Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment ?

A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate ", envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour W, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his *.

Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments

of God?

A. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God y, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed z. lifted up myself when evil found is, there is confusion, and every him. Rom. xii. 15. Rejoice with them evil work, that do rejoice, and weep with them * Rom. vii. 7. What shall we that weep. i'Tim. i. 5. Now the say then ? Is the law sin? God for. end of the commandment is chari. bid. Nay, I had not known sin but ty, out of a pure heart, and of a by the law; for I had not known good conscience, and of faith un- lust, except the law had said, Thou feigned, 1 Cor. xii. 4. Charity suf- shalt not covet. Ver. 8. But sin, fereth long, and is kind ; charity en- taking occasion by the commandvieth not; charity vaunteth not ment, wrought in me all manner of itself, is not puffed up, Ver. 5. Doth concupiscence. For without the law not behave itself unseemly, seeketh sin was dead. Rom. xii. 9. For not her own, is not easily provoked, this, thou shalt not commit adulthinketh no evil; Ver. 6. Rejoiceth tery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the not steal, Thou shalt not bear false truth; Ver. 7. Beareth all things, witness, Thou shalt not covet; and believeth all things, hopeth all if there be any other commandment, things, endureth all things. it is briefly comprehended in this

81. u 1 Kings xxi. 4. And Ahab saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy came into his house beavy and dis- neighbour as thyself. Deut. v. 21. pleased, because of the word which Neither shalt thou desire thy neighNaboth the Jezreelite had spoken to bour's wife, neither shalt thou covet him : for he had said, I will not give thy neighbour's house, his field, or thee the inheritance of my fathers; his man-servant, or his maid serand he laid him down upon his bed, vant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing and turned away his face, and would that is thy neighbour's. eat no bread. Esther v. 13. Yet all 82. Eccl. vii. 20. For there is this availeth me nothing, so long as not a just man upon earth, that do. I see Mordecai the Jew, sitting at eth good, and sinneth not. 1 John the king's gate, 1 Cor. x. 10. Nei. i. 8. If we say that we have no sin, ther murmur ye, as some of them we deceive ourselves, and the truth also murmured, and were destroyed is not in us. Ver. 10. If we say that of the destroyer.

we have not sinned, we make him w Gal. v, 26. Let us not be desirous a liar, and his word is not in us. of vain glory, provoking one ano. Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth ther, envying one another. James against the Spirit, and the Spirit ii. 14. But if ye have bitter envying against the flesh: and these are conand strife in your hearts, glory not, trary the one to the other; so that ye and lie not against the truth. Ver. cannot do the things that ye would. 16. For where envying and strife z Gen. vi, 5. And God saw that

Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous ?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others a.

Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve ?

A. Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come b.

Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin ?

A. To escape the, wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, Gòd requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life “, with the diligent use of all the outward means the wickedness of man was great in 1 John v. 16. If any man see his the earth, and that every imagina. brother sin a sin which is not unto tion of the thoughts of his heart death, he shall ask, and he shall was only evil continually. Gen. viii. give him life for them that sin not 21. And the Lord smelled a sweet unto death. There is a sin unto savour; and the Lord said in his death : I do not say that he shall heart, I will not again curse the pray for it. Psal. Ixxviii. 17. And ground any more for man's sake; they sinned yet more against him, for the imagination of man's heart is by provoking the Most High in evil from his youth : 'neither will I the wilderness. Ver. 32. For all again smite any more every thing this they sinned still, and believed living, as I have done. Rom. iii. 9. not for his wondrous works. Ver. What then? are we better than they? 56. Yet they tempted and provoked No, in no wise : for we have before the most bigh God, and kept rot proved both Jews and Gentiles, that his testimonies, they are all under sin,- And so on to 84. 6 Eph. v, 6. Let no man de. l'erse 21. James ii. 2. For in many ceive you with vain words : for bethings we offend all. If any man cause of these things cometh the offend not in word, the same is a wrath of God upon the children of perfect man, and able also to bridle disobedience. Gal. ii. 10. For as ihe whole body. And so on to Verse many as are of the works of the law 13.

