The Art of catechising, or, The compleat catechist in four parts ...

The whole Duty of Man, Reduced into QUESTIONS To be answered by a Single YES or NO.

PART IV.

Sunday I. Duties to God.

DO you believe in God? Yes.

Are there any more God's than one? No.

Do you believe that God is an infinite, glo∣rious Spirit? Yes.

Is not God distinguished into three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost? Yes.

Are these three Persons any more than one God? No.

Is not God the Father our Creator? Yes.

Is not God the Son our Redeemer? Yes.

Is not God the Holy-Ghost our Sanctifier? Yes.

Though you cannot fully understand how these three Persons can be but one God, are you bound to believe it? Yes.

May we doubt of the truth of any thing which God reveals to us? No.

Is not God a Spirit; a good, a gracious, a holy, a merciful, a wife, and just Spirit? Yes.

Can we see God with our mortal Eyes? No.

Does he not govern and order all things here by his Providence? Yes.

Is God every where present; and does he know all things; even the thoughts of every Man's Heart? Yes.

Is not your Soul a thing of the greatest value in the World? Yes.

Are you willing to have it saved, and to pass to Heaven when you die? Yes.

Do you think that your Body shall alway lie in the Grave? No.

Do you believe your Body shall arise again out of it, and be joined with your Soul, and live together for ever, in Happiness or Misery? Yes.

If you should be damned, and go to Hell, is there any hope of ever coming out again? No.

Must you not believe in God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and love him, and sincerely o∣bey his Commands, if you will be saved from Hell, and obtain Heaven?Yes.

Are you willing to know what these Com∣mands are, that so you may obey them? Yes.

Were all Men liable to Damnation, be∣cause Adam did eat the forbidden Fruit? Yes.

Did Jesus Christ afterwards die for all Men, that so they might be saved? Yes.

But must we not believe in Christ, and re∣pent of our Sins, and conscionably obey him, if we will be saved by him? Yes.

Is there any other name under Heaven by which we must be saved but the Lord Jesus Christ? No.

Seeing we must be saved by Faith in Christ, are you desirous to know what true Faith is?Yes.

Is not Faith such a belief of the Gospel of

Christ, as makes us ready and willing to o∣bey his Commands? Yes.

Do you believe the Scripture to be the Word of God? Yes.

Do you doubt of the truth of any thing contained in it? No.

Are you willing to perform those things which Christ would have you perform, to the utmost of your Power? Yes.

If you should at any time sin against him by not performing them, will you confess it to God, and sorrow for it, and strive to do so no more? Yes.

Shall the threatnings of the Scripture come upon every one that does not repent of his Sins, and amend his Life? Yes.

Does not God promise in the Gospel great and glorious things to them that love and o∣bey him? Yes.

Shall you enjoy these Promises, unless you perform the Conditions? No.

Are not these the Conditions, That you are to believe in him, repent of your Sins, love him, and obey him? Yes.

Do you hope to partake of the good things which God has promised? Yes.

But can you hope for them aright, unless you leave your Sins, and heartily endeavour to do what God has commanded? No.

Can you hope for the Promises at all, while you resolve to continue in your Sins? No.

Should you not instantly endeavour to get out of them, and to please God, that so you may hope aright? Yes.

Though you have been a very great Sin∣ner, yet if you change your course, repent

of your Sins, and believe in Christ, is there not a very good Hope of your Salvation? Yes.

Do you love God. Yes.

Have you not great reason to love him be∣cause he is good, and great, and kind, and merciful, and willing to have you saved? Yes.

Seeing you love God, can you do less than truly to labour to please him? No.

If you love him, should you not desire to enjoy him?Yes.

Are there not two ways of enjoying God: in his Ordinances here, and in Heaven here∣after? Yes.

Is it not a blessed thing to enjoy God here, in Praying, meditating, and in hearing his Word, and receiving the Sacrament? Yes.

And will it not be a blessed thing always to enjoy him, in the glories and happiness of Heaven? Yes.

Would we have Heaven at a cheaper Rate, than one short life of Love and Obedience? No.

As you love God, so do you fear him too? Yes.

Do you fear him so as to be afraid to of∣fend him, or displease him? Yes.

Do we not displease and offend him when we sin against him? Yes.

Is it fit we should fear Man more than God? No.

Must we not rather displease any Man than God? Yes.

Must we not trust in God in all Temptati∣ons, Needs, and Dangers? Yes.

But though we trust in God, must not we our selves resist the Temptation? Yes.

And must we not pray for God's Grace to assist us to overcome it? Yes.

Do we trust in him aright, if we do not

resist it, and beg his Grace to help us? No.

When we beg in any danger or Trouble, may we try to get out of it by any Sin? No.

When we are sick, or have lost any thing, may we go to a Witch, or Conjurer? No.

In all needs and troubles must we not do this: Use lawful means, pray to God, and trust him? Yes.

Must we not trust in God for his Grace? Yes.

But do we trust aright, if we do not pray for it, and do not carefully use and imploy that Grace which we have already? No.

Must we trust in God for a supply of our bodily wants? Yes.

But do we trust aright if we do not use ho∣nest industry and labour? No.

Is all carking, vexatious, distrustful, and immoderate care, unlawful? Yes.

Is a prudent, moderate Care unlawful? No.

Must we not therefore faithfully use our own endeavours, and then look up to God for a Blessing on us? Yes.

¶ Sunday II. ¶

IS not humility towards God a Christian Duty. Yes.

Is not this humility such a sense of our own meanness and his Excellency, as may make us lowly and submissive to him? Yes.

When God commands us any thing, should not this humility make us chearfully set about it?Yes.

Is the proud Man apt to obey God? No.

Though we do sincerely obey God, should

not this humility keep us from any high con∣ceits of our own performances. Yes.

If we do entertain any high and proud conceits of our own performances, will they be acceptable to God? No.

Are not the best of our Works full of In∣firmity; and full of pollution? Yes.

Is Patience a duty towards God? Yes.

Is Patience a willing and quiet yielding to whatever Affliction it pleases God to lay up∣on us? Yes.

Can this Patience become easie to us, with∣out humility towards God? No.

Will the patient Man repine, and grudge, and murmur at that which God lays upon him. No.

When God afflicteth us, doth he not aim at our good? Yes.

Does not God correct and punish us to bring us to amendment of Life, or for a tri∣al of our Patience? Yes.

And does not God often afflict and cha∣stise us here, that there may be nothing of evil left for another World? Yes.

Well then, should we not be thankful for Afflictions? Yes.

Should we be unfruitful under Afflictions? No.

Should we be so fruitful as to examine what Sin it might be that did provoke God to sinite us; and to reform it? Yes.

When any afflictions befal us from Man, is it not by God's permission and sufferance?Yes.

Instead of looking upon them therefore with rage, and revenge, should we not look up to God, and acknowledge his Justice in the Affliction? Yes.

When God commands us to believe some

things which seem impossible to us, doth not Humility teach us to believe them? Yes.

When God commands us to do any thing which is contrary to our fleshly reason and humour, must we not do it? Yes.

Is that Condition best for us, whatever it be, which God has put us in? Yes.

Can we chuse better for our selves, than God can for us? No.

When God denies us any thing of this world, as Wealth, Honour, Beauty, and the like, is it not some way or other for our good? Yes.

Is it not our Duty to Honour God?Yes.

That is, are we not to have a very high esteem of God in our hearts? Yes.

If we truly honour God, should we do any unworthy Action in his Sight? No.

Are we not to honour God in his House, which is the Church? Yes.

Should we not enter into his House with Awe and Reverence? Yes.

Must we not Honour God in his Possessions? Yes.

What are these Possessions? are they not Tithes and Offerings? Yes.

Can we with-hold them from the Minister, without sin? No.

