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    The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Explained, by Way of Question and Answer (1753)

    Ebenezer Erskine and James Fisher · PDF

    The Preface (Part Second)

    This second part of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism explained, through various impediments, was not published, till about seven years after the first; which is the reason, why there is an edition more of the first, than of the second part.

    In the Preface to the first part of this work, subscribed by the Reverend Mr EBENEZER ERSKINE and ME, the usefulness of sound standards of public authority, together with the divine warrant for such composures, is briefly set forth; as likewise a short account of the method, which the Westminster assembly most judiciously observe, in this compendious, and almost incomparable system of divinity, The SHORTER CATECHISM.

    Both these eminent lights, the Reverend Mess. EBENEZER, and RALPH ERSKINES, who assisted in composing and revising the first part of this Catechism, are, some years ago, removed to the upper sanctuary by death; the first soon after,1 and the second a little before the publishing of it:2 so that the charge of this second part was, by a renewed recommendation of my brethren, laid upon me. They, indeed, promised to afford me materials, which some of them did, and I made all the use of them I could.

    This performance, such as it is, was never judicially read and approved by any of our judicatories, (though several of my brethren had opportunity to peruse the most part of it, before the whole was cast off); therefore any imperfections or weaknesses that may be found therein, are not to be imputed to the body of ministers, with whom I am, in providence, connected, but to myself only.

    As to mistakes in divinity, I dare not say there are none; but, if there are, I may be confident to affirm, there were none designed.

    In this edition, there are several questions added which were not in the former; particularly, on the ceremonial law, which was the typical gospel of the Jews; and others are altered and corrected, in the plainest way I could devise.

    The words of the Shorter Catechism, from which the explicatory questions are formed, are inclosed within crotchets, [as is done in the first part], to distinguish them from quotations out of the Confession and Larger Catechism, whereof there are severals, in both parts of this treatise: and the scripture-proofs are now ranged in such an order, as the reader may see at first view, the branch of the answer, each of them is designed to confirm.

    It has been acknowledged in all ages, that the catechetical way of instructing, is the most speedy and successful method of conveying the knowledge of divine things; because thereby the truths of God are brought level to the weakest capacity, being separately proposed, one after another, with plain and distinct answers to each. If people then would be at the pains carefully to peruse, particularly on Sabbath evenings, the helps that have been offered for understanding their Catechism, they should soon have the experience of attaining some tolerable insight into the leading principles of the Christian religion; and by that means hear the word preached with more spiritual benefit to their own souls; and likewise be capable to distinguish truth from error, in many of the practical books that are among their hands: for the first principles of the oracles of God ought to be learned in the first place, and when the knowledge of these is once attained, a patent door will be opened to farther improvements; whereas, if the foundation is not laid, it is needless to dream of carrying up the fabrick. And indeed, herein lies the fatal mistake of the most part of people, that though they can scarce repeat, far less understand their Catechism, yet they imagine they may read any other divine subject, that comes into their hands, with advantage; while, on the contrary, the understanding of their Catechism in the first place, would be the most effectual and successful mean, for their profiting by what they might read, or hear, during the whole remander of their life.

    GLASGOW, May 3. 1765.

    JA. FISHER.

    1 The Reverend Mr Ebenezer Erskine, minister of the gospel, first at Portmoak, and then at Stirling, died June 2. 1754. in the 74th year of his age, and fifty-first of his ministry. There were what amounted to four Octavo volumes of excellent sermons, published in his own life-time, and a fifth after his death.

    2 The Reverend Mr Ralph Erskine, minister of the gospel at Dunfermline, died November 6. 1752. in the 68th year of his age, and forty-second of his ministry in that place. He published several polemical treatises on various subjects; but his practical works, both in prose and verse, are now collected into two large Folio volumes; to which is prefixed a preface, giving a short account of the author.

    Preface to the First Edition

    The Shorter Catechism, composed by the assembly of divines at Westminster, with assistance of commissioners from the church of Scotland, being approved by the general assembly of the said church 1648, and ratified by the estates of parliament in the year following, is above any recommendation of ours, having its praises already in all the churches of CHRIST, abroad and at home, among whom it has been justly admired as a master-piece of its kind, both for the fulness of its matter, and the compendious and perspicuous manner in which it is expressed.

    Although it is only a human composure, yet being a form of sound words, agreeable unto, and founded on the word of GOD, it ought to be held fast, and earnestly contended for, by all the lovers of truth, in opposition to the contrary errors that are revived and raging in our day; and in order hereto, it ought to be considered, that a divine faith is due to the words of the HOLY GHOST supporting it, as the evident proofs thereof.

