Question: What is required in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.

Question: Does that which forbids us to have any other gods, require us to have the true God?

Answer: Yes: Put away the strange gods, and serve the Lord only, 1 Sam. 7:3, 4.

Question: Is it our duty to acknowledge God?

Answer: Yes: The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God, 1 Kings 18:39.

Question: And must we acknowledge him to be the only true God?

Answer: Yes: Thou art the God, even thou alone, 2 Kings 19:15.

Question: Is it our duty to acquaint ourselves with him?

Answer: Yes: Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace, Job 22:21.

Question: Must we grow in that acquaintance?

Answer: Yes: Increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. 1:10.

Question: And may we attain to it?

Answer: Yes: Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, Hos. 6:3.

Question: Must we accept of God for our God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, Deut. 26:17, 18.

Question: And must we join ourselves to him?

Answer: Yes: Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, Jer. 50:5.

Question: And consent to be his?

Answer: Yes: O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant, Ps. 116:16.

Question: Must we take God the Father to be our chief good and highest end?

Answer: Yes: O God, thou art my God, Ps. 63:1.

Question: And God the Son to be our Prince and Saviour?

Answer: Yes: My Lord and my God, John 20:28.

Question: And God the Holy Ghost to be our sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter?

Answer: Yes: For they that are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God, Rom. 8:14.

Question: Must we renounce all others?

Answer: Yes: For by thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. 26:13.

Question: Must we do this deliberately?

Answer: Yes: Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, Josh. 24:15.

Question: Must we do it solemnly?

Answer: Yes: One shall say, I am the Lord's and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, Isa. 44:5.

Question: Must we do it resolutely?

Answer: Yes: Nay, but we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:21.

Question: May we be at liberty to change our Master?

Answer: No: But with purpose of heart must cleave to the Lord, Acts 11:23.

Question: When we have avouched the Lord for our God, must we apply ourselves to him?

Answer: Yes: If the Lord be God, then follow him, 1 Kings 18:21.

Question: Must we glorify him accordingly?

Answer: Yes: Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, Ps. 39:2.

Question: Must we worship him?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve, Matt. 4:10.

Question: Must we worship him with inward worship?

Answer: Yes: We must serve him with our spirits, Rom. 1:9.

Question: Is that the worship he requires?

Answer: Yes: For such the Father seeks to worship him, John 4:28.

Question: Must we remember God?

Answer: Yes: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, Eccl. 12:1.

Question: And think of him with delight?

Answer: Yes: My meditation of him shall be sweet, Ps. 104:34.

Question: Must we adore and admire him?

Answer: Yes: Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Exod. 15:11.

Question: Must we fear him above all?

Answer: Yes: Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread, Isa. 8:13.

Question: And reverence him?

Answer: Yes: He is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Ps. 89:7.

Question: Must we submit to his word?

Answer: Yes: Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears, 1 Sam. 3:9.

Question: And submit to his will?

Answer: Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Question: Must we love God above all?

Answer: Yes: O love the Lord all ye his saints, Ps. 31:23.

Question: Must our desire be towards him?

Answer: Yes: So panteth my soul after thee O God, Ps. 43:1.

Question: Must our delight be in him?

Answer: Yes: Delight thyself always in the Lord, Ps. 37:4.

Question: Must our dependence be upon him?

Answer: Yes: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, Ps. 31:1.

Question: Must we live a life of communion with God?

Answer: Yes: Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord, Ps. 25:15.

Question: And a life of complacency in him?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice in the Lord always, Phil. 4:4.

Question: And a life of conformity to him?

Answer: Yes: Be ye holy, for I am holy, 1 Pet. 1:16.

Question: And a life of confidence in him?

Answer: Yes: Commit thy way unto the Lord, Ps. 37:5.

Question: And a life of regard to him?

Answer: Yes: In all thy ways acknowledge him, Prov. 3:6.

Question: Must our hearts go out towards him?

Answer: Yes: Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, Ps. 25:1.

Question: And must we have him always in our eye?

Answer: Yes; I have set the Lord always before me, Ps. 16:8.

Question: And must we walk with him in the whole course of our conversation?

Answer: Yes: As Enoch walked with God, Gen. 5:24.

Question: And is this inward worship the life of religion?

Answer: Yes: It is better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices, Mark 12:33.


Question: What is forbidden in the first commandment?

Answer: The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying, the true God, as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone.

Question: Is it a great sin to deny the being of God?

Answer: Yes: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God, Ps. 14:1.

Question: Or to deny his omniscience?

Answer: Yes: They say, The Lord shall not see, Ps. 94:7.

Question: Or to deny his justice?

Answer: Yes: He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it, Ps. 10:13.

Question: Or his holiness?

Answer: Yes: Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself, Ps. 50:21.

Question: Or his goodness?

Answer: Yes: I knew thee to be a hard man, Matt. 25:24.

Question: Or his faithfulness?

Answer: Yes: Where is the promise of his coming? 2 Pet. 3:4.

Question: Is it a sin to question God's providence?

Answer: Yes: Is the Lord among us? Or is he not? Exod. 17:7.

Question: Or to question his power?

Answer: Yes: Can God furnish a table in the wilderness, Ps. 78:19.

Question: And is there such a thing as practical atheism?

Answer: Yes: They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, Tit. 1:16.

Question: Is it a great sin to be ignorant of God?

Answer: Yes: Some have not the knowledge of God; I speak it to your shame, 1 Cor. 15:34.

Question: Is it a damning sin?

Answer: Yes: He shall take vengeance on them that know not God, 2 Thess. 1:8.

Question: Is it the cause of all other sins?

Answer: Yes: There is neither truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God, in the land, Hos. 4:1.

Question: Is it a great sin to forget God?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast forgotten the God that formed thee, Deut. 32:18.

Question: And to cast off the fear of him?

Answer: Yes: There is no fear of God before his eyes, Ps. 36:1.

Question: And to live without prayer?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, Isa. 43:22

Question: And not to glorify him?

Answer: Yes: The God in whose hand thy breath is, hast thou not glorified, Dan. 5:23.

Question: Is all distrust of God a sin?

Answer: Yes: The evil heart of unbelief departs from the living God, Heb. 3:12.

Question: And tempting God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, Matt. 4:7.

Question: And all the coldness of our love to him?

Answer: Yes: But their heart is far from me, Matt. 15:8.

Question: Does this commandment forbid all ungodliness?

Answer: Yes: For the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness, Rom. 1:18.

Question: And all idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Little children, keep yourselves from idols, 1 John 5:21.

Question: Had the Gentiles other gods besides the true God?

Answer: Yes: They had gods many, and lords manly, 1 Cor. 8:5.

Question: And were those gods devils?

Answer: Yes: They sacrificed to devils and not to God, l Cor. 10:20.

Question: May we have communion with them?

Answer: No: I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, 1 Cor 10:20.

Question: Have those fellowship with them who consult with witches?

Answer: Yes: Is it because there is not a God in Israel. that thou goest to inquire of Beelzebub the god of Ekron, 2 Kings 1:3.

Question: Did the Gentiles multiply their gods?

Answer: Yes: According to the number of thy cities are thy gods, Jer. 2:28.

Question: Were they gods of their own making?

Answer: Yes: And they that make them are like unto them, Ps. 115:8.

Question: Was not that a great affront to the living God?

Answer: Yes: They changed the truth of God into a lie, Rom. 1:25.

Question: Is there not such a thing as spiritual idolatry?

Answer: Yes: These men have set their idols in their hearts, Ezek. 14:4.

Question: Is it idolatry to make a god of our appetites?

Answer: Yes: Whose god is their belly, Phil. 3:19.

Question: Or a god of our money?

Answer: Yes: For covetousness is idolatry, Col. 3:5.

Question: May we give that respect to any creature which is due to God alone?

Answer: No: For his glory he will not give to another, Isa. 42:8.

Question: Is it therefore a sin to love them more than God?

Answer: Yes: He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, Matt. 10:37.

Question: And to trust in them?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, Jer. 17:5.

Question: Is this spiritual adultery?

Answer: Yes: She went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith the Lord, Hos. 2:13.


Question: What are we especially taught by these words, [before me,] in the first commandment?

Answer: These words, [before me,] in the first commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, takes notice of and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.

Question: Are we always in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: Thou knowest my down-sitting, and my up-rising, Ps. 139:2.

Question: Are all our actions in his sight?

Answer: Yes: All my ways are before thee, Ps. 119:168.

Question: Does he take notice of them?

Answer: Yes: He pondereth all our goings, Prov. 5:21.

Question: Are all our good works before him?

Answer: Yes: I know thy work, and thy labour, and thy patience, Rev. 2:2.

Question: Does he know all our inward worship of him?

Answer: Yes: The Lord hearkened, and heard those that thought on his name, Mal. 3:16.

Question: And should that encourage us to have him for our God?

Answer: Yes: For your Father sees in secret, and will reward openly, Matt. 6:4.

Question: Are all our evil works before him?

Answer: Yes: He sets our iniquities before him, Ps. 90:8.

Question: Is the having of other gods oftentimes a secret sin?

Answer: Yes: They do it in the dark, and say, the Lord sees us not, Exod. 8:12.

Question: But does God see?

Answer: Yes: He that formed the eye, shall he not see it? Ps. 94:9.

Question: Does he take notice of all our neglects of him?

Answer: Yes: If we have forgotten the name of our God he knows it.

Question: And does he take notice of all our inclinations to other gods?

Answer: Yes: If we have stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out? Ps. 44:20, 21.

Question: And is he much displeased with secret idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Seest thou the great abominations that they commit? Ezek. 8:6.

