An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: HOW does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Question: How manifold is Christ's kingdom?

Answer: Twofold. FIRST, Internal in men's souls; Luke 17:21. Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. SECONDLY, External, over all the world; Ephesians 1:22. And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be Head over all things to the church.

Question: What is the end of Christ's providential kingdom?

Answer: The good and salvation of the church; John 17:2. As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.

Question: Wherein does he exercise his kingly power?

Answer: In restraining his, and his people's enemies; Psalm 76:10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remainder of wrath shall you restrain.

Question: How else is it exercised?

Answer: In protecting his church amidst all enemies; Exodus 3:3. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

Question: What instruments does Christ use?

Answer: Angels are ministering spirits to him; Hebrews 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation; And men, yes, the worst of men; Revelation 12:16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Question: In what manner does Christ rule the world?

Answer: By supreme power; Revelation 19:16. He has on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. And perfect wisdom; Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.

Question: What learn we from hence?

Answer: That the church is saved amidst all dangers; Jeremiah 30:11. For I am with you, says the Lord, to save you; though I make a full end of all nations, where I have scattered you, yet will I not make a full end of you.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: That the godly may safely trust to Christ's care; 2 Chronicles 16:9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: That all plots against the church shall surely be defeated; Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.

Question: What is the fourth instruction?

Answer: It gives the saints full satisfaction in all conditions; Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together, for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: We should not stand in a slavish fear of men; Isaiah 51:12. I, even I am he who comforts you; who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man, which shall be made as grass. Of Christ's Humiliation


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHEREIN did Christ's humiliation consist?

Answer: Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life' the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Question: What does Christ's humbling of himself import?

Answer: His voluntariness in the deepest point of self-denial? Psalm 40:7. Then said I, Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me.

Question: What was the first act of Christ's humiliation?

Answer: His taking man's nature on him, with all its sinless infirmities; Romans 8:3. God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh.

Question: What is the second part of his humiliation?

Answer: That mean life he lived in this world, which obscured, his divine glory? Mark 6:3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?

Question: What was the first thing in Christ's life that humbled him?

Answer: The poverty of it; Matthew 7:20. And Jesus says unto him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.

Question: What was the second thing in his life that humbled him?

Answer: The temptations of Satan, to which he was subject; Matthew 4:1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil, and that for our sakes. Hebrews 2:17. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, verse 18. For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to support them that are tempted.

Question: What was the third thing in Christ's life that humbled him?

Answer: His subjection to the law; Galatians 1:4. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

Question: What was the fourth thing in Christ's life that humbled him?

Answer: The revilings and contradictions of sinners; Hebrews 12:3. For consider him that endures such contradiction of sinners against himself.

Question: Wherein was Christ humbled in his death?

Answer: His death was painful and ignominious; Galatians 3:13. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: For it is written, cursed is every one that hangs on a tree. Made a curse for us, and deserted in it; Matthew 27:46. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani; that is to say, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That lowliness and humility becomes Christ's followers; Matthew 11:29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That Christ's love to sinners is astonishingly great; 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: Christians should be ready to suffer for Christ; 1 Peter 4:1. Forasmuch as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That humiliation is the true way to exaltation; Matthew 23:12. And whoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and he who shall humble himself, shall be exalted. Of Christ's Exaltation


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHEREIN consists Christ's exaltation?

Answer: Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day; in ascending up into Heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

Question: What is the first step of Christ's exaltation?

Answer: His resurrection from the dead.

Question: How does his resurrection appear?

Answer: By the scripture prophecies accomplished in him; 1 Corinthians 15:4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures.

Question: Why did Christ rise again?

Answer: To establish our faith, and abolish our sins; 1 Corinthians 15:17. And if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins.

Question: What other end was there of Christ's resurrection?

Answer: To declare his divine power; Romans 1:4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. And to evidence the fullness of his satisfaction; John 16:10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see me no more.

Question: Did Christ rise in the same body he laid down?

Answer: It was substantially the same; John 20:27. Then says he to Thomas, Reach hither your finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither your hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.

Question: What does Christ's resurrection teach us?

Answer: The certainty of our resurrection after death; 1 Corinthians 15:20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.

Question: What is the second step of Christ's exaltation?

Answer: His ascension after forty days into Heaven; Acts 1:2, 3. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Spirit, had given commandment unto the apostles, whom he had chosen: To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Question: Why did Christ stay so long on earth?

Answer: To assure the truth of his resurrection, and to settle the due government of his church, Acts 1:2, 3.

Question: For what end did he ascend?

Answer: To take possession of his glory; John 17:5. And now, Question Father, glorify you me with your own self, with the glory which I had with you before the world was. And that as our fore-runner, Hebrews 6:20. Where the Fore-runner is for us entered, even Jesus, etc.

Question: In what manner did Christ ascend?

Answer: Triumphantly, and magnificently; Psalm 47:5. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

Question: What does his ascension teach us?

Answer: Heavenly-mindedness; Colossians 3:1, 2. If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right-hand of God; set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. And an encouragement in our Christian race; Hebrews 12:1, 2. Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right-hand of the throne of God.


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: HOW are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

Question: What did our redemption cost Christ?

Answer: It cost him his own blood to obtain it; Hebrews 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Question: Can none have the benefit of it, except it be applied to them?

Answer: No, if Christ be not applied, we cannot be saved; John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

Question: Whose work or office is it to apply Christ to us?

Answer: It is the office and work of God's Spirit; Titus 3:4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Question: What means does the Spirit use in applying Christ?

Answer: The external means he makes use of, is the ministry of the gospel; 1 Corinthians 3:5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed?

Question: Is this sufficient of itself?

Answer: No, the blessing and power of the Spirit must accompany it, or Christ cannot be applied; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.

Question: To whom does the Spirit apply Christ?

Answer: To those that were given him of the Father before the world was; Acts 13:48. And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. John 14:17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.

Question: Is the application of Christ to a soul finished at once?

Answer: Though the first act of faith unites the soul to Christ, yet it is a continued act; 1 Peter 2:4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone.

Question: What learn we from hence?

