save Sinners p. 8. Sect. 6. Concerning Christ as Mediator between God and lapsed Man p. 10. Sect. 7. Concerning the Resurrection of our Bodies p. 14. Sect. 8. Concerning the judgment of the Great Day p. 15. Part. II. A particular account of those Duties men are obliged to perform Chap. I. Containing our duty to God Sect. 1. OF Faith Hope Love Fear and Trust p. 17. Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of Obedience of Patience in suffering and of Honour due to God in his House Possessions his Day and Word p. 21. Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper p. 26. Sect. 4. Honour due to God's Name Of Swearing p. 28. Sect. 5. Of worship due to God's Name Of Repentance and of Fasting p. 30. Chap. II. Containing our duty to our selves Sect. 1. OF those Vertues which respect our Souls where 1. Of Humility as it is opposed to Pride and Vain-Glory 2. Of Meekness and of Consideration where an enquiry is made after the safe rule of trying our state and condition p. 36. Sect. 2. Of Contentedness and the contraries to it viz. Murmuring Ambition Covetousness Envy and of Diligence with the danger of despising Grace p. 40. Sect. 3. Of those Vertues that concern our Bodies where 1. Of Chastity 2. Of Temperance in eating and drinking p. 43. Sect. 4. Of Temperance in Sleep in Recreation and in Apparel p. 46. Chap. III. Concerning the Duties we owe to our Neighbours Sect. 1. OF Justice 1. To mens Souls 2. To their Bodies where the hazard of drawing men into Sin and the heinousness of the sin of Murder is discovered p. 49. Sect. 2. Of Justice abâ—ut the possessions of our Neighbours against injuring him as to his Wife or his Goods of Oppression of paying of Debts and of Theft p. 51. Sect. 3. Of false Reports false Witness Slanders Whisperings of Scoffing of positive Justice Truth of Lying of Envy and Detraction of Gratitude p. 55. Sect. 4. Of Duty to Magistrates Pastors of the Duty of Parents to Children and of Childrens duty to Parents p. 58. Sect. 5. Of duty to our Brethren and Relations Husband Wife Friends Masters Servants c. p. 62. Sect. 6. Other Branches of our Duty to our Neighbour of Charity to mens Souls Bodies Goods and Credit of Alms-giving and of Peace-making p. 66. The Ten Commandment p. 71. The Lord's Prayer and the Belief p. 72. Private Devotions in Scripture-Expressiâ—ns p. 72. A Prayer for morning and evening p. 72. A Prayer for Children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer p. 76. Collects for several occasions p 77. A Scriptural Catechism OR The Whole Duty of Man laid down by way of Question and Answer in express words of Scripture PART I. Concerning the Chief Principles of our Religion which we are to believe Sect. 1. Concerning the Being of God Of his Attributes and Perfections Quest VVHat is the whole Duty which God requires of man Answ He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Mic. 6.8 Eccl. 12.13 Q. Do you then believe there is a God whom ye should fear A. Yes verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth Ps 38.11 Q. Do not the works of God declare the being of God A. Yes for the invisible things of him from the creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 Q. Is he not a fool that denies this truth A. Yes the fool hath said in his heart there is no God Ps 14.1 Q. Is there no other God but one A. No we know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but one Q. There be none then who can compare with God A. No who is like unto the Lord amongst the Gods who is like him glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Exod. 15.11 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit who dwelleth in light to which no man can approach whom no man hath seen or can see whose perfection cannot by searching be found out Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.16 Job 11.7 Q. Do you believe that this incomprehensible God is of everlasting being A. Yes before the mountains were brought forth or ever he formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting he is God Ps 90.2 Q. Do you believe that this glorious God is every-where present A. Yes whither shall I go from his spirit or whither shall I flee from his presence If I ascend up into Heaven he is there if I make my bed in Hell behold he is there Psal 139.7 8. Q. And must he not then know all things A. Yes neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4.13 Q. Do you believe God is unchangable A. Yes with him is no variableness nor shadow of turning Jam. 1.17 Q. Do you believe God is Almighty and can do all things A. Yes with God all things are possible Mark 10.27 Q. Is he not also a most holy and glorious God A. Yes holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Isa 6.3 Q. And do you believe that he is a just God A. Yes he is a God of truth without iniquity just and right Deut. 32.4 Q. Is he not also a very merciful and gracious God A. Yes he is the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Exod. 34.6 Ps 145.8 Q. Is not he then the only living and true God A. Yes the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King Jer. 10.10 Sect. 2. Concerning the Trinity that God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God Q. DO you believe that the three persons in the Godhead God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God A. Yes for there are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. Doth not the truth of this appear from the form of Baptizing which Christ taught his Disciples A. Yes Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Matt. 28.19 Q. And is it not also very evidently confirmed from the manner of blessing the Apostles observe in the close of their Epistles A. Yes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all 2 Cor. 13.14 Q. And must worship be given to any but God A. No thou shalt worship the Lord thy
