures make us wise to salvation And should not this cause us from our childhood to give our minds to learn the Scriptures A. 2 Tim. 3.15 From a child thou haste known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus Q. Did God inspire all those things which are written in the holy Scriptures into their minds who wrote the Scriptures A. 2 Tim. 3.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness Q. How do you prove the Lord to be an eternal God A. Psal 90.2 Before the Mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God Q. Is not the Lord an unchangeable God A. Mal. 3.6 I am the Lord I charge not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed Q. Is not the Lord an Almighty God A. Gen. 17.1 I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect Q. Is not Lord a faithful God A. 2 Thes 3.3 The Lord is faithful who shall stablish you and keep you from evil Q. Is not the Lord a merciful and gracious God A. Psal 103.8 The Lord is merciful and gracious slow to anger and plenteous in mercy Q. Is not the Lord an holy God A. Psal 145.17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Q. Are not the eyes of God upon all men in every place A. Prov. 15.3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Q. Doth God know all our thoughts and hear all our words and is he acquainted with all our ways A. Psal 139.2 3 4. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising thou understandest my thought afar off Thou compassest my path and my lying down and art acquainted with all my ways For there is not a word in my tongue but lo o Lord thou knowest it altogether Q. Doth God see what we do in the dark as well as what we do in the ligt A. Psal 139.12 Yea the darkness hideth not from thee but the night shineth as the day the darkness and the light are both alike to the. Q. Doth not the Lord fill heaven and earth with his presence A. Jor. 23.24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Do not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord Q. Is not the Lord at all times round about his people A. Psal 125.2 As the Mountains are round about Jerusalem so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever Q. Seeing God is continually round about us ought we not to set the Lord always before us and walk as in his sight A. Psal 16.8 I have set the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved Q. Is not the Lord a just God without iniquity A. Deut. 32.4 He is the rock for all his ways are judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Q. Seeing the Lord is an holy God without iniquity do not they wrong God who say or think that he is the author of sin A. Jam. 1.13 Let no man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Q. Do not they conceive amiss of God who think the Godhead is like unto Gold or Silver or any other thing which is graven by the art of man A. Acts 17.29 For as much then as we are the off-spring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by art and mans device Q. Cannot we live or move or subsist in our being without God A. Acts 17.28 In him we live and move and have our being A. Whence cometh every good and perfect gift Q. Jam. 1.17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Q. Will God give all good things to them that seek him A. Psal 34.10 The young Lions do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Q. What shall be done for the man that serveth God and his Son Jesus Christ A. Job 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be If any man serve me him will my Father honour Q. What must we do that we may serve God acceptably A. Heb. 12.28 Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Q. How do you prove that God made and preserveth Heaven and Earth and the Sea and all things that are therein A. Neh. 9.6 Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all and the host of Heaven worshipeth thee Q. Is not Gods making Heaven and Eearth an evident proof that nothing is to hard for him A. Jer. 32.17 Ah Lord God behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great power and streched out arm and there is nothing too hard for thee Q. Why did the Lord make all things A. Prov. 16.7 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Q. Who created man and how was he created A. Gen. 1.27 God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them Q. Did not the Image of God in which man was created consist in knowledg A. Col. 3.10 And have put on the new Man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him Q. Did not the Image of God in which man was created consist in Righteousness and
persecute you Q. Is it not good for a man to hope in God and quietly to wait for his salvation A. Lam. 3.26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Q. Doth not God take pleasure in such as hope in his mercy A. Psalm 147.11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him in those that hope in his mercy Q. Will not God redeem us from all our iniquities if we hope in him A. Psalm 130.7 8. Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him there is plenteous redemption and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities Q. Ought we not to keep up our hope in God when we find our souls much disquieted and cast down A. Psalm 42.11 Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God Q. Were not the Scriptures written for this very end to encourage us in all our troubles and distresses to hope in God A. Rom. 15.4 Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Q. What promise have you that God will enable you to hope in him in times of greatest distress A. Joel 3.15 16. The Sun and the Moon shall be darkned and the Stars shall withdraw their shining the Lord also shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem and the Heavens and the earth shall shake but the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the Children of Israel Q. Doth not God streightly charge us to wait upon him A. Psalm 27.14 Wait on the Lord be of good courage and he shall strengthen thy heart wait I say on the Lord. Q. How long must we wait on the Lord A. Hos 12.6 Turn thou to thy God keep mercy and judgement and wait on thy God continually Q. What hath God prepared for them that wait for him A. Isa 64.4 Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Q. Shall not they that wait upon the Lord renew their strength A. Isa 40.31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint Q. What will God give the man that delighteth in him A. Psalm 37.4 Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart Q. Is not delight in God an evidence that God is our God and that he hath put his Law into our hearts A. Psalm 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy Law is within my heart Q. What promise