Question: And should this oblige us to be faithful to him?

Answer: Yes: For the Lord searcheth all hearts, 1 Chron. 28:9.


Question: What is the second commandment?

Answer: The second commandment is, Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath; or that is in the water under the earth: thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Question: Does the second commandment concern the ordinances of God's worship, as the first object of it?

Answer: Yes: Therefore ye shall keep mine ordinances, Lev. 18:10.

Question: Was it requisite there should be a law concerning them?

Answer: Yes: Lest ye say, How did these nations serve their gods? so will I do likewise, Deut. 12:30.

Question: Is this binding to us now?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, flee from idolatry, 1 Cor. 10:14.

Question: Are we Christians forbidden to worship images?

Answer: Yes: That they should not worship idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, Rev. 9:20.

Question: Does this commandment forbid the making of images for a religious use?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, Deut. 27:15.

Question: Does it forbid the making an image of what is in heaven above?

Answer: Yes: Lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, shouldst be driven to worship them, Deut. 4:19.

Question: Or on earth, beneath?

Answer: Yes: As they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox, Ps. 106:20.

Question: Or in the waters under the earth?

Answer: Yes: As they made the likeness of creeping things, Rom. 1:23.

Question: Does it forbid us to bow down to them?

Answer: Yes: Shall I bow down to the stock of a tree? Isa. 44:19.

Question: Or to worship them?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall worship no other God, Exod. 34:14.

Question: Or to show any respect to them?

Answer: Yes: I will take away the names of Baalim out of their mouth, Hos. 2:17.

Question: Was it requisite this commandment should be thus enlarged?

Answer: Yes: Precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, Isa. 28:10.

Question: And that it should be backed with many reasons?

Answer: Yes: For they are mad upon their idols, Jer. 50:38.


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.

Question: Is it our duty solemnly to worship God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, Matt 4:10.

Question: Do we thereby honour him?

Answer: Yes: We give unto him the glory due unto his name, Ps. 29:2.

Question: Does the light of nature teach us to worship God?

Answer: Yes: They cried every man unto his god, Jonah 1:5.

Question: But does it teach us sufficiently how to worship him?

Answer: No: Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Acts 17:23.

Question: Has God in his word appointed us in what way to worship him?

Answer: Yes: For this was ordained in Joseph for a testimony, Ps. 81:5.

Question: And must we worship him in the appointed way?

Answer: Yes: See thou make all things according to the pattern showed thee, Heb. 8:5.

Question: Are we to receive such ordinances as God has appointed?

Answer: Yes: The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey, Josh. 24:24.

Question: Should we labour to understand them?

Answer: Yes: What mean ye by this service? Exod. 12:26.

Question: And are we to observe them?

Answer: Yes: Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Matt. 28:20.

Question: And to observe them duly?

Answer: Yes: As the duty of every day requires, Ezra 3:4.

Question: Are we to keep God's ordinances?

Answer: Yes: That good thing which was committed to thee, keep, 2 Tim. 1:14.

Question: Are we to keep them carefully?

Answer: Yes: Keep them as the apple of thine eye, Prov. 7:2.

Question: Must we keep them pure without corruption?

Answer: Yes: Add thou not to his words, Prov. 30:6.

Question: And entire, without diminution?

Answer: Yes: We must walk in all the ordinances of the Lord, Luke 1:6.

Question: May we neither add nor diminish?

Answer: No: Thou shalt neither add thereto nor diminish from it, Deut. 12:32.

Question: Must we worship God in the spirit?

Answer: Yes: We are the circumcision that worship God in the spirit, Phil. 3:3.

Question: Must we be inward with God in every service?

Answer: Yes: For bodily exercise profiteth little, 1 Tim 4:8.

Question: Is ignorance the mother of devotion?

Answer: No: For if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? Mal. 1:8.

Question: Is it the mother of destruction?

Answer: Yes: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos. 4:6.

Question: Ought we to have an eye to the word of God in our religious worship?

Answer: Yes: For whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom. 1:23.

Question: And to glorify God in it?

Answer: Yes; I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me, Lev. 10:3.

Question: And ought we to shun all idolatrous worship?

Answer: Yes: For I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, 1 Cor 10:20.


Question: What is forbidden in the second commandment?

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

Question: Is it a sin to worship the true God by images?

Answer: Yes: For it changes the truth of God into a lie, Rom. 1:25.

Question: Are not images laymen's books?

Answer: No: For an image is a teacher of lies, Hab. 2:18.

Question: Is it possible to make an image of God?

Answer: No: We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device, Acts 17:29.

Question: Do we know what to represent God by?

Answer: No: To whom then will ye liken God? Isa. 40:18.

Question: Do they that pretend to it put a great affront upon him?

Answer: Yes: For they change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, Rom. 1:28.

Question: May we worship Christ by an image?

Answer: No: For though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more, 2 Cor. 5:16.

Question: Is it idolatry to worship the consecrated host?

Answer: Yes: For it is bread which we break, 1 Cor. 10:16.

Question: Is it idolatry to pray to saints and angels?

Answer: Yes: See thou do it not, but worship God, Rev. 19:10. and 22:9.

Question: Must we be careful to avoid all appearances of idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Take ye therefore good heed to yourselves, lest ye corrupt yourselves, Deut. 4:15.

Question: Should we choose to die rather than worship images?

Answer: Yes: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up, Dan. 3:18.

Question: Is it a sin to worship God in any way not appointed in his word?

Answer: Yes: In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Matt. 15:9.

Question: May we ourselves invent ordinances of worship?

Answer: No: They went a whoring with their own inventions, Ps. 106:39.

Question: Is it not enough if what we invent is not forbidden?

Answer: No: They offered a strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not, Lev. 10:1.

Question: Is it a sin to despise any of God's ordinances?

Answer: Yes: Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it! Mal. 1:13.

Question: Or to be careless in our attendance upon them?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male, and vows and sacrifices to the Lord a corrupt thing, Mal. 1:14.

Question: Are they spiritual idolaters who make images of God in their fancy?

Answer: Yes: They are vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart is darkened, Rom. 1:21.


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 property in us, and the zeal he has to his own worship.

Question: Is there good reason why we should take heed of idolatry?

Answer: Yes: Turn ye not to idols, neither make to yourselves molten gods, I am the Lord your God, Lev. 19:4.

Question: Has God a sovereignty over us?

Answer: Yes: For he is a great God, and a great King above all gods, Ps. 95:3.

Question: Ought we therefore to worship him, as he has appointed us?

Answer: Yes: O come let us worship, and bow down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, Ps. 95:6.

Question: And not to worship idols?

Answer: Yes: For they can do neither good nor evil, Isa. 41:23.

Question: Has God a property in us?

Answer: Yes: For we are the people of his pasture, Ps. 95:7.

Question: Ought we therefore to worship him?

Answer: Yes: He is thy Lord, and worship thou him, Ps. 45:11.

Question: And not to worship other gods?

Answer: Yes: For hath a nation changed their gods? Jer. 2:11.

Question: Is God jealous in the matters of his worship?

Answer: Yes: The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God, Exod. 34:14.

Question: Is he much displeased with those who corrupt it?

Answer: Yes: They provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities, 1 Kings 16:13.

Question: Do those who do so hate him?

Answer: Yes: Idolaters are haters of God, Rom. 1:25, 30.

Question: Will he visit their iniquity?

Answer: Yes: In the day m when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them, Exod. 32:34.

Question: Will he visit it upon the children?

Answer: Yes: Our fathers sinned, and are not, and we have borne their iniquities, Lam. 5:7.

Question: And is it just with him to do so?

Answer: Yes: For they are the children of whoredoms, Hos. 2:4.

Question: But will he visit it for ever?

Answer: No: But to the third and fourth generation, Exod. 34:7.

Question: Will those who love God keep his commandments?

Answer: Yes: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, John 15:10.

Question: Will he show mercy to such?

Answer: Yes: For he hath said, I love them that love me, Prov. 8:17.

Question: Will he show mercy to thousands of such ?

Answer: Yes: For the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, Ps. 103:17.


Question: What is the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Question: Does the third commandment concern the manner of our worshipping God?

Answer: Yes: That we serve the Lord with fear, Ps. 2:11.

Question: Is it enough that we seek God in a due ordinance?

Answer: No: But we must seek him after the due order, 1 Chron. 15:13.

Question: Is God's name all that whereby he makes himself known?

Answer: Yes: He proclaimed the name of the Lord, Exod. 34:5.

Question: Ought we to make use of his name?

Answer: Yes: By thee only will we make mention of thy name, Isa. 26:13.

Question: And to take heed of abusing it?

Answer: Yes: Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, I am the Lord, Lev. 18:21.


Question: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires a holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

Question: Does this commandment require us to glorify the name of God?

Answer: Yes: They shall worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name, Ps. 86:9.

Question: Are we to think of God's name with seriousness?

Answer: Yes: They feared the Lord, and thought upon his name, Mal. 3:16.

Question: Are we to speak of it with reverence?

Answer: Yes: For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few, Eccl. 5:2.

Question: Are we to call upon his name with a holy awe?

Answer: Yes: For we that are but dust and ashes speak to the Lord of glory, Gen. 18:27.

Question: Are we to worship God reverently in every religious duty?

Answer: Yes: We must serve him acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12:28.

Question: And is there good reason for it?

Answer: Yes: For our God is a consuming fire, Heb. 12:29.

Question: Ought we to behave ourselves very reverently in public worship?

Answer: Yes: For God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of his saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him, Ps. 89:7.