Answer: What a destitute thing the soul is that is out of Christ; Revelation 3:18. Because you say I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

Question: What else does it teach us?

Answer: The riches and dignity of believers. Christ and all his purchases are theirs; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Question: What else does it teach us?

Answer: The righteousness of God in the destruction of all unbelievers; John 5:40. Mark 16:16. He who believes, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he who believes not shall be damned. Of our Union with Christ


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: HOW does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: By working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Question: Can none have saving benefit by Christ, but such as are united to him?

Answer: No, for as Adam's sin could not hurt us, except we had been in him; so Christ's redemption cannot profit us, except we are in him; 1 Corinthians 1:30. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Question: What are the bonds of this union?

Answer: The Spirit on God's part; 1 John 3:24. And he who keeps his commandments, dwells in him, and he in him; and hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us. And faith on our part: Ephesians 3:17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.

Question: What is the first property of this union?

Answer: It is an intimate union; Ephesians 5:30. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Question: What is the second property?

Answer: It is a union never to be dissolved; Romans 8:35, 38. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Question: What is the third property of this union?

Answer: It makes Christ, and all that he has purchased, become ours; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23. All are yours, and you are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Question: What is the fourth property of this union?

Answer: It is the foundation and root of all our spiritual and acceptable obedience; John 15:4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That saving grace in the saints is immortal, being secured to them in and by Christ; Colossians 3:3. Your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That the relation between Christ and believers is very near and intimate; Ephesians 5:30. For we are members of his body, of his, flesh, and of his bones.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That believers need not be afraid to go down to the grave; Romans 8:38, 39. For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life,-nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. And this union holds after death; Matthew 22:31, 32. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.

Question: What is the fourth inference?

Answer: That in wronging and persecuting the saints, men wrong and persecute Christ himself; Acts 9:4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?

Question: What is the fifth inference?

Answer: That in relieving and refreshing the saints, we relieve and refresh Christ himself; Matthew 25:35, 36. For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat; and I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I. was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came unto me. Verse 40. Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That there is a sympathy in Christ, under all the pressures and grievances of his people; Hebrews 4:15. We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Of Effectual Calling


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is effectual calling?

Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Question: What makes the difference between effectual and ineffectual calling?

Answer: Ineffectual calling is, when men have nothing but the external sound of the gospel; Matthew 20:16. For many be called, but few chosen. Effectual is, when the Spirit works in conjunction with the word; John 6:45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God; every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes unto me.

Question: What is the first act of the Spirit in effectual calling?

Answer: Conviction of sin; John 16:8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin.

Question: Do the called of God hear any voice from Heaven?

Answer: Ordinarily it is a call without sound, yet as efficacious as an audible voice from Heaven.

Question: What is the second act of the Spirit in our effectual calling?

Answer: The illumination of the mind in the knowledge of Christ; Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.

Question: In what things does it enlighten them?

Answer: In this; That Christ is their only remedy; Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And their all-sufficient remedy; Hebrews 7:25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.

Question: What is the third act?

Answer: His renewing of the sinner's will, and making it flexible; Psalm 110:3. Your people shall be willing in the day of your power. Ezekiel 36:26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Question: Can no man come to Christ until thus enabled?

Answer: No; it is not in the power of man's nature or will, until thus renewed and enabled; Ephesians 1:19, 20. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward, who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him on his own right-hand in the heavenly places. John 6:44. No man can come to me except the Father, which has sent me, draw him.

Question: What sort of men are most ordinarily called?

Answer: The poor and mean ones in the world; 1 Corinthians 1:26. For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

Question: What is the first instruction from it?

Answer: Souls effectually called are never lost; Romans 11:29. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: All things co-operate to their good; Romans 8:28. For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

Question: What is the third instruction?

Answer: It is dangerous to refuse God's call; Proverbs 1:24. Because I have called, and you have refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded.

Question: What is the last instruction?

Answer: That Christians are obliged to walk suitably to their heavenly calling; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you into his kingdom and glory. Of the Concomitants of Effectual Calling


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

Answer: They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

Question: Are all that be effectually called, justified?

Answer: Yes; God justifies all, and every soul that obeys and answers his call; Romans 8:30. Whom he called, them he also justified.

Question: What other benefits have the called in this life?

Answer: They are all the adopted children of God; Ephesians 1:5. Having predestined us unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Question: Are those all the benefits the called receive?

Answer: No; they are not only justified and adopted, but also sanctified; 1 Corinthians 1:30. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Question: Do these three blessings come singly to the called?

Answer: No; they are all accompanied with multitudes of other blessings flowing from them; Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places in Christ.

Question: What are the mercies flowing from justification?

Answer: They are great and manifold; Romans 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Question: What are the benefits flowing from adoption?

Answer: Free access to God; Ephesians 3:12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. And a title to Heaven; Romans 8:17. If children, then heirs.

Question: What blessings accompany sanctification?

Answer: Union with Christ; Hebrews 2:11. For both he who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified, are all of one. And right to the inheritance; Acts 20:32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Question: What is the first lesson from hence?

Answer: That they are enemies to their own souls, who obey not the gospel call; 2 Thessalonians 1:8. In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Question: What is the second lesson from hence?

Answer: That the estate of believers abounds with spiritual privileges; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Question: What is the third lesson from hence?

Answer: That all the believer's privileges are not in hope, but some in hand; 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.

Question: What is the fourth lesson from hence?

Answer: The greatest sufferers for Christ have no reason to repent their call; Romans 8:18. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present. time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.

Question: What is the last lesson from hence?

Answer: That we have infinite reason to bless God for the gospel, by which we are called; 2 Thessalonians 2:14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel. Of Justification


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is justification?

Answer: Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Question: What are the parts of justification?

Answer: It consists of two parts. FIRST, The pardon of sin; Acts 13:39. And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. SECONDLY, The acceptance of our persons as righteous; Romans 5:1, 2, 3. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Question: Whose act is it to justify sinners?

Answer: It is the act of God alone; Romans 8:33. It is God that justifies. Man's justifying of himself is nothing: Luke 16:15. And he said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God. Nor other men's justifying of us; Revelation 3:1. I know your works, that you have a name to live, and are dead.