have you that God will help you to delight in him A. Job 22.23 26. If thou return to the Almighty Then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty and shalt lift up thy face unto God Q. Must we not rejoyce always in God A. Phil. 4.4 Rejoyce in the Lord alway and again I say rejoyce Q. Ought we not to rejoyce in God at such times as we are stript of all worldly comforts A. Hab. 3.17 18. Although the Fig-tree shall not blossom neither shall fruit be in the Vines the labour of the Olive shall fail and the fields shall yield no meat the flock shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no herd in the stalls yet I will rejoyce in the Lord I will joy in the God of of my salvation Q. What promise have you that God will enable you to rejoyce in him even when you are brought into a poor and low condition A. Isa 29.19 The meek shall encrease their joy in the Lord and the poor among men shall rejoyce in the holy one of Israel Q. Who are they that are called upon to fear the Lord A. Psalm 33.8 Let all the earth fear the Lord let all the inhabitants of the world stand in aw of him Q. Will God fulfil the desires of them that fear him A. Psal 145.19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him he also will hear their cry and will save them Q. Will not the Lord be for a Sanctuary in time of trouble to them that fear him A. Isa 8.13 14. Sanctifie the Lord of hosts himself and let him be your fear and let him be your dread and he shall be for a Sanctuary Q. Shall not the Sun of righteousness arise with healing under his wings upon them that fear God A. Mal. 4.2 Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall Q. Ought we not to fear God above all the men in the world A. Luke 12.4 5. I say unto you my friends be not afraid of them that kill the body and after that have no more that they can do but I will forwarn you whom you shall fear Fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into Hell yea I say unto you fear him Q. Hath not God laid up wonderful blessings in store for them that fear him A. Psalm 31.19 O how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men Q. Wherein consisteth the fear of God Doth it not consist in hating and departing from sin A. Prov. 8.13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil Prov. 16.6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil Q. What promise have you that God will put his fear into your heart A. Jer. 32.40 I will make an everlasing Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Q. When we eat or drink or do any other action must not all that we do be done to the glory of God A. 1 Cor 10.31 Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the glory of God Q. Must we not glorifie God with our bodies and spirits A. 1 Cor. 6.20 Ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods Q. Must we not honour God with our substance A. Prov. 3.9 Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase Q. Is it not our duty to glorifie God before all sorts of people A. Lev. 10.3 I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people I will be glorified Q. Do we not glorifie God when we praise him A. Psalm 50.23
any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Q. Shall they die eternally who live after the flesh and shall they live that mortifie the lusts and deeds of the flesh A. Rom. 8.13 If ye live after the flesh ye shall die but if ye through the spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Q. Are not they spiritually dead whilst they live a natural life who live in pleasure A. 1 Tim. 5.6 She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth Q. Will not following our pleasures bring us to poverty A. Prov. 21.17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man he that loveth Wine and Oil shall not 〈…〉 Q. Do not the pleasures as well as the cares of this life choke the Word of God and make it unfruitful A. Luke 8.14 That which fell among thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection Q. Are not such as tell lies an abomination to the Lord A. Prov. 12.22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deal truly are his delight Q. Shall not all lyars be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven A. Rev. 22.15 Without are Dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murderers and Idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie Q. Shall all such as tell lies not only be shut out of Heaven but also be cast into Hell fire A. Rev. 21.8 All lyars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Q. Are not they in danger of eternal damnation that are given to swearing A. James 5.12 Above all things swear not neither by Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other Oath but let your yea be yea and your nay nay lest ye fall into condemnation Q. What rules must we observe in taking a lawful Oath Must we not swear by the living God not by Idols or any of the creatures In truth and not to any falshood in judgment weighing and understanding what we swear and in righteousness A. Jer. 4.2 Thou shalt swear The Lord liveth in truth in judgment and in righteousness Q. Shall no thieves nor drunkards nor revilers nor any other unrighteous persons inherit the Kingdom of God A. 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Be not deceived neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind nor thieves nor covetous nor drunkards nor revilers nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God Q. Must we not hononr all men especially Kings and such as are in authority A. 1 Pet. 2.17 Honour all men love the brotherhood fear God honour the King Q. Ought we not to honour and reverence aged persons A. Lev. 19.32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man and fear thy God I am the Lord. Q. Must we not be subject to such as are in authority obey Magistrates be ready to every good work avoid speaking evil of any man and brawling and be gentle and meek towards all men A. Tit. 3.1 2. Put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates to be ready to every good work to speak evil of no man to be no brawelers but gentle shewing all meekness unto all men Q. Is it not a greater wrong to our neighbour to take away his good name by backbiting and speaking evil of him then to take away his Estate by theft or oppression A. Prov. 22.1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold Q. Must not such as expect to live with God in Heaven be careful that they neither speak evil of nor do evil to their neighbour as well as to carry themselves piously and righteously towards God A. Psal 15.1 2 3. Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle who shall dwell in thy holy Hill He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart he that back-biteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour Q. How must we demean our selves in our callings and how in the service of God A. Rom. 12.11 Not slothful in business fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Q. When we are serving the Lord should we not be careful to keep our minds free from distraction and will not this be for our own prefit as well as Gods glory A. 1 Cor. 7.35 This I speak for your own profit that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction Q. Must not every man abide with God in his calling A. 1 Cor. 7.24 Brethren let every man wherein he is called therein abide with God Q. What advantage comes by diligence in our Callings and what evil ariseth from slothfulness A. Prov. 10.4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich Q. Is not diligence in our imployments the way to rise to great preserment A. Prov. 22.29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business He shall stand before Kings he shall not stand before mean men Q. Was not idleness one of the sins for which God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah A. Ezek. 16.49 50. Behold this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom Pride fulness of bread and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy and they were haughty and committed abomination before me wherefore I took them away as I saw good Q. Seeing idleness is such a great sin doth it not concern us to be wise and circumspect to redeem time A. Ephes 5.15 16. See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil Q. How must we spend our time every day Must we not make it our constant practise every morning as soon as we awake to have our hearts and thoughts upon God A. Psal 139.18 When I awake I am still with thee Q. Must we not every morning as soon as we rise give our selves unto Prayer and observe all the day how God answers our Prayers A. Psal 5.3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning O Lord in the morning will I direct my Prayer unto thee and will look up Q. Must we not be in the fear of the Lord all the day long A. Prov. 23.17 Let not thine heart envy sinners but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long Q. Must not our speeches and carriages all the day long be such as may tend to the honour and glory of God A. Psal 71.8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day Q. Must we not receive every days mercies as coming from the hand of God and be thankful for them
he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noysom Pestilence Q. What promise have you that God will preserve you in a time of Famine and in a time of War A. Job 5.19 20. He shall deliver thee in six troubles yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee In Famine he shall redeem thee from death and in War from the power of the Sword Q. Hath not God promised to preserve his people at all times and in all places at home and alroad going out and coming in A. Psal 121.8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore Q. What must you do at such times as you are afraid A. Psal 56.3 What time I am afraid I will trust in thee Q. Is not Prayer as well as Faith an effectual means to obtain deliverance from our fears A. Psal 34.4 I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears Q. What did God say to Abraham to encourage him against his fears A. Gen. 15.1 After these things the Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a Vision saying Fear not Abram I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward Q. Hath not God given his Angels a charge concerning us to keep us in all our ways A. Psal 91.11 12. He shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways they shall bear thee up in their hands lest thou dash thy foot against a stone Q. What promises have you that may encourage you to hope in God that he will feed you and supply all your needs and not suffer you to want A. Psal 37.3 Trust in the Lord and do good so shalt thou dwell in the Land and verily thou shalt be fed Phil. 4.19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Psal 23.1 The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want Q. What did Jacob say to Joseph when he was dying to comfort him when he and the rest of his Brethren should be left fatherless A. Gen. 48.21 And Israel said unto Joseph Behold I die but God shall be with you Q. What was David ' s hope when he was left father less and motherless A. Psal 27.10 When my Father and my Mother forsake me then the Lord will take me up Q. Hath not God an especial care of fatherless Children A. Hos 14.3 In thee the fatherless findeth mercy Q. When godly men die and know not the state or condition of their Children and can mind them no more Will not God be in the stead of a Father to their Children A. Isa 63.16 Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our Redeemer thy Name is from everlasting Q. What must we do that we may not enter into temptation A. Matth. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into tempration The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak Q. Seeing the Devil lays snares for us in all places and in all things Is it not needful that we should watch in all things A. 2 Tim. 4.5 But watch thou in all things Q. If we resist the Devil will not he flee from us A. James 4.7 Submit your selves therefore to God resist the Devil and he will flee from you Q. What promise have you that God will tread Satan under your feet A. Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly Q. Is not a wounded spirit a very heavy burden A. Prov. 18.14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity but a wounded spirit who can bear Q. Whether must we go for healing when our spirits are wounded A. Hos 6.1 Come and let us return unto the Lord for he hath torn and he will heal us he hath smitten and he will bind us up Q. Will not God soon heal those whom he hath wounded if they return to him A. Hos 6.2 After two days will he revive us and the third day he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight Q. What means should we use to obtain light when we find our solves in a dark condition Must we not look to Christ who is the light of the world A. John 8.12 Then spake Jesus again unto them saying I am the light of the World he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life Q. Unto whom hath God promised that there shall arise light in darkness A. Psal 112.4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness Q. What promise have you that God will lead you when you are to go in unknown ways such as you have not walked in before A. Isa 42.16 I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not I will lead them in paths that they have not known I will make darkness light before