    Nothing tends more to the advantage and well-being of the church, than sound standards of doctrine, worship, and government, established by ecclesiastic and civil authority, as ours are; because, as they are a strong bulwark against contrary errors and opinions, so they tend to preserve truth in its purity, and the professors of it in unity and harmony among themselves. On the other hand, there is nothing more galling to the adversaries of truth, than such public standards, because they are a very severe check and curb upon their unbounded and licentious liberty, being directly levelled against their erroneous schemes, and plainly discovering the harmonious chain of scripture-truth in opposition unto them.

    The divine warrant for such composures, is abundantly clear from 2 Tim. i. 13. where we read of the form of sound words, wherein Paul instructed Timothy; and Heb. v. 12. of the first principles of the oracles of God; and chap. vi. 1. of the principles of the doctrine of Christ. Besides, there are several summaries, or compendious systems, of divine truth, recorded in scripture; such as, Exod. xx. 2,—18. Matth. vi. 9,—14. 1 Tim. iii. 16. and Tit. ii. 11,—15. with many others, which are the examplars, or patterns, upon which the Christian churches, both in ancient and latter times, have deduced, from the pure fountain of the word, the principal articles of their holy religion, as a test and standard of orthodoxy amongst them.

    The Shorter Catechism sets forth the principles of Christianity in the most excellent method and order. It would be tedious to give a particular analysis, or division, of the several heads of divinity, according to the order of the Catechism: but, in general, the method thereof may be taken up under these four comprehensive articles, namely, the chief end, the only rule, the glorious object, and the great subject of the Christian religion.

    I. The chief end of the Christian religion; which is the glorifying of GOD, and the enjoying him for ever. Quest. 1.

    II. We have the only rule of the Christian religion; described, 1st, In its matter; which is the word of GOD, contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament. Quest. 2. 2dly, In its principal parts; which are, first, what man is to believe concerning GOD; and then the duty which GOD requires of man. Quest. 3.

    III. The glorious object of the Christian religion; which is GOD, considered, 1st, Essentially, in his spiritual nature, infinite perfections, and in his most perfect unity and simplicity. Quest. 4, 5. 2dly, Relatively or personally, in the three distinct persons of the Godhead; and in the consubstantiality and absolute equality of these persons. Quest. 6. 3dly, Efficiently, in his acts and operations, which are either immanent and essential, such as, his decrees; or transient and external, such as, his works of creation and providence, wherein he executes his decrees. Quest. 7,—12.

    IV. The great subject of the Christian religion, which is man; considered, 1st, In his state of innocency, where the covenant of works is opened. Quest. 12. 2dly, In his state of nature, together with the sinfulness and misery of that state. Quest. 13,—20. 3dly, In his state of grace, or begun recovery; where the Catechism treats, (1.) Of the nature of the covenant of grace. Quest. 20. (2.) Of the Mediator of the covenant; who is described, in his person, offices, humiliation, exaltation, and in the application of his purchased redemption by the HOLY SPIRIT. Quest. 21,—32. (3.) Of the benefits of the covenant; in this life, at death, at the resurrection, and through all eternity. Quest. 32,—39. (4.) Of the duties, whereby we evidence our covenant-relation and gratitude to GOD, in the Ten Commandments, as connected with their Preface. Quest. 39,—82. (5.) Of man’s utter inability to obey the law in this life. Quest. 82. (6.) Of the aggravation and desert of sin. Quest. 83, 84. (7.) Of the means whereby our salvation is carried on, and perfected at death: the internal means, faith and repentance; the external means, the word, sacraments, and prayer. Quest. 85. to the end.

    The first part of this catechetical treatise, ends with Quest. 38. “What benefits do believers receive from CHRIST at the resurrection?” containing the doctrines we are to believe concerning GOD. The second part respects the duty which GOD requires of man.

    The materials of the following Catechism, are collected by several ministers; and it was recommended to three of their number, to revise what should be done by so many hands, that there might be an uniformity of stile and method, and that repetitions might be prevented as much as possible. It has pleased the LORD, to take home to himself ONE of these three, who assisted in composing and revising of this first part; but though he be dead, he yet speaketh, and will be spoken of, for his excellent works, (which have already, or may hereafter see the light), by all these who shall have any relish or taste for sound doctrine and experimental godliness. Whatever loss the second part of this Catechism may sustain by the removal of such an able and skilful hand, the OTHER TWO make not the least doubt, but the LORD would carry on this work, with as great, or greater advantage, though they were laid in the grave likewise.