our Brethren and stelations Husband Wife Friends Masters Servants c. Q. OVght not brethren to have the greatest tenderness and kindness each to other A. Yes and Abram said unto Lot let there be no strife I pray thee between me and thee for we are brethren Gen. 13.8 Q. Is it not a very pleasant thing to see brethren live together in love A. Yes behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity Psal 133.1 Q. If this love be not fixed in the heart are not brethren in most danger of disagreeing upon the least ground A. Yes and when Joseph's brethren saw that their Father loved him more than all his brethren they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him Gen. 37.4 Q. Is not love amongst those who profess the same Faith and are brethren of the same Church an unquestionable duty A. Yes but as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another Love the brotherhood 1. Thess 4.9 1 Pet. 2.17 Q. Are we not in an especial manner bound to do all good offices to this brotherhood A. Yes as we have opportunity let us do good to all men especially unto them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 Q. Is not this peculiar love to Christians as Christians especially of helping them in their needs very acceptable in the sight of God A. Yes whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple he shall in no wise lose his reward Mat. 10.42 Q. And is it not the duty of these brethren to continue in the belief of that same doctrine A. Yes earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. Q. And must they not hold fast the profession of that faith notwithstanding persecution attend it A. Yes let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering Heb. 10.23 Q. And are we not also as oportunity serves to communicate with them in all holy offices A. Yes they continued stead fastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Act. 2.42 Q. Is it not the duty of strong Christians to bear with the infirmities of the weaker A. Yes we that are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of the weak and not to please our selves Rom. 15.1 Q. Are we not obliged to endeavour in all meekness the restoring of any fallen brother A. Yes if a man be overtaken in a fault ye that are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness considering thy self lest thou also be tempted Gal. 6.1 Q. Are we not to have a sympathy and fellow-feeling with these brethren to be nearly toucht with whatever befals them A. Yes rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep be of the same mind one towards another Rom. 12.15 16. Q. Is not this love that which Christ has made the badg of his disciples A. Yes by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love to one another John 13.35 Q. Is it not the duty of the wife to give obedience to the husband A. Yes wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord for the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing Col. 3.18 Eph. 5.22 23 24. Q. Do the faults of the husband justifie the frowardness of the wife A. No likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives 1 Pet. 3.1 Q. Did not holy women in old time obey their husbands A. Yes in the old time the holy women who also trusted in God were in subjection to their own husbands even as Sara obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well 1 Pet. 3.5 6. Q. Is it not the duty of husbands to love their wives A. Yes husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them he that loveth his wife loveth himself for no man ever yet hated his own flesh Col 3.19 Eph. 5.25 28 29. Q. Should not the Husband also honour the wife A. Yes likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledg giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel 1 Pet. 3.7 Q. Should not the vertue of the person be the chief consideration in mariage A. Yes who can find a vertuous woman for her price is far above rubies Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised Prov. 31.10 30. Q. Is it not the duty of friends to carry friendly and faithfully one to another A. Yes a man that hath friends must shew himself friendly Prov. 18.24 Q. Is not unfaithfulness in a friend a very great injustice A. Yes confidence in an unfaithful man in the day of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joynt Prov. 25.19 Q. Is it not our duty to be constant in friendship A. Yes a friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother Prov. 17.17 and 18.24 Q. Is it not great injustice and folly to cast off a faithful friend A. Yes thine own friend and thy fathers friend forsake not Prov. 27.10 Q. Should we be offended at the admonition and reproof of a friend A. No faithful are the wounds of a friend let the righteous smite me it shall be a kindness let him reprove me it shall be an excellent oyl which shall not break my head for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities Prov. 27.6 Psal 141.5 Q. And are we not then obliged to lament the death of a faithful friend A. Yes I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan very unpleasant hast thou been unto me thy love to me was wonderful passing the love of women 2 Sam. 1.26 Q. Is it not the duty of Servants to be obedient to their Masters A. Yes servants obey your Masters in all things according to the flesh Col. 3.22 Q. Must not this obedience be without grumbling and murmuring A. Yes and whatsoever ye do do it heartily with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men Col. 3.23 Eph. 6.7 Q. Is not the servant to be faithful and diligent as well when his Master is absent as when present A. Yes serving them not with eye-service as men-pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God Col. 3.22 Q. And must he not also be honest to his Master A. Yes not purloining but shewing all good fidelity Tit. 2.10 Q. And must he not submit to rebuke A. Yes not