Question: Is there anything in man to merit his justification?

Answer: No; it is an act of free grace in God; Romans 3:24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ.

Question: If it be not for any inherent righteousness; how then?

Answer: It is for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us; Romans 4:6. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works.

Question: How is Christ's righteousness made ours?

Answer: By application of it to us by faith; Galatians 2:16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Question: Is it not partly by Christ's righteousness made ours, and partly our own?

Answer: No; by Christ's righteousness, without any mixture of ours; Romans 3:28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Question: But does not James say otherwise, James 2:14. What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith and have not works; Can faith save him?

Answer: The two apostles contradict not one another; Paul speaks of justification before God; and James of justifying our faith before men.

Question: Is no regard then to be had to good works?

Answer: Yes, very great; they that believe must be careful to maintain good works; Titus 3:8. That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Question: Why can none be justified by works?

Answer: Because all are guilty before God; Romans 3:29. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. And the law curses all that are under guilt; Galatians 3:10. Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: The happy state of believers who are now at peace with God; Romans 5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And whom he justifies he glorificth. Romans 8:30. Whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: The excellency and necessity of faith; Romans 3:30. The circumcision is justified by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That the greatness of sin is no bar to faith, since it is the righteousness of Christ that justifies; 2 Corinthians 5:21. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That believers ought to be exceeding humble, and far from boasting. The law of faith excludes boasting; Romans 3:27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded: By what law? of works? nay, but by the law of faith. Of Adoption


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is adoption?

Answer: Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

Question: How many sorts of sons are there?

Answer: There is one by generation, and another by adoption; John 1:12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Question: What moves God to adopt any man?

Answer: Nothing but his free love; 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God.

Question: Is this privilege common to all men?

Answer: No; it is peculiar to them that receive him; John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.

Question: What is the first property of adoption?

Answer: It is a costly relation; Galatians 4:4. When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Question: What is the second property of adoption?

Answer: It is an high and honorable relation; 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God.

Question: What is the third property of adoption?

Answer: It is a free relation on God's part; Ephesians 1:4, 5. According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestined us unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. And it makes us free; John 8:36. If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Question: What is the fourth property of adoption?

Answer: It is a permanent relation; John 8:35. The Son abides in the house forever.

Question: What is the first privilege of the adoption?

Answer: They have a saving interest in God, as children in a father; 2 Corinthians 6:18. And I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Question: What is the second privilege?

Answer: Being God's sons, they are heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; Romans 8:17. And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

Question: What was the third privilege?

Answer: Seasonable and sanctified afflictions; Hebrews 12:6. He scourges every son whom he receives.

Question: What is the fourth privilege?

Answer: The attendance and ministry of angels; Hebrews 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Question: What is the fifth privilege?

Answer: The assistance of the Spirit in prayer; Romans 8:15. For we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. And God's audience of their prayers; 1 John 5:14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, That if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Question: What use should we make of this?

Answer: It teaches us to carry ourselves as children to our heavenly Father. FIRST, In our imitation of him; Ephesians 5:1. be therefore followers of God, as dear children. SECONDLY, In our submission to him; Hebrews 12:9. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? THIRDLY, In our dependence on him; Matthew 5:32. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. Of Sanctification


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is sanctification?

Answer: Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Question: What are the parts of sanctification?

Answer: Dying unto sin, and living unto God; Romans 6:11. Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Question: Who is the Author of sanctification?

Answer: God only; Jude verse 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father.

Question: What is the instrument of it?

Answer: The word of God; John 17:17. sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth.

Question: What part of man is sanctified?

Answer: Every part, both of soul and body; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Question: Is sanctification perfected at once?

Answer: No; but by degrees; 2 Peter 3:18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Question: When will it be made perfect?

Answer: When we come to Heaven, and not before; 1 Corinthians 13:10, 11. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Question: What are the signs of true sanctification?

Answer: When it runs into all parts of our conversation; 1 Peter 1:15. But as he which has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conversation. SECONDLY, And continues to the end; Revelation 22:11. Let him that is holy be holy still.

Question: What is the inseparable companion of sanctification?

Answer: Righteousness towards men; Luke 1:74, 75. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness, and righteousness before him all the days of our life.

Question: What is opposite to sanctification?

Answer: All filthiness of flesh and spirit; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.

Question: What is the privilege of the sanctified?

Answer: They are all elected, and shall be glorified; 1 Peter 1:2, 4. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit-to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for you.

Question: What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified?

Answer: They shall never see God; Hebrews 12:14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness; without which no man shall see the Lord.

Question: What differences true from pretended sanctification?

Answer: True sanctification purges the heart from the love of sin; Romans 7:15. For that which I do, I allow not. And the life from the dominion of sin; Romans 6:19. As you have yielded your members servants to impurity, and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness.

Question: May great sinners be sanctified?

Answer: Yes; the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart; 1 Corinthians 6:11. And such were some of you; but you are washed, but you are sanctified. Of Assurance, the Fruit of Justification


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

Answer: The benefits which in this life do either accompany, or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Question: Is assurance possible to be attained in this life?

Answer: Yes; for some have had it; Canticles 6:3. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. And all Christians are commanded to strive for it; 2 Peter 1:10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence, to make your calling and election sure.

Question: How many sorts of assurance are there?

Answer: There is an objective assurance; 2 Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And a subjective or personal assurance; Galatians 2:20. Who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Question: Is personal assurance perfect in this life?

Answer: No; It admits of doubts and fears, which interrupts it, and it is not always at one height; 1 Corinthians 13:10. When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Question: On what testimony is personal assurance built?

Answer: Upon the testimony of God's Spirit witnessing with ours; Romans 8:16. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that are the children of God.

Question: Does the Spirit make use of signs in us to assure us?

Answer: Yes; ordinarily he does; 1 John 3:14. We know that we are passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. And verse 24. Hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

Question: How is true assurance discerned from presumption?