them and crooked things straight these things will I do unto them and not forsake them Q. What promises have you to look unto when you are under deadness A. Psal 69.32 Your heart shall live that seek God John 10.10 I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly John 11.25 Jesus saith unto her I am the Resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Q. What promises have you to look to when you are sensible of your weak and strengthless condition A. Isai 40.29 He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength Isa 41.10 Fear thou not for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness Q. Doth not God sometimes hide himself from his people A. Psal 88.14 Lord why castest thou off my soul why hidest thou thy face from me Q. When God hides himself must we not look and wait for him A. Isa 8.17 I will wait upon the Lord that hideth his face from the House of Jacob and I will look for him Q. Must we not cleave to God and believe him to be our God and cry after him when he seems to forsake us and to disregard our Prayers A. Psal 22.1 2. My God My God why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me and from the words of my roaring O my God I cry in the day time but thou hearest not and in the night season and am not silent Q. Though we should look and wait so long upon God before he returns to us as that we should verily think God hath cast us out of his sight Must we continue still to look to him and wait upon him A. Jonas 2.4 Then I said I am cast out of thy sight yet I will look again toward thy holy Temple Q. If we continue to
A SCRIPTURAL Catechism Useful for all Sorts of Persons Both such as desire to Teach their FAMILIES And such as desire to Learn the Principles of the Christian Religion Out of the HOLY SCRIPTURES By Owen Stockton Minister of the Gospel 2 Tim. 3.15 From a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus LONDON Printed for H. Brome at the Gun at the West End of St. Pauls MDCLXXII TO THE READER ALl Scripture being given by Inspiration of God is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction and for Instruction in Righteousness And therefore the whole Word of God is to be read with diligence and to be embraced with the same faith love reverence and obedience with which we would receive it if we heard the Lord himself speak those things with an audible voice which we find written in the Scriptures Yet in regard there are some things in the Scriptures which are hard to be understood and the memories of children are not capable to retain all things that are written therein The most edifying way of teaching our children the Holy Scriptures is as I humbly conceive to select such portions of Scripture as may be useful to bring them to the knowledge of the Principles and to direct and perswade them to the practice of the duties of the Christian Religion which is designed in this ensuing Scriptural Catechism Which may be of great use to such as are young for the grounding them in the knowledge and belief of the Truth and teaching them to lead holy and godly lives whereby they may glorifie and enjoy God become serviceable in their generation and obtain the eternal Salvation of their Souls If any say There are many good Catechisms already extant and therefore there is no need of this I answer 1. There are not many of this nature which contain both the Articles of our Faith and directions for an holy life all the Answers to the Questions being nothing else but express words of Scripture 2. This is not intended as an hinderance to any other Catechism which any persons find useful for themselves or Families but it may be conjoined with or follow after the learning of any other Catechism provided it be such as contains nothing in it contrary to sound Doctrine 3. There is a singular advantage in learning a Scriptural Catechism above others because no Instructions are so powerful for enlightning the Understanding creating Faith awing the Conscience perswading to Holiness supporting the weak administring comfort and guiding those that are instructed in the way to Eternal Life as those which are drawn out of the holy Scriptures It may be some will say This Catechism is too large our Children and Servants will never be able to retain it all in their memories To such I answer 1. It contains nothing but the Scripture which is often preached to us and which we are commanded to read and meditate on night and day and to talk thereof when we lie down and when we rise up when we sit in our houses and when we walk abroad And therefore by reason of our frequent converse with the Scriptures this may be more easily attained and retained then Catechisms of another nature 2. These Scriptures are but a very small portion compared with the many choice Instructions heavenly Counsels divine Precepts and precious Promises which doe abound both in the Old and New Testament 3. Children and Servants of ordinary capacities committing but one or two of these Scriptures to their memory every day which is no hard task may in a competent time retain the whole which may be a great help to make and keep them sound in the Faith and direct them how to order their Conversations aright whereby they shall come to see the Salvation of God 4. It will be easie redressing this complaint For if it be judged needful I can soon contract this and frame one consisting of sewer and shorter Texts of Scripture for the use of such whose age or weakness of parts will not permit them to get or keep in memory so large a Catechism as this is Or Parents may chuse out of this the shortest Scriptures and such as suit best their childrens state and condition and teach them those shorter Scriptures omitting the others till they come to a greater maturity of age and understanding It may be some on the other hand will say This Catechism is too short That there are material things omitted which might have been inserted To such I answer 1. The main and Fundamental Articles of our Faith and the most weighty duties relating to practice such as Faith Repentance the love of God and our Neighbour glorifying God Self-denial forsaking all for Christ Contentment c. are briefly handled in this Catechism 2. I was the shorter in this because I had thoughts of composing a larger for persons of riper years which if I should not do it will be easie for such as are well versed in the Word of God to add any other portions of Scripture which they judge meet for instructing their Families besides what are contained in this Catechism either according to this method or what way else they shall see good I shall not need to shew here the great benefit of teaching our Children the holy Scriptures nor give any directions how this work may be managed with success because this is already done in the Treatise of Family Instruction whither I refer the Reader A Scriptural Catechism Q. WHat will it profit a man to know God and his Son Jesus Christ A. John 17.3 This is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Q. What is God and how will God be worshipped A. Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth Q. How many Gods are there and how many Mediators between God and men A. 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus Q. How do you prove that there are three Persons in the Godhead and that these three Persons are one and the same God A. 1 John 5.7 There are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Q. Can no man please God without faith A. Heb. 11.6 Without faith it is impossible to please him Q. What must every one believe concerning God that cometh to him A. Heb. 11.6 He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Q. Will the Lord have no mercy upon such people as live and die without understanding A. Isa 27.11 It is a people of no understanding therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them and he that formed them will shew them no favor Q. What shall become of those that do
2 Cor. 5.17 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature Old things are past away behold all things are become new Q. Are they none of Christs that have not his Spirit A. Rom. 8.9 Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Q. Must we not love Christ above our nearest and dearest relations A. Mat. 10.37 He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me and he that loveth Son or Daughter more then me is not worthy of me Q. Are they not under a curse and shall they not remain so till the Lord comes who do not love Jesus Christ A. 1 Cor 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathemae Maranatha Q. Who is it that loveth Christ aed what shall we gain by loving him A. John 14.21 He that hath my Commandements and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest my self to him Q. Must not they that would be Christs Disciples deny themselves take up their cross and follow him A. Mark 8.34 When he had called the people unto him with his Disciples also he said unto them whosoever will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me Q. Must we not forsake all we have for Christs sake when God calls us to it A. Luke 14.33 Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he bath he cannot be my Disciple Q. What shall be given to them that forsake any thing for Christ A. Mat. 19.29 Every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my names sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Q. What is the Covenant that God hath made with his people in the days of the Gospel A. Heb. 8.10 11 12. This is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying know the Lord for all shall know me from the least to the greatest For I will be merciful to their unrighteosness and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Q. Doth not this Covenant contain all that we can desire and all that is necessary for our Salvation A. 2 Sam. 23.5 Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Q. How do you prove that God will take those into this Covenant which come to close with Jesus Christ the Mediator of the covenant A. Isa 55.3 Encline your ear and come unto me hear and your souls shall live and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Q. When once God hath taken us into Covenant with himself shall his Covenant never be removed from us A. Isah 54.10 The Mountains shall depart and the Hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Q. Who are they to whom God hath promised to reveal his Covenant A. Psalm 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Q. What promise have you that God will bring you into the bond of his Covenant A. Ezek. 20.37 I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Q For what end hath God given us such great and precious promises as are contained in the Covenant of grace A. 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust Q. Do not the promises belong to all that are effectually called A. Acts 2.39 The promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. What must we do that we may inherit the promises A. Heb. 6.12 That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Q. Do we not need patience to wait for the promises when we have done what we can to obtain them A. Heb. 10.36 Ye have need of patience that after you have done the will of God ye might receive the promise Q. Are not the promises powerful arguments to excite us to cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit A. 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Q. Is it not the command of God that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ A. 1 John 3.23 This is his commandement that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us commandement Q. Hath not God promised eternal life to every one that believeth in his Son Jesus Christ A. John 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Q. Must not they that would be saved by Christ obey him as well as believe in him A. Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Q. How shall we know that we believe in Christ Is not prizing Christ an evidence of faith A. 1 Pet. 2.7 Unto you which believe he is precious Q Must not they that believe in Christ be careful to maintain good works A. Tit. 3.8 This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works these things are good and profitable unto men Q. Shall not all unbelievers go to Hell A. Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Q. Seeing such as believe not shall be damned doth it not concern every man to take heed of the sin of unbelief as well as other sins A. Heb. 3.12 Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Q. How shall a man come by faith must it not be by the gift of God A. Eph. 2.8 By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Q. Which way doth God