Are we to Honour God in his Day? Yes.

Is the Lord's Day to be spent in the Wor∣ship and Service of God? Yes.

In Prayer, Reading, and Meditation? Yes.

May any works, except works of Necessity and Charity, be done upon that day? No.

Should not a good Christian (those of lei∣sure especially) besides the Lord's Day, spend some other Days in the solemn Worship of

God, according as the Church has appointed? Yes.

Should he not keep Christmas-Day, with a thankful remembrance of the Nativity of our Saviour? Yes.

Should he not keep Easter-Day, with a thankful remembrance of Christ's rising from the Dead? Yes.

Should he not keep White-Sunday, with a solemn and thankful remembrance of the coming down of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles? Yes.

Should not a good Christian (if he have leisure) keep other Holy-Days, in memory of the Apostles and other Saints? Yes.

Can any good Man desire to be excused from celebrating their Memory, and blessing God for their Example and their Doctrine, and desiring Grace to follow them? No.

Can any good Man blame the Church, for setting apart, and appointing these Days for this purpose? No.

Did not these Apostles and Saints reveal Christ, and the way of Salvation to us? Yes.

And should we not be thankful for this? Yes.

Should we not at least upon these Holy-Days, stir up our selves to the imitating their good Example? Yes.

Are there not some Days of Fasting and Humiliation of our selves before God, to be kept by the devout Christian? Yes.

Are we not to miss a meal, to give Alms, to afflict our selves, to confess and bewail our Sins before God, upon these days? Yes.

Are not Ash-Wednesday, and Good-Friday two great Fasting-days; Days of penitential Humiliation? Yes.

Is there any Popery or Superstition, in pe∣nitential Exercises, Fastings and Humilia∣tion, on those days? No.

Are we not to Honour God in his Word? Yes.

Is not this Word of God contained in the Scripture? Yes.

Should we not read it, study it, and frame all the Actions of our lives by it? Yes.

Should we perform those Duties which God commands us there to perform? Yes.

Should we commit those things which God there forbids us? No.

Is the Word of God explained to us by the Catechizing, and Preaching of God's Mini∣ster? Yes.

Are Parents and Masters to Catechize, and instruct their Children and Servants? Yes.

If Persons have not been Catechized and Instructed when they were young, should they be content to live ignorant when they come Elder? No.

Should we frequently hear Sermons? Yes.

But will hearing only make us good Chri∣stians? No.

Must we not labour to remember, and practise what we hear? Yes.

Are there any more Sacraments generally necessary than Two? No.

Do not these Sacrament convey great Bles∣sings and Benefits to us? Yes.

Did we not enter into Covenant with God, when we were baptized? Yes.

What was the Covenant on God's Part? was it not a promise of pardon of sin, his san∣ctifying Grace, and eternal Glory? Yes.

And what was our part of the Covenant?

was it not that we would believe in Jesus Christ, repent of our Sins, and sincerely obey him all our Days? Yes.

Seeing we renounced the Devil in our Bap∣tism, may we any way deal with him, as by Conjuration or Witcheraft? No.

When Men go to Conjurers and Witches for any help, do they not in some degree forsake God? Yes.

Are the Works of the Devil all Sin, par∣ticularly Pride, Lying, Malice, Envy, Mur∣der, and tempting others to Sin? Yes.

Must not a Christian forsake all the Pomps of the World?Yes.

Are not the Pomps of the World, all Ex∣cess in Diet, Sports or Apparel; or what's a∣bove our Degree and Quality? Yes.

Are we not to forsake all Temptations of the World? Yes.

All the vain and sinful Customs of the World? Yes.

All things of the World, that may be an occasion of sin to us? Yes.

All that friendship of the World, that is enmity with God? Yes.

All things of the World, that may take off my heart from God? Yes.

Should a Christian either covet, or greedily and inordinately seek the Riches, Honours, and Pleasures of the World? No.

Must we so forsake the World, as to get or keep no part of it, by unlawful means, nor set our heart on it? Yes.

Must we forsake all wicked Companies, and all wicked Customs of the World? Yes.

Should a Christian be led by the sinful Lusts,

or the unclean desires of the Flesh? No.

Are we not to forsake all those Lusts of the Flesh, which St. Paul mentions, Gal. 5.19. &c. Yes.

Do you believe all the Articles of the Chri∣stian Faith, which your Godfathers and God∣mothers promised you should believe? Yes.

Will you labour to keep God's holy Will and Commands, as they promised in your name? Yes.

Are we not highly concerned to keep this Covenant with God, which we made at our Baptism? Yes.

Can we reasonably expect that God should make good his part of this Covenant, if we do not sincerely make good our part? No.

¶Sunday III. ¶

ARE not all Christians to receive the Sa∣crament of the Lord's Supper as often as conveniently they can? Yes.

Do we not come to the Sacrament, thank∣fully to remember Christ's Death for us, and to renew that Covenant with God, which we made at our Baptism? Yes.

Can any good Christian desire to be excused from doing this? No.

Does not the Covenant which we renew, contain Mercies on God's part, and Duties on ours? Yes.

Are not the Mercies on God's part (as was said before) Pardon of Sin, Grace here, and Glory hereafter? Yes.

And are not the Duties on our part, Faith, or a stedfast belief in Christ; Repentance for

all known sin, and future sincere Obedience? Yes.

Should we neglect to examine our seives before, wherein we have broken our Cove∣nant, by sinning against God? No.

Should we not examine how wilful, how great, how frequent our sins against God have been? Yes.

Ought not this sight of them to bring us to Humiliation and Contrition? Yes.

Is not the true Contrition, a sorrow out of Love to God? Yes.

That is, should we not sorrow because we have offended so good a Father, so tender a Saviour, and grieved his Holy Spirit? Yes.

Should we not privately in Prayer, confess our Sins to God, and mention in particular the chiefest of them? Yes.

Must we not beg God to cleanse us from se∣cret Sins, those which we have forgot, by saying with David, Cleanse thou me from my secret faults? Yes.

When we have sorrowed for them, and confessed them, may we still keep them, and live in them? No.

Must we not renounce them, and resolve to obey God better for the future? Yes.

When we have examined our selves, and confessed our Sins to God, and sorrowed for love of him, and purposed sincerely to obey him for the future; are we to believe that our sins shall be pardoned through Christ? Yes.

Must we not bring with us to the Sacra∣ment, Charity and Love to our Brethren? Yes.

May we come with malice and hatred in our hearts? No.

Must we not labour to reconcile them to

us whom we have injured, and seek forgive∣ness, and make our peace with them before we come? Yes.

And must we not be ready to forgive them that have injured us? Yes.

Must we not bring with us Devotion, and put off all thoughts of the World? Yes.

If we doubt of any thing before, should we not do well to ask the advice of a Minister? Yes.

Should we be ashamed, or afraid to discover the griefs or doubts of our Soul to him? No.

Would a good Man like us much the bet∣ter for so doing? Yes.

When we are at the Lord's Table, should we not humbly meditate on our own Un∣worthiness? Yes.

And should we not thankfully meditate on Christ's sufferings for us? Yes.

Was not Christ the Sacrifice, which was offered up for our Sins? Yes.

Could there be a greater instance of Love, than for Christ to die for us, and our Salva∣tion? No.

For this Love of Christ's, can we return him less than Love and Obedience? No.

After the Sacrament, should we not thank God for the benefits and mercies there received? Yes.

Should we forget any of our good Resolu∣tions there made? No.

Is it not very dangerous willfully to break them? Yes.

Should we not often renew our Covenant with God, in the Sacrament? Yes.

¶ Sunday IV. ¶

SHould we not honour God in his name? Yes.

May a Christian dishonour it by swearing? No.

May we dishonour him by speaking any evil, or thinking any evil of God? No.

