possible endeavours for his dâ—liverance A. Yes if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain if thou sayest behold we know it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it shall not he render to every man according to his deeds Prov. 24.11 12. Q. Is not the duty of Alms-giving perfectly necessary for the approving of our love to God A. Yes whoso hath this world's good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him 1 Joh. 3.17 Q. And is not the performance of this duty very acceptable unto God A. Yes but to do good and communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13.16 Q. Must not men beware that they prâ—pâ—se nâ—t tâ— themselves the praise of men as the motive of their charity A. Yes when thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the Synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven Mat. 6.2 1. Q. And is it not a vain thing to give alms where love to God and men is not the motive A. Yes though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 Q. But must not men give cheerfully and without grudging A. Yes every man as he purposeth in his heart so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity for God loveth a chearful giver 1 Cor. 9.7 Q. Is it not vain and impious to think that the parting with any thing for Christ will impoverish men A. Yes every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my names sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Mat. 19.29 Q. And hath not God particularly promised that the charitable shall not want but shall have a recompense of reward A. Yes the Liberal soul shall be made far and he that watereth shall be watered also himself he that giveth to the poor shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse Prov. 11.25 and 28.27 Q. Is not this a putting our wealth in his hands who hath made solemn promise of repayment A. Yes 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 Q. And will not the reward be more or less according to to the degrees of our alms A. Yes he that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 Q. Sh uld we not be very tender of the credit of our neighbour A. Y s a good name is better than precious ointment and rather to be chosen then great riches Eccel 7.1 Prov. 22.1 Q. Will not mens unmercifull judging of others be paid home to them in the strict and severe judgment of God A. Y s judg not that ye be not judged for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged and with what measure you mete it shall be measured to you again Mat. 7.1 2. Q. Is it not a christian duty to study to reconcile and make peace among brethren A. Yes blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 Q. If Christians will observe all those duties which they owe to God to themselves and to their neighbour may they not expect the reward of eternal life Q. Yes this do and thou shalt live Luke 10.28 Q. Are not Christian duties both profitable and pleasant even when they expose us to outward sufferings A. Yes Christ's yoke is easie and his burden is light and his commandements are not grievous therefore rejoyce that ye are counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ Mat 11.30 1 John 5.3 Act. 5.41 Q. Since the danger of delaying our turning to God is so evident and certain should we not betimes set about it A. Yes whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledg nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Ecc. 9.10 The Ten Commandments 1. THou shalt have no other Gods before me 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or that is in the Earth beneath or that is in the water under the Eâ—rth Thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it 5. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt 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 The Lord's Prayer OUr Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen The Belief I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilat was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell and rose again from the dead and ascended up into Heaven and fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judg the quick and the dead I believe in
God and him only shalt thou serve Mat. 4.10 Q. Is God the Son equal with the Father A. Yes who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God Phil. 2.6 Q. Is not Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power ascribed to Christ as God A. Yes to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Jude 25. Q. Is not the Holy Ghost also God A. Yes Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost thou hast not lied unto men but unto God Acts 5.3.4 Q. Is God the Son eternal A. Yes in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God Joh. 1.1 Q. Were all things created by him A. Yes for by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible and without him was not any thing made that was made Col. 1.16 Joh. 1.3 Q. And is it not God alone who is maker of Heaven and Earth A. Yes I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self Is 44.24 Q. Doth not Christ know all things A. Yes but Jesus did not commit himself unto them because he knew all men and needed not that any should testify of man for he knew what was in man And Peter said unto him Lord thou knowest all things John 2.24 and 21.17 Q. Doth not the Holy Ghost also know all things A. Yes the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 Q. And is it not singly the property of God to know all things A. Yes produce your cause saith the Lord bring forth your strong reasons shew the former things what they be that we may consider them and know the latter end of them or shew the things that are to come hereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41.21 22 23. Sect. 3. Concerning the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament Q. ARe these Books of the Old and New Testaments called by way of preheminency