Answer: True assurance humbles the soul; Galatians 2:20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And makes the soul afraid of sin; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Question: What is the usual season of assurance?

Answer: The time of greatest sufferings for Christ; 1 Peter 4:14. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Question: Is personal assurance absolutely necessary to salvation?

Answer: No; a man may be saved, and in Christ, without it; Isaiah 50:10. Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

Question: What is the fruit of assurance?

Answer: Joy unspeakable amidst outward troubles; Romans 5:11. And not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Question: What sins usually eclipse our assurance?

Answer: Negligence in duty starves it; 2 Peter 1:10. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: For if you do these things you shall never fall. And sinning against light, stabs it; Psalm 51:8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

Question: What is the first inference from this doctrine?

Answer: That no unregenerate person can have any assurance; for it is the fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That all the joys of Heaven are not to come; but some communicated in this life; 1 Peter 1:8. Whom having not seen you love; in whom though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That assured believers need to be circumspect persons, that they grieve not the Spirit; Ephesians 4:30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Of Peace of Conscience


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death?

Answer: The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves until the resurrection.

Question: What is the state of perfect holiness?

Answer: It consists in a perfect freedom from sin, or the least inclinations to sin; Ephesians 5:27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Question: Wherein else does perfection consist?

Answer: It consists in the attainment of the highest measures and degrees of holiness the creature is capable of; Ephesians 4:12, 13. For the perfecting of the saints,-Until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Question: Cannot this be attained while in the body?

Answer: No, for here all our graces are imperfect; 2 Corinthians 13:12. For How we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face. And we live at a distance from God; 2 Corinthians 5:6. While we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.

Question: How is this attained at death?

Answer: At death the roots of sin are pulled up out of the believer's nature; Hebrews 12:23. And to the spirits of just men made perfect.

Question: Why must the soul be made perfect at death?

Answer: Because the purity of the heavenly state admits no sin or imperfection; Revelation 21:27. And there shall never enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie, but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That death should be lovely and desirable in the eyes of believers; Philippians 1:23. Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: That God has provided singular relief for his people that now groan under their sins, and many imperfections: 1 Corinthians 13:12. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: That the heavenly state is infinitely above and beyond whatever we enjoy here; 1 Corinthians 2:9. But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.

Question: What is the fourth inference?

Answer: That believers are but at a small distance from the satisfaction of all their desires; Romans 13:11. For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Question: What is the fifth inference?

Answer: That the saints should earnestly pursue that perfection, even in this imperfect state; Philippians 3:13, 14. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Question: What is the sixth inference.

Answer: That death to the saints is better than life; Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Question: What is the last inference.

Answer: That faith is absolutely necessary to entitle us to this perfect state. Of immediate Glorification


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT benefit do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

Answer: At the resurrection believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.

Question: What is it to be acknowledged by Christ?

Answer: It is Christ's owning of the special relation between him and them; Mat 25:34. Come you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Question: Whom will Christ acknowledge for his?

Answer: Such as confess Christ now; Matthew 10:32. Whoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven.

Question: Before whom will Christ confess them?

Answer: Before his Father, angels and men; Revelation 3:5. He who overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white clothing, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Question: Who shall be denied by Christ in that day?

Answer: All that now deny Christ, shall be denied by him; 2 Timothy 2:12. If we deny him, he also will deny us, Titus 1:16. They profess that they know God; but in works hey deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Question: Why will Christ openly acknowledge them?

Answer: To wipe off all aspersions and censures that now are cast upon them; Isaiah 66:5. Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Question: What will be the effect of Christ's acknowledgment?

Answer: It will put a full end to all doubts, fears and jealousies of themselves; 1 Corinthians 4:3, 4. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment; yes, I judge not my own self; for I know nothing by myself, yet I am not hereby justified; but he who judges me, is the Lord.

Question: What other effect will it produce in them?

Answer: Joy unspeakable and transcendent: hence called time of refreshing; Acts 3:19. When the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Question: Is this the only time Christ acknowledged! them?

Answer: No; he acknowledged them by his Spirit's testimony now, but that is private in their bosoms; Romans 8:16. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: To warn all how they pass rash censures on Christ's servants; Psalm 73:15. If I say, I will speak thus; behold I should offend against the generation of your children.

Question: What is the second inference?

Answer: Let none be afraid or ashamed to confess the person, office, or any truth of Christ, for any loss or danger that may threaten them; Luke 12:8, 9. Also I say unto you, Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. But he who denies me before men, shall be denied before the angels of God.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: Let Christians abound in good works. Every act of charity for Christ shall be acknowledged by him in the day of judgment; Matthew 25:35. For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in.

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: Let all Christians love and long for the day of Christ's appearing; 2 Timothy 4:8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto them also that love his appearing. Of Christ's acquitting Believers


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the duty that God requires of man?

Answer: The duty which God requires of man is obedience to his revealed will.

Question: Is obedience to God's will the duty of every man?

Answer: It is unquestionably the duty of every man to obey the will of God, so far as he has made it known to him; Micah 6:8. He has showed you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Question: On what account is man's obedience due to God?

Answer: It is due to him, FIRST, as he is our Creator, in whom we live, and move, and have our being; Acts 17:27, 28. SECONDLY, As he is our Benefactor, from whom we receive all our mercies; Deuteronomy 28:47. Because you served not the Lord your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore shall you serve your enemies, which the Lord shall send against you, in hunger, thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things. THIRDLY, As he is our Lord, and lawgiver; James 4:12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.

Question: Is obedience due to none but God only?

Answer: Yes; subjects must obey their lawful magistrates; Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but of God; The powers that be are ordained of God. People their ministers; Hebrews 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account. Children their parents; Ephesians 6:1. Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. But not as they are to obey God.

Question: What is the difference between our obedience to God's commands, and men's?

Answer: We are to obey God, chiefly and supremely, for his own sake, but creatures secondarily, and for God's sake; 1 Peter 2:13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of men for the Lord's sake. And Ephesians 6:1. Children obey your parents [in the Lord,] for this is right.

Question: What must we do when the commands of God and men fall cross to one another?