A Scriptural Catechism OR The Duty of Man Laid down in express words of SCRIPTURE Chiefly intended For the benefit of the Younger sort Divided into two Parts The first containing the chief Principles of our Christian Belief The second instructing us in our Duty to God and Man according to the method observed in the Excellent Book entituled The whole Duty of Man To which is added Some Private Devotions in express words of Scripture with devout Collects for several occasions LONDON Printed by H. C. for Moses Pitt at the Angel in St. Paul's Church-yard 1676. To the Excellent and Ever-honoured the Learned Author of The Whole Duty of MAN Worthy and Noble Sir YOur rare and singular modesty in concealing your Name while you publish to the World so many excellent and useful Discourses is very remarkable and commendable It were indeed no strange thing to see trisling Pamphlets steal disguised into the World but that so many good Books of great name and singular esteem of which any one would reflect a lasting Honour upon the Author should be conveyed so secretly into the World this is that which the most part of men I have conversed with do wonder at I do acknowledg that some Authors have very wisely concealed their names at first till they have heard how their Writings have relished with others but this hath never been your motive to do so else the World had long ere now been put out of doubt concerning the Author of these Books It is indeed a pity that so well-deserving an Author should veil himself from the eyes of the World and it is to be seared that ere some few years pass some Bathyllus will own these Books and claim the honour these Writings justly deserve If ever this shall happen and who knows but it may it is my hearty wish that our Famous Maro may be alive to render this counterfeit Author as ignominious as the true Bathyllus was at Rome Worthy Sir when I intended to publish these sheets I had no dispute with my self to whom I should dedicate them they do indeed of right belong unto you for I have not only observed your method but have also made use of your words especially in the Second Part. I will not offend against your modesty to speak much in the commendation of your Books they do indeed speak for themselves and receive their credit and authority from their internal worth And I think I may very modestly say of you what the wise man saith of the vertuous woman Many daughters have done vertuously but thou excellest them all The same of your Writings hath not circled it self within the bounds of the British Isies other Nations have heard of and known the worth of your Books But Sir while others admire this the publick acknowledgment of it is willingly embraced by Worthy Sir Cue of the least of Your Admirers R. E. THE PREFACE Reader THE true intent of this Catechism is to instruct men in the duties and principles of Christianity it contains no jejune notions to scare persons of whatever perswasion from reading of it it being only a brief Câ—mpendium of those Duties which are scattered in the Scriptures I confess it was chiefly intended for the benefit of the younger sort that they might be early acquainted with their duty from the Scriptures which are able to make them wise unto Salvation but I am hopeful it shall also prove of general use I am not ignorant how it is now become a fashion to alledg Scripture-authority for the defence of every opinion be it never so monstrous But this cheat being so easily discovered I am perswaded men will not reject the plain doctrines of Scripture I have not made use of controverted texts neither have I imposed my own comment upon any mans belief In the First Part I have very briefly laid down only these Principles that are undoubtable amongst the best Reformed part of Christendom and which very fairly consist with the practice of vertue and mâ—rality In the Second Part I have laid down these Duties which every mans understanding will tell him are unquestionable they being indeed the plain duties of morality of which I may say as it is Luke 10.28 This do and thou shalt live As for those private devotions in the close I have laid them down in Scripture-expressions because the style of the Holy Ghost is undoubtedly the fittest for spiritual services so that I may say of it as David of Goliah's Sword there is none like it I shall conclude with my advice to Parents and children Parents surely it is your duty to provide for the education of your children Vnder the old dispensation Parents were commanded to teach their children diligently the statutes and commandments of God And this is expressed in the New Testament by bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was the advice and counsel of the wise man Prov. 22.6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it If Parents neglect to instruct their children in the ways of God children will without difficulty train up themselves in the practice of vice and immorality And it is certain accordingly as they are at first seasoned they will retain that savour O the heinous guilt that many Parents bring upon themselves by this neglect and the lamentable misery they bring upon their children I wish I could say that this hath not been the great cause of those monstrous impieties that so much abound amongst us As for children it is undoubtedly their duty to hearken to the instruction of their Parents except it be such as cause to err If indeed Parents shall be so cruel to their children as to mislead them and only teach them their own self-chosen opinions and not the statutes and commandments of God I must pity the case