    Mean time, that what is here presented to public view, may be blessed of GOD, for the edification of souls, is, in the name of our brethren, the earnest prayer of

    EBENEZER ERSKINE,
    JAMES FISHER.

    February 1753.

    1. What is the chief end of man?

      What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. 1. What is meant by man’s chief end? That which ought to be man’s chief aim and design; and that which he should seek after as…

    2. What rule hath God given to direct us, how we may glorify and enjoy him?

      What rule hath God given to direct us, how we may glorify and enjoy him? The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament, is the only rule to direct us, how we may glorify and enjoy…

    3. What do the scriptures principally teach?

      What do the scriptures principally teach? The scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. 1. What is it to believe what the scriptures teach? It is to assent…

    4. Of the nature and perfections of GOD in general

      What is God? God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable; in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. 1. What is the first fundamental truth to be believed, and upon which all other…

    5. Of GOD’s INFINITY

      1. What is it for God to be infinite? It is to be absolutely without all bounds or limits in his being and perfections. 2. What does the infinity of God imply in it? His incomprehensibleness, immensity, and…

    6. Of GOD’s ETERNITY

      1. What is the difference betwixt time and eternity? Time hath a continual succession, the former time passeth away, and another succeeds; but eternity is an infinite immutable duration. 2. What is it for God to be…

    7. Of GOD’s UNCHANGEABLENESS

      1. What do you understand by God’s being unchangeable? His most perfect constancy, whereby he is infinitely free of any actual or possible change, but is always the same. 2. How is God’s unchangeableness proved from…

    8. Of GOD’s BEING

      1. What is understood by God’s being? It is what is usually called his essence. 2. What is the divine essence? It is the glorious and transcendent nature of God, whereby he is what he is, infinitely blessed in himself,…

    9. Of GOD’s WISDOM

      1. Is not omniscience, or infinite knowledge and understanding, inseparably connected with infinite wisdom? Yes: “For the Lord is a God of knowledge, by him actions are weighed,” 2. What is God’s omniscience? It is that…

    10. Of GOD’s POWER

      1. What is the power of God? It is that essential perfection of his nature, whereby he can do whatsoever he pleases, in heaven and earth, in the seas, and all deep places. 2. What is the object of divine power, or…

    11. Of GOD’s HOLINESS

      1. What is the holiness of God? It is that essential rectitude or integrity of his nature, whereby he infinitely delights in his own purity, and in every thing agreeable to his will; and hath a perfect hatred and…

    12. Of GOD’s JUSTICE

      1. What is the justice of God? It is that essential attribute of his nature, whereby he is infinitely righteous and equal in himself, and in all his ways towards his creatures. 2. How may the justice of God be…

    13. Of GOD’s GOODNESS

      1. What is the goodness of God? It is that essential property of his nature, whereby he is infinitely good in himself, and the author and fountain of all good to others. 2. How may the goodness of God be distinguished?…

    14. Of GOD’s TRUTH

      1. What is the truth of God? It is that essential perfection of his nature, whereby he cannot but fulfil and accomplish whatever he hath spoken; or do as he has said. 2. What is it that this perfection of God has a…

    15. Are there more Gods than one?

      Are there more Gods than one? There is but one only, the living and true God. 1. How doth it appear from scripture, that there is but one God only? From Deut. vi. 4. “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.” “I am…

    16. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

      How many persons are there in the Godhead? There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. 1. Whence is it,…

    17. What are the decrees of God?

      What are the decrees of God? The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass. 1. What doth the word counsel,…

    18. How doth God execute his decrees?

      How doth God execute his decrees? God executeth his decrees, in the works of creation and providence. 1. What is it for God to execute his decrees? It is to bring them to pass; or, give an actual being in time, to what…

    19. What is the work of creation?

      What is the work of creation? The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. 1. How do you know that the world had a beginning? The…

    20. How did God create man?

      How did God create man? God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures. 1. Upon which day of creation was man made? Upon the sixth day;…

    21. What are God’s works of providence?

      What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. 1. How doth it appear that there is a providence?…

    22. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created?

      What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created? When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding…

    23. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?

      Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created? Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God. 1. What…

    24. What is sin?

      What is sin? Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God. 1. How was man’s apostacy from God brought about? By sinning against God. 2. How doth it appear, that there is such a thing as sin in…

    25. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?