are under the curse : for it is writ. 83. a Ezek viii. 6. He said fur. ten, Cursed is every one that conthermore unto me, Son of man, seest tinueth not in all things which are thou what they do ? even the great written in the book of the law to do abominations that the house of them. Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth Israel committeth here, that I a living man complain, a man for should

go far off from my sanctuary? the punishment of his sins ? Matt, But turn thee yet again, and thou xxv. 41. Then shall he say also shalt see greater abominations. Ver. unto them on the left hand, Depart, 13. He said also unto me, Turn from me, ye cursed, into everlasting thee yet again, and thou shalt see fire, prepared for the devil and his greater abominations that they do, angels. Ver. 15. Then said he unto me, 85. c Acts xx. 21. Testifying both Hast thou seen this, O son of man? to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, turn thee yet again, and thou shalt repentance toward God, and faith see greater abominations than these. toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption d.

Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Ă. 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 .

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?

A. 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

d Prov. ii. 1. My son, if thou wilt ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH receive my words, and hide my con. is everlasting strength. Phil. iii. 9, i mandments with thee; Ver. 2. So And be found in him, not having

that thou incline thine ear unto wis- mine own righteousness which is of di dom,and apply thine heart to under- the law, but that which is through

standing; Ver. 3. Yea, if thou criest the faith of Christ, the righteousness

after knowledge, and liftest up thy which is of God by faith. Gal. ii. Shop voice for understanding; Ver. 4. If 16. Knowing that man is not justi.

thou seekest her as silver, and fied by the works of the law, but by searchest for her as for hid trea. the faith of Jesus Christ, even we

sures; Ver. 5. Then shalt thou un. have believed in Jesus Christ, that e derstand the fear of the Lord, and we might be justified by the faith of pel find the knowledge of God. Prov. Christ, and not by the works of the je viii. 33. Hear instruction, and be law: for by the works of the law pobyt wise, and refuse it not. Ver. 34. shall no desh be justified. in Blessed is the man that heareth me, 87.g Acts xi. 18. When they heard

watching daily at my gates, waiting these things, they held their peace, idle at the posts of my daors. Ver. 35. and glorified God, saying, Then hath henge For whoso findeth me, findeth life, God also to the Gentiles granted

and shall'obtain favour of the Lord. repentance unto life. gi Ver. 36. But he that sinneth against h Acts ii. 37. Now when they

me wrongeth his own soul: all they heard this, they were pricked in that hate me love deash. Isa. lv. 3. their heart, and said unto Peter,

Incline your ear, and come unto me: and to the rest of the apostles, Men celo hear, and your soul shall live; and and brethren, what shall we do?

I will make an everlasting covenant Ver. 38. Then Peter said unto be with you, even the sure mercies of them, Repent, and be baptized

every one of you in the name of 86. e Heb. x. 39. But we are not Jesus Christ, for the remission of

of them who draw back into per.' sins, and ye shall receive the gift of element dition, but of them that believe, to the Holy Ghost. the saving of the soul.

i Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, s John. i. 12. But as many as re- saith the Lord, turn ye even to me ceived him, to them gave he power with all your heart, and with fasting,

to become the sons of God, even to and with weeping, and with mourn. oth them that believe on his name. Isa. ing: Jer. in. 22. Return, ye back.

xxvi. 3. Thou wilt keep him in per. sliding children, and I will heal fect peace, whose mind is stayed on your backslidings. Behold, we come thee : because he trusteth in theé. unto thee, for thou art the Lord Ver. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for our God.

dent David.

his sin, turn from it unto Godk, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience!

Q. 88. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption ?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation m.

Q. 89. How is the word made effectual to salvation ?

Ă. 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 and comfort, through faith, unto salvation".

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k Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard tizing them in the name of the Fa. Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Thou hast chastised me, and I was.. Ghost: Ver. 20. Teaching them to chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed observe all things whatsoever I have to the yoke : turn thou me, and I commanded you: and, lo, I am with shall be turned; for thou art the you alway, even unto the end of the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely af. world. Amen. Acts ii. 42. And ter that I was turned, I repented; they continued stedfastly in the and after that I was instructed, I apostles' doctrine and fellowship, smote upon my thigh: I was asham. and in breaking of bread, and in ed, yea, even confounded, because I prayers. Ver. 46. And they, con. did bear the reproach of my youth. tinuing daily with one accord in the Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye re. temple, and breaking bread from member your own evil ways, and house to house, did eat their meat your doings that were not good, and with gladness and singleness of shall loathe yourselves in your own heart, Ver. 47. Praising God, and sight for your iniquities, and for having favour with all the people. - your abominations.