Scripture the Word of God A. Yes all Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3.16 Q. But can we upon good grounds believe that the Prophets did reveal nothing but what they had from God A. Yes for the Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 Q. And may we trust in this as a sure and certain rule A. Yes we have also a sure word of Prophecy whereunto we do well to take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place 2 Pet. 1.19 Q. Would men who reject this revelation believe any other A. No if they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Luke 16.31 Q. Are not the Books of the Psalms of the Prophets and these of Moses mentioned in the New Testament a being from God A. Yes and Christ said unto his Disciples these are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things might be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Mâ—ses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me and he expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself Luke 24.44.27 Q. Have we not as great certainty as can be that all that the Evangelists and Apostles wrote concerning Christ are most true A. Yes for those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word who had perfect understanding of all things from the very first have set forth in order a declaration of these things that we might know the certainty thereof for none of these things were done in a corner Luke 1.1 2 3 4. 1 Jeh 1.3 Acts 26.26 Q. What if men shâ—uld pretend the revelation of any other Doctrine should we believe them A. No but though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 Q. But how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken A. When a Prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord if the thing follow not nor come to pass that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken Deut. 18.22 Q. Are not the Scriptures the only rule to try mens Doctrine by A. Yes to the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them and they do err not knowing the Scriptures Isa 8.20 Matt. 22.29 Q. Is there not an admirable consent between the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament A. Yes I continue witnessing both to small and great saying none other things than those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come Acts 26.22 Q. For what is the Scripture profitable A. The Scripture is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Q. Is not the way to everlasting life held forth in the Scriptures A. Yes search the Scriptures for in them ye have eternal life they are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus John 5.39 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. Should not the holiness and purity of the Doctrine contained in the Scriptures make us in love with it A. Yes thy Word is very pure therefore thy servant loveth it Ps 119.140 Q. And are not the commands and precepts contained in Scripture unquestionably right and equitable A. Yes therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right Psal 119.128 Q. And what are those things the Scripture enjoyns us to think upon and practise A. Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if there be any praise think on these things Phil. 4.8 Sect. 4. Concening Creation and Providence Q. DO you believe that in the beginning God made the Heaven and the Earth A. Yes in the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth Gen. 1.1 Q. Do you believe that of nothing God created all things by the word of his power A. Yes through Faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things that are seen were not made of things that do appear Heb. 11.3 Q. How did God create man A. God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them Gen. 1.27 Q. Was not every thing that God made very good A. Yes and God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good Gen. 1.31 Q. And doth not the wisdom and goodness of God appear in
I shall not be afraid for the terror by night in the night therefore is my prayer now unto thee O God of my life preserve my going out and my coming in and grant that I order my conversation aright I desire also to pray for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority O prolong the King's life and his years as many generations prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee O let the earth be full of the knowledg of the Lord let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end but establish the just Be gracious to my brethren according to the flesh do thou O Lord for them exceeding abundantly above all that they ask or think Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen A Prayer for children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer OUR Father which art in Heaven from whom every good gift and every perfect gift cometh in whom I live and move and have my being hallowed be thy name for all thy benefits towards me thou art he that took me out of the womb and hitherto hast made me dwell in safety thy mercies they are new every morning and daily thou loadeth me with benefits I will sing unto thee O Lord as long as I live I will sing praise to my God while I have my being Let thy Kingdom come O Lord that thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven O Lord shew me thy ways teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach me to say not my will but thine be done Give me this day my daily bread feed me with food convenient for me and bless my provision help me to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and I know my heavenly Father shall add these other things he knoweth I have need of Forgive me my sins O Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World Remember not against me former iniquities purge away my sins for thy names sake O cleanse me from all filthiness of flesh and spirit let integrity and uprightness preserve me and grant that