of thâ—se children and desire them to hearken to the Psalmist's advice Psal 34.11 Come ye children hearken unto me I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life and loveth many days that he may see good keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile Depart from evil and do good seek peace and pursue it There is lately Printed for Moses ' Pitt at the Angel in St. Paul's Church-yard A Relation of a Conference held about Religion at London the third of April 1676. by Edw. Stillingfleet D. D. and Gilbert Burnet with some Gentlemen of the Church of Rome in octavo price 2 s. 6 d. THE CONTENTS Part I. Sect. 1. COncerning the Being of God of his Attributes and Perfections pag. 1. Sect. 2. Concerning the Trinity iâ— that God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God p. 3. Sect. 3. Concerning the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament p. 4. Sect. 4. Concerning Creation and Providence p. 6. Sect. 5. Concerning the fall of Man of Sin and of God's willingness to
ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.13 14. Q. Is it not our duty to honour God in keeping holy his Sabbaths A. Yes keep the Sabbath-day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee Deut. 5.12 Q. But must we abstain from all unnecessary works on the Sabbath-day A. Yes in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates Exod. 20.10 Q. Is it not a sin to be weary of the Sabbath A. Yes hear this ye who say when shall the Sabbath be gone that we may set forth wheat shall not the land tremble for this Amos 8.5 8. Q. Are there not special blessings promised to those that sanctifie the Sabbath A. Yes blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing any evil even unto him will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters Isa 56.2 5. Q. But are we Christians obliged to keep one day of the seventh as well as the Jews were A. Yes think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Mat. 5.17 Q. And have we any reason for the change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first A. Yes and upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them Acts 20.7 Q. Is it not our duty to express our reverence to God by honouring his word A. Yes in God I will praise his word in the Lord will I praise his word Psal 56.10 Q. Is preaching of the Word necessary A. Yes for Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. Should we not then be desirous to hear the Word preached A. Yes as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 Q. Will the hearing of the Word do us any good if we be not doers of it A. No be ye doers of the Word not hearers only deceiving your own souls Jam. 1.22 Q. May any man preach the Gospel at his own pleasure A. No how can they preach except they be sent no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.4 Q. Must we believe what every one that pretends to be a Preacher saith A. No believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the World 1 Joh. 4.1 Q. Is not the Scripture the rule by which their doctrine is to be tried A. Yes and the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Acts 17.11 Q. But should not obedience be given to those that have a lawful calling to the Office and who preach sound doctrine A. Yes obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Heb. 13.17 Q. Should not such be also honoured and had in respect A. Yes let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 10.15 Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper Q. IS it not the duty of all that would be saved and have the remission of their sins to be baptized A. Yes then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 2.38 Q. What is Baptism A. A washing with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. Are we not by vertue of our Baptism engaged against sin and to walk in newness of life A. Yes know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life What shall we say then shall we continue in sin Rom. 6.3 4.1 Q. Can any thing hinder those who believe in Christ to be baptized A. No and Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest and he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and they went both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Acts 8.36 37 38. Q. Should the infants of Parents professing Faith in Christ be baptized A. Yes for the promise is to you and your children Acts 2.39 Q. Is it not the duty of every one that is baptized into Christ to walk as new creatures A. Yes for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 3.27 5.24 Q. Do not these men who walk in the lusts of the flesh and who walk not soberly righteously and godly blaspheme that holy name by which they are called A. Yes Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Jam. 2.7 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to take the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Yes for I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying this Cup is the new Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. Q. Have not believers a communion with Christ in the Sacrament A. Yes the cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the body of Christ 2 Cor. 10.26 Q. Are all those who eat the bread which signifieth the body of Christ as well obliged to take the cup which signifieth and represents the blood of Christ A. Yes and he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it unto them saying drink ye all of it Mat. 26.27