work faith Is it not most usually by hearing the word A. Rom. 10.17 So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Q. Is not true faith accompanied with repentance A. Acts 11.21 A great number believed and turned unto the Lord. Q. Who are they whom God commandeth to repent A. Acts 17.30 The times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent Q. Wherein lyeth the nature of repentance Is it not in turning from all our transgressions A. Ezek. 18.30 I will judge you O house of Israel every one according to his ways saith the Lord God Repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine Q. Doth not repentance include our turning to God and doing good works as well as forsaking our sinful ways A. Acts 26.20 That they should repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance Q. Do not penitent persons sorrow for their sins in a godly sort as well forsake them A. Psalm 38.18 I will declare mine iniquity I will be sorry for my sin Q. What shall become of all those that do not repent A. Luke 13.3 I tell you nay but except you repent ye shall all likewise perish Q. Is it not an hard matter for those that have gotten a custom of sinning to repent of their sins A. Jer. 13.23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the Leopard his spots then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil Q. Did not God send his Son Jesus Christ to turn us from our sins A. Acts 3.26 Unto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Q. Was not Jesus Christ exalted to give repentance to those that cannot repent of themselves A. Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of sins Q. When we find our inability to repent must we not bemoan it before the Lord and pray to him to turn us A. Jer. 31.18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a Bullock unaccustomed to the yoak turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Q. When the Lord heard Ephraim bemoaning his sins and praying to be turned from them what did he say to Ephraim A. Verse 20. Is Ephraim my dear Son Is he a pleasant child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Q. Will not God save all penitent persons from the pit of Hell and give them eternal life A. Job 33.27 28. He looketh upon men and if any say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profited me not he will deliver his soul from going into the pit and his life shall see the light Q. What shall become of those who being often reproved do harden their hearts and go on still in their sins A. Prov. 29.1 He that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy Q Is not repentance of such great excellency that the Angels of Heaven rejoyce when any one sinner is brought to repentance A. Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth Q. What promise have you that God will cause you to return to him with your whole heart A. Jer. 24.7 I will give them an heart to know me that I am the Lord and they shall be my people and I will be their God for they shall return unto me with their whole heart Q. What promise have you that God will keep you that you shall not turn away from him after you are returned to him A. Jer. 3.19 Thou shalt call me My Father and shalt not turn away from me Q Shall not they that repent obtain forgiveness of their sins A. Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Q. Is there not sufficient virtue in the bloud of Christ to cleanse us from all sorts of sin A. 1 John 1.7 The bloud of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin Q. Do not all the Prophets assure us that whosoever believeth in Christ shall receive remission of sins A. Acts 10.43 To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Q. Shall not all that believe be justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses A. Acts 13.38 39. Be it known unto you therefore men and brethren that through this man is preached unto you forgiveness of sins And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses Q. Will not God as sure as he is just and faithful forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we confess our sins to him A. 1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Q. Suppose a man hath been a very wicked man and hath committed abundance of sin is there hope for such a man that God will have mercy on him and pardon his sins if he forsake his evil ways and return to the Lord A. Isa 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Q. Suppose a mans sins be of a deep die crimson and scarlet sins heinous transgressions is there hope that God will pardon him upon his repentance A. Isa 1.16 17 18. Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well seek judgement relieve the oppressed judge the fatherless plead for the widow come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be as wooll Q. Is there hope for such as have rebelled against God that the Lord will pardon them upon their repentance A. Dan. 9.9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him Q. Is there hope for such as have continued a long time in their sins even till they have wearied the Lord that the Lord will pardon them upon their repentance A. Isa 43.24 25 Thou hast made me to serve with thy sins thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities I even I am he that bloteth out thy transgressions for mine
Who so offereth praise glorifieth me and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God Q. Do we not glorifie God when we are fruitful in good works A. John 15.8 Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit so shall ye be my Disciples Q. Do we not give glory to God when we rely upon his promises A. Rom. 4.20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God Q. Do we not glorifie God when we lead righteous lives A. Isa 60.21 Thy people shall be all righteous that I may be glorified Q. What promise have you that God will enable you to glorifie him A. Psalm 50.15 Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me Q. Will not God honour those that honour him A. 1 Sam. 2.30 Them that honour me I will honour and they that dispise me shall be lightly esteemed Q. To whom and for what must we pray A. Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God Q. If we follow this councel of the Apostle in making known our requests to God in every thing by prayer will not this bring us great peace A. Verse 7. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Q. May not all flesh take encouragement to call upon God upon this account that he is a God hearing prayers A. Psalm 65.2 O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall all flesh come Q. May we give religious worship to Saints and Angels or must we worship and serve God only A. Mat. 4.10 Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Q. Can we have access to God no other way but by Jesus Christ A. John 14.6 Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but me Q. Will God give us every thing that we ask of him in the name of Jesus Christ A. John 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Q. Must we not avoid rashness in prayer A. Eccl. 5.2 Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God for God is in Heaven and thou upon earth therefore let thy words be few Q. Must we ask nothing in prayer but what is according to the will of God And when we ask what is according to his will may we be confident he will hear us A. 1 John 5.14 This is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Q. What place should we chuse to pray in Is not a secret place best for prayer A. Math. 6.6 But thou when thou prayest enter into thy Closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Q. Whose prayers avail much with God A. James 5.16 Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much Q. Will not God hear the prayers of impenitent sinners A. John 9.31 We know that God heareth not sinners but if any man be a worshipper of God and doth his will him he heareth Q. Suppose a man be not an open sinner yet if he regard iniquity in his heart will not this hinder his prayers from being accepted with God A. Psalm 66.18 If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me Q. If we abide in Christ and his word abide in us may we have of God whatsoever we will ask in prayer A. John 15.7 If ye abide in me and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you Q. Is faith in prayer of such efficacy that we shall receive all things whatsoever we ask in prayer believing A. Matth. 