Answer: In that case we must yield our obedience to God, and not to man, whatever we suffer for it; Acts 4:19. Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God judge you.

Question: Why must we obey God rather than man?

Answer: Because God is the supreme and sovereign Lord of our consciences; and no creature has power to command our obedience but in and from him; Isaiah 33:22. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king, he will save us.

Question: Have the people liberty to compare the laws of God and men, and judge how they agree or differ?

Answer: Yes; their judgment of discretion is both commanded; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 15. I speak as to wise men; judge you what I say. And commended; Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Question: What is the only rule for our obedience to God?

Answer: The will of God revealed in the scriptures is our only rule of obedience; Isaiah 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Question: But if a man have a voice, a vision, or a dream, seeming to hint the secret will of God, may he not obey it?

Answer: Yes; if it be consonant to the revealed will of God in the word, otherwise not; Deuteronomy 29:29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed, belong unto us, and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: That it is highly sinful and dangerous to disobey the known will of God in anything; Romans 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Luke 12:47. And that servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Question: What is the second instruction?

Answer: That is a blessed man, who conscientiously labors to obey the will of God, so far as he can discover it; John 13:17. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. Galatians 6:16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy.

Question: What is the third inference?

Answer: It is highly sinful and dangerous to command others, or obey commands from others, which are not according to God's command; Hosea 5:11. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. Jeremiah 7:31. And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. Of the Moral Law


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

Answer: The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?

Answer: The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.

Question: Is every man under the direction and obligation of law?

Answer: Yes; man being a reasonable creature, is capable of, and fitted for government by law, which other creatures are not; and being an accountable creature to God, must needs be under a law; Romans 2:15. Which show the works of the law written in their hearts; their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another.

Question: How could man be under a law before the law was given by Moses?

Answer: Before ever the law was given at Sinai, all the race of Adam had a law written in their hearts, namely, the light of reason, and dictates of natural conscience; Romans 2:14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves. And besides this, the church had the revealed will of God to direct them; 2 Peter 1:19, 20. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Question: What is the meaning of the moral law?

Answer: It is not a law to direct and order our manners; but a law that binds universally and perpetually, as the ten commandments do those to whom they are promulged, and the light of nature does all others; Romans 2:14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves. Luke 16:17. It is easier for Heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Question: Why is it said to be summarily comprehended in the ten commandments?

Answer: Because much more is included in every command than is expressed, as our Savior shows in his exposition of it; Matthew 22:40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Question: Does the moral law bind Christians under the gospel?

Answer: Yes, it does, as a rule to order their conduct by; James 2:8, 9, 10. If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself; you do well: But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors; for whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, is guilty of all.

Question: Is the moral law the same thing with the covenant of works, and imposed for the same end?

Answer: God never designed the law to be the way of man's justification since the fall; Galatians 3:21, 22. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid! for if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law; but the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But it was promulged to convince man of sin; Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust except the law had said, You shall not covet. And bring them to Christ; Galatians 3:24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn the abominable nature of Popery. The Pope being that lawless one, who will not be bound by the laws of God himself; 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Then shall that wicked one be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; but assumes power to dispense with God's laws to others.

Question: What is the second inference hence?

Answer: That man dies not as beasts die; which are under no moral law, and therefore capable of no sin; but must come to judgment after death; Ecclesiastes 3:21. Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth? Hebrews 9:27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, so after this the judgment.

Question: What is the third inference hence?

Answer: That though the actions of men naturally considered are transient, yet their consequences and effects are permanent; an act is soon done, a word soon spoken, a thought soon thought; but when done, spoken, or thought, they are placed to account; Galatians 6:7, 8. Be not deceived, God is, not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap; for he who sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That God will proceed with men by different rules in the day of judgment, according to the different laws they lived under in this world; Romans 2:12. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.

Question: What is the fifth inference from hence?

Answer: That those who have sinned against the clearest light, and best helps, will, if they die impenitent, be judged to the greatest misery; Matthew 11:23. And you, Capernaum, which are exalted unto Heaven, shall be brought down to Hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Hebrews 2:3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.

Question: What is the sixth inference from hence?

Answer: That we are to prize the moral law highly, as a rule of life; Psalm 119:105. Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path: So are we to bless God for the gospel dispensation, by which only we can attain to justification and salvation; Hebrews 12:22. But you are come to mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels. Of love to God and Man


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the sum of the ten commandments?

Answer: 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 ourselves.

Question: What is the sum of the ten commandments?

Answer: To love the Lord our God with a supreme love, and men with a sincere love, in and for him; Matthew 22:37, 38. Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment: The second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Question: What is the first thing contained in our supreme love to God?

Answer: It implies the loving of God purely and absolutely for himself. The excellencies that are in him; Canticles 1:3. Your name is as ointment poured forth; therefore the virgins love you. And the benefits we receive from him; Psalm 116:1. I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplication.

Question: What is the second property of this supreme love?

Answer: Supreme love denotes the whole man to God and Christ: So that in life and death that man designs the glory of God as his main end; Romans 14:7, 8. For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's.

Question: What is the third property of supreme love?

Answer: It causes the soul to depreciate and slight all other things in comparison with God's glory, and a saving interest in Christ; Acts 20:24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy; Philippians 3:8. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.

Question: What is the fourth property of supreme love?

Answer: It centers the soul in God as its only rest; Psalm 116:7. Return unto your rest, O my soul. And cannot be satisfied until it come to the full enjoyment of him; 2 Thessalonians 3:5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Question: Why must we love God with a supreme love?

Answer: Because such a love only suits the transcendent excellency of God; commands all we are and have for God; and is the only love that will continue to the end; Romans 8:35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Question: What is it to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Answer: It is the exact observation and practice of the golden rule of Christ; Matthew 7:12. Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

Question: Are all men to be loved alike, and with the same degree of love?

Answer: No; though we must love all men with the love of benevolence, yet the saints only with the love of delight; Psalm 16:3. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent in whom is all my delight. Psalm 15:4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the Lord. And to such we must especially do good; Galatians 6:10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Question: What is the first instruction from hence?