I may remember thee my Creator in the days of my youth Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil be a shield and buckler unto me this day preserve my going out and my coming in give thy Angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways this night the Lord that keepeth Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth be my keeper O hearken unto the voice of my cry my King and my God there is nothing too hard for thee for all that is in the Heaven and in the Eaath is thine thine O Lord is the greatness and glory and thou reignest over all In thine hand is majesty and might for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever Amen Collects for several occasions very useful in Private Devotion comprehending the chief Heads of Prayer laid down in the language of the Holy Scripture Head I. Confession of Sin I Confess my transgressions unto thee O Lord I acknowledg my sin I am a transgressor from the womb Behold I was shâ—pen in iniquity and in sin did my Mother conceive me When I would do good evil is present with me O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are encreased over my head and my trespass is grown up unto the Heavens I have forsaken thee the fountain of living waters and hewed out cisterns broken cisterns that can hold no water Light is come into the world and I have loved darkness rather than light I have sinned what shall I do unto thee O thou preserver of men I acknowledg my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Father I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight and am no more worthy to be called thy son O Lord to me belongeth confusion of face because I have sinned against thee Head II. For Pardon of Sin HAve mercy upon me O God according to thy loving-kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin For thy names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions cleanse me from secret faults Heal me O God of my salvation for the glory of thy name and purge away my sins for thy names sake O remember not against me former iniquities enter not into judgment with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long-suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth O turn unto me and have mercy upon me O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and do defer not for thine own sake O my God Head III. Against the Power of Sin O Let not sin reign in my mortal body that I should obey it in the lusts thereof but grant that I may put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and that I put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ O keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me Head IV. For the Light of God's Countâ—nance GIve ear O Shepherd of Israel thou that dwellest between the Cherubims shine forth Turn me again O God and cause thy face to shine and I shall be saved make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Hear me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit Quicken me O Lord for thy names sake and cause me to hear thy loving-kindness for thy loving-kindness is better than life O turn unto me and have mercy upon me shew me a token for good and cause thy face to shine upon me How long wilt thou forget me O Lord for ever How long wilt thou hide thy face from me Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me with-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord make thy face to shine upon thy servant and let the Lord be upon me Head V. For Grace and Spiritual good things SHew me thy ways O Lord teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth
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
all his works A. Yes O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Psal 104.24 Q. Do you believe that the God who made you doth uphold you by his good providence A. Yes it is he that hath made us and not we our selves which holdeth our soul in life Psal 100.3 Psal 66.9 Q. Do you then hold your life and being from him A. Yes in him we live and move and have our being Acts 17.28 Q. Hath not God a dominion over his own works and may do with them according to his will A. Yes his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion and his Kingdom is from generation to generation and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of Heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Dan. 4.34 35. Q. And are not all Gods works and ways most holy and most wise A. Yes the Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal 145.17 Q. Doth not God regard mean and low things as well as great things A. Yes are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father but the very hairs of your head are all numbred fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows Mat. 10.29 30 31. Q. Doth not God's providence appear in the care he taketh for the opperessed for the poor for the strangers faherless and widow and for the hungry A. Yes he executeth judement for the oppressed he giveth food to the hungry and provideth for the young raven he looseth the prisoners he raiseth them that are bowed down the Lord preserveth the strangers relieveth the fatherless and widow Psal 146 7 8 9. Job 38.41 Q If God govern the World why is it that good men are often suffering and bad men prospering A. The prosperity of fools destroyeth them and they are set in slippery places for they are brought into destruction as in a moment but the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished Psal 73.