21.22 All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive Q. Will not God pour out his wrath upon those persons and families that do not call upon him A. Jer. 10.25 Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not and upon the families that call not on thy name Q. Can we not pray as we ought unless the spirit help our infirmities A. Rom. 8.26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Q. What promise have you that God will pour out the spirit of grace and supplications upon you A. Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first born Q. When we can't express our wants with words are not our desires and groansknown to God A. Psalm 38.9 Lord all my desire is before thee and my groaning is not hid from thee Q. When we have prayed to God must we not observe what answers God gives to our prayers A. Psalm 85.8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak for he will speak peace unto his people and to his Saints but let them not turn again to folly Q. When we find God answering our prayers should not this make us love God and call upon him as long as we live A. Psalm 116.1 2. I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications because he hath enclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live Q. If we do not find God answering us must we not continue in prayers A. Col. 4.2 Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving Q. If we continue to pray and wait upon God will he not in due time hear and answer our prayers A. Psalm 40.1 I waited patiently for the Lord and he enclined unto me and heard my cry Q. Is it not the will of God that in every thing we should give thanks A. 1 Thes 5.18 In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you Q. Doth not the sacrifice of praise please God more then all the sacrifices under the law A. Psalm 69.30 31. I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnifie him with thanksgiving This also shall please the Lord better then an Ox or Bullock that hath horns and hoofs A. Must we not bless God every morning for the mercies of the night and every night for the
our sins Q. Is it not the great Commendation of Gods love in that he gave his Son to dye for us while we were yet sinners A. Rom. 5.8 God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Q. Is not Prayer a means to obtain the favour of God and to gain the knowledge of his love A. Job 33.26 He shall pray unto God and he shall be favourable unto him and he shall see his face with joy Q. How should we express our love to God for giving his Son to die for our sins Should we not do it by our hatred of sin that was the cause of the death of his Son A. Psal 97.10 Ye that love the Lord hate evil he preserveth the souls of his Saints he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked Q. How else should we express our love to God for his great love to us A. John 14.15 If ye love me keep my Commandments Q. Ought not Gods love to us make us love him A. 1 John 4.19 We love him because he first loved us Q. Should not Gods love to us cause us to love one another A. 1 John 4.11 Beloved if God so loved us we ought also to love one another Q. Should not Gods love in giving Christ to die for us encourage us to trust in him that he will freely give us all things A. Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Q. What is the whole duty of man A. Eccles 12.13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Q. How many Commandments did God deliver to Moses written in two Tables of Stone A. Deut. 4.13 And he declared unto you his Covenant which he commanded you to perform even ten Commandments and he wrote them upon two Tables of Stone Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments which God spake to the People when he gave them his Commandments A. Exod. 20.1 2. God spake all these words saying I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land Egypt out of the House of Bondage Q. Which are the Ten Commandments Rehearse them in order as they are recorded in the 20th Chapter of Exodus from the 3d to the 18th verse A. 1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image nor 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 unto them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments 3. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattle nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it 5. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any that is thy neighbours Q. Hath God commanded nothing in his Law but what is holy just and good A. Rom. 7.12 The Law is holy and the Commandment holy and just and good Q. Is not the Law spiritual requiring spiritual duties and forbidding spiritual sins And may we not thereby discern our selves to be carnal A. Rom. 7.14 We know that the Law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin Q. Was the Law given us for this end that we might be justified by the deeds of it or Was it given to drive us to Christ that we might seek for justification in Christ through Faith A. Gal. 3.24 Wherefore the Law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith Q. Would there have been no need of the death of Christ if we could have obtained such a righteousness as might have justified us in the sight of God by our observing the Law A. Gal. 2.21 I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness came by the Law then Christ is dead in vain Q. Is not Jesus Christ the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth A. Rom. 10.4 Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth Q. Though we cannot obtain Righteousness by the Law yet must we not be very careful to keep the Commandments of God A. Psal 119.4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy Precepts diligently Q. What Promise have you that God will enable you to keep his Commandments A. Ezek. 