Is not Perjury, or false-swearing, a dread∣ful sin against God? Yes.

Should not a Christian be very careful, never to swear vainly, rashly, or falsly? Yes.

Should he ever swear at all, unless he be lawfully called to it? No.

Ought not every Christian to lay to heart the great sin and danger of swearing vainly, rashly, and falsly? Yes.

¶ Sunday V. ¶

MUST not a Christian Worship God, in his Soul and Body? Yes.

Must not a Christian pray frequently and constantly? Yes.

When we pray to God, should we not confess our Sins to him, and beg his Pardon, and his Grace to amend our lives? Yes.

Should not a Christian pray in private as well as publick? Yes.

Should not a Christian in Prayer beg of God for those Graces which he most wants? Yes.

Should not the Lyar beg of God the Grace to speak Truth? the Lustful Man for Cha∣stity? the Proud Man for Humility? and the like? Yes.

Should we neglect to pray for others, as well as our selves? No.

Should we not pray for Parents, Children, Husband, Wife, Friends and Benefactors, and the like? Yes.

Should we forget to thank God for all his Mercies when we pray to him? No.

Should not a good Christian pray to God publickly, in the Church and in the Family; and privately by himself alone? Yes.

Can he do it seldomer than Morning and Evening? No.

Should not those that have leisure do very well to pray oftner? Yes.

Is it not an Honour, a blessed and a Plea∣sant thing, that we can pray to God, and beg Mercies of him? Yes.

May we ever ask of God any thing un∣lawful? No.

When we pray, must we not pray faith∣fully, and humbly, and earnestly, and mind what we are about? Yes.

May we think upon other things when we are praying to God? No.

He that would pray rightly, should he not cleanse his heart from all affections to sin? Yes.

Should we not kneel when we pray, whe∣ther at Church or at Home? Yes.

Is not Repentance a turning from Sin to God? Yes.

Should we not daily repent of our sins? Yes.

May we put it off to our Death-bed? No.

Is it not a most desperate and dangerous Madness to do so? Yes.

Besides our daily Repentance, should we not set apart some times, solemnly to humble our selves before God for sin? Yes.

Should we not do well sometimes to keep a fasting day, or to miss a meal, and spend that time in humbling our selves before God, for our sins? Yes.

Is not the afflicting our selves, or the re∣venging our selves for sin by fasting, accepta∣ble to God? Yes.

Can such revenge upon our selves for sin, satisfie for our Offences? No.

Is there any thing but the Blood of Christ that can make Satisfaction for our Offences? No.

But shall that Blood be applied to any but Penitent sinners? No.

Are not these then the steps to Repentance: The confessing our sins in Prayer to God, the sorrowing for them, resolutions of for∣saking them? and of a new obedience? Yes.

Should not a good man set apart these times for fasting, or missing a meal, and cal∣ing himself to an account for his sins, and returning to God by Repentance, as often as he may conveniently. Yes.

Would it not be a happy course if we did it once a week, or once a month? Yes.

May a Christian give divine Worship to a Saint or Angel, or to any Image? No.

Is it not Idolatry to do so? Yes.

Is it not an Idolatry to love, or fear, or trust in any thing more than God? Yes.

Sunday VI. To our Selves.

OUght not a Christian to be humble? Yes.

Is not Humility to have a mean and low opinion of our selves, and to be content that others should have so too? Yes.

Does God love the Proud Man? No.

Is not Pride then a very dangerous sin? Yes.

May a man be proud of Beauty, Strength, Wit or Grace? No.

Should we not watch against the beginnings of Pride in the Heart, and pray against it? Yes.

Should a Christian hunt after the praise of Men? No.

Should he not be content to be without it, and labour only for the Praise of God? Yes.

Is it not a sinful and dangerous thing, to thirst after the praise of Men? Yes.

Will a good Action be accepted, if it be done out of vain-glory? No.

Whenever we do a good Action, should we not seek the praise of God, and not the praise of Men? Yes.

Is not Meekness a Christian Duty? Yes.

Is not Meekness a calmness and quietness of Spirit, so as not to be apt to be wrathful, angry, and enraged? Yes.

Will not this Duty liken us to Christ? Yes.

Should not a Christian be of a meek and quiet Spirit, toward God and Man; toward Superiors, Equals, Inferiours, Friends, and Enemies? Yes.

Should a Christian be ever causelesly or immoderately angry, with any Man? No.

May a Christian in his Anger call Names, as Rogue, Rascal, Fool or the like? No.

Should not a Christian labour to prevent, and suppress the first beginnings of Rage, and Wrath, and Anger? Yes.

Would it not be a good way to do it to shut up the lips? Yes.

Seeing Meekness will so liken us to

Christ, should we not labour for it, and pray for it? Yes.

Is not Consideration a Christian Vertue? Yes.

Is not the want of Consideration the cause of most of our Sins? Yes.

Should we not often consider the state of our Soul, how it stands toward God, or whether we have reason to hope it is in God's Favour? Yes.

Is he in God's Favour that continues in a∣ny one willful sin? No.

And if he die in it, can he hope for Mercy at his Hands? No.

Is not the neglect of Consideration a dan∣gerous things? Yes.

Should we not before we do any action, con∣sider whether it be lawful or not? Yes.

When upon consideration we find any a∣ction done to be unlawful, should we not instantly repent of, and amend it? Yes.

Would it not be a good course every night, to try, and examine the actions of the day past. Yes.

And if any of them were Evil, to beg God's Pardon, and resolve instantly upon a∣mendment? Yes.

Sunday VII.

IS not contentedness a Christian Duty? Yes.

Should a Christian be pleased with that Condition that God has placed him in? Yes.

May he murmur or repine at it? No.

May a Christian be a covetous Person? No.

Is contentedness a good remedy against Covetousness? Yes.

Is not Covetousness the setting our Heart upon Wealth, or the consenting to any desires of getting, or keeping it by any unlawful means? Yes.

May a Christian omit any Duty, or com∣mit any Sin to get Wealth? No.

Can he that is covetous ever perform his Duties either to God, himself, or Neighbour? No.

Should not a Christian strive for the vertue of Contentedness, and pray for it? Yes.

Is not Diligence a Christian Vertue? Yes.

Should not a Christian diligently watch a∣gainst all Sin? Yes.

Should he not watch most narrowly against that Sin to which he is most inclined? Yes.

And must he not labour to avoid all occa∣sions of it? Yes.

Should we not diligently husband and im∣ploy all the gifts of the Soul, so as may bring in most glory to God? Yes.

May we imploy any of them in the Devil's Service, or the Service of Sin? No.

Must we not diligently imploy, and use the talent of Grace which God has given us? Yes.

If we do imploy, and husband it faithful∣ly, will God give us more? Yes.

If we do not imploy and husband what we have, will God take it away? Yes.

Must we pray for more Grace as well as imploy what we have already? Yes.

Is not Chastity or Purity a great Christi∣an Vertue, a lovely and a Heavenly Vertue? Yes.

May he that would be chast, allow himself in any acts of Lust or Uncleanness? No.

Are all acts of that nature utterly unlaw∣ful, except only in lawful Marriage? Yes.

May a Person commit any act of Lust up∣on himself? No.

Are not Incest, Adultery, and Fornication, great Sins against God? Yes.

Are not the Lusts of the Hand and Eye ut∣terly unlawful? Yes.

May our Words, or Discourse be filthy or immodest? No.

Are lustful and foul desires and imagina∣tions unlawful? Yes.

Has not God threatned heavy Vengeance upon these Sins? Yes.

Should not he that would be pure and chast, resist the very first beginnings of this Tem∣ptation? Yes.

Should he not cast away the very first fan∣cy of Lust with anger and indignation? Yes.

Should not he that would be chast, avoid Idleness? Yes.