Question: Must we be holy in worshipping God?

Answer: Yes: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Ps. 96:9.

Question: Must we be holy in prayer and praise?

Answer: Yes: Lifting up holy hands, 1 Tim. 2:8.

Question: Must our thoughts be fixed?

Answer: Yes: O God, my heart is fixed, Ps. 108:1.

Question: Must pious and devout affections be working in us?

Answer: Yes: We must be fervent in spirit serving the Lord, Rom. 12:11.

Question: Must we be very humble in our approaches to God?

Answer: Yes: As the publican that stood afar off, and would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, Luke 18:13.

Question: Must we give glory to God in his word?

Answer: Yes: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name, Ps. 138:2.

Question: Must we hear it with reverence?

Answer: Yes: We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God, Acts 10:33.

Question: Must we give glory to God in swearing when we are called to it?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and shalt swear by his name, Deut. 6:13.

Question: Must we be cautions in swearing?

Answer: Yes: We must fear an oath, Eccl. 9:2.

Question: Must we be conscientious in swearing?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt swear in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness, Jer. 4:2.

Question: Must we give glory to God in vowing?

Answer: Yes: Vow and pay unto the Lord your God, Ps. 76:11.

Question: Must we glorify God in his great works?

Answer: Yes: We must magnify his works which men behold, Job 36:24.

Question: And must we glorify him by our good works?

Answer: Yes: Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2:19.


Question: What is forbidden in the third commandment?

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

Question: Do all hypocrites take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For they make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth and righteousness, Isa. 48:1.

Question: Do they therefore profane that name?

Answer: Yes: The name of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. 2:24.

Question: Do hypocritical worshippers take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness, Ezek. 33:31.

Question: And is their seeming religion a vain religion?

Answer: Yes: That man's religion is vain, James 1:26.

Question: Can it be pleasing to God?

Answer: No: Bring no more vain oblations, Isa. 1:11,13.

Question: Can it be profitable to themselves?

Answer: No: For they receive the grace of God in vain, 2 Cor. 6:1.

Question: Do covenant-breakers take God's name in vain?

Answer: Yes: For they lie unto him with their tongues, Ps. 78:36.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to use the name of God lightly and carelessly?

Answer: Yes: For thou shall fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God, Deut. 28:58.

Question: Will God's friends thus affront him?

Answer: No: Thine enemies take thy name in vain, Ps. 139:20.

Question: Is it the character of the wicked?

Answer: Yes: Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins, Jer. 12:2.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to swear rashly?

Answer: Yes: Above all things, my brethren, swear not, Jam. 5:19.

Question: Is it a sin to swear by creatures?

Answer: Yes: Whether by heaven, or by the earth, or by the head, Matt. 5:34-36.

Question: Must our communication be yea, yea, and nay, nay?

Answer: Yes: For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, Matt. 5:37.

Question: Is it a sin to swear falsely?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not forswear thyself, Matt. 5:33.

Question: Is profane swearing a great sin?

Answer: Yes: For it blasphemes that worthy name by which we are called, Jam. 2:7.

Question: Is it an inexcusable sin?

Answer: Yes: For they transgress without cause, Ps. 25:3.

Question: Does it bring judgments upon families?

Answer: Yes: For the curse shall enter into the house of him that swears falsely, and shall consume it, Zech. 5:4.

Question: And upon nations?

Answer: Yes: Because of swearing the land mourns, Jer. 23:10.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to jest with the word of God?

Answer: Yes: Be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong, Isa. 28:22.

Question: Or to use it as a charm?

Answer: Yes: As those exorcists which said, We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth, Acts 19:13.

Question: Is it a sin to put a slight upon sacred things?

Answer: Yes: Ye have profaned my name, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible, Mal. 1:12.


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 suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.

Question: Do the breakers of the third commandment commonly escape punishment from men?

Answer: Yes: For men hear the voice of swearing, and utter it not, Lev. 5:1.

Question: And do they fancy they shall escape God's judgments?

Answer: Yes: The wicked contemn God, and yet say in their heart, he will not require it, Ps. 10:13.

Question: But shall they escape God's judgments?

Answer: No: Be not deceived, God is not mocked, Gal. 6:7.

Question: Shall those who profane God's holy name escape his righteous judgments?

Answer: No: The Lord will make their plagues wonderful, Deut. 28:59.

Question: Shall hypocrites escape them?

Answer: No: Woe unto you scribes and pharisees, hypocrites, Matt. 23:13.

Question: Shall scoffers escape them?

Answer: No: For they shall be broken, and snared, and taken, Isa. 28:13.

Question: Shall covenant breakers escape them?

Answer: No: Seeing he despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, he shall not escape, Ezek. 17:18.

Question: Shall swearers go unpunished?

Answer: No: For he that sweareth shall be cut off: Zech. 5:3.

Question: Shall they who use God's name vainly go unpunished?

Answer: No: For every idle word that men speak they must give account, Matt. 12:36.

Question: And shall their words be witnesses against them?

Answer: Yes: God shall cause their own tongues to fall upon them, Ps. 44:8.


Question: What is the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Question: Does the fourth commandment concern the time of worship?

Answer: Yes: For there is a time to every purpose, Eccl. 3:1.

Question: Must our worship be confined to that time?

Answer: No: For we must pray always, Eph. 6:18.

Question: But is that appointed for the certain time?

Answer: Yes: Blow up the trumpet in the time appointed, Ps. 81:3.

Question: Is it the will of God we should take special notice of this command?

Answer: Yes: For he has said, Remember it.

Question: Are we apt to forget it?

Answer: Yes: They have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, Ezek. 22:26.

Question: Must we keep holy the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, Deut. 5:12.

Question: Is a sabbath a day of rest?

Answer: Yes: It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, Lev. 16:31.

Question: Must we labour the six days, and do all our work?

Answer: Yes: For in the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, Gen. 3:19.

Question: But is not work for God part of our work?

Answer: Yes: For we must work the works of God, John 6:28.

Question: Must we not then do that on the six days?

Answer: Yes: Every day will I bless thee, Ps. 145:2.

Question: But must we especially do it on sabbath days?

Answer: Yes: For it is the Holy of the Lord, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Must we therefore rest from other work on that day?

Answer: Yes: That we may attend upon the Lord without distraction, 1 Cor. 7:35.

Question: Must children keep holy the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Thou, and thy son, and thy daughter.

Question: And servants?

Answer: Yes: That thy man-servant and maid-servant may rest as well as thou, Deut. 5:14.

Question: And is there good reason for the sanctification of the sabbath?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall keep my sabbaths, I am the Lord your God, Lev. 19:3.


Question: What is required in the fourth commandment?

Answer: The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath unto himself.

Question: Must holy time be kept holy?

Answer: Yes: For every thing is beautiful in its season, Eccl. 3:11.

Question: Can man make time holy?

Answer: No: For I am the Lord which sanctify you, Lev. 20:8.

Question: Has God appointed a sabbath?

Answer: Yes: It is as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, Deut. 5:12.

Question: Had he authority to do so?

Answer: Yes: For the day is thine, the night also is thine, Ps. 74:16.

Question: Did he appoint it for us?

Answer: Yes: For the sabbath was made for man, Mark 2:27.

Question: Did he appoint one day in seven?

Answer: Yes: For a seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.

Question: One whole day?

Answer: Yes: For in the evening and the morning were the first day, Gen. 1:5.

Question: Must we keep it?

Answer: Yes: Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep, Exod. 31:13.

Question: Must we keep it as a treasure?

Answer: Yes: We must call the sabbath honourable, Isa. 58:13.

Question: And keep it as a talent?

Answer: Yes: For thou madest known unto them thy holy sabbaths, Neh. 9:14.

Question: Must we keep it with care?

Answer: Yes: We must lay hold on it, to keep the sabbath from polluting it, Isa. 56:2.

Question: Must we keep it holy to God?

Answer: Yes: For he that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord, Rom. 14:6.


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: Was the sabbath appointed from the beginning of the world?

Answer: Yes: God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it when the heavens and the earth were finished, Gen. 2:1-3.

Question: Was it in remembrance of the work of creation?

Answer: Yes: Because that in it he rested from all his work, Gen. 2:3.

Question: Was it observed before the giving of the law upon mount Sinai?

Answer: Yes: For before that it was said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath to the Lord, Exod. 16:23.

Question: Was that appointed to be kept on the seventh day of the week?

Answer: Yes: For he spake of the seventh day on this wise, Heb. 4:4.

Question: Was the law of the sabbath given more particularly to Israel?

Answer: Yes: I gave them my sabbath to be a sign between me and them, Ezek. 20:12.

Question: Was it religiously observed among them?

Answer: Yes: For their enemies did mock at their sabbaths, Lam. 1:7.

Question: Did they sanctify the sabbath in solemn assemblies?

Answer: Yes: Moses of old time is read in the synagogues every sabbath day, Acts 15:21.

Question: Was the blessing confined to the seventh day?

Answer: No: For the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it, Exod. 20:11.

Question: Was the sabbath to continue in gospel times?

Answer: Yes: For there remaineth the keeping of a sabbath to the people of God, Heb. 4:9 marg.

Question: Did Christ intend it should continue?

Answer: Yes: For he said, Pray that your flight be not on the sabbath day, Matt. 24:20.

Question: Did he in order to that expound the fourth commandment?

Answer: Yes: For he allowed that it is lawful to do well upon the sabbath day, Matt. 12:12.

Question: Is there the same need of sabbaths now that ever there was?

Answer: Yes: For I gave them my sabbaths that they might know that I am the Lord, Ezek. 20:12.