eyes walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughter of Zion and take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments Isa 3.16 17 18. Q. But may not those whom God hath placed in an higher condition than others wear gorgeous apparel A Yes behold they which are gorgeously apparelled and live delicately are in Kings Courts Luke 7.25 Q. Is not the distinguishing of persons in respect of sex another end of apparel A. Yes the woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man neither shall a man put on a womans garment for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord thy God Deut. 22.5 Q. When men consider the original of cloaths have they any reason to be proud A. No and the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed sig-leaves together and made themselves aprons Gen. 3.7 Q. Are not Christian vertues the only rayment that will make men lovely in God's eyes A. Yes whose adorning let it not be that outward of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparel but let it be in the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of ameek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. CHAP. III. Concerning the duties we owe to our Neighbours Sect. 1. Of Iustice 1. To mens Souls 2. To their Bodies where the hazard of drawing men into sin and the heinousness of the sin of Murder is discovered Q. WHat is the sum of that duty we owe to our neighbours A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Matt. 22.23 Q. Should we not then do to others what we would have them do to us A. Yes all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7.12 Q. Doth not the Lord require that every man do justly A. Yes what doth the Lord require of thee O man but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 Q. And doth not God regard the perverting of justice in a Province A. Yes if thou seest the oppression of the poor and and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a Province marvel not at the matter for he that is higher than the highest regardeth and there be higher than they Eccl. 5.8 Q. Is it not a great act of injustice done to a mans soul to entice him to sin A. Yes wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye compass Sea and Land to make one proselyte and when he is made you make him twofold more the child of Hell than your selves Mat. 23.15 Q. Should we not studiously shun and wisely slight the wicked counsels of men A. Yes if sinners entice thee consent thou not if they say come with us let us lay wait for blood we shall find all precious substance walk thou not in the way with them refrain thy foot from their path Prov. 1.10 11 13 15. Q. Should we not be careful to do no wrong to the bodies of men A. Yes thou shalt not kill Exod. 20.13 Q. Is not the sin of murder a very heinous and crying sin A. Yes and the Lord said unto Cain what hast thou done the voice of thy brothers blood crieth unto me from the ground Gen. 4.10 Q. Is there any pity to be given to those who lye in wait to shed innocent blood A. No thine eye shall not pity him but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood Deut. 19.13 Q. Is not the guilt of this sin so great that it leaveth a stain upon the Land where it is committed if it pass unpunished A. Yes by swearing and killing they break out and blood toucheth blood therefore shall the Land mourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish Hos 4.2 3. Q. Doth it not then bring temporal judgments upon a Kingdom A. Yes then there was a famine in the days of David three years year after year and David enquired of the Lord and the Lord answered it is for Saul and for his bloody house because he slew the Gibeonites 2 Sam. 21.1 Q. Is not the sin of murder an high contempt and despite towards God himself and therefore deserving a severe punishment because it is the defacing of his image A. Yes whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man Gen. 9.6 Q. Will not this sin of murder be punished with everlasting torments also A. Yes but the fearful and abominable and murderers shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 Q. Is not maiming a great injury and deserving severe punishment A. Yes under the Law it was eye for eye tooth for tooth hand for hand foot for foot burning for burning wound for wound stripe for stripe Exod. 21.24 25. Q. Will it excuse a man to say that what he has done was only in return of some injury offered him by another A. No recompence no man evil for evil avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord Rom. 12.17 19. Sect. 2. Of Iustice about the possessions of our Neighbours against injuring him as to his Wife or his Goods of Oppression of paying of Debts and of Theft Q. SHould we not abstain from all covetous desires towards the possessions of our neighbours A. Yes thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his asse nor any thing that is thy neighbours Exod. 20.17 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to be content with his own portion A. Yes let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have Heb. 13.5 Q. Is not the enticing a mans wife the greatest injustice and the most irreparable and provoking injury A. Yes jealousy is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance he will not regard any ransom neither will he rest content though thou givest many gifts Prov. 6.34 35. Q. Is not malicious injustice in wishing or doing mischief to our neighbour a very great sin A. Yes wo to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds and devise mischief therefore let all bitterness be put away from you with all malice Mic. 2.1 Psal 36.4 Eph. 4.31 Q. Are we not obliged to prevent the spoil destruction and damage of our neighbours goods although he were our enemy A. Yes if thou meet thine enemies ox or his asse going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again if thou see the asse of him that hateth thee lying under his burden and would'st