Should he that would be chast, think up∣on any unclean passages of his former Life? No.

Should he go into the company of light and wanton Persons? No.

Should he earnestly pray to God for the Spirit of Purity. Yes.

Ought not those to marry, who cannot live innocently without Marriage? Yes.

Ought not a Christian to be temperate in Eating? Yes.

Should a Christian pamper his Body to serve his Lust? No.

Should a Christian eat for Health, and not for Pleasure? Yes.

Should he be too curious or costly in his Food? No.

¶ Sunday VIII. ¶

OUght not a Christian to be temperate in Drinking? Yes.

Are not Drunkenness and Gluttony great Sins against God? Yes.

Is it not a Sin to make any other Person drunk? Yes.

Is there not a Woe pronounced against it? Yes.

May a Christian drink so much as to di∣stemper his Reason and Understanding? No.

Though a Person can bear Drink, yet may he drink hard without Sin? No.

Should a Christian hearken to the perswa∣sions of them that would have him drink be∣yond measure? No.

Should a Christian be afraid of their Re∣proaches, that would tempt him to this Sin? No.

If he be ever reproached for Temperance, or any other Vertue, is it not a blessed thing? Yes.

Ought not every one, as he loves his Soul, carefully to abstain from the sin of Drunken∣ness? Yes.

Are they not therefore carefully to avoid that company, or occasion, in which they may be tempted to it? Yes.

¶ Sunday IX. ¶

OUght a Christian to be moderate and tem∣perate in sleep? Yes.

Is not sloth, and immoderate sleep a Sin a∣gainst God? Yes.

Are any Recreations lawful for a Christian? Yes.

Are those lawful which are dishonourable to God, or injurious to our Neighbour? No.

Must we be temperate in them, so as not to spend too much time at them? Yes.

May we set our Heart too much upon them? No.

Is not the end of Recreation to be a refresh∣ing of our selves? Yes.

Are we to use them only to pass away our time? No.

Should we play at any game meerly out of Covetousness, or to get Money? No.

May we cheat or cozen in our Recreations? No.

Ought a Christian to be temperate in Ap∣parel? Yes.

Should he not wear such as agrees with his condition and quality? Yes.

May we be proud of Apparel? No.

Should a Christian strive to go beyond his Rank? No.

Is it a Sin to bestow too much time, care, or cost about it? Yes.

May a Christian pinch his Body, either in Food or Raiment to fill his Purse? No.

Sunday X. Duty to our Neighbour.

ARE not Justice and Charity, the two great Duties which we owe our Neigh∣bour? Yes.

May a Christian spitefully and causelesly vex and grieve the Mind of another? No.

May we draw any other man into Sin by any means? No.

Is it not a great wickedness to entice any Man to Sin? Yes.

May we command any Man to Sin? No.

May we perswade or advise any Man to Sin? No.

May we assist, or help others in contriving, or acting a Sin? No.

May we lead any Man to sin by our Exam∣ple? No.

May we encourage any Man in Sin? No.

May we defend, or justifie any Man in Sin? No.

May we affright or discourage any from Holiness and Christian Living? No.

Is it not a great wickedness to have drawn any to Sin by any of these means? Yes.

Is it not sadly to be repented of? Yes.

Should we not labour to win those to Re∣pentance whom we have drawn into Sin? Yes.

Should we not labour to do it though it cost us much self-denial, and difficulty? Yes.

Is not Murther a dreadful Sin? Yes.

Can he be excused from Murther who is the cause of another Man's death, either by false Witness, or by Drinking, or by setting others at variance? No.

Is the maiming our Brother a degree of Murther? Yes.

Should not he that has been guilty of maim∣ing another, make what satisfaction he can for so doing? Yes.

As by assisting him in that maintenance which he is disabled to get? Yes.

Is not wounding and striking any Man, a degree of Murther, and a Sin? Yes.

Are not bitter revilings, or reproaches of others, the murther of the Tongue, and a Sin? Yes.

Is not malice and hatred, and ill wishes, the murther of the Heart? Yes.

In all these cases, should we neglect to make what satisfaction we are able to the Person injured? No.

Should we labour to reconcile them to us, to regain them, and seek their Favour, whom by any of these means we have injured? Yes.

¶ Sunday XI. ¶

IS not Adultery a heinous, crying Sin?Yes.

Is it not Lust and Perjury too? Yes.

Is not the spoiling the Goods of any Man out of Spite and Malice, a heinous Sin? Yes.

Can a Man repent of it truly without he make satisfaction and restitution? No.

May a Man covet to gain the Goods of a∣nother to himself? No.

That is to say, may he covet to gain them by Oppression or Violence, or any unlawful means? No.

Or by wearying them out of them by Pow∣er, or vexatious Law-suits? No.

Is it not a great Sin to oppress another by Extortion, or by taking advantages, and ma∣king them pay for their needs? Yes.

Should we not lend to the Poor freely, and without Use? Yes.

Should a Landlord rack a Tenant beyond the worth of the thing? No.

Is not the oppressing the Poor, the Father∣less and Widows, or spoiling by Violence, a crying Iniquity? Yes.

May a Christian steal in any case? No.

Is it not as bad as stealing to refuse to pay Debts, or what we borrow? Yes.

Is it not as bad as stealing to withhold what a Man has voluntarily promised? Yes.

Though a Man have promised something which is much to his own disadvantage, is he bound to make it good? Yes.

Ought a Man in Conscience to pay those Debts which he is bound for, in case the prin∣cipal cannot, or will not? Yes.

Is it not a crying sin to withhold the wages of the Servant, or the hire of the Labou∣rer? Yes.

¶ Sunday XII. ¶

IS not Robbery on the way, or plundering, a great Iniquity? Yes.

May a Christian receive stollen Goods, if he know or believe them to be stollen? No.

May a Christian buy stollen Goods, if he know or believe they are stollen? No.

If a Man conceal those Goods which he finds, and does not restore them, if he can learn out the owner, is he not a Thief? Yes.

May a Christian be deceitful, or unfaith∣ful in any Trust, whether to the Living, or the Dead? No.

Can Executors, or Guardians for Children, or Servants be unfaithful to their Trust, with∣out Sin? No.

Is it not deceit in selling any thing, to con∣ceal the faults of it? Yes.

If a Man know any faults by the thing he sells, and if the Chapman find them not out, should a Christian in Justice tell him? Yes.

May a Seller use deceitful arts, to hide the faults of what he sells? No.

May Sellers pick out silly and ignorant Chapmen to put off their deceitful Wares to? No.

Are false Weights and Measures an abo∣mination to the Lord? Yes.

If a seller find his Chapman ignorant, should he therefore over-rate him? No.

May a seller take advantage upon the ne∣cessities of him that buys? No.

Is not that Extortion and Oppression? Yes.

Should a Seller raise the Rate of any thing above moderate, allowable gains, because the Buyer greatly fansies the thing, and resolves to have it? No.

If a Seller knows not the worth of what he sells, may the Buyer take advantage of his Ignorance? No.

When a Man's Wants and Necessities com∣pel him to sell any thing speedily, should the Buyer for this grate upon him, and beat him down, much below the worth of the thing? No.

Should not Buyers and Sellers both, labour for a strict Justice in Traffick? Yes.

Does not Deceit and Injustice in buying and selling, commonly bring a Canker and a Curse with it? Yes.

Is a Christian bound to make Restitution to those whom he has wronged (as far as he can) before he can be a true Penitent. Yes.

But what if the Party be dead, must not the Restitution be made to his Heirs or Exe∣cutors? Yes.

But what if a Man have wronged so many, that he cannot now remember who they

were, is not the Restitution to be made to the Poor? Yes.

Ought the Restitution to come short of the Injury? No.