Question: Is the sabbath changed now to the first day of the week?

Answer: Yes: For on the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread, Acts 20:7.

Question: Was it because on that day of the week our Lord Jesus rose from the dead?

Answer: Yes: For he rose as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, Matt. 28:1.

Question: And because on that day the Spirit was poured out?

Answer: Yes: For that was when the day of Pentecost was fully come, Acts. 2:1.

Question: Was it fit there should be an alteration?

Answer: Yes: For it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but the Lord liveth that brought them up from the land of the north, Jer. 16:14, 15.

Question: Did the apostles observe the first day of the week?

Answer: Yes: On the first day of the week let everyone lay by, 1 Cor. 16:2.

Question: Did the primitive church call it the Lord's day?

Answer: Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, Rev. 1:10.

Question: In a thing of this nature ought we to acquiesce?

Answer: Yes: For if any man will be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God, 1 Cor. 11:16.


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 in 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: Must we rest on the sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, Exod 31:15.

Question: Must we rest from worldly employments?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein, Jer. 17:24.

Question: And from recreations?

Answer: Yes: Not finding thine own pleasure, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Is this to signify our being dead to this world?

Answer: Yes: For he that is entered into his rest has ceased from his own works, Heb. 4:10.

Question: And to awaken us to think of leaving it?

Answer: Yes: For here we have no continuing city, Heb. 13:14.

Question: Must this rest be dedicated to God?

Answer: Yes: It is a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord, Exod. 35:2.

Question: Must we spend time on that day in the public exercises of God's worship?

Answer: Yes: For it is a holy convocation, Lev. 23:3.

Question: Must we do so every sabbath, as we have opportunity?

Answer: Yes: From one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord, Isa. 66:23.

Question: And must we not absent ourselves from public worship?

Answer: No: Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, Heb. 10:25.

Question: Must we spend time on that day in the private exercises of religion?

Answer: Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings, Lev. 23:3.

Question: Did the disciples of Christ thus spend the first Lord's day?

Answer: Yes: For on the first day of the week the disciples were assembled, John 20:19.

Question: Must we prepare for the sabbath day beforehand?

Answer: Yes: It was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on, Luke 23:54.

Question: Must the sabbath be a day of holy joy?

Answer: Yes: We will rejoice and be glad in it, Ps. 118:24.

Question: Must it be a day of praise?

Answer: Yes: The psalm for the sabbath day begins, It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, Ps. 92:1.

Question: Must we be spiritual in the duties of the day?

Answer: Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, Rev. 1:10.

Question: And must we take pleasure in them?

Answer: Yes: Call the Sabbath a delight, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Are works of mercy and charity proper for a sabbath day?

Answer: Yes: Ought not this woman to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day, Luke 13:16.

Question: And may works of necessity be done on that day?

Answer: Yes: Do not you on the sabbath lead your ox, or your ass, to watering, Luke 13:15.


Question: What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

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

Question: Do we profane the sabbath if we neglect the sabbath work?

Answer: Yes: I came seeking fruit, but found none, Luke 13:7.

Question: Or if we perform carelessly?

Answer: Yes: Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick, Mal. 1:13.

Question: Or if we be weary of it?

Answer: Yes: They say, When will the sabbath be gone? Amos 8:5.

Question: Or if we idle away sabbath time?

Answer: Yes: Why stead ye here all the day idle? Matt. 20:6.

Question: And much more if we do that which is in itself sinful?

Answer: Yes: They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths, Ezek. 23:38.

Question: Do we profane the sabbath by violating the sabbath rest?

Answer: Yes: What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Neh. 13:17.

Question: May we not buy and sell on that day?

Answer: No: Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise, John 2:16.

Question: May we not work harvest-work on that day?

Answer: No: In earing-time, and in harvest, thou shall rest, Exod. 34:21.

Question: May we not however think and speak at our pleasure on that day?

Answer: No: Not doing thine own ways, nor speaking thine own words, Isa. 58:13.

Question: Was he punished that gathered sticks on the sabbath?

Answer: Yes: They stoned him with stones that he died, Numb. 15:36.

Question: Are nations sometimes punished for sabbath profanation?

Answer: Yes: If ye will not hallow the sabbath day, I will kindle a fire in the gates of Jerusalem Jer. 17:27.

Question: Is the contempt of the sabbath a contempt of God?

Answer: Yes: This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day, John 9:16.


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

Answer: The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his claiming a special property in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.

Question: Has God allowed us six days of the week?

Answer: Yes: Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work.

Question: Has he reserved but one day in seven for himself?

Answer: Yes: For he hath not made us to serve with an offering, nor wearied us with incense, Isa. 43:23.

Question: Does he claim a special property in the seventh day?

Answer: Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.

Question: Has our Lord Jesus a property in it?

Answer: Yes: For the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath, Mark 2:28.

Question: Ought we not therefore to devote it to his service?

Answer: Yes: For will a man rob God? Mal. 3:8.

Question: Did God the Creator set us an example of sabbath rest?

Answer: Yes: For the seventh day he rested and was refreshed, Exod. 31:17.

Question: Did God the Redeemer set us an example of sabbath work?

Answer: Yes: For as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, Luke 4:16.

Question: And has he given us encouragement in the work of the Christian sabbath?

Answer: Yes: For when they were assembled on the first day of the week, Jesus stood in the midst, John 20:19.

Question: Has God blessed the sabbath day, and so put an honour upon it?

Answer: Yes: The Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Question: Is it not an ill thing then for us to put a slight upon it?

Answer: Yes: As they do that despise the holy things, and profane the sabbath, Ezek. 22:8.

Question: Has God appointed it to be a day of blessings to us?

Answer: Yes: There will I come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. 20:24.

Question: Are not they enemies to themselves then that neglect it?

Answer: Yes: They forsake their own mercies, Jonah 2:8.


Question: What is the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Question: Do the six last commandments concern our duty to our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: For this is his commandment, That we love one another, 1 John 3:23.

Question: And must we mind that as well as our duty to God?

Answer: Yes: Providing for honest things, not only. in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men, 2 Cor. 8:21.

Question: And are we concerned to be very careful in second-table duties?

Answer: Yes: That the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed, 1 Tim. 6:1.

Question: Will our devotions be acceptable without this?

Answer: No: When ye make many prayers I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood, Isa 1:15.

Question: Is religion toward God a branch of universal righteousness?

Answer: Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. 22:21.

Question: And his righteousness toward men a branch of true religion?

Answer: Yes: For pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, Jam. 1:27.

Question: Does the law of God require both?

Answer: Yes: To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God, Mic. 6:8.

Question: And does the grace of the gospel teach both?

Answer: Yes: To live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2:12.

Question: Must every godly man then be an honest man?

Answer: Yes: For we must live in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And must he be a charitable man?

Answer: Yes: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous, Ps. 112:4.

Question: And will the trial be by this at the great day?

Answer: Yes: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat, Matt. 25:35.

Question: Does the fifth commandment concern our duty to our relations?

Answer: Yes: For all ye are brethren, Matt. 23:8.

Question: And must we be careful to do this duty?

Answer: Yes: That they who will not be won by the word, may be won by the conversation, 1 Pet. 3:1.


Question: What is required in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duty, which belongs to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

Question: Is it the duty of children to reverence their parents?

Answer: Yes: Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, Lev. 19:3.

Question: And must they give honour to them?

Answer: Yes: If I be a father, where is my honour? Mal. 1:6.

Question: And may they upon no account despise them?

Answer: No: Despise not thy mother when she is old, Prov. 23:22.

Question: Ought they to carry themselves respectfully towards them?

Answer: Yes: King Solomon rose up to meet his mother, and bowed himself to her, 1 Kings 2:19.

Question: And to speak honourably of them?

Answer: Yes: Her children rose up, and called her blessed, Prov. 31:28.

Question: Is it the duty of children to obey their parents?

Answer: Yes: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, Eph. 6:1.

Question: And to receive their instructions?

Answer: Yes: Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, Prov. 1:8.

Question: And to submit to their correction?

Answer: Yes: The fathers of our flesh corrected us, and we gave them reverence, Heb. 12:9.

Question: Should children labour to rejoice the hearts of their parents?

Answer: Yes: My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, Prov. 23:15.

Question: And to requite them?

Answer: Yes: Let them show piety at home, and requite their parents, 1 Tim. 5:4.

Question: And to have their consent in disposing of themselves?

Answer: Yes: Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and went to Padan-aram, for a wife, Gen 28:7.

Question: Is Christ an example of this subjection?

Answer: Yes: For he went with his parents to Nazareth, and was subject to them, Luke 2:51.

Question: Is it the duty of children to be respectful to the aged?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, Lev. 19:32.

Question: And must they be observant of their teachers?

Answer: Yes: For they will mourn at the last, who obey not the voice of their teachers, and incline not their ear to them that instruct them, Prov. 5:11,13.

Question: And must they order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters?

Answer: Yes: Ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder, 1 Pet. 5:5.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to be tender of their children?

Answer: Yes; For can a woman forget her sucking child? Isa. 49:15.

Question: And mild toward them?

Answer: Yes; For a father pities his children, Ps. 103:13.

Question: And to bear with them?

Answer: Yes: As a man spares his son that serves him, Mal. 3:17.

Question: And yet must they correct them when it is necessary?

Answer: Yes; For he that spares his rod hates his son; but he that loves him, chastens him betimes, Prov. 13:24.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to pray for their children?

Answer: Yes: Job offered for his sons burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all, Job 1:5.

Question: And to bless God for them?