Answer: Hence we learn the excellency of divine love. Moses expresses the whole duty of man in ten commandments: Christ hangs the whole law upon these two, love to God and our neighbor; Mark 12:30, 31. And you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself: There is none other commandment greater than these. And the apostle reduces these two into one; Galatians 5:14. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this.-You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: It convinces the holiest of men how far short they come in their obedience to the rule of duty, and therein the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, Galatians 3:24.

Question: What is the third inference from hence?

Answer: It discovers the excellency and perfection of the law of God; Psalm 19:7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: And that we are highly to honor and magnify it as a rule of duty, though we must utterly renounce it as the way of our justification.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That there is nothing too dear for a Christian in this world, but he must give it up by self-denial, when it comes in competition with his supreme love to God; Luke 14:26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple; that is Love them less than me. Of the Preface to the ten Commandments


An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism

Question: WHAT is the preface to the ten commandments?

Answer: The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord your God, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Question: What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us?

Answer: The preface to the ten commandments teaches us that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.

Question: Why does God use arguments and inducements to win men to the obedience of his laws?

Answer: Because he loves to work on man as a rational creature, according to the principles of his nature; Hosea 11:4. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: And because he delights in none but free and cheerful obedience; Psalm 110:3. Your people shall be willing in the day of your power.

Question: What is the first argument in this preface?

Answer: It is the sovereignty of the Lawgiver, [I am the Lord,] which should awe the heart of every man to obedience; James 4:12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.

Question: What is the second argument to obedience?

Answer: Our propriety in God by covenant, [I am the Lord your God;] this obliges to obedience, and aggravateth disobedience; Psalm 50:7. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, even your God. Hosea 9:1. For you have gone a whoring from your God.

Question: What is the third argument unto obedience?

Answer: The benefits of redemption that they receive from God. Benefits persuade to duty; and the goodness of God leads you to repentance, Romans 2:4.

Question: How can deliverance out of Egypt be an argument to them that never were in Egypt?

Answer: As that deliverance was a type of our deliverance, so it is an argument to us, and an argument from the less to the greater; for it obliges us more than them; Luke 1:74, 75. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Question: What is that deliverance we have? and how does it oblige us to obedience?

Answer: Our deliverance is not from Egypt, but from Hell; Colossians 1:13. Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. And our persons are bought by the Redeemer to glorify God; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. What don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you? For you are bought with a price: Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Question: Is it not mercenary to serve God upon the account of benefits received, or to be received?

Answer: He who makes religious duties mediums to attain carnal advantages only, is of a worse than mercenary spirit; Hosea 7:14. And they have not cried unto me with their hearts, when they howled upon their beds: They assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me. But to be quickened by mercy to duty is not mercenary, but evangelical; Hosea 3:5. They shall fear the Lord, and his goodness.

Question: What is the first inference from hence?

Answer: That great is the condescension of God to man, that he will use arguments to induce him to obedience, who might exact it only by his sovereignty, and justly damn us for our disobedience; 2 Corinthians 5:20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: We pray you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.

Question: What is the second inference from hence?

Answer: That the more mercy any receive from God, the more obligations are laid on them to obey him; Psalm 116:1, 2. I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice, and my supplications: Because he has inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Question: What is the third inference from hence?

Answer: The more mercies and favors any man sins against, the greater is that man's sin, and the sorer will be his punishment; Amos 3:2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That God's expectations are greater, where his mercies and favors have been so; Isaiah 5:4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That memorials of God's mercies are to be kept by us, to provoke us to constant and cheerful duties of obedience; Exodus 17:14. And the Lord said unto Moses, write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua. Psalm 103:2, 3. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Of the first Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment is, You shall have no other gods before me.

Question: What is the first duty enjoined in the first commandment?

Answer: It is to know and acknowledge the existence or being of God, and consequently condemns all atheism, both in judgment and practice; Hebrews 11:6. For he who comes to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Psalm 14:1. The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.

Question: What is the second duty of the first commandment?

Answer: It requires all men to know and acknowledge the unity of God; Deuteronomy 6:4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. And condemns polytheism, or plurality of gods; 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6. For though there be that are called gods, whether in Heaven or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many;) but to us there is but one God.

Question: Whence sprang the opinion of more gods than one at first in the world?

Answer: It sprang from ignorance of God's omnipresence and omnipotence. Hence came their vain imaginations; Romans 1:21. Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. They thought the presence and power of God might reach one place, and not another; 1 Kings 20:23. And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills, therefore they were stronger than we: But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Question: What were the first creatures worshiped as gods?

Answer: Probably the heavenly bodies, sun, moon, and stars, because of their splendor and influences. These as heralds, do proclaim God to the world; Psalm 19:1, 2. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handy work: Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge. And these messengers of God were mistaken for God himself; Job 31:26, 27, 28. If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness, and my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand; this also were an iniquity, for I should have denied the God that is above.

Question: What does these words [before me] import?

Answer: It notes God's perfect knowledge and abhorrence of all idolatry, or worshiping of another God, as what he cannot endure to behold; Jeremiah 44:3, 4. Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense to serve other gods whom they knew not, neither they, you, nor your fathers. Howbeit, I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early, and sending them, saying, Oh do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Question: Are none guilty of this sin but heathenish idolaters?

Answer: Yes; all that place their supreme love or trust in any creature, make that creature their God; and in scripture are called idolaters, Colossians 3:5. And covetousness, which is idolatry. Philippians 3:19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

Question: How does the idolatry forbidden in the first, differ from that forbidden in the second commandment.

Answer: The idolatry forbidden in the first commandment is a sin respecting the object of worship, when we set up anything in the place of God, which by nature is not God; Galatians 4:8. Howbeit, then when you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But that against the second commandment is, when we pretend to worship the true God, but do it by such means, and in such a manner as he has not required, or has forbidden; Exodus 32:4. And he received them at their hands, and fashioned it with a graven tool, after he had made it a molten calf; and they said, These be your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

Question: What is the first inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That it is a special mercy to be brought forth in a land where the true God is known and worshiped; Psalm 147:20. He has not dealt so with any nation; and as for his judgments, they have not known them; praise you the Lord.

Question: What is the second inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That it is a great and dreadful sin to live without the worship of God in the world; Ephesians 2:12. That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

Question: What is the third inference from the first commandment?

Answer: That Christians must not comply with idolatrous and superstitious worship, when they are cast into idolatrous places, however great the danger be; Psalm 16:4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied, that hasten after another God; their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their name into my lips.

Question: What is the fourth inference from hence?

Answer: That supreme love, fear, and trust of the soul, is God's peculiar right and due. Whoever places them on any other besides God, is guilty of a very heinous and great sin against him; 1 John 2:15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Compared with Job 31:24-28. If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, you are my confidence; this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge; for I should have denied the God that is above.

Question: What is the fifth inference from hence?

Answer: That God's eye discovers the closest idolatry in the world, whether it be in secret actions; Ezek 8:12. Have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark? Every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the Lord sees us not, the Lord has forsaken the earth. Or inward affections; Colossians 3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, impurity, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Question: What is the sixth inference from hence?

Answer: That an high and full condition in the world, is a dangerous condition, and lies most exposed to the danger of heart-idolatry; Proverbs 30:9. Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, who is the Lord? Mark 10:24. How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of Heaven?

Question: What is the last inference?

Answer: That in covenanting with God, and avouching him for our God, we must wholly renounce all others, and take God alone for our portion, and object of our love and dependence; Hosea 3:3. You shall not be for another man; so will I also be for you. Luke 14:33. So likewise, whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple. Of the second Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment is, [You shall not make unto you any graven image, or any likeness of anything, that is in Heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: For I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.]


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Question: What is required in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment requires, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and ordinances, as God has appointed in his word.


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Question: What is forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment forbids the worshiping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word.


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Question: What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The reasons annexed to the second commandment, are God's sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he has to his own worship.

Question: What is the sin especially forbidden in the second commandment?

Answer: The sin here forbidden, is the corruption of God's worship, by making any similitude of any person in the Godhead, and performing divine worship before it, or to it; Exodus 32:8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: They have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, these be your gods O Israel, which have brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 4:15, 16. Take you therefore good heed unto yourselves (for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire) lest you corrupt yourselves and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female.

Question: What is the second sin forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: The second sin against this commandment is will-worship, consisting in the addition of man's inventions to the worship of God, as a part thereof; Matthew 15:9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Colossians 2:20, 21, 22, 23. Whereof if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances. (Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

Question: But if those additions be for the more decent worshiping of God, is it not allowed by 1 Corinthians 14:40. Let all things be done decently, and in order?

Answer: No; that scripture commands that God's institutions be regularly and decently performed, but not that we invent ceremonies that are symbolical, to make them more decent than Christ left them.

Question: Why is the second commandment left out in all the public offices of the popish church?

Answer: Because it expressly condemns their idolatrous images, kneeling at the sacrament, prayers to saints, and all their superstitious crosses, surplices, and chrisme, as sinful.

Question: Do they not clear themselves from idolatry, by telling us they only worship God before, or by them, but not the images themselves?

Answer: No, they do not; for the use of images in God's worship is expressly condemned in this commandment; as if this would excuse the papists, it had also excused the Israelite in worshiping the calf, Exodus 32:4.-And they said, These be your gods, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Question: What is the first reason annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The first reason annexed is God's sovereignty, I the Lord; which shows that it belongs to God only to institute his own worship, and make it effectual; and therefore to do that in his worship which he never commanded, is sinful and dangerous; Jeremiah 7:31. And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.

Question: What is the second reason annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The second reason is God's propriety in us: He is our God, and we belong to him; and therefore to corrupt his worship, greatly aggravates our sins; Hosea 9:1. Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people; for you have gone a whoring from your God, etc.

Question: What is the third reason annexed to the second commandment?

Answer: The jealousy of God over his worship and worshipers; so that this sin of corrupting his worship will dreadfully incense his wrath, as it did, Leviticus 10:1, 2. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire thereon, and offered strange fire, before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

Question: What is the first instruction from the second commandment?

Answer: That it is an heinous sin to neglect the worship of God in that manner he has appointed us to worship him, as in prayer; Jeremiah 10:25. Pour out your fury upon the heathen that don't you know, and upon the families that call not on your name. Hearing the word; Proverbs 28:9. He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Question: What is the second instruction from the second commandment.

Answer: That those who suffer for endeavoring to preserve the purity of God's ordinances, and nonconformity to the contrary injunctions of men, have a good warrant to bear them out in all such sufferings; Deuteronomy 4:2. You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you.

Question: What is the third instruction from the second commandment?

Answer: That it is highly sinful and dangerous to innovate and prescribe by human authority such symbolical rites in the worship of God, as he never appointed or allowed in his word; Matthew 15:9. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Question: What is the fourth instruction hence?

Answer: Hence we learn how much parents and children are obliged to worship God constantly, spiritually, and agreeably to his will revealed in his word; otherwise the jealousy of God will visit them both in the way of judgment: For as obedience entails a blessing, so disobedience entails a curse on posterity; Exodus 34:14. For you shall worship no other God; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Of the third Commandment


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Question: WHICH is the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment is, [You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that takes his name in vain.]


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Question: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverend use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.


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Question: What is forbidden in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment forbids all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God makes himself known.


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Question: What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

Answer: 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 allow them to escape his righteous judgment.

Question: How does this commandment differ from the first and second?

Answer: The first has respect to the object of worship, forbidding us to worship any other but God. The second respects the means of worship, forbidding us to worship God by any other means than what he has prescribed. But the third respects the manner of his worship, forbidding all careless, or profane use of his name, and commanding a holy reverence from us in all our solemn addresses to him, or ordinary mention of his name. Malachi 1:6. A son honors his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear! says the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name: And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?

Question: What is the first thing especially required in the third commandment?

Answer: It requires the most awful and reverential frame of our hearts in all our approaches to God; Psalm 89:7. God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints; and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. And in his worship; John 4:24. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Question: What is the second thing required in this commandment?