36.27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Q. Hath not God promised under the New Testament to write his Laws in our hearts which in the times of the Old Testament were written in Tables of Stone A. Heb. 10.16 This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord I will put my Laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them Q. Is there no man upon the face of the earth that keepeth all the Commandments of God at all times without breaking any of them A. Eccles 7.20 There is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Q. If we have respect to all the Commandments of God and endeavour with sincere hearts to obey them Will not God accept us through Christ Jesus although we come short of what the Law requires A. Psal 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandments Q. Must we not obey the Commandments of God from a principle of faith and love and with a pure heart A. 1 Tim. 1.5 Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good Conscience and of faith unfeigned Q. Are not Christians under the New-Testament freed from
A. Psal 68.19 Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits even the God of our Salvation Q. Must we not bear every days crosses with patience and continue to follow Christ notwithstanding we meet with troubles in the ways of God A. Luke 9.23 And he said unto them all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Q. Must we not do all the good we can for all men every day according as God puts opportunities into our hands A. Gal. 6.10 As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith Q. Must we not meditate all the day long upon the Wora of God that we may know how to order every days business according to the Word A. Psal 119.97 O how I love thy Law it is my meditation all the day Q. Must we not end as well as begin the day with Prayer A. Psal 88.1 O Lord God of my Salvation I have cried day and night before thee Q When we go to bed at night must we not commune with our hearts to see how we have spent the day past A. Psal 4.4 Stand in aw and sin not commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still Q. When we lie down to sleep and awake in the nigh season must not our thoughts be upon God and the thing of God A. Psal 119 55. I have remembred thy Name O Lord in the night and have kept thy Law Q. Whom must we make choice of for our companions A. Psal 119.63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy Precepts Q. What benefit comes by keeping company with good men and what hurt by being a companion of evil men A. Prov. 13.20 He that walketh with wisemen shall be wise but a companion of fools shall be destroyed Q. Do not they deceive themselves that think they may keep company with evil men and yet not be corrupted by them A. 1 Cor. 15.33 Be not deceived evil communications corrupt good manners Q. Can no man walk in the ways of God and obtain life unless he forsake evil company A. Prov. 9.6 Forsake the foolish and live and go in the way of understanding Q. Do not all afflictions come from God A. Isa 45.7 I form the light and create darkness I make peace and create evil I the Lord do all these things Q. Must we not bear every affliction patiently of what nature soever it be beause it comes from God A. Psal 39.9 I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it Q. Have we no cause to complain of God as long as he spares our lives and doth not cast us into Hell although he punish us very sorely for our sins A. Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Q. Must we neither despise the chastenings of the Lord when they are small and continue but a little time nor faint when they are heavy and lie long upon us A. Heb. 12.5 My son despise not thou the chastning of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked of him Q. When God chastneth us is it not that he may do us good and make us partakers of his holiness A. Heb. 12.10 They verily for a few days chastned us after their own pleasure but he for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness Q. Do not Gods rebukes come out of love and when he chastens us is it not to lead us to repentance A. Rev. 3.19 As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent Q. If lesser afflictions do not lead us to repentance will not God send greater upon us A. Lev. 26.23 24. And if ye will not be reformed by these things but will walk contrary unto me then will I also walk contrary unto you and will punish you yet seven times for your sins Q. What promise have you that God will sanctifie your afflictions for the purging away your sins A. Isa 27.9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin Q. What promise have you that God will be with you in your troubles and in due time grant you deliverance out of them A. Psal 91.15 He shall call upon me and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honour him Q. Is not God wont to give his people great comforts after they have been exercised with great troubles A. Psal 71.20 21. Thou which hast shewed me great and fore troubles shalt quicken me again and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth Thou shalt encrease my greatness and comfort me on every side Q. Hath not God promised to comfort his people not only after their troubles but even whilst they walk in the mid'st of trouble A. Psal 138.7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies and thy right hand shall save me Micah 7.8 Rejoyce not against me O mine Enemy when I fall I shall arise when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me Q. Hath not God promised that he will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear A. 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it Q. Is not that man blessed that endureth temptation A. James 1.12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him Q. What must we do when Gods judgments are abroad Must we not give our selves unto Prayer and learn Righteousness A. Isa 26.9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night yea with my spirit within me will I seek thee early for when thy judgements are in the earth the Inhabitants of the World will learn righteousness Q. What is our strong hold whither we must run for safety in time of trouble A. Prov. 18.10 The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the righteous runneth into it and is safe Q. What shall we do that we may be hid in the day of the Lords anger A. Zeph. 2.3 Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth which have wrought his judgment seek righteousness seek meekness it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger Q. What promise have you that God will deliver you from the Pestilence A. Psal 91.2 3. I will say of the Lord He is my refuge and my fortress my God in him will I trust Surely