Answer: Yes: They are the children which God hath graciously given thy servant, Gen. 33:5.

Question: Are they to bless them in the name of the lord?

Answer: Yes: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, Heb. 11:20.

Question: And are they to provide for them what is convenient?

Answer: Yes: If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

Question: Is it the duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God?

Answer: Yes: Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.

Question: And to teach them the things of God?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, Deut. 6:7.

Question: And to oblige them to their duty?

Answer: Yes: I know Abraham, that he will command his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19.

Question: And ought they to set them a good example?

Answer: Yes: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Ps. 101:2.

Question: And must they patiently part with their children when God calls for them?

Answer: Yes: Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, Gen. 22:16.

Question: Is it the duty of servants to honour their masters and mistresses?

Answer: Yes: Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, 1 Tim. 6:1.

Question: Is it their duty to obey them?

Answer: Yes: Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, Eph. 6:5.

Question: And to be just and true to them?

Answer: Yes: Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, Titus 2:10.

Question: Ought they to be diligent in the duty of their place though they suffer unjustly?

Answer: Yes: Servants be subject not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, 1 Pet. 2:18.

Question: And must they have an eye to God in all?

Answer: Yes: As to the Lord, and not to men, Col. 3:23.

Question: Is it the duty of masters to be just to their servants?

Answer: Yes: Masters give to your servants that which is just and equal, Col. 4:1.

Question: And to be gentle towards them?

Answer: Yes: Forbearing threatening, Eph. 6:9.

Question: Should all masters of families worship God with their families?

Answer: Yes: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:15.

Question: And should they restrain sin in their families?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacle, Job 22:28.

Question: Is it the duty of wives to be respectful to their husbands?

Answer: Yes: Let the wife see that she reverence her husband, Eph. 5:33.

Question: And to love them?

Answer: Yes: They must love their husbands, and love their children, Tit. 2:4.

Question: Must they be submissive to their husbands?

Answer: Yes: Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord, Col. 3:18.

Question: Must they be faithful and obedient to them?

Answer: Yes: They must be chaste keepers at home, obedient to their own husbands, Tit. 2:5.

Question: Must they receive instruction from them?

Answer: Yes: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, 1 Cor. 14:35.

Question: Must they be helpers to them in religion?

Answer: Yes: That they may be won by the conversation of the wives, 1 Pet. 3:1.

Question: Is it the duty of husbands to love their wives?

Answer: Yes: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them Col. 3:19.

Question: Must they love them dearly?

Answer: Yes: Let every one love his wife even as himself, Eph. 5:33.

Question: And delight in them?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, Prov. 5:18, 19.

Question: And be tender of them?

Answer: Yes: Giving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Question: Is it the duty of husbands and wives to be pleasing one to another?

Answer: Yes: He that is married careth how to please his wife, and she that is married how to please her husband, 1 Cor. 7:33,34.

Question: Is it their duty to live in the fear of God, and to pray together?

Answer: Yes: As heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Question: Should they promote the eternal salvation one of another?

Answer: Yes: What knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 1 Cor. 7:16.

Question: Is it the duty of subjects to reverence their magistrates?

Answer: Yes: Fear God, honour the king, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Question: And to obey them in the Lord?

Answer: Yes: We must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey magistrates, Tit. 3:1.

Question: And to be loyal to them?

Answer: Yes: For the powers that be are ordained of God, Rom. 13:1.

Question: Is it our duty to pray for magistrates?

Answer: Yes: For kings, and for all that are in authority, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And to pay them tribute?

Answer: Yes: Tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, Rom. 13:7.

Question: Must we be peaceable under their government?

Answer: Yes: That we under them may lead a quiet and peaceable life, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Question: And all this conscientiously?

Answer: Yes: Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake, Rom. 13:5.

Question: Ought magistrates to be as parents to their subjects?

Answer: Yes: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers, Isa. 49:23.

Question: Is it the duty of people to love and respect their ministers?

Answer: Yes: Know them which labour among you, and esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake, 1 Thess. 5:12,13.

Question: Ought they to submit to their instructions?

Answer: Yes: Obey your guides, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, Heb. 13:7.

Question: And to provide for their comfortable subsistence?

Answer: Yes: Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, Gal. 6:6.

Question: And ought ministers to be as spiritual fathers to their people?

Answer: Yes: We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1 Thess. 2:11.

Question: Is it the duty of equals to be kind one to another?

Answer: Yes: Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, Rom. 12:10.

Question: And to be respectful one to another?

Answer: Yes: In honour preferring one another, Rom. 12:10.

Question: And to be submissive one to another?

Answer: Yes: Yea, all of ye, be subject one to another, 1 Pet. 5:5.


Question: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

Answer: The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.

Question: Is it a sin for children to despise their parents?

Answer: Yes: Cursed be he that sets light by his father or mother, Deut. 27:16.

Question: Or to disobey them?

Answer: Yes: The eye that mocks at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it, Prov. 30:17.

Question: Is it a sin for children prodigally to spend their parents' substance?

Answer: Yes: He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, Prov. 29:16.

Question: Or to grieve their parents?

Answer: Yes: A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, Prov. 10:1.

Question: Is it a sin for inferiors to be rude and undutiful to their superiors?

Answer: Yes: For a child to behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, Isa. 3:5.

Question: Is it a sin for superiors to be harsh and unkind to their inferiors?

Answer: Yes: Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3:21.

Question: Is it a sin to be vexatious to our relations?

Answer: Yes: Her adversary provoked her to make her to fret, 1 Sam. 1:6.

Question: And to be quarrelsome with our relations?

Answer: Yes: Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen, for we be brethren, Gen. 13:8.

Question: And to be suspicious of our relations?

Answer: Yes: For charity thinketh no evil, 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.


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

Answer: The reason annexed to the filth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

Question: Is there a gracious promise made to those that honour their parents?

Answer: Yes: It is the first commandment with promise, Eph. 6:2.

Question: Is long life promised?

Answer: Yes: That thy days may be long in the land.

Question: Is outward prosperity promised?

Answer: Yes: That it may be well with thee, Eph. 6:3.

Question: Are temporal blessings promised to good people?

Answer: Yes: Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, 1 Tim. 4:8.

Question: And are they promised particularly to pious and dutiful children?

Answer: Yes: My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee, Prov. 3:1, 2.

Question: Do all good children prosper in this world?

Answer: No: For all things come alike to all, Eccl. 9:2.

Question: But are they most likely to prosper?

Answer: Yes: For by humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour and life, Prov. 22:4.

Question: Shall they prosper as far as is for God's glory?

Answer: Yes: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, Ps. 50:15.

Question: And as far as is for their own good?

Answer: Yes: For we read of those whom God sent into captivity for their good, Jer. 24:5.

Question: But shall good children live for ever in, the heavenly Canaan?

Answer: Yes: There their inheritance shall be for ever, Ps. 37:18.

Question: And are disobedient children often punished in this life?

Answer: Yes: As Absalom that was hanged in an oak, 2 Sam. 18:9.


Question: What is the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment is, Thou shall not kill.

Question: Does the sixth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's life?

Answer: Yes: For the life is more than meat, Matt. 6:25.

Question: Has God a tender regard to the life of men?

Answer: Yes: For he giveth to all life and breath, Acts 17:25.

Question: Has he by this law made a hedge about life?

Answer: Yes: That men might not be like the fishes of the sea, Habak. 1:14.

Question: Did there need be this law?

Answer: Yes: For men live in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, Tit. 3:3.

Question: Is it a part of the law of nature?

Answer: Yes: For the barbarous people said of a murderer, that vengeance suffers him not to live, Acts 28:4.


Question: What is required in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

Question: Are we to take care of our own lives?

Answer: Yes: No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, Eph. 5:29.

Question: Must we endeavour the preservation of them?

Answer: Yes: Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life, Job 2:4.

Question: Are we to be careful of our diet?

Answer: Yes: Hast thou found honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Prov. 25:16.

Question: Are we to use physic when we need it?

Answer: Yes: Take a lump of figs and lay it upon the boil, Isa. 38:21.

Question: And are we to be cheerful?

Answer: Yes: For a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, Prov. 17:22.

Question: But may we deny Christ to save our lives?

Answer: No: He that so saveth his life shall lose it, Matt. 16:25.

Question: May we commit any wilful sin to save our lives?

Answer: No: We must do no evil that good may come, Rom. 3:8.

Question: But what we do for the preservation of our own lives, must it be with an eye to God's glory?

Answer: Yes: That I may live, and keep thy word, Ps. 119:17. Live and praise thee, Ps. 119:175.

Question: Are we to be compassionate even to the brute creatures?

Answer: Yes: A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, Prov. 12:10.

Question: Are we to be careful of the lives of others as well as of our own?

Answer: Yes: It was Cain that said, Am I my brother's keeper? Gen. 4:9.

Question: Are we to do what we can in our places for the relief of those who are exposed to violence?

Answer: Yes: We must deliver them that are ready to be slain, Prov. 24:11,12.

Question: Must we succour the distressed, like the good Samaritan?

Answer: Yes: Go thou and do likewise, Luke 10:87.

Question: Are we to support the lives of those who are in straits?

Answer: Yes: The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, Job 29:13.

Question: Are we to be meek towards those that provoke us?

Answer: Yes: Showing all meekness toward all men, Titus 3:2.

Question: And are we to be merciful toward those who need us?

Answer: Yes: Put on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, Col. 3:12.


Question: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, and whatsoever tends thereunto.

Question: May we dispose of our own lives at our pleasure?

Answer: No: For surely your blood of your lives will I require, Gen. 9:5.

Question: Is it a sin in any case to kill ourselves?