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.9 Q. Is there then a God who judgeth in the earth A. Yes verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth Psal 58.11 Sect. 5. Concerning the fall of man of Sin and of Gods willingness to save Sinners Q. DId man continue in that good estate in which he was created A. No God made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Eccl. 7.29 Q. How entred sin into the world A. By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin Rom. 5.12 Q. What is sin A. Sin is the transgression of the Law 1 Joh. 3.4 Q. What was the Law given to our first Parents in Paradise A. Of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it Gen. 2.17 Q. What was the threatning of that Law A. For in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 2.17 Q. Did our first Parents break this Law A. Yes and the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did cat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did cat Gen. 3.6 Q. Was the punishment which that Law threatned inflicted upon the offender A. Yes by one mans offence death reigned by one and judgment came upon all men to condemnation Rom. 5.17 18. Q. And are all that descend from Adam by ordinary generation involved in that guilt and punishment A. Yes by one mans disobedience many were made sinners and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5.19.12 Q. There is no man then without sin A. No if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves we make God a liar and the truth is not in us for there is not a just man upon earth that dooth good and sinneth not 1 Joh. 8.10 Eccl. 8.20 Q. Are all sins equally great A. No and he said unto me seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far on from my sanctuary but turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations Ezek. 8.6.13 Q. Doth God by his decrees necessitate and tempt man to sin A. No no let no man say when he is tempted he is tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Jam. 1.13 Q. Did God leave mankind in this lapsed stare without a remedy A. No God so loved the World that he gave his only begouen Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.16 Q. Was this free gift bestowed upon all men A. Yes as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life Rom. 5.18 Q. God doth not then delight in the death of sinners A. No as I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn ye turn ye from your evil ways for why will ye die Ezek. 33.11 Q. And was it not for to save sinners that Christ came into the World A. Yes this is a faithfurl saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. What then is the reason that men continue in their sins A. They will not come to Christ that they might have life John 5.40 Q. Christ then is willing to save sinners and it is only mens unwillingness that is to blame A. Yes he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not 2 Pet. 3. Matt. 23.37 Q. Hath not God used all the methods of love to reclaim sinners that they perish not A. Yes what could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it Isa 5.4 Q. And is he not loath grieved and unwilling to give up with sinners A. Yes how shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Admah how shall I set thee as Zeboim mine heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together Hos 11.8 Sect. 6. Concerning Christ as Mediator between God and lapsed Man Q. DO you believe that God did send forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to
of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory for he shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Mat. 24.30 1 Thess 4.16 Q. Is Christ then to be Judg of the World A. Yes because he hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 Sect. 7. Concerning the Resurrection of our Bodies Q. DO you believe that the dead shall rise again A. Yes for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5.28 29. Q. Is not the Doctrine of the Resurrection very incredible A. No why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead Acts 26.8 Q. If the dead rise not are not the faithful witnesses of God found false A. Yes yea and we are found false witnesses of God because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ whom he raised not up if so be that the dead rise not for if the dead rise not then is not Christ raised 1 Cor. 15.15 16. Q. And were it not a vain thing to believe in Christ if there be no resurrection of the dead A. Yes for if there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen and if Christ be not risen then is our Preaching vain and your Faith is also vain and ye are yet in your sins 1 Cor. 15.13 14 17. Q. If the dead rise not were not good and vertuous men of all men the most miserable A. Yes if in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable 1 Cor. 15.19 Q. Might not men lawfully commit all unlawful acts all excess of riot and live as they please if the dead rise not A. Yes if the dead rise not let us eat and drink for to morrow we die 1 Cor. 15.32 Q. But is it not certain that Christ is risen from the dead A. Yes but now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first-fruits of them that slept 1 Cor. 15.20 Q. How are the dead raised up A. The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise 1 Thess 4.16 Q. With what body shall they rise A. The body is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption it is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power it is sown a natural body it is raised a spiritual body 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44. Q. What is the reason that men do err in not believing the Doctrine of the resurrection A. They do err not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God Matt. 22.29 Sect. 8. Concerning the Iudgment of the Great Day Q. DO you believe that God hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the World by his Son A. Yes because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the World in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 Q. Must all men appear before their Judg to get a sentence according to the life they have lived upon earth A. Yes for we must all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5.10 Q. Will every work that man hath done be brought into judgment A. Yes for God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil Eccl. 12.14 Q. And must men give account of every idle word A. Yes But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment for by their words they shall be justified and by their words they shall be condemned Mat. 12.36 37. Q. Will not the Judg of the whole earth judg righteous judgment A. Yes we are sure the judgment of God is according to truth for he will render to every man according to his deeds and there is no respect of persons with God Rom. 2.2 6 11. Q. What is the sentence Christ will pass on the righteous in the great dâ—y A. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come yâ— blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Mat. 25.34 Q. What is the sentence Christ will pass on the wicked A. Then shall he say unto them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Mat. 25.41 Q. Who is he that shall enter into eternal life A. He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart he that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour in whose eyes a vile person is contemned but he honoureth them that fear the Lord he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not he that putteth not our his money to usury nor taketh reward against the innocent he who by patient continuance in well-doing seeketh for glory and honour and immortality shall inherit eternal life And he that doth these things shall never be moved Ps 15.2 3 c. Rom. 2.7 Q. Who are they on whom God will take vengeance A. On them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ but obey unrighteousness these shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power 2 Thess 1.8 9. Rom. 2.8 Q. Since there are such joys prepared for the righteous and such torments for the wicked were it not great wisdom in every man to order his conversation aright A. Yes seeing then that all these things shall be what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness looking for and hastning to the coming of the day of God that we may be accounted worthy to escape the wrath to come and be able to stand before the Son of man 2 Pet. 3.11 12. Luke 21.36 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 Q. SInce you believe there is a God who is truth and that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God do you not also believe that all that is contained in
content with such things as ye have Heb. 13.5 Q. Must not he that sets his heart upon wealth necessarily take it off from God A. Yes ye cannot serve God and Mammon therefore if riches encrease set not your heart upon them Luke 16.13 Q. Is not covetousness a sin which betrayeth men to all other vices and which excludeth men from the Kingdom of Heaven A. Yes they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition for the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows And the covetous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Tim. 6.9 10. 1 Cor. 6.10 Q. Is it not a very unchristian sin to envy one another A. Yes if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not for where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work Jam. 3.14 16. Q. Since contentedness is so very lovely and desirable a vertue and so contrary to these vices which bring destruction upon men should we not study it in every condition A. Yes godliness with contentme is great gain for we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out and having food and raiment let us be therewith content 1 Tim. 6.6 7 8. Q. Is it not every mans duty to be diligent and industrious both for his body and soul A. Yes be not sloathful in business be fervent in spirit serving the Lord. It is the hand of the diligent that maketh rich Seest thou a man diligent in his business he shall stand before Kings he shall not stand before mean men Rom. 12.11 Prov. 22.29 Q. Can the sloathful and careless man expect either a present or future happiness A. No I went by the field of the sloathful and lo it was all grown over with thorns Sloathfulness casteth into a dead sleep and an idle soul shall suffer hunger Prov. 24.30 31. 19.15 Q. But must we not especially be careful to husband and improve grace A. Yes giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and to vertue knowledg and to knowledg temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness brotherly-kindness and to brotherly-kindness charity Grow in grace 2. Pet. 1.5 6 7. 3.18 Q. Will not God give more grace to him that improveth the little he hath A. Yes for unto every one that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance and if these things be in you and abound they make you that you neither shall be barren nor unfruitful Mat. 25.29 2 Pet. 1.8 Q. Are not the dangers that attend the neglect of grace very great A. Yes from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Mat. 25.29 Q. Is it not an heinous crime to despise the offers of grace A. Yes he that despised Moses Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despite unto the spirit of God Heb. 10.28 29. Q. Should not we then hearken to the voice of the Gospel which is the glad tidings of peace A. Yes see that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Heb. 11.25 Q. Is not the unprofitable servant to have a sad portion of wretchedness at judgment A. Yes cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Mat. 25.30 Q. Is not the case of that man very sad who after he hath embraced the offers of grace falleth from his profession A. Yes if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him and if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Heb. 10.38 26. Sect. 3. Of those vertues that concern our Bodies where 1. Of Chastity 2. Of Temperance in eating and drinking Q. IS not chastity a duty every man is bound to observe A. Yes for this is the will of God even your sanctification that ye should abstain from fornication that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour 1 Thess 4.3 4. Q. Is not fornication which is contrary to chastity a sin which defileth our bodies A. Yes he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body 1 Cor. 6.18 Q. Is not uncleanness forbidden in the very lowest degree A. Yes ye have heard that it was said by them of old time thou shalt not commit adultery but I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5.28 Q. And should we not guard our outward senses also A. Yes I made a covenant with mine eyes why then should I think upon a maid Job 31.1 Q. Should we not also shun all occasions of uncleanness A. Yes remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the door of her house Prov. 5.8 Q. Should we not also abstain from filthy communications and immodest speech A. Yes but fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints neither filthiness nor foolish talking Eph. 5.3 4. Q. Is it not a very ready means to yield to the temptation when men listen to such filthy discourse A. Yes with her much fair speech she caused him to yield with the flattering of her lips she forced him he goeth after her straight-way Prov. 21.22 Q. And should we not resist all temptations thereunto A. Yes and it came to pass as she spake to Joseph day by day that he hearkned not unto her to lie by her or to be with her saying how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Gen. 39.10 9. Q. Is not uncleanness a sin that clowds the understanding and makes men become very bruitish A. Yes whoso committeth adultery with a woman Iacketh understanding for he goeth after her straightway as an oxe goeth to the slaughter or as a fool to the correction of the stocks Prov. 6.32 7.22 Q. Is it not then a sin very huriful to the soul A. Yes he that doth it destroyeth his own soul Prov. 6.32 Q. Is it not very mischievous to the body also A. Yes go not astray after a strange woman for she hath cast down many wounded yea many strong men have been slain by her her house is the way to hell going down to the chambers of death Prov. 7.26 27. Q. And doth not this
redeem the World A. Yes when the fulness of time came God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law Gal. 4.4 Q. Do you believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost A. Yes for the Scripture telleth me that the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise when-as his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 Q. Do you also believe that he was born of a Virgin A. Yes behold a Virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Mat. 1.23 Q. And do you firmly believe that this Jesus of Nazareth who was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod and who did great and mighty works that was delivered by the Jews unto Pontius Pilat was crucified died and rose again that this was Christ the Son of the Living God A. Yes God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him and we are witnesses of all that he did both in the Land of the Jews and at Jerusalem against whom both Herod and Pontius Pilat with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together whom they slew and hanged on a tree him God raised up the third day and shewed â—im openly This is the Christ the Son of the Living God who is ordained to be Judg of the quick and dead Whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Acts 10.38 39 40 42 43. Acts 4.27 Mat. 16.16 Q. Is Christ Jesus the only Mediator between God and Man A. Yes for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 Q. Is Christ both God and Man A. Yes he was made of the feed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power Rom. 1.3 4. Q. Is there Salvation in any other A. No there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 Q. And is he able to save all that come unto God by him A. Yes he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb. 7.25 Q. For what end did Christ give himself for us A. Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2.14.12 Q. Are not the miracles which Christ wrought a great argument that he was sent of God A. Yes ye sent unto John and he bare witness unto the truth but I have a greater witness than that of John for the works which the Father hath given me to finish the same works that I do bear witness of me that the Father hath sent me Joh. 5.33.36 Q. Is it not also a convincing argument that all the Prophecies concerning the Messias are fulfilled in him A. Yes to him gave all the Prophets witness and those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets that Christ should suffer he hath so fulfilled Acts 10.43 Acts 3.18 Q. Is Christ a Prophet A. Yes this is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear Acts 7.37 Q. What hath he revealed to us as a Prophet A. All things that he hath heard from his Father hath he made known unto us Joh. 15.15 Q. And is it not our duty to hear him A. Yes him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Act. 3.22 Q. Is not Christ a Priest also A. Yes called of God an high Priest after the order of Melchisedec Heb. 5.10 Q. How doth it appear that he is a Priest A. From his once offering himself without spot to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people for whom he ever liveth to make intercession Heb. 9.14.28 Heb. 2.18 7.25 Q. And is not Christ a King A. Yes yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace Psal 2.6 Isa 9.6 Q. Wherein doth Christs Kingly office appear A. Christs Kingly office appeareth in making the people willing in the day of his power and in ruling in the midst of his enemies for he must reign till he put all enemies under his feet Psal 110.2 3. 