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

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

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 1.

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, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption ".

Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A. 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.

viii. 21. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake: for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth: neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Rom. iii. 9. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. And so on to Verse 21. James iii. 2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.-And so on to Verse 13.

83. a Ezek. viii. 6. He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? But turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. Ver. 13. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Ver. 15. Then said he unto me, last thou seen this, O son of man? Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. 1 John v. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. Psal. lxxviii. 17. And they sinned yet more against him, by provoking the most High in the wilderness. Ver. 32. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Ver. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies.

84. b Eph. v. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the

book of the law to do them. Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Mat. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

85. c Acts xx. 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

d Prov. ii. 1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; Ver. 2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding: Ver. 3. Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; Ver. 4. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Ver. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Prov. viii. 33. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Ver. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Ver. 35. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Ver. 36. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. Isa. lv. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

26. e Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

f John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Isa. xxvi. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Ver. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace 5, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin 1, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, 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?

A. 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".

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

the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

87. 5 Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. h Acts ii. 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Ver. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

i Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Jer. iii. 22. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.

Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations.

12 Cor. vii. 11. For, behold, this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Isa. i. 16. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Ver. 17. Learn to do well; seek judgment; relieve the oppressed; judge the fatherless; plead for the widow.

88. m Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Ver. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Acts ii. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Ver. 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Ver. 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

89. n Nehem. viii. 8. So they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 1 Cor. xiv. 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: Ver. 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and

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 *.

Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. 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 the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them ".

Q. 92. What is a Sacrament?

A. 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 *.

from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Psal. xix. 8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning; that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope. 2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Ver. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; Ver. 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Rom. x. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ver. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Ver. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Ver. 16. But they have not all obeyed the gospel: for Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Ver. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. i. 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

90. o Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

P1 Pet. ii. I. Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, Ver. 2. As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

q Psal. cxix. 18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Heb. iv. 2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 2 Thess. ii. 10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

s Psal. cxix. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

t Luke viii. 15. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. James i. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

91. v 1 Pet. iii. 21. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mat. iii. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. 1 Cor. iii. 6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Ver. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

w I Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

92. Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Ver. 10. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you, and thy seed after thee; Every man-child among you shall be circumcised. Exod. xii. throughout. 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto

Q. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

A. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord's supper 2.

Q. 94. What is baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrainent, 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 of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's ".

Q. 95. To whom is baptism to be administered?

A. 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 of the visible church are to be baptized d.

Q. 96. What is the Lord's supper?

A. The Lord's supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper? A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern

you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.

93. y Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

z Mat. xxvi. 26. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Ver. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: Ver. 28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

94. a Mat. xxviii. 19. [See in letter y.] b Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

95. Acts viii. 36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Ver. 37. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts ii. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receiv ift of the Holy Ghost.

d Acts ii. 38. [See before.] Ver. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Gen. xvii. 10. [See in letter x.] Compared with Col. ii. 11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; Ver. 12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 1 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

96. e 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: Ver. 24. And, when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. Ver. 25. After the same manner also he took the cur, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. I Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

97. f1 Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread,

the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves'.

Q. 98. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God m, for things agreeable to his will ", in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies ?.

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

A. 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 The Lord's prayers.

Q. 100. What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?

A. 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 father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others ".

Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition?

A. 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 would dispose all things to his own glory 2.

and drink of that cup. Ver. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

g 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves: know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

h 1 Cor. xi. 31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

i1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? Ver. 17. For we, being many, are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

k1 Cor. v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Ver. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

11 Cor. xi. 28, 29. [See in letter f.] 38. m Psal. lxii. 8. Trust in him at all times ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

n 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. o John xvi. 23. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father In my name, he will give it you.

P Psal. xxxii. 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Ver. 6. For

this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Dan. ix. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments.

q Phil. iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

99. r 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.

8 Mat vi. 9-13. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father, &c. Compared with Luke xi. 2, 3, 4. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, &c. 100. t Mat. vi. 9.

v Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Luke xi. 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Acts xii. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: Ver. 2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 101. x Mat. vi. 9.

y Psal. lxvii. 2. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health

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