      What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created? The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit. 1. Why…

    26. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

      Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression? The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with…

    27. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

      Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery. 1. Why is man’s apostacy from God called the fall? Because man is not now where God set him at his creation, but is…

    28. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

      Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of…

    29. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

      What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell? All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the…

    30. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

      Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? God having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out…

    31. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

      Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect? The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man, in two distinct natures, and…

    32. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

      How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin…

    33. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

      What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation. 1. What is the general office…

    34. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet?

      How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet? Christ executeth the office of a Prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. 1. Is Christ expressly called a Prophet in…

    35. How doth Christ execute the office of a Priest?

      How doth Christ execute the office of a Priest? Christ executeth the office of a Priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice, to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual…

    36. How doth Christ execute the office of a King?

      How doth Christ execute the office of a King? Christ executeth the office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. 1. How doth it…

    37. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?

      Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist? Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death…

    38. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?

      Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation? Christ’s exaltation consisteth, in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to…

    39. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

      How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his holy Spirit. 1. What do you understand by…

    40. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

      How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling. 1.…

    41. What is effectual calling?

      What is effectual calling? Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and…

    42. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

      What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life? They that are effectually called, do, in this life, partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this…

    43. What is justification?

      What is justification? Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and received by…

    44. What is adoption?

      What is adoption? Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God. 1. What doth the word adoption signify among men? It…

    45. What is sanctification?

      What is sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man, after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. 1.…

    46. Of ASSURANCE

      What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are,…

    47. Of PEACE of CONSCIENCE

      1. What is peace of conscience? It is the inward quiet and tranquillity of the mind, arising from the faith of being justified before God. 2. Why is peace of conscience said to accompany or flow from justification,…

    48. Of JOY in the HOLY GHOST

      1. What is joy in the Holy Ghost? It is that inward elevation and enlargement of soul, which flows from the lively exercise of faith, feasting on Christ in the promise, “Believing, ye rejoice,” &c. 2. Why is this joy…

    49. Of INCREASE of GRACE

      1. What do you understand by increase of grace? The gradual advances which the saints are helped to make, in the exercise of grace, and experimental godliness. 2. Whereunto is the increase of grace compared in…

    50. Of PERSEVERANCE

      1. What is meant by perseverance in grace? A continuing still in the state of grace, and the habitual practice of godliness to the end. 2. Can none who are justified, adopted, and sanctified, fall totally and finally…

    51. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

      What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? The souls of believers are, at their death, made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest…

    52. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

      What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed…

    53. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

      What is the duty which God requireth of man? The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will. 1. Why are the principles of faith, in the Shorter Catechism, treated of, before duties of obedience?…

    54. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

      What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience? The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law. 1. How are the laws of God distinguished? Into natural and positive.…

    55. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

      Where is the moral law summarily comprehended? The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments. 1. What is it to be summarily comprehended? It is to be briefly summed up, in such few and well chosen…

    56. What is the sum of the ten commandments?

      What is the sum of the ten commandments? The sum of the ten commandments is, To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves.…

    57. What is the preface to the ten commandments?

      What is the preface to the ten commandments? The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

    58. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us?

      What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us? The preface to the ten commandments teacheth us, That because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments. 1.…

    59. Which is the first commandment?

      Which is the first commandment? The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

    60. What is required in the first commandment?

      What is required in the first commandment? The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly. 1. Why are most part of the…

    61. What is forbidden in the first commandment?

      What is forbidden in the first commandment? The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other which…

    62. What are we specially taught by these words [BEFORE ME] in the first commandment?

      What are we specially taught by these words BEFORE ME in the first commandment? These words BEFORE ME in the first commandment teach us, That God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the…

    63. Which is the second commandment?

      Which is the second commandment? The second commandment is, 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…

    64. What is required in the second commandment?

      What is required in the second commandment? The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his word. 1. What is…

    65. What is forbidden in the second commandment?

      What is forbidden in the second commandment? The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word. 1. What are the leading sins forbidden in this commandment?…

    66. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

      What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment? The reasons annexed to the second commandment, are, God’s sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he hath to his own worship. 1. Why doth our…

    67. Which is the third commandment?

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

    68. What is required in the third commandment?

      What is required in the third commandment? The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works. 1. What doth this commandment require in general?…

    69. What is forbidden in the third commandment?

      What is forbidden in the third commandment? The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known. 1. What do you understand by profaning or abusing of any thing whereby…