Should it not rather exceed it? Yes.

Has every Man Restitution made him, and Justice done him, when himself is satisfied, though by a Word or a Farthing? Yes.

Though this business of Restitution be so much a stranger to many in the World, ought not a Christian seriously to consider it? Yes.

Should a Christian neglect to make Resti∣tution for any known injury, for fear of shame or reproach? No.

If he find any other difficulties in the Case of Restitution, should he not ask counsel and direction of a Minister? Yes.

¶ Sunday XIII. ¶

IS it not a great sin to lessen the good name of our Brother, by false Reports? Yes.

Should a Man report Ill of his Neighbour, though he have some slight surmise that the thing is true? No.

Should a Christian be apt and forward to believe ill of his Neighbour? No.

When we hear ill of another Man, should a Christian report it to others? No

Is not the bearing false Witness in Courts of Justice, a heinous sin? Yes.

Is not railing, backbiting or slandering, a great sin? Yes.

Is not the Whisperer, that privately vents his slanders, and spreads ill reports secretly, under a great guilt? Yes.

Should any Man that would secure his Cha∣rity and his Peace, give ear to Tale-bearers, and encourage them? No.

May we dispise or scoff at another, for any infirmity of Body or Mind? No.

May we despise or scoff at another, for his Calamities or Afflictions? No.

May we despise and scoff at another for his sins? No.

Is it not a sin to judge any Man rashly, and censure him? Yes.

May a Christian bear any malice in his heart toward his Neighbour, or hate any Man? No.

May we wish any evil in our heart to any Man? No.

May we rejoice in any evil that befals ano∣ther? No.

May we take any pleasure in the sin of his Soul, or the hurt of his Body? No.

May we envy our Neighbour any good thing he enjoys? No.

Seeing the taking away a Man's good name, by spreading false reports, slandering, whi∣spering, railing, and the like, are such great sins, ought not a Christian to make what sa∣tisfaction he can? Yes.

Should not the Restitution be made, by endeavouring to restore his Neighbour to that degree of Credit, which he deprived him of? Yes.

Or, at least, should he not make him sa∣tisfaction, by confessing his fault, begging his pardon, and making his peace with him? Yes.

Can a Man be a true Penitent for such In∣juries without Restitution? No.

May a Christian tell a Lye? No.

May he not do it out of fear, to avoid danger, or to hide a fault? No.

Is it not a sin to tell Lyes by way of Story? Yes.

Or out of Malice? Yes.

Or to tell Lyes out of Covetousness, or to cheat another? Yes.

Is it not a sin to tell Lyes out of Pride, or to set a Man's self out? Yes.

Should not a Christian be of a courteous Behaviour toward all Men? Yes.

May a Christian render evil for evil, or railing for railing, by any means? No.

Is not a proud and churlish Behaviour hateful to God and Man? Yes.

Ought not a Christian to be meek, and gentle, and patient toward all? Yes.

Should not a Christian do good, even to those that hate him? Yes.

If any Enemy were in distress, should not a good Christian relieve him if he could? Yes.

Should not all brawling, quarrels, bitter reproaches, and revilings, and causeless anger, be far from a Christian? Yes.

May a Christian in his anger curse any man? No.

Is not cursing any, quite contrary to the Duty of praying for them that despitefully use us? Yes.

Should a Christian pray for them who in∣jure him, and despitefully use him? Yes.

Seeing Christ himself did so, should we not follow his Example? Yes.

Should we not bear a reverence and respect to Men of Wisdom, Piety and Learning? Yes.

May we envy those who are above us, or do exceed us in any thing? No.

Should we, out of envy, go about to lessen any man's worth or excellency? No.

Should all men bear a respect and reverence to those, that are of a higher rank and qua∣lity than themselves? Yes.

May a man behave himself proudly or scornfully towards his Betters? No.

Should a Christian supply the needs of all men, according to his ability? Yes.

If a man be ignorant and wants knowledge, should he not instruct him, if he can do it? Yes.

Should not a Christian endeavour to com∣fort them that are in s••dness and affliction? Yes.

If a man be under any slander, are we bound to clear him, if we know he be inno∣cent? Yes.

If a man be in Poverty and Need, may they refuse to relieve him, who are in Plenty? No.

Should we not labour to imploy all our abilities to the glory of God, and the good of our Neighbour? Yes.

If we refuse so to imploy them, will not God take them from us? Yes.

May a Christian refuse to be thankful to his Benefactors, or those who have done him any good? No.

Ought he not to pray for them? Yes.

May a Christian refuse to be thankful to them who reprove him, or admonish him, or advise him for his Soul's good? No.

Should not a man admonish another, when he sees him going on in a course of sin? Yes.

But then should he not do it mildly and privately? Yes.

Should we be angry with those who re∣prove or admonish us? No.

Should not he who is reproved, reform, and amend after Reproof? Yes.

If a man owe any thing, or have borrowed any thing, or have promised any thing, is he not bound to pay it? Yes.

Should not Creditors deal charitably and Christianly with their Debtors, if they are not able to pay? Yes.

Sunday XIV. Duties to Parents.

SHould not a Christian honour all lawful Magistrates, especially the King? Yes.

Should we grudge or refuse to pay them Tribute? No.

Are we bound to pray for them? Yes.

Must we obey all the lawful commands of our King? Yes.

Suppose he command us any thing plainly against the Word of God, must we obey then? No.

Must we not in such a Case patiently suffer what he shall inflict on us? Yes.

May we rebel or rise up against him for any cause whatever? No.

Must we Love and Honour the Bishops, who are the Governours of the Church? Yes.

Are we bound to have a great love, and respect, and esteem, for our Ministers? Yes.

May we with-hold from them their just maintenance, without sin? No.

Are we bound to obey those Commands of God, which they preach to us? Yes.

Should we pray for them? Yes.

May we forsake our own Minister, to go to

hear Factious, Nonconformist Teacher? No.

Are we to honour and behave our selves with respect, and humility to our Parents? Yes.

If they have any Infirmities, must we con∣ceal and cover them? Yes.

May a Child be stubborn and irreverent toward his Parents? No.

Should Children love and pray for their Parents, and endeavour to bring them Com∣fort? Yes.

Must not a Child obey all the lawful com∣mands of his Parents? Yes.

If a Parent command a Child to Lye or Steal, should the Child obey in that Case? No.

If the Child refuse to obey an unlawful Command, should he not refuse it humbly, modestly and respectfully? Yes.

May a Child despise the Counsel of his Pa∣rents, or mock at them? No.

Is it not a dreadful sin to curse our Parents? Yes.

May a Child without a great sin desire his Parents Death, for Love of their Estate, or for any other thing? No.

Should not a Child help his Parents in their needs? Yes.

Should the Child marry against the Con∣sent of the Parent? No.

Is a child bound to perform these Duties to his Parents, though they be unkind or wicked? Yes.

Are Parents bound to sustain and nourish their Children? Yes.

May Mothers refuse to nurse them, with∣out a just Cause or Impediment? No.

May Parents delay to bring their children to Baptism? No.

Is it not the Parents Duty to instruct them early in the ways of God? Yes.

Ought not the Parent to bring up the child, in some honest Trade or Employment? Yes.

Should not Parents try to make them in Love with their Duty, by Invitation and En∣couragement? Yes.

May Parents discourage or provoke them, by harsh and cruel Usage? No.

Should not Parents (if need require) cor∣rect them timely, moderately, and gently? Yes.

Should a Parent permit any vice to get the least root in a child? No.

Should a Parent watch over their souls, when they are grown up? Yes.

Should Parents provide for their subsi∣stence, according to their Ability? Yes.

May Parents provide for their children by any unjust dealings? No.

Is not that the way to leave a Curse with them, instead of a Blessing? Yes.