1 Cor. 15.25 Q. Will any punishment be inflicted upon those who submit not to his Government A. Yes but those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Luk. 19.27 Q. Christ then will never be a Priest to save any who take him not as well for their Prophet to Teach and their King to Rule them A. No he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 Q. You then firmly believe that Christ died for our sins that he was buried and rose again the third day A. Yes for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15.3 4. Q. Was he seen of any after he rose A. Yes he was seen of Cephas then of the twelve after that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once after that he was seen of James then of all the Apostles 1 Cor. 15.5 6 7. Q. How long time was he seen of them alive after his passion A. To them also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them forty days Acts 1.3 Q. Was Christ received up into Heaven after he had manifested himself to his Disciples A. Yes so then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into Heaven and set on the right hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. What doth Christ now in Heaven for his people A. He is entred into Heaven now to appear in the presence of God for them where he ever liveth to make intercession Heb. 9.24 7.25 Q. Shall this same Jesus which was taken up into Heaven in like manner return A. Yes ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into Heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts 1.11 Q. After what manner shall he return A. And they shall see the Son
Q. Is it not very necessary for a man to examine himself well before he approach the Table of the Lord A. Yes let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. Is it not a dangerous thing to eat and drink unworthily and irreverently A. Yes for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body 1 Cor. 11.29 Q. Must we not therefore purge our selves from sin and all uncleanness of flesh and spirit before we come to eat and drink A. Yes purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Q. But must we let our soul be empty after it is thus purged from all manner of sins A. No as we must wash and make clean and put away the evil of our doings so we must learn to do well seek judgment relieve the oppressed judg the fatherless plead for the widow lest the unclean spirit return again and our last estate be worse than out first Isa 1.16 17. Luk. 11.26 Q. And will it not be dangerous to come to this feast if we want those spiritual graces which are the wedding-garment of the soul A. Yes and when the King came in to see the guests he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment and he said unto the servants bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matt. 22.11.13 Q. Should not that severe judgment make men afraid to approach without preparation A. Yes for who amongst us can dwell with everlasting burnings who amongst us can dwell with devouring sire Isa 33.14 Q. But is nâ—t life and happiness promised to the worthy Receivers A. Yes whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day for my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drink indeed John 6.54 Sect. 4. Honour due to God's name Of Swearing Q. IS it not the duty of every man to honour the excellent name of the great and glorious God A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth take not the name of God in vain Ps 8.1 Exod. 20.7 Q. Is not blasphemy or the speaking evil of God the highest degree of which is cursing a very heinous crime deserving the severest punishment A. Yes and he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord he shall surely be put to death and all the congregation shall certainly stone him Lev. 24.16 Q. Should not the Prefessors of the Gospel live up to the principles of their Religion that they may not give occasion to others to blaspheme the name of God A. Yes thou that sayest a man should not commit Adultery doest thou commit Adultery thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking of the Law dishonourest thou God for the name of God is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles through you Rom. 2.22 23 24. Q. Is it net the name of God only by which men ought to swear and that with reverence and fear A. Yes how shall I pardon thee for this thy children have forsaken me and swore by them that are no Gods Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his name Jer. 5.7 Deut. 6.13 Q. When you swear to the truth of that you know is false or to the truth of that wherein you are doubtful do you not commit the sin of perjury which God hates and will punish A. Yes ye shall not swear by my name falsly neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God These are the things that ye shall do speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour and love no false oath for this is a thing that I do hate and the curse shall enter into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name and it shall remain in the midst of his house and shall consume it Lev. 19.12 Zech. 8.17 5.4 Q. Must not an oath be taken in the plain and common sense of the words and doth not he who sweareth and hath no real purpose of making good his vow sin exceedingly A. Yes who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord he that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soul to vanity nor sworn deceitfully When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that which thou hast vowed better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay Ps 24.4 Eccl. 5.4 Q. Doth not an oath in any thing not sinful being taken oblige to performance A. Yes he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not shall never be moved Ps 15.4 Q. Is it not then a great sin to violate oaths and vows if lawful A. Yes Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant when lo he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it I will recompence upon his own head Ezek. 17.18 19. Q. Is it not a very great sin for men to make a vow to God in their trouble and when they are delivered to forget to pay it A. Yes when thou vowest a vow to