Answer: It requires truth in our witness-bearing, as knowing God sees our hearts, and is witness to all that we think or speak; Zechariah 5:4. I will bring it forth, says the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name, etc.

Question: What is the third thing required in this commandment?

Answer: That in all our appeals to God in secret, or doubtful matters, we be sure that the appeal be necessary, awful, and true; Jeremiah 17:16. As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow you, neither have I desired the woeful day, you know: that which came out of my lips was right before you. Psalm 139:23, 24. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.

Question: What does this commandment especially forbid?

Answer: It forbids and condemns all profane oaths, as most injurious to the name of God, Matthew 5:34, 37.-Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is God's throne, etc. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; Nay, nay: for whatever is more than these, comes of evil.

Question: What is the danger of profane or false swearing?

Answer: Such are reckoned enemies to God, Psalm 139:20. Your enemies take your name in vain. The curse of God enters into such families. Zechariah 5:4. I will bring it forth, says the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name, etc. And the Lord will not hold them guiltless.

Question: What else is forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: It forbids and condemns all heedless, wandering, and drowsy performance of God's worship; Isaiah 29:13, 14. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouths, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work, and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. And 2 Kings 10:31. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel, with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

Question: What other sin is forbidden in this command?

Answer: It forbids all light and irreverent use of the scriptures, especially in our jests, or by way of scoffing; Jeremiah 17:15. Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now. Jeremiah 6:10.-Behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Question: By what argument does God enforce the third commandment on men?

Answer: That the breakers of this commandment shall surely be punished by the Lord, either in this life, Deuteronomy 28:58, 59. If you will not observe to do all the words of this law, that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord your God: Then the Lord will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sickness, and of long continuance: Or in that to come, Romans 2:5. But after your hardness and impenitent heart, treasures up unto yourself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God: Except they repent and reform.

Question: What is the first instruction from the third commandment?

Answer: That great and infinite is the patience of God in forbearing and provoking sinners so long as he does; Romans 9:22. What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction?

Question: What is the second instruction from hence?

Answer: That God is to be justified in the severest of his judgments, by which at any time he manifests his displeasure against the profaneness of the world; Hosea 4:1, 2, 3. Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel: For the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood touches blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwells therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of Heaven, yes, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Question: What is the third instruction from hence?

Answer: That God takes special notice of, and greatly delights in them that fear and reverence his name; Isaiah 66:5. Hear the word of the Lord, you that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. Malachi 3:16.-And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Question: What is the last inference from hence?

Answer: That those parents have much to answer for, that by their examples teach, or by their negligence encourage their children to profane God's name: Jeremiah 5:7. How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods, etc. Of the Sabbath


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Question: WHICH is the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment is, [Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor the stranger which is within your 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.]


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Question: What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God, such set time as he has appointed hi his word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath unto the Lord.


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Question: Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

Answer: 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.

Question: What special marks of honor has God set upon this fourth commandment.

Answer: God has set four peculiar marks of honor on it. (1.) It is the largest of all the commands. (2.) It has a solemn memento prefixed to it. (3.) It is delivered both positively and negatively, which the rest are not. And, (4.) It is enforced with more arguments to strengthen the command on us, than any other.

Question: Why will God have a Sabbath on earth?

Answer: God will have a Sabbath on earth, to give us therein an emblem of that eternal Sabbath in Heaven, wherein his people shall be serving him, and praising him without interruption, or mixture of any other business throughout eternity; Hebrews 4:9. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.

Question: For what other reasons will God have a Sabbath?

Answer: He will have a Sabbath for the honor of his name, Isaiah 58:13. If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words. For the good of men's souls; Mark 2:27. And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. And in mercy to the bodies of men and beasts.

Question: Is this commandment moral and perpetual, or ceremonial and temporary?

Answer: It is, and must needs be moral, and not ceremonial; because all the reasons that enforce it are perpetual, and the Sabbath continued when the ceremonial law ceased, and was vanished; Matthew 24:20. But pray you, that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath-day.

Question: What day of the seven is the Christian Sabbath?

Answer: The first day of the week is our Sabbath, since the resurrection of Christ. This is the day which was foretold to be our Sabbath; Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord has marked it for himself, by setting his own name on it; Revelation 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. And the apostles and primitive church constantly set it apart to religious uses and ends; Acts 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, etc. 1 Corinthians 16:2. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Question: When does the Christian Sabbath begin?

Answer: It appears that this day is not to be reckoned from evening to evening, but from morning to morning; because the Christian Sabbath must begin when the Jewish Sabbath ended, but that ended towards the morning, Matthew 28:1. In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher.

Question: What is the ground of changing the day?

Answer: The solemn commemoration of our redemption by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, is the ground of translating the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week: Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Mark 16:9. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Question: Is it the whole day, or only some hours of the day, that are set apart for God?

Answer: Not a part, but the whole day is the Lord's; and it is as dangerous to halve it with God in point of time, as it was for Ananias and Sapphira to halve their dedicated goods, and bring in but a part. Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath-day, is the command.

Question: Is there any other clay holy besides this day?

Answer: No day but this is holy by institution of the Lord; yet days of humiliation and thanksgiving may be lawfully set apart by men on a call of providence; but popish holidays are not warrantable, nor to be observed; Galatians 4:10. You observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Question: But seeing every day should be a Sabbath to a Christian, what needs any other set time?

Answer: Though Christians must walk every day with God, yet every day cannot be a Sabbath, because God calls us to other duties on those days, but will have this to be a solemn and entire day to himself.

Question: But if a man scruple the change of the Sabbath, may he not keep both days weekly?

Answer: No; for then, by doing more than God requires, he breaks a plain command, Six days shall you labor.

Question: At what time should Christians be up, and at their duties, on the Lord's day?

Answer: As early in the morning as their strength will permit, to prepare by private for public duties; yet the public are not to be entrenched on by private duties; Acts 10:33. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God. Of the Sabbath


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Question: HOW is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer: The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days, and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

Question: What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment forbids the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.