Should not Parents give them a good exam∣ple, by that to win them to Vertue? Yes.

Should they seek a Blessing on their Children, both by their Prayers, and their Christian Life? Yes.

May Parents consume their Portion in their own Excess, and Riot? No.

Or should Parents reserve all till their death, and let them want, or put them up∣on unlawful shifts in the mean time? No.

May Parents oppress them with harsh, and unreasonable Commands? No.

May a Parent marry them utterly against their Will? No.

Sunday XV. Dues to Brethren.

SHould Christians bear a great Love and Kindness toward their natural Brethren? Yes.

Should not natural Brethren and Sisters beware of Envyings and Heart-burnings to∣ward each other? Yes.

Should we not have a great love and af∣fection for our Spiritual Brethren? Yes.

Are not Spiritual Brethren our fellow-Christians? Yes.

Should we not join with them in holy Du∣ties; in Prayers, hearing the Word, and re∣ceiving the Sacraments? Yes.

May we despise or hate a Fellow-Christian, because he differs from us in some Opini∣ons? No.

If a Brother be overtaken in a fault, should we not do our best to bring him to Repen∣tance? Yes.

Should we triumph over him in respect of our own Innocence? No.

Should we Christians have a fellow-feeling of one anothers sufferings and afflictions? Yes.

May we rejoice at the Sins or afflictions of any Man? No.

Is the Wife to obey the Husband in all law∣ful Commands? Yes.

But what if the thing commanded be in∣convenient, must she obey him then too? Yes.

Can any thing warrant the Wife's not o∣beying, besides the unlawfulness of the Com∣mand? No.

Is the Wife to be faithful to the Hus∣band's Bed? Yes.

And faithful and careful of his worldly af∣fairs? Yes.

May the Wife strive for Rule and Domini∣on over her Husband? No.

Is the Wife tenderly to love her Hus∣bands? Yes.

Can the faults of a Husband justifie the frowardness of a Wife? No.

Does the Husband owe the Wife a tender Love? Yes.

Is the Husband to be faithful to her Bed? Yes.

Is not unfaithfulness to the Bed in either, Perjury as well as Adultery? Yes.

May the Husband deny the Wife mainte∣nance? No.

Is the Husband to instruct the Wife accor∣ding to his knowledge and ability? Yes.

Should the Husband and the Wife pray for each other, and advance one anothers good? Yes.

Is it not a great sin to marry any that is promised to another? Yes.

May those marry that are within the degrees of Kindred, which are forbidden by God? No.

If a person marry one that is too near of Kin to his deceased Wife, is not that as bad as if she were too near of kin to himself? Yes.

Must not a Christian be faithful to his Friend? Yes.

May he betray the Secrets committed to him by his Friend? No.

Should he not assist his Friend in his needs, and pray for him? Yes.

Should he kindly admonish him of his Faults? Yes.

Should we be constant to our Friend? Yes.

Is a Servant to obey his Master in all law∣ful Commands? Yes.

Ought not a Servant to be diligent in his labours as well in his Master's absence, as when his Eye is over him? Yes.

Ought a Servant to be faithful in those things which are committed to his trust? Yes.

May a Servant waste, or purlion his Ma∣ster's Goods? No.

Or convert them to his own use? No.

Ought a Servant to be meek and patient under his Master's Reproofs. Yes.

May a Servant give his Master or Mistress rude and surly Answers? No.

Ought not a Servant to be diligent in his Master's business? Yes.

Should a Servant give himself to Idleness, and Company-keeping? No.

Ought not Servants to be present at Fami∣ly-Prayers? Yes.

Ought not Masters to be Just to their Ser∣vants, and to perform what they have pro∣mised? Yes.

Is it not a great Oppression, and crying Sin to with-hold the Wages of the Hireling and the Servant? Yes.

Ought not Masters to admonish and re∣prove their Servants, when they sin against God? Yes.

And should they not exhort and perswade them to Religion and Virtue? Yes.

May Masters use Servants Cruelly and Ty∣rannically? No.

Should they not remember that they have a Master in Heaven? Yes.

Should Masters be moderate and reasonable in their Commands? Yes.

Should not Masters give them a good Ex∣ample?Yes.

Ought not Masters to provide them means of Instruction in Religion? Yes.

Should they deny them time and opportu∣nity for Prayer, and the Worship of God? No.

Should Masters permit their Servants to live idly, and neglect their Duty? No.

Should not Masters encourage them in well doing? Yes.

Sunday XVI.

IS not Charity a great Christian Duty?Yes.

Are not all the parts of it to be seriously considered, and conscientiously practised by all that will be true Christians? Yes.

Is not Charity a sincere love of God, and of our Brethren for God's sake? Yes.

Does not Charity ingage us to desire and wish good to others?Yes.

Can a charitable Man wish any hurt either to the Soul, or the Body, or the Goods, or the Credit of any Man? No.

Is not a charitable Man first of all to wish all good to the Souls of all Men? Yes.

Is it not a great uncharitableness to wish the damnation of any Man? Yes.

If we love our Neighbour as our selves, may we wish that evil to him which we would not have befal our selves? No.

Is not the charitable Man to be meek and peaceable with all? Yes.

Is the charitable Man contentions, or easi∣ly provoked? No.

Is not the charitable Man to be compassi∣onate towards the miseries of others? Yes.

Should not the charitable Man rejoice in the good and prosperity of others? Yes.

Is it not the property of the charitable Man to pray for the good of others? Yes.

Can a charitable Man be envious, or grieve at the prosperity of another Man? No.

Will not true Charity cast Pride out of the Heart? Yes.

Is the charitable Man apt rashly to judge, or censure others? No.

Is not the charitable Man forward to be∣lieve the best, and hope the best of all Men? Yes.

Can a truly charitable Man be a Dissem∣bler, or pretend a false Love? No.

Is that Charity where a Man loves ano∣ther only because he may get by him? No.

Does not the true Christian Charity cast out of the Heart all malice, and desires of re∣venge? Yes.

May Christians desire to be revenged on their Enemies? No.

Can a malicious, revengeful Man be chari∣table? No.

Must a Christian love, and be ready to do good to his spitefullest Enemy? Yes.

Should we make them any returns for their Injuries, besides Blessings and Prayers? No.

Though this seem to be a hard Duty, must not Christians chearfully obey it? Yes.

Will not Heaven and Happiness make a∣mends hereafter for our conscionable Practice of all such self-denying Duties? Yes.

Should Enemies, Persecutors, slanderers, Revilers, or any that have wronged us, con∣quer our Love toward them? No.

Should we endeavour to overcome the e∣vil they do us, by doing good to them? Yes.

Should not Christians carefully practise such a Charity as this to Enemies, though it be contrary to the customs and fashion of the World? Yes.

If any man should jeer you, or despise you for such a Charity, will not that liken you to your dear Saviour? Yes.

And is it not a blessed thing to be likened to him? Yes.

Seeing this Charity to, and forgiveness of Enemies, and returning kindnesses for af∣fronts and injuries, seems hard, would you know how much you are ingaged to practise it? Yes.

Well then, is it not an express Command of Christ's? Yes.

And should a Disciple desire to be excused from obeying so great a Command, of his master's? No.

If the Command of our Saviour prevail not with us, should not the Example of God and our Saviour prevail with us? Yes.

When we were Enemies to God, did he not send his Son to die for us? Yes.

Did not Christ lay down his Life for his Enemies? Yes.

And should we refuse to copy out his Ex∣ample, in loving and forgiving Enemies? No.

Are not our offences against God, much greater than the offences of our Brethren a∣gainst us? Yes.

Can this Charity to Enemies then be an unreasonable Duty? No.

Is it not a Godlike Vertue? Yes.

Do you not think it pleasanter to be of the peaceable and charitable Spirit, than of the malicious and revengeful one? Yes.