God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools Better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay I will go into the house of God and pay my vows which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble Eccl. 5.4 5. Psal 66.13 14. Q. But does a vow upon the matter lawful cease to oblige to performance when the person himself is under subjection to another who protests against him when vowing A. Yes if a woman vow a vow unto the Lord and bind her self by a bond being in her Fathers house in her youth if her Father disallow her in the day that he heareth not any of her vows or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand and the Lord shall forgive her because her Father disallowed her Numb 30.3.5 Q. Since every oath we swear is the appealing to God to judg the truth of what we speak are not those vain and light oaths so usual in common discourse very sinful and a despising of God A. Yes I say unto you swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's throne nor by the Earth for it is his footstool therefore above all things my brethren swear not neither by
Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other oath Matt. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Q. Should not men then pray earnestly that God will enable them to overcome this wicked custom A. Set a watch O Lord over my mouth and keep the door of my lips Psal 141.3 Sect. 5. Of Worship due to God's Name of Repentance and of Fasting Q. IS it not the duty of every man to worship his Maker A. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture Psal 95.6 7. Q. Is religious worship to be given to God and to him alone A. Yes thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Mat. 4.10 Q. We must not then give this worship to any creature A. No and I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me see thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God and let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels and change not the truth of God into a lie in worshipping and serving the creature Rev. 19.10 Col. 2.18 Rom. 1.25 Q. Is not the only way of coming to the Father by the Son and to ask in his name A. Yes Jesus saith unto him I am the way and the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name that will I do for he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle-wall of partition between us and through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Joh. 14.6.13 Eph. 2.14 18. Q. Are we not obliged to pray for all men A. Yes I exhort therefore that first of all prayers supplications intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Must we pray for our enemies A. Yes but I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you Mat. 5.44 Q. Must we pray for the dead A. No while the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live but now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12.22 23. Q. Vpon the committing of sin is it not our duty to confess it if we would have the guilt removed A. Yes I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Psal 32.5 Q. Must we not also give thanks for the mercies we receive A. Yes what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 13. Q. But will God hear our prayers if we ask any thing that is lawful A. Yes and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. But may we pray for wealth that we may live in riot and excess A. No ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts Jam. 4.3 Q. May we pray to gain the praise of devotion among men A. No and when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Mat. 6.5 Q. Must we not take heed to what we say and not suffer our minds to wander A. Yes with their mouths they shew much love but their heart goeth after covetousness Ezek. 33.31 Q. Should we not be fervent and very zealous in prayer and not cold and faint A. Yes be fervent in spirit serving the Lord for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jam. 5.16 Rom. 12.11 Q. May we expect the answer of that prayer that is not put up in Faith A. No ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord Jam. 1.6 7. Q. Will God hear prayers offered up from an impure heart A. No I will therefore that men pray every-where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting for if they regard iniquity in their heart the Lord will not hear their prayers the sacrifice of the wicked being an abomination to the Lord 1 Tim. 2.8 Psal 16.18 Prov 15.8 Q. But will a prayer from an humble pure and upright heart be heard in the day of trouble A. Yes the prayer of the upright is his delight Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer you He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much Prov. 15.8 Psal 50.15 Psal 102.17 Jam. 5.16 Q. May we go to work in our own strength without looking to God for his help A. No we are not sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Q. But should we not then beg the aid of the spirit of God to assist us in prayer A. Yes he will give the holy spirit to them that ask it likewise the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Luk. 11.15 Rom. 8.26 Q. May not these Families and Kingdoms that call not upon God be afraid of the divine wrath A. Yes pour out thy wrath upon the Heathen that have not known thee and upon the Kingdoms and Families that have not called upon thy name Psal 79.6 Jer. 10.25 Q. Is it not our duty to be present at the publick prayers of the Church A. Yes and my house is called the house of prayer therefore forsake not the assembling of your selves together as the manner of some is but let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience Mat. 21.12 Heb. 10.25 22. Q. Ought we not also to pray frequently in secret A. Yes when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Therefore pray always with all prayer and supplication of the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Mat. 6.6 Eph. 6.18 Q.