neighbour A. Yes he that speaketh the truth in his heart that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour shall never be moved Psal 15.2 3. Q. May not a false witness certainly expect punishment A. Yes a false witness shall not be unpunished and he that speaketh lies shall not escape Prov. 19.5 Q. Should we not then be very careful that we raise no false report upon our neighbour A. Yes thou shalt not raise a false report put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness Exod. 22.1 Q. Hath not God testified his hatred against this sin A. Yes these things doth the Lord hate a false witness that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren Prov. 6.16 19. Q. Are not tale-bearers forbidden by God A. Yes thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people Lev. 19.16 Q. Doth not the whisperer who in a private way spreadeth false reports occasion much mischief and confusion A. Yes a froward man soweth strife and a whisperer separateth chief friends Prov. 16.28 Q. And are not the words of a tale-bearer very hateful A. Yes the words of a tale-bearer are as wounds and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly Prov. 18.8 Q. Are not all men concerned to speak the truth and only the truth in matters of Judgment and Justice A. Yes ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty but in righteousness shalt thou judg thy neighbour Lev. 19.15 Q. Is not an unjust sentence an abomination to the Lord A. Yes he that justifieth the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abomination to the Lord Prov. 17.15 Q. Should not men shew their anger against tale-bearers and slanderers A. Yes the north-wind driveth away rain so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue Prov. 22.23 Q. Should they not refrain from the company of slanderers also A. Yes whoso privily slandereth his neighbour him will I cut off he that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight Psal 201.5 7. Q. Is it not a great injustice to wrong persons because of their infirmities A. Yes thou shalt not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling-block before the blind but shalt fear thy God Lev. 19.14 Q. Is it not a very barbarous cruelty to reproach and revile any that are in affliction A. Yes let their habitation be desolate for they persecute him whom thou hast smitten and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded Psal 69.25 26. Q. Is not such scoffing enough to sadden and make heavy the heart of the afflicted A. Yes reproach hath broken my heart and I am full of heaviness Psal 69.20 Q. Is it not a great rashness in men to condemn persons as notorious sinners only because God is pleased to punish them with some extraordinary judgment A. Yes suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things I say unto you nay Luke 13.2 3. Q. Is not speaking the truth a duty we own to all men A. Yes wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for he that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness but a false witness deceit Eph. 4.25 Prov. 12.17 Q. And are their not severe judgments to be poured out upon liars A. Yes all Liars shall have their portion in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 Q. Is not humanity and Courtesie in behavior a debt we owe to all men A. Yes be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another and in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Rom. 12.10 Phil. 2.3 4. Q. Is not meekness a debt we owe to all men A. Yes be patient towards all men see that none render evil for evil unto any man 1 Thes 5.14 15. Q. is not Brawling a very insufferable evil A. Yes it is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top then with a brawling woman in a wide house Prov. 21.9 Q. Should we not beware of entring into friendship with persons of such an humour A. Yes make no friendship with an angry man and with a furious man thou shall not go Prov. 22.24 Q. Should we not then endeavour that we our selves be guilty of none of these faults A. Yes let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice Eph. 4.31 Q. Is it not injustice in us to envy and grudg that others have those gifts which we lack A. Yes is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own is thine eye evil because I am good Mat. 20.15 Q. And should we not give unto men that respect that is due to them in respect of their ranks and qualities A. Yes honour all men love the brotherhood honour the King rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man 1 Pet. 2.17 Lev. 19.32 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to supply those that are in any sort of want if it be in their power A. Yes withhold not good from him to whom it is due when it is in the power of thy hand to do it say not unto thy neighbour go and come again and to morrow I will give when thou hast it by thee Prov. 3.27 28. Q. Is it not a duty we owe to our neighbour to reprove them discreetly and seasonably if they be in any course of sin A. Yes Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise reprove him and not suffer sin upon him Lev. 19.17 Q. Is it not a strange madness in men not to harken to a faithfull reprof A. Yes whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledg but he that hateth reprof is brutish Prov. 12.1 Q. And is not destruction threatned to such sort of persons A. Yes he that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy Prov. 29.1 Q. Is not ingratitude to benefactors a very barbarous crime A. Yes if you do good to those that do good to you what thank have you for sinners also do even the same Luk. 6.33 Sect. 4. Of Duty to Magistrates pastors of the duty of Parents to Children and Childrens duty unto Parents Q. IS it not the duty of children to honour their Parents whether Civil Spiritual or Natural A. Yes honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Exod. 20.12 Q. Is not the supream Magistrate a Civil Parent A. Yes and kings shall be thy nursing fathers and queens thy nursing mothers