If we forgive not our Brethren, will God forgive us? No.

Does not the malicious and revengeful Person forfeit his Pardon from God? Yes.

Seeing God has shewn so much mercy to us, should not we shew mercy to our Bre∣thren? Yes.

Is it not therefore an ungrateful thing to God to keep any Malice or grudge to any Per∣son whatever? Yes.

But what if my Neighbour has trespassed me considerably, may I not seek satis∣faction? Yes.

But may I by any means carry an uncha∣ritable, malicious, revengeful Heart toward him? No.

Should I still be kind and loving, and cha∣ritable toward him? Yes.

Are not all these parts of Christian Cha∣rity to be seriously considered, and consciona∣bly practised by us? Yes.

Should we labour therefore to prevent and subdue all rising of rancour, and revenge in our Breasts? Yes.

Should not a Christian labour more to please God, by passing by, and forgiving In∣juries, than to please the Devil by revenging them? Yes.

Must we not shew Charity in the Actions, as well as shew it in our Affections? Yes.

Is it not a Charity to comfort them that are in heaviness as we are able? Yes.

Should we not be charitable in doing good (as much as in us lies) to the Souls of others? Yes.

May we be so uncharitable to the Souls of others, as to draw them into Sin by any means? No.

Is it not a great Charity to Mens Souls, to instruct them if they are ignorant? Yes.

To reprove them sinning? Yes.

And to encourage them in Vertue? Yes.

If we can do no other good to the Souls of others, should we not give them our good Example? Yes.

May we refuse to shew Charity to the Bo∣dies of others? No.

Are we not in Charity to ease and relieve them who are in Pains, if we are able? Yes.

Are not feeding the hungry, cloathing the naked, harbouring the stranger, and visiting, and comforting the Sick, acts of Charity to the Bodies of others? Yes.

If a Man be in danger to destroy his health by Intemperance, is it not a Charity to prevent it? Yes.

Sunday XVII.

IS there not a Charity to be shewn to the Goods or Possessions of others? Yes.

Should we not advance our Neighbour's thriving in them, by all charitable and friend∣ly Offices? Yes.

Can a Man truly love God if he love not his Brother also? No.

Is not Alms-giving or Charity towards the Poor, a great Christian Duty. Yes.

Is not this a Sacrifice acceptable, and well-pleasing to God? Yes.

Should we not perform this Duty, out of Obedience and Thankfulness to God? Yes.

Can he be truly thankful, who will not part with something to God, who gives him all? No.

Is not Alms-giving a giving back again to God? Yes.

Should we not give with a tender fellow-feeling of his wants, to whom we give? Yes.

Is there not an eternal reward, promised to this Duty? Yes.

Should we not endeavour by this means to lay up a Treasure in heaven? Yes.

Should we by any means give to be seen of men, or to get their praise? No.

Should we not watch over our hearts nar∣rowly, lest this desire to be seen of men, should steal in? Yes.

Would it not be a foolish thing of us, to miss of a glorious reward, for a little vain praise? Yes.

May we give grudgingly, or with mur∣muring?Yes.

Does not God love him who gives chear∣fully?Yes.

Is there not a great pleasure to be found (think you) in this Duty? Yes.

Should a Christian be afraid of coming to want by his Alms-deeds and Charity? No.

Nay though he should come to want by it; yet, seeing 'tis a command of God, should we not chearfully obey it? Yes.

But is there any Reason for such a Fear? No.

Has not God promised the contrary, that such shall never come to want? Yes.

Is not Charity in Alms-Deeds the putting our Wealth into God's Hands, or lending to him? Yes.

What we thus bestow in Alms, is it not the putting it into a sure hand then? Yes.

Can we think that the God of Truth will fail of his Promise to repay it? No.

Will not Alms-Deeds therefore make us rich returns here, or hereafter, or both? Yes.

Should we not give seasonably, that is, without unnecessary delays, when our Bro∣ther is in great need? Yes.

If we delay it, would not the Devil be apt to disswade us from giving at all? Yes.

Should we not give prudently, that is, most, where there is most need? Yes.

Are not those the best Objects of Charity, who are not able to labour; or have a greater Charge than their Labour can maintain, as poor House-Keepers? Yes.

Is not lending too to such, an act of great Charity and Mercy? Yes.

But must we not lend freely, and without Use or Interest, when we thus lend on Cha∣rity? Yes.

May we be so uncharitable, as to clap up poor Debtors in Prison, when we know they have nothing to answer the Debt? No.

Should we not sometimes lend to these in need, with a purpose, that if the Borrower prove unable to pay, we will forgive some, or all, as we see occasion? Yes.

Should a Christian be niggardly in Alms-giving?No.

When our brothers Necessities require it, should we not give whatsoever is above our need? Yes.

Have we not great Reason for this Duty, seeing Christ became poor for us? Yes.

Can we deny therefore to relieve his poor Members, that bear his Name? No.

Will not our reward hereafter, be more or less, according to the degree of our Alms? Yes.

Is it not pity therefore to lose much of our future reward, by being sparing in our Alms here, according to our Ability? Yes.

May not a poor Man that gives little, be more liberal than a rich Man that gives more? Yes.

Should we not do well upon our Fasting∣days (or those days which we set apart to consider the State of our Soul in, and to humble it before God for sin) to set apart something for the uses of Charity? Yes.

May a Man give to the Poor what is none of his own, or stollen? No.

Should not a good Christian abate from his unnecessary, idle expences, to give the more in Alms? Yes.

Must we give Alms, not out of Custom, but out of a true Sense of our Brother's needs, and out of compassion? Yes.

Should we Christians by any means neg∣lect to relieve the needs of our Enemies? No.

Is it not very fit, that a good Christian should do his Alms by his own hand, and not by another Person? Yes.

If we are not able to give, should we not pity and pray for them that need? Yes.

Is there any Duty which our God so often, and earnestly recommends to Christians, as Charity and Alms? No.

Are there such great promises to any one Duty as to this? No.

Is not this the Duty by which God shall chiefly pronounce the Sentence at the day of Judgment? Yes.

Will it not procure a Blessing here, and hereafter? Yes.

Is not reckoned as done to Christ, what∣ever we do to our poor Brother? Yes.

Is not Charity and Mercy one great sign of our Predestination to Life eternal? Yes.

Does it not crown all other works of Re∣ligion and Piety? Yes.

Should we neglect to perform a Duty which has so many advantages and promises?Yes.

Are not Christians to exercise Charity to the Credit of their Neighbour? Yes.

Is it not an Unchristian thing causelesly to destroy the good name of another? Yes.

If an innocent man be slandered, should we not in Charity clear him, if we know his In∣nocence? Yes.

Should we not in Charity conceal the faults of our brethren, unless it be necessary to dis∣cover them, or unless they are so notorious, as that they will be sure to betray themselves? Yes.

But suppose we hear ill of our brother, and know not whether it be true or false, should we not be apt to judge and hope the best? Yes.

Should we not endeavour to preserve the Credit of our Neighbour, as far as we may? Yes.

Should we not ever labour to do to all men, as we would have them do to us? Yes.

Well then, if we were in need, would we not willingly have our Necessities relieved? Yes.

Can we therefore refuse to do the like to others, that are in need? No.

Are we not all willing to have our good name defended? Yes.

Can we therefore in Charity, by slanders, or reproaches, or evil speakings, or rash Judg∣ings, destroy the good-name of others? No.

Are we not unwilling to have our own Bo∣dies maimed, or beaten, or wounded? Yes.

Ought we not therefore to forbear the doing the like to others? Yes.

Ought we not to be willing of our own Souls Health. Yes.

And if we love our Neighbours as our selves, should we not desire their Souls good an Salvation? Yes.