Answer: Yes: Do thyself no harm, Acts 16:28.

Question: Is it an exceeding sinful sin?

Answer: Yes: It was the sin of Saul and Judas, Sam. 31:4. Matt. 27:5.

Question: Is it a sin needlessly to expose our own lives?

Answer: Yes: Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God, Matt. 4:7.

Question: But must we not expose our lives to keep a good conscience?

Answer: Yes: Neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I might finish my course with joy, Acts 20:24.

Question: Is drunkenness a sin against our own lives?

Answer: Yes: Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and so that day come upon you unawares, Luke 21:34.

Question: Is uncleanness so?

Answer: Yes: He that commits fornication sins against his own body, 1 Cor. 6:18.

Question: Is immoderate care and grief a sin against our own lives?

Answer: Yes: For the sorrow of the world worketh death, 2 Cor. 7:10.

Question: Is it lawful for the magistrate to take away the life of a malefactor?

Answer: Yes: For he bears not the sword in vain, Rom. 13:4.

Question: May soldiers kill in a lawful war?

Answer: Yes: Cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood, Jer. 48:10.

Question: But is wilful murder a great sin?

Answer: Yes: The voice of thy brother's blood cries Gen. 4:10.

Question: Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge?

Answer: Yes: Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, Gen. 9:6.

Question: And ought the murderer to be put to death?

Answer: Yes: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him, Prov. 28:17.

Question: Is murder a great affront to God?

Answer: Yes: For in the image of God made he man, Gen. 9:6.

Question: Does it make men like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44.

Question: Is it of dangerous consequence to the murderer?

Answer: Yes: For no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 John 3:15.

Question: Ought we therefore to pray that God would keep us from it?

Answer: Yes: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God of my salvation, Ps. 51:14.

Question: Is malice heart-murder?

Answer: Yes: Lie that hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15.

Question: Is rash anger a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: But I say unto you, Whosoever is angry with his brother without cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, Matt. 5:22.

Question: Is giving foul language a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire, Matt. 5:22.

Question: Is revenge a breach of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, Rom. 12:19.


Question: What is the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Question: Does this commandment concern our own and our neighhour's chastity?

Answer: Yes: For this is the will of God, even our sanctification, 1 Thess. 4:3.

Question: Is it needful there should be such a commandment?

Answer: Yes: For since all are gone aside, they are all become filthy, Ps. 14:3.

Question: Is it agreeable to the light of nature?

Answer: Yes: For Abimelech called adultery a great sin, Gen. 20:9.

Question: And is this command for the public good of mankind?

Answer: Yes: For whoredom and wine take away the heart, Hos. 4:11.


Question: What is required in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment requires the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.

Question: Is it our duty to keep our bodies pure from all fleshly lusts?

Answer: Yes: We must possess our vessel in sanctification and honour, and not in the lust of concupiscence, 1 Thess. 4:4.

Question: Are we to present our bodies to God?

Answer: Yes: Present your bodies unto God a living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1.

Question: Are we to glorify him with them?

Answer: Yes: Glorify God with your bodies, 1 Cor. 6:20.

Question: Are we to use them for him?

Answer: Yes: For your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, 1 Cor. 6:19.

Question: And to employ them in his service?

Answer: Yes: Yield your members as instruments of righteousness unto God, Rom. 6:13.

Question: May they then be used in the service of our lusts?

Answer: No: For if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, 1 Cor. 3:17.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in heart?

Answer: Yes: That we may be holy both in body and spirit, 1 Cor. 7:34.

Question: And must we keep out all unclean thoughts and desires?

Answer: Yes: We must flee youthful lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22.

Question: And is that the way to prevent the acts of uncleanness?

Answer: Yes: For when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin, James 1:15.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in speech?

Answer: Yes: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, Col. 4:6.

Question: Is it the character of good people to be modest?

Answer: Yes: I will turn to the people a pure language, Zeph. 3:9.

Question: Ought we to preserve our chastity in behaviour?

Answer: Yes: We must have a chaste conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. 3:2.

Question: And in our clothing?

Answer: Yes: Women must adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, 1 Tim. 2:9.

Question: Must we abstain from all appearances of uncleanness?

Answer: Yes: Hating even the garment spotted with the flesh, Jude 1:23.

Question: And from all approaches to it?

Answer: Yes: Come not nigh the door of her house, Prov. 5:8.

Question: Must we resolve against wanton looks?

Answer: Yes: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then, should I think upon a maid? Job 31:1.

Question: Must we always keep our bodies in soberness and chastity?

Answer: Yes: We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7:1.

Question: And must we crucify all the lusts of the flesh?

Answer: Yes: They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, Gal. 5:24.

Question: Must the body be subdued?

Answer: Yes: I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, 1 Cor. 9:27.

Question: And must its sinful desires be denied?

Answer: Yes: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee, Matt. 5:29.


Question: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

Answer: The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

Question: Is adultery a very great sin?

Answer: Yes: How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Gen. 29:9.

Question: Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge?

Answer: Yes: The adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death, Lev. 20:10.

Question: Is fornication a very great sin?

Answer: Yes: Fornication, and all uncleanness, let it not be once named among you, Eph. 5:3.

Question: Will these sins certainly shut men out of heaven, if they be not repented of and forsaken?

Answer: Yes: For fornicators and adulterers shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:10.

Question: Are unclean thoughts sins?

Answer: Yes: For whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart, Matt. 5:28.

Question: Are unclean reflections sins?

Answer: Yes: For some multiply their whoredoms by calling to remembrance the days of their youth, Ezek. 23:19.

Question: Are unclean desires sins?

Answer: Yes: Inordinate affection, and evil concupiscence, are to be mortified in us, Col. 3:5.

Question: And must all fleshly lusts be shunned?

Answer: Yes: Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, 1 Pet. 2:11.

Question: Are unclean words sin?

Answer: Yes: For there must be neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, Eph. 5:4.

Question: Must we therefore take heed of speaking any filthy words?

Answer: Yes: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, Eph. 4:29.

Question: May we take delight in hearing filthy talk?

Answer: No: For evil communications corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15:33.

Question: Are all unchaste actions forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: Yes: Not only adultery and fornication, but uncleanness and lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19), chambering and wantonness, Rom. 13:13.

Question: Are the occasions of uncleanness here forbidden?

Answer: Yes: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, Eph. 5:11.

Question: Is all uncleanness provoking to God?

Answer: Yes: For I the Lord am holy, Lev. 20:26.

Question: Is it against our bodies?

Answer: Yes: For the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, 1 Cor. 6:13.

Question: Is it a wrong to our souls?

Answer: Yes: For fleshly lusts war against the soul, 1 Pet. 2:11.

Question: Is it wounding to conscience?

Answer: Yes: I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, Eccl. 7:26.

Question: Are idleness and gluttony occasions of uncleanness, and forbidden in this commandment?

Answer: Yes: For this was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness, Ezek. 16:49.

Question: And is drunkenness also a sin of dangerous consequence?

Answer: Yes: For drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6:10.


Question: What is the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.

Question: Does the eighth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate?

Answer: Yes: For the earth God has given to the children of men, Ps. 115:16.

Question: Is it necessary there should be such a command?

Answer: Yes: For every brother will utterly supplant, Jer. 9:4.

Question: Is robbing God the worst theft?

Answer: Yes: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me, Mal. 3:8, 9.

Question: And is justice to God the highest justice?

Answer: Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. 22:21.


Question: What is required in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment requires all lawful procuring and furthering our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate.

Question: Is religion a friend to outward prosperity?

Answer: Yes: In wisdom's left hand are riches and honour, Prov. 3:16.

Question: Does it teach us to be diligent in our callings?

Answer: Yes: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, Prov. 27:23.

Question: And to keep close to them?

Answer: Yes: Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, 1 Thess. 4:11.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: For the hand of the diligent maketh rich, Prov. 10:4.

Question: Does religion teach us to be prudent in our affairs?

Answer: Yes: The good man will guide his affairs with discretion, Ps. 112:5.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: For through wisdom is a house builded, Prov. 24:3.

Question: Must we serve God with our worldly estate?

Answer: Yes: Honour the Lord with thy substance, Prov. 3:9.

Question: And is that the way to thrive?

Answer: Yes: So shall thy barn be filled with plenty, Prov. 3:10.

Question: Must we cheerfully use our estates?

Answer: Yes: For I know no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life, Eccl. 3:12.

Question: And must we cheerfully serve God with them?

Answer: Yes: We must serve the Lord our God with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abundance of all things, Deut. 28:47.

Question: Must we be just to all we deal with?

Answer: Yes: Render therefore to all their due, Rom. 13:7.

Question: And must we give everybody their own?

Answer: Yes: Owe no man any thing but to love one another, Rom. 13:8.

Question: Must we be true to every trust reposed in us?

Answer: Yes: As the workmen who dealt faithfully, 2 Kings 12:15.

Question: And is honesty the best policy?

Answer: Yes: For a little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Ps. 37:16.

Question: And shall we have the comfort of it in this world?

Answer: Yes: He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, that despiseth the gain of oppression and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be in the munitions of rocks, bread shall be given him, and his waters shall he sure, Isa. 33:15, 16.

Question: If therefore we have done any wrong, must we make restitution?

Answer: Yes: Zaccheus stood and said, If I have wronged any man, I restore him fourfold, Luke 19:8.

Question: Must we concern ourselves for the welfare of others?

Answer: Yes: Look not every one on his own things, but everyone also on the things of others, Phil. 2:4.

Question: And must we do all we can to promote the welfare of others?