Isa 49.23 Q. Do not all those who are under the civil magistrates authority owe him honour and reverence A. Yes fear God honour the King 1 Pet. 2.17 Q. Should not men then beware of Speaking evil of the magistrate A. Yes thou shalt not revile the gods nor speak evil of the ruler of thy people curse not the king no not in thy thought Exod. 22.28 Act. 23.5 Eccl. 10.20 Q. Is not maintainance of their persons and authority a debt we owe to the Civil Magistrate A. Yes render therefore unto Cesar the things that are Cesars pay ye tribute for they are God's Ministers Mat. 22.21 Rom. 13.6 Q. Since the business of that calling is so weighty the dangers and hazards of it so great are we not obliged to pray earnestly to God for them A. Yes I exhort therefore that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for Kings and for all that are in authority that they may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Do not subjects owe obedience to the commands of the Magistrate A. Yes let every soul be subject to the higher powers and submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whether it be to the King as supreme or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well Rom. 13.1 1 Pet. 2.13 Q. But what if the Magistrate enjoyns any thing contrary to what God hath commanded A. We ought to obey God rather than men Acts 5.29 Q. But must we not in this case patiently suffer and not to secure our selves rise up against him A. Yes for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless They that resist shall receive to themselves damnation 1 San. 26.9 Rom. 13.2 Q. Are not the Ministers of the Word Parents also A. Yes though you have ten thousand instructers in Christ yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4.15 Q. Since they do us the greatest benefits are we not obliged to honour and love them A. Yes and we beseech you brethren know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thess 5.12 13. Q. Is it not very dangerous to despise and deride the Ministers of the Gospel A. Yes he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10.16 Q. Do we not owe to Ministers maintenance and provision A. Yes the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel therefore let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things 1 Cor. 9.14 Gal. 6.6 Q. Are we not to give obedience to whatsoever they out of God's Word shall deelare to us to be our duty A. Yes obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief Heb. 13.17 Q. Are not they who never had the Gospel preached unto them much more innocent than they that have heard and resisted it A. Yes wo unto thee Chorazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you Mat. 11.21 22. Q. Are we not also obliged to pray for Ministers A. Yes praying always with all prayer and supplication for all Saints and for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel Eph. 6.18 19. Q. Is it not the duty of children to honour and reverence their natural Parents A. Yes ye shall fear every man his Mother and his Father honour thy Father and thy Mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee Lev. 19.3 Deut. 5.16 Q. Should not this respect and reverence be given to Parents even when they are correcting their children A. Yes furthermore we had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence Heb. 12.9 Q. If Parents have any infirmities is it not the duty of children to cover and conceal them A. Yes and Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and went backward and covered the nakedness of their Father and their faces were backward and they saw not their Father's nakedness Gen. 9.23 Q. Is it not necessary for children to attend to the counsel their Fathers A. Yes my Son hear the instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Father Prov. 1.8 Q. Is it not an heinous sin to despise their counsel and for children to mock the persons of their Parents A. Yes hearken to thy Father that begat thee and despise not thy Mother when she is old for the eye that mocketh his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Prov. 23.22 Prov. 30.17 Q. Is it not an horrid wickedness in children to curse their Parents and that which deserveth the severest punishment A. Yes every one that curseth his Father or his Mother shall surely be put to death he hath cursed his Father or his Mother his blood shall be upon him his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness Lev. 20.9 Prov. 20.20 Q. Is not the child bound to obey the command of his Parents when it hath nothing in it contrary to our duty to God A. Yes children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right and well-pleasing unto God Eph. 6.1 Col. 3.20 Q. Should not Parents be careful how they educate and bring up their children A. Yes train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov. 22.6 Q. Should not Parents encourage their children in the ways of God and not be harsh and unkind to them A. Yes Fathers provoke not your children to wrath lest they be discouraged but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Col. 3.21 Eph. 6.4 Q. Is it not a cruel fondness in Parents to spare the rod when childrens faults require it A. Yes he that spareth his rod hateth his son Prov. 13.24 Q. And must it not be given timely and not be delayed A. Yes he that loveth his son chasteneth him betimes and while there is hope Prov. 13.24 19.18 Q. Is not moderate correction given in meekness the best remedy to prevent the ruine of a wicked child A. Yes foolishness is bound in the heart of a child but the rod of correction shall drive it from him Prov. 22.15 Sect. 5. Of duty to