Is not Peace-making a great act of Chri∣stian Charity?Yes.

Should we not therefore, as much as in us lies, reconcile Enemies, and end their grudges and quarels? Yes.

Can those be Charitable that cause Strife and Contentions among any? No.

Ought not he that would be a Peace-maker to be a peaceable Man himself? Yes.

May not a peaceable Man go to Law in some cases? Yes.

But is he a peaceable Man who goes to Law for Trifles, or inconsiderable matters? No.

Is he a charitable or peaceable Man who goes to Law out of stoutness of humor, or contentiousness? No.

Is he charitable or peaceable who goes to Law out of Revenge? No.

That is, should a peaceable Man go to Law merely because another sued him? No.

Does not he deal most Christiantly, who is content to part with somewhat of his right for Peace-sake? Yes.

May a Christian then go to Law where the Damage is great and considerable, if he can have satisfaction no other way? Yes.

But must we not still carry a friendly and Christian temper, towards the Party we go to Law with? Yes.

Should we suffer our Hearts to be estran∣ged from him? No.

Now we have seen all the parts of Cha∣rity in our Actions, must we not shew them to our bitterest Enemies?Yes.

Did I not say before, that we are to forgive Enemies? Yes.

And is not this the way to try the since∣rity of our forgiveness, by being ready to do them good, and to relieve their needs as we have opportunity? Yes.

Should not a Christian turn out of his Heart self-love? Yes.

Is not self-love an immoderate love of our own Interests that causes us to be unjust or uncharitable towards others? Yes.

Can we perform these, and many other Christian Duties, without the Practice of self-denial, or taking up the Cross? No.

Must we not deny our own corrupt incli∣nations in obedience to the Commands of God? Yes.

And must we not take up the Cross, and endure affliction, shame, or reproaches, when we cannot otherwise perform a Christian Duty? Yes.

Can we hope to perform these or any other Duties without Prayer, and begging God's Assistance? No.

If we suffer any thing for Christianity-sake, have we not reason to rejoice in it? Yes.

Have we any reason to faint or grow wea∣ry of our Christian Duties, when there is a Crown of Glory at the end of them? No.

Shall we be losers by any thing we can do, or suffer here for Righteousness sake. No.

Should we not therefore instantly set about the performing all known Duty? Yes.

And should we not instantly endeavour to reform all known Sin? Yes.

Should we put off the serious consideration of these things from day to day? No.

Should we put it off to our Death-bed? No.

Can we delay to turn to God without in∣finite hazard of our immortal Souls? No.

Notes

• Of God.
• Of the Trinity.
• Of the Attri∣••utes of God, ••r his Divine Excellencies.
• Of a future State.
• Of the Com∣mands.
• Of Faith.
• Of the threat∣nings.
• Of the Promi∣ses.
• The conditions of enjoying them. Of Hope.
• Of the Love of God, and the motives to it.
• Fruits of that Love.
• Of the Fear of God.
• Of fearing Men more more than God
• Not to deliver our selves from any danger by Sin.
• Of Cares.
• Of humility.
• In respect of obedience.
• In respect of our own per∣formancer.
• In respect of Patience.
• Thankfulness for Afflictions.
• Fruitfalness under them.
• Of Afflictions from Men.
• Submission to Divine Pro∣vidence.
• Honour.
• Of honouring God in his House.
• in his Posses∣sion.
• in his Day.
• Of Festivals.
• of Saints-days,
• Fasts of the Church.
• Of honouring God in his Word.
• Of Catechising,
• of Preaching.
• The Sacra∣ments.
• Of Baptism.
• The Covenant of Grace.
• The Vow of Baptism, in renouncing the Devil,
• the World,
• the Plesh.
• Promise of Faith, in Bap∣tism and O∣bedience.
• Lord's Supper,
• meaning of it.
• Renewing of the Covenant of Grace.
• Examination.
• Humiliation, and Contrition.
• Confesion.
• Resolutions of Obedience.
• Faith,
• Charity.
• Devotion.
• Ʋsefulness of a Spiritual Guide.
• Meditation when recei∣ving.
• Thankfulness afterward.
• Mindfulness of our good Purposes.
• Honouring God's name.
• Of Perjury and Oaths.
• Worship.
• Prayer.
• Confession,
• Petition, for others as well as our selves.
• Thanksgiving.
• Publick and private Prayer
• Frequency in it.
• Advantages of it.
• How to pray.
• Of Repen∣tance.
• Times for it.
• Branches of it or steps to it.
• Fasting.
• Idolatry.
• Humility
• Pride.
• Vain-glory.
• Of Meekness.
• Consideration.
• Of our state.
• Of our Acti∣ons.
• Contentedness.
• Covetousness.
• Diligence.
• Watchfulness, and Industry.
• Chastity,
• Of the Hand and Eye, Tongue and Heart.
• Helps to it.
• Temperance, in eating.
• In Drinking.
• Temperance in Sleep, and re∣creations.
• Temperance in Apparel.
• Justice.
• Of drawing o∣thers into Sin.
• Of Murther.
• Maiming a great Injury.
• Wounds and Stripes.
• Murther of the tongue, and heart.
• Adultery.
• Malicious In∣justice.
• Oppression.
• Theft.
• Not paying what we bor∣row, what we have promised or are bound for.
• Not to receive or buy stollen Goods.
• Of things found▪ Deceit in trust.
• In traffick.
• Deceit in Buying and Selling.
• The necessity of Restitution
• Credit of our Neighbour. False Reports.
• False witness,
• Railing, and
• Whispering.
• Seessing for in∣firmities or ca∣lamities.
• Or Sins.
• Judging.
• Envy.
• Repairing the injury of de∣famation.
• Of Lying.
• Churlishness.
• Brawling.
• Cursing.
• Respect due to Better••.
• Dues to thos•• in any sort of want.
• To the Poor.
• Thankfulness to Benefactor
• Admenition and Reproof
• To the King. Honour, Tri∣••ute, Prayers.
• ••bedience.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Pastors,
• ••ove, Esteem▪
• Maintenance,
• ••bedience,
• ••••ayers for ••••em.
• Natural Pa∣rents. Reverence,
• Love, Prayers▪
• Obedience, &c▪
• Parents Du•• to children
• To nourish, and bring them to Bap∣tism.
• To educate and instruct them.
• Cirrection.
• To provide for them.
• Good example.
• To bless them, by their Pray∣ers and Piety.
• Natural.
• Spiritual.
• Wives Duty-Obedience▪
• Fidelity,
• Love,
• Husbands Duty. Love, Faithfulness.
• Maintenance,
• and Instruction.
• To pray for each other.
• Friendship.
• Its Duties.
• Servants Duty. Obedience, Diligence.
• Faithfulness. &c.
• Masters Duty.
• Justice,
• Admonition,
• Instruction,
• Good Exam∣ple, &c.
• Charity.
• In the Af∣fections.
• To Mens Souls.
• Effects of this Charity,
• This Charity to be extend to Enemies.
• Motives to it.
• The command of Christ.
• Example of God and Christ.
• Pleasantness of this Duty, &c.
• Charity in the Actions.
• To the Soul.
• To the Body.
• Charity in re∣spect of the Goods.
• Alms-giving.
• Motives to it.
• Manner of Alms-giving.
• Not to be seen of Men.
• Chearfully.
• Seasonably.
• Prudently.
• Lending, an Act of Chari∣ty.
• Liberally.
• Motives to Bounty.
• Charity in re∣spect of the Credit.
• The great Rule of Cha∣rity.
• Peace-making
• Of going to Law.
• Rules for do∣ing it Christi∣anly.
• Charity of the Actions too, must reach to enemies.
• Self-denial.
• Prayer, a means for all Graces.
• Danger of de∣laying our tur∣ning to God.