Answer: Yes; If thy brother's ox or ass go astray, thou shalt bring them back, Deut. 22:1.

Question: Must we relieve the poor according to our ability?

Answer: Yes; If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen into decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, Lev. 25:35.

Question: Must we be forward to relieve the poor?

Answer: Yes: We must be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. 6:18.

Question: Is that the way to thrive in this world?

Answer: Yes; For he that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again, Prov. 19:17.

Question: And shall it be repayed in the other world?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt be recompenses in the resurrection of the just, Luke 14:14.

Question: And must we make this use of what we have in the world?

Answer: Yes: We must labour that we may have to give to him that needeth, Eph. 4:28.


Question: What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

Answer: The eighth commandment forbids whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth, and outward estate.

Question: May we do what we will with our own estates?

Answer: No: For we are but stewards of the manifold grace of God, 1 Pet. 4:10.

Question: Is it a sin then to waste our estates in prodigality?

Answer: Yes: For the drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty, Prov. 23:31.

Question: Is luxury the way to beggary?

Answer: Yes: He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man, Prov. 21:17.

Question: Is slothfulness a robbing of ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For he that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster, Prov. 18:9.

Question: And is that the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags, Prov. 23:21.

Question: Is keeping idle company the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough, Prov. 28:19.

Question: Is fraud and injustice the way to poverty?

Answer: Yes: For wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, Prov. 13:11.

Question: Can any expect to prosper in a way of unjust gain?

Answer: No: For he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool, Jer. 17:11.

Question: Do men rob themselves and their families by foolishness in their affairs?

Answer: Yes: For every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands, Prov. 14:1.

Question: And by rash suretyship?

Answer: Yes: For he that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, Prov. 11:15.

Question: Is it a sin to rob ourselves of the comfort of that which God has given us?

Answer: Yes: If a man hath not power to eat of it, it is vanity, and an evil disease, Eccl. 6:2.

Question: And is it a sin to deny it to our relations?

Answer: Yes: If any provide not for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

Question: Is it a great sin to steal from anybody?

Answer: Yes: For everyone that stealeth shall be cut off, Zech. 5:3.

Question: Is it a great sin for children to steal from their parents?

Answer: Yes: Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith it is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer, Prov. 28:24.

Question: And for the rich to oppress the poor?

Answer: Yes: Rob not the poor, because he is poor, Prov. 22:22.

Question: Will you therefore keep your hands from picking and stealing?

Answer: Yes: Because of the fear of God, Neh. 5:15.

Question: Must those who have used themselves to it break it off?

Answer: Yes: Let him that stole steal no more, Eph. 4:28.

Question: Must poor people especially watch and pray against this temptation?

Answer: Yes: Lest I be poor, and steal, Prov. 30:9.

Question: Is it a sin to cheat anybody in a bargain?

Answer: Yes: Let no man go beyond or defraud his brother in any matter, 1 Thess. 4:6.

Question: Is it a sin to use false weights and measures?

Answer: Yes: A false balance is abomination to the Lord, Prov. 11:1.

Question: Is it a sin to give assistance or countenance to any fraud?

Answer: Yes: Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul, Prov. 29:24.

Question: Is it a sin to deny relief to the poor?

Answer: Yes: Whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up the bowels of his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in that man? 1 John 3:17.

Question: Is it a sin to deny the payment of a just debt?

Answer: Yes: For the wicked borroweth, and payeth not again, Ps. 37:21.

Question: Or withhold wages that is due?

Answer: Yes: The hire of the labourers kept back by fraud crieth, James 5:4.

Question: And is the love of money the cause of all these sins?

Answer: Yes: The love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6:10.


Question: What is the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Question: Does this commandment concern our own and our neighbouur's good name?

Answer: Yes: For a good name is better than precious ointment, Eccl. 7:1.

Question: Is there need of this commandment?

Answer: Yes: For every neighbour will walk with slanders, Jer. 9:4.


Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.

Question: Is it our duty to govern our tongues?

Answer: Yes: I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue, Ps. 39:1.

Question: Is he a good Christian that does not?

Answer: No: For if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man's religion is vain, James 1:26.

Question: Must we therefore pray to God to keep us from tongue-sins?

Answer: Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, Ps. 141:3.

Question: Is it our duty to speak truth?

Answer: Yes: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, Zech. 8:16.

Question: Is there good reason for it?

Answer: Yes: For we are members one of another, Eph. 4:25.

Question: And is this the character of a good man?

Answer: Yes: That he speaketh the truth in his heart, Ps. 15:2.

Question: Are all truths to be spoken at all times?

Answer: No: For there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Eccl. 3:7.

Question: But may an untruth be spoken at any time?

Answer: No: For God's people are children that will not lie, Isa. 63:8.

Question: Is it our duty, especially in witness-bearing, to speak truth?

Answer: Yes: For a faithful witness will not lie, Prov. 14:5.

Question: And the whole truth?

Answer: Yes: Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Question: And nothing but the truth?

Answer: Yes: For a lying tongue is but for a moment, Prov. 12:19.

Question: Is it our duty to strive to have a good name with God?

Answer: Yes: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10:16.

Question: And should we endeavour to have a good name with good people?

Answer: Yes: Let those that fear thee turn unto me, Ps. 119:79.

Question: And if possible a good name with all people?

Answer: Yes: Demetrius hath a good report of all men, 3 John 1:12.

Question: Must we abound in those things that are of good report?

Answer: Yes: If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on those things, Phil. 4:8.

Question: In order to our getting a good name must we live by faith?

Answer: Yes: For by it the elders obtained a good report, Heb. 11:2.

Question: Must we walk wisely?

Answer: Yes: For a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, Eccl. 8:1.

Question: Must we do justly?

Answer: Yes: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1 Pet. 2:12.

Question: And be humble?

Answer: Yes: For before honour is humility, Prov. 18:12.

Question: And must we abound in good works?

Answer: Yes: Let your light so shine before men, Matt. 5:16.

Question: But can good people expect to have everyone's good word?

Answer: No: Woe unto you when all men speak well of you, Luke 6:26.

Question: May we hazard a good conscience to preserve our reputation?

Answer: No: For our praise is not of men, but of God, Rom. 2:29.

Question: Ought we to be very tender of the good names of others?

Answer: Yes: We must honour all men, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Question: Must we give them the praise of that in them which is good?

Answer: Yes: We also bear record, 3 John 1:12.

Question: But may we flatter them?

Answer: No: He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail, Job 17:5.

Question: Must we charitably conceal their faults?

Answer: Yes: For charity covers a multitude of sins, 1 Pet. 4:8.

Question: Must we discourage slandering and censoriousness?

Answer: Yes: We must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue, Prov. 25:23.


Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

Answer: The ninth commandment forbids whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.

Question: Is lying a great sin?

Answer: Yes: Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man, Col. 3:9.

Question: Is it a sin that God hates?

Answer: Yes: Lying lips are abomination to the Lord, Prov. 12:22.

Question: And is it a sin that all good men hate?

Answer: Yes: I hate and abhor lying, Ps. 119:163.

Question: Does it make men like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he is a liar, and the father of it, John 8:44.

Question: And will it bring them to hell?

Answer: Yes: For all liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, Rev. 21:8.

Question: Is it lawful to tell a lie to make sport?

Answer: No: For as a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is he that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? Prov. 26:18, 19.

Question: Is it lawful to tell a lie to excuse a fault?

Answer: No: For Gehazi for doing so had a leprosy entailed on him and his seed for ever, 2 Kings 5:27.

Question: May we tell a lie with intention to do good?

Answer: No: We must not do evil, that good may come, Rom. 3:8.

Question: Will what is got by lying do us any good?

Answer: No: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is vanity, tossed to and fro of them that seek death, Prov. 21:6.

Question: Should we therefore pray against this sin?

Answer: Yes: Remove from me the way of lying, Ps. 119:29.

Question: Is it a sin to belie ourselves?

Answer: Yes: As there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches, Prov. 13:7.

Question: May we be careless of our own good name?

Answer: No: If I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like unto you, John 8:55.

Question: Is it a sin to belie our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: They laid to my charge things that I know not, Ps. 35:11.

Question: Is it folly?

Answer: Yes: He that uttereth slander is a fool, Prov. 10:18.

Question: Is it a sin to speak evil of any?

Answer: Yes: Put them in mind to speak evil of no man, Tit. 3:1,2.

Question: And to be censorious of our brethren?

Answer: Yes: Judge not, that ye be not judged, Matt. 7:1.

Question: Is it a great offence to God to do this?

Answer: Yes: He that speaks evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judgeth the law, James 4:11.

Question: Does it make us like the devil?

Answer: Yes: For he is the accuser of the brethren, Rev. 12:10.

Question: Is it a sin to raise a false report?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not raise a false report, Exod. 23:1.

Question: And a sin to spread it?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer, Lev. 19:16.

Question: May we proclaim our brothers' faults?

Answer: No: For charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, 1 Cor. 13:6.

Question: Is it a sin to speak ill of magistrates?

Answer: Yes: Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people, Acts 23:5.

Question: Is it a sin to be abusive to the poor?

Answer: Yes: For he that mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker, Prov. 17:5.

Question: May we speak ill of those who speak ill of us?

Answer: No: We must not render railing for railing, 1 Pet. 3:9.


Question: What is the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Question: Does this commandment lay a restraint upon the heart?

Answer: Yes: For the law is spiritual, Rom. 7:14.

Question: Does the heart need this restraint?

Answer: Yes: For the inward part is very wickedness, Ps. 5:9.