    70. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

      What is the reason annexed to the third commandment? The reason annexed to the third commandment, is, That however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer…

    71. Which is the fourth commandment?

      Which is the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment is, 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…

    72. What is required in the fourth commandment?

      What is required in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God, such set times as he hath appointed in his word; expresly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself. 1.…

    73. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

      Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath? From the beginning of the world, to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day…

    74. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

      How is the Sabbath to be sanctified? The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the…

    75. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself…

    76. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

      What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment? The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the…

    77. Which is the fifth commandment?

      Which is the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

    78. What is required in the fifth commandment?

      What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or…

    79. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations. 1. What…

    80. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

      What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good) to all such as…

    81. Which is the sixth commandment?

      Which is the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

    82. What is required in the sixth commandment?

      What is required in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others. 1. What doth this commandment chiefly respect? The life of man, which is…

    83. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, and whatsoever tendeth thereunto. 1. Doth this precept Thou shalt not…

    84. Which is the seventh commandment?

      Which is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

    85. What is required in the seventh commandment?

      What is required in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour. 1. What is chastity? It is an abhorrence of all…

    86. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

      What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions. 1. What is forbidden in this commandment under the name of ADULTERY? All sorts of unchastity or…

    87. Which is the eighth commandment?

      Which is the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.

    88. What is required in the eighth commandment?

      What is required in the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others. 1. What is the subject-matter of this commandment?…

    89. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbour’s wealth or outward estate. 1. What doth the forbidding of THEFT…

    90. Which is the ninth commandment?

      Which is the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

    91. What is required in the ninth commandment?

      What is required in the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own, and of our neighbour’s good name, especially in witness-bearing. 1.…

    92. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name. 1. What doth this command forbid in general?…

    93. Which is the tenth commandment?

      Which is the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment is, 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…

    94. What is required in the tenth commandment?

      What is required in the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his. 1. What is the…

    95. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

      What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any…

    96. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

      Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able, in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but doth daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. 1. What is…

    97. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

      Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. 1. What do you understand by some sins being more…

    98. What doth every sin deserve?

      What doth every sin deserve? Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. 1. What do you understand by the desert or demerit of sin? It is that in the nature of sin, which of…

    99. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

      What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin? To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the…

    100. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

      What is faith in Jesus Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone, for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel. 1. What are the several kinds of faith mentioned…

    101. What is repentance unto life?

      What is repentance unto life? Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from…

    102. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

      What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption? The outward and ordinary means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the…

    103. How is the word made effectual to salvation?

      How is the word made effectual to salvation? The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness…

    104. How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?

      How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith…

    105. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

      How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and…

    106. What is a sacrament?

      What is a sacrament? A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers. 1. From whence is…

    107. What are the sacraments of the New Testament?

      What are the sacraments of the New Testament? The sacraments of the New Testament are, baptism, and the Lord’s supper. 1. What were the ordinary sacraments under the Old Testament? They were two; CIRCUMCISION, and the…

    108. What is baptism?

      What is baptism? Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits…

    109. To whom is baptism to be administered?

      To whom is baptism to be administered? Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members…

    110. What is the Lord’s supper?

      What is the Lord’s supper? The Lord’s supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is shewed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a…

    111. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s supper?

      What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s supper? It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of…

    112. What is prayer?

      What is prayer? Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. 1. “Are we to pray to God…

    113. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

      What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction, is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called,…

    114. What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

      What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us? The preface of the Lord’s prayer (which is, Our Father which art in heaven) teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a…

    115. What do we pray for in the first petition?

      What do we pray for in the first petition? In the first petition (which is, Hallowed be thy name) we pray, That God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; and that he…

    116. What do we pray for in the second petition?

      What do we pray for in the second petition? In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come) we pray, That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought…

    117. What do we pray for in the third petition?

      What do we pray for in the third petition? In the third petition (which is, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven), we pray, That God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to…

    118. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

      What do we pray for in the fourth petition? In the fourth petition (which is, Give us this day our daily bread) we pray, That, of God’s free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and…

    119. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

      What do we pray for in the fifth petition? In the fifth petition (which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors) we pray, That God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the…

    120. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

      What do we pray for in the sixth petition? In the sixth petition (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil) we pray, That God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and…

    121. What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

      What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us? The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer (which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.) teacheth us, to take our encouragement in…

    Source: Part First, the third edition, “With several Corrections and Improvements”, printed by John Gray and Gavin Alston, 1765; with Part Second, the second edition, of the same year (in `notes`) (PDF)