And the Lord added to the church 12 Cor. vii. 11. For, behold, this daily such as should be saved. self-same thing that ye sorrowed 89. n Nehem. viii. 8. So they read after a godly sort, what carefulness in the book in the law of God dis. it wrought in you, yea, what clear. tinctly, and gave the sense, and ing of yourselves, yea, what indig- caused them to understand the nation, yea, what fear, yea, what reading. 1 Cor, xiv. 24. But if all vehement desire, .yea, what zeal, prophesy, and there come in one yea, what revenge! in all things that believeth not, or one unlearned, ye have approved yourselves to be he is convinced of all, he is judged clear in this matter. Isa. i. 16. of all. Ver. 25. And thus are the Wash you, make you clean; put secrets of his heart made mani. away the evil of your doings from fest; and so, falling down on his before mine eyes ; cease to do evil; face, he will worship God, and re. Ver. 17.Learn to do well; seek judg. port that God is in you of a truth. ment, relieve the oppressed, judge Acts xxvi, 18. To open their eyes, the fatherless, plead for the widow. and to turn them from darkness to

88. m Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye light, and from the power of Satan therefore, and teach all nations, bap. unto God, that tbey may receive

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Q. 90. How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation ?

A. That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence', preparation P, and prayer 9; receive it with faith and love", lay it up in our hearts , and practise it in our lives. forgiveness of sins, and inheritance Ver. 17. So then faith cometh by among them which are sanctified hearing, and hearing by the word by faith that is in me. Psal. xix. 8. of God. Rom. i. 16. For I am not The statutes of the Lord are right, ashamed of the Gospel of Christ ; rejoicing the heart: the command. for it is the power of God unto ment of the Lord is pure, enlight. salvation, to every one that believening the eyes. Acts xx. 32. And eth, to the Jew first, and also to now, brethren, I commend you to the Greek. God, and to the word of his grace, 90. o Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the which is able to build you up, anche man that heareth me, watching to give you an inheritance among daily at my gates, waiting at the all them which are sanctified. Rom. posts of my doors. XV. 4. For whatsoever things were p. 1 Pet. ii. 1. Wherefore, laying written aforetime, were written for aside all malice, and all guile, and our learning ; that we, through pa. hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil. tience and comfort of the scriptures, speakings, Ver. 2. As new-born might have hope. 2 Tim. iii. 15. babes, desire the sincere milk of the And that from a child thou hast word, that ye may grow thereby. known the holy scriptures, which q Psal. cxix. 18. Open thou mine are able to make thee wise unto sal. eyes, that I may behold wondrous vation, through faith which is in things out of thy law.. Christ Jesus. Ver. 16. All scripture q Heb. iv. 2. For unto us was the is given by inspiration of God, and Gospel preached as well as un is profitable for doctrine, for re. them: but the word preached did proof, for correction, for instruction not profit them, not being mixed in righteousness; Ver. 17.. That with faith in them that heard it. the man of God may be perfect, 2 Thess. ii. 10. And with all de. throughly furnished unto all good ceivableness of unrighteousness in i works. Rom. x 13. For whosoever them that “perish : because they shall call upon the name of the Lord received not the love of the truth, shall be saved. Ver. 14. How then that they might be saved. shall they call on him in whom they s Psal. cxix. 11. Thy word have I have not believed ? and how shall 'hid in mine heart, that I might not they believe in him of whom they sin against thee. have not heard? And how shall they + Loke viii, 15. But that on the hear without a preacher ? Ver. 15. good ground are they, which, in an And how shall they preach except honest and good heart, having beard they be sent ? as it is written, How the word, keep it, and bring forth beautiful are the feet of them that fruit with patience. James i. 25. But preach the Gospel of peace, and whoso looketh into the perfect law bring glad tidings of good things! of liberty, and continueth therein, Ver. 16. But they have not all obey. he being not a forgetful hearer, but ed the Gospel. For Esaias saith, a doer of the work, this man shall Lord, who bath believed our report! be blessed in his deed.