Question: Does the light of nature discover this?

Answer: No: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7:7.

Question: Are we forbidden to covet another man's house?

Answer: Yes: As they that covet houses and take them away, Mic. 2:2.

Question: Or another man's wife?

Answer: Yes: For her husband is to her a covering of the eyes, Gen. 20:16.

Question: Or another man's goods?

Answer: Yes: I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, Acts 20:33.


Question: What is required in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment requires a full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.

Question: Has God the disposal of our outward condition?

Answer: Yes: My times are in thy hand, Ps. 31:15.

Question: And does he order all events concerning us?

Answer: Yes: He performeth the thing that is appointed for us, Job 23:14.

Question: Ought we therefore to be content with our condition?

Answer: Yes: Be content with such things as you have, Heb. 13:5.

Question: Ought we to be content in every condition?

Answer: Yes: I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4:11.

Question: Must we be content with a little?

Answer: Yes: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6:8.

Question: Can we expect that our condition should be in every thing brought to our mind?

Answer: No: For all is vanity, Eccl. 1:14.

Question: Is it therefore our wisdom to bring our mind to our condition?

Answer: Yes: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound, Phil. 4:12.

Question: Is anything got by this?

Answer: Yes: Godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim. 6:6.

Question: And is this the way to be easy?

Answer: Yes: In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke 21:19.

Question: Is that best which is?

Answer: Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Question: Must we therefore make the best of it?

Answer: Yes: For wherefore should a living man complain? Lam. 3:39.

Question: And must we acknowledge it is better than we deserve?

Answer: Yes: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, Gen. 32:10.

Question: Ought we to desire the welfare of our neighbours?

Answer: Yes: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth, 1 Cor. 10:24.

Question: And to pray for it?

Answer: Yes: Supplications and prayers must be made for all men, 1 Tim. 2:1.

Question: And to be well pleased with it?

Answer: Yes: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, Rom. 12:15.

Question: And to lay to heart our neighbour's troubles?

Answer: Yes: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, Heb. 13:3.

Question: And is this a charitable frame of spirit?

Answer: Yes: For charity suffers long, and is kind, 1 Cor. 13:4.


Question: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate desires and affections to any thing that is his.

Question: Is it a sin to fret at the disposals of God's providence?

Answer: Yes: For shall we receive good of the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil also? Job 2:10.

Question: Is it a sin to quarrel with them?

Answer: Yes: For they that murmured were destroyed of the destroyer, 1 Cor. 10:10.

Question: Is it an evil thing to undervalue the mercies we have?

Answer: Yes: As the Israelites that said, There is nothing besides this manna, Numb. 11:6.

Question: And to aggravate the afflictions we are under?

Answer: Yes: As they that said, We die, we perish, we all perish, Numb. 17:12.

Question: May we in any thing be discontented?

Answer: No: For we must in everything give thanks, 1 Thess. 5:18.

Question: Is it a sin against this commandment to envy our neighbour's welfare?

Answer: Yes: For charity envieth not, 1 Cor. 13:4.

Question: Is envy an offence to God?

Answer: Yes: For is our eye evil because his is good? Matt. 20:15.

Question: Is it hurtful to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For envy is the rottenness of the bones, Prov. 14:30.

Question: Is it the cause of much mischief?

Answer: Yes: For where envy is, there is confusion, and every evil work, James 3:16.

Question: Is it a sin to be pleased with our neighbour's hurt or loss?

Answer: Yes: He that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished, Prov. 17:5.

Question: Is it a sin to desire to sin?

Answer: Yes: Lust not after evil things, as they also lusted, 1 Cor. 10:6.

Question: Does all sin begin in the lustings of the heart?

Answer: Yes: For lust, when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin, James 1:15.

Question: Is it a sin to desire any temporal good inordinately?

Answer: Yes: As Rachel, that said, Give me children, or else I die, Gen. 30:1.

Question: And is it a sin to lust after the delights of sense?

Answer: Yes: As the Israelites who wept again, saying, Who will give us flesh to eat? Numb. 11:4.

Question: Must we therefore suppress all sinful desires?

Answer: Yes: And make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, Rom. 13:14.

Question: Is it a sin to set our hearts upon worldly wealth?

Answer: Yes: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world, 1 John 2:15.

Question: Is covetousness an offence to God?

Answer: Yes: For it is idolatry, Col. 3:5.

Question: Will it be a vexation to ourselves?

Answer: Yes: For he that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, Eccl. 5:10.

Question: Will it be a vexation to our families?

Answer: Yes: For he that is greedy of gain troubles his own house, Prov. 15:27.

Question: And injurious to our neighbour?

Answer: Yes: For they that lay house to house, and field to field, would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, Isa. 5:8.

Question: Is covetousness the cause of much sin?

Answer: Yes: For they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, 1 Tim. 6:9.

Question: Must we therefore watch against it?

Answer: Yes: Take heed, and beware of covetousness, Luke 12:15.

Question: And must we abstain from all the practices of it?

Answer: Yes: Let your conversation be without covetousness, Heb. 13:5.

Question: And must we pray earnestly against it?

Answer: Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, Ps. 119:36.


Question: Is any man able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Answer: No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them in thought, word, or deed.

Question: Are any in this world perfectly free from sin?

Answer: No: For there is no man that sinneth not, 2 Chron. 6:36.

Question: Was Christ, who was not a mere man, perfect?

Answer: Yes: He knew no sin, 2 Cor. 5:21.

Question: Was Adam before the fall perfect?

Answer: Yes: For God made man upright, Eccl. 7:29.

Question: Are the saints in the other life perfect?

Answer: Yes: The glorious church is without spot or wrinkle, Eph. 5:27.

Question: But is any mere man since the fall in this life perfect?

Answer: No: For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not, Eccl. 7:20.

Question: Are self-justifiers self-deceivers?

Answer: Yes: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 1 John 1:8.

Question: And do they put a great affront upon God?

Answer: Yes: For if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, 1 John 1:10.

Question: Are not we able to keep God's commandments better than we do?

Answer: Yes: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Job 34:32.

Question: But are we able perfectly to keep them?

Answer: No: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. 7:21.

Question: Though Noah was said to be perfect, yet did not he sin?

Answer: Yes: For he drank of the wine, and was drunk, Gen. 9:21.

Question: And Job?

Answer: Yes: For he cursed his day, Job 3:1.

Question: And Hezekiah?

Answer: Yes: For his heart was lifted up, 2 Chron. 32:25.

Question: Was St Paul himself perfect?

Answer: No: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, Phil. 3:12.

Question: Do we sin daily?

Answer: Yes: In many things we offend all, Jam. 3:2.

Question: Do we daily sin in thought?

Answer: Yes: For, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen. 8:21.

Question: Are we guilty of many tongue sins?

Answer: Yes: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, Prov. 10:19.

Question: Are the best guilty of many defects?

Answer: Yes: For when the spirit is willing the flesh is weak, Matt. 26:41.

Question: And of many inadvertencies?

Answer: Yes: They are overtaken in a fault, Gal. 6:1.

Question: Can we tell how often we offend?

Answer: No: Who can understand his errors? Ps. 19:13.

Question: Should we not therefore have recourse to Christ daily by faith and repentance?

Answer: Yes: If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 1 John 2:1.


Question: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

Answer: Some sins in themselves, and, by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Question: Is every sin done in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: I did this evil in thy sight, Ps. 51:4.

Question: Is it heinous in God's sight?

Answer: Yes: For he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Hab. 1:13.

Question: But is every sin alike heinous?

Answer: No: He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin, John 19:11.

Question: Are some sins in themselves more heinous than others?

Answer: Yes: If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? 1 Sam. 2:25.

Question: Are presumptuous sins more heinous than others?

Answer: Yes: The soul that doeth ought presumptuously, that soul reproacheth the Lord, Numb. 15:30.

Question: Was ever any sin so heinous as not to be forgiven?

Answer: Yes: The Pharisees blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was so, Mat 12:32.

Question: Are sins against knowledge aggravated sins?

Answer: Yes: That servant that knew his Lord's will, and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes, Luke 12:47.

Question: And sins against mercies?

Answer: Yes: Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people, and unwise? Deut. 32:6.

Question: Especially against spiritual mercies?

Answer: Yes: As Solomon who turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9.

Question: Are sins against reproof aggravated sins?

Answer: Yes: He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, Prov. 29:1.

Question: And sins against our vows and covenants?

Answer: Yes: Thou saidst, I will not transgress, Jer. 2:20.

Question: Are the sins of great professors aggravated sins?

Answer: Yes: For the name of God is blasphemed through them, Rom. 2:24.

Question: And the sins of ministers?

Answer: Yes: Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Rom. 2:21.

Question: May the place be an aggravation of the sin?

Answer: Yes: They provoked him at the sea, even at the red sea, Ps. 106:7.

Question: And the time?

Answer: Yes: They turned aside quickly, Ex. 32:8.

Question: Is it an aggravation of sin, if it be done with contrivance?

Answer: Yes: Woe to them that deviese iniquity, Mic. 2:1.

Question: And if it be done with delight?

Answer: Yes: They rejoice to do evil, Prov. 2:14.

Question: And without blushing?

Answer: Yes: They declare their sin as Sodom, Isa. 3:9.

Question: And if it be boasted of?

Answer: Yes: Whose glory is in their shame, Phil. 3:19.

Question: And if it be often repeated?

Answer: Yes: They have tempted me now these ten times, Num. 14:22.

Question: Should we take notice of these aggravations in our confessions?

Answer: Yes: Aaron shall confess the iniquity of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, Lev. 16:21.