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<div class="head">Matthew Henry</div>
<div class="subhead">Miscellaneous Writings</div>
<div class="main-just"><div class="pad2030">
<h2>A Scripture Catechism, in the Method of the Assemblies Q40-49</h2>
<hr />
<p id="scq40"><b><i>Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Was the moral law revealed to man in innocency? <i>Yes:</i> for God created man in his own image, <a id="si-Gen 1:27" onClick="return mV('Gen',1,27);">Gen 1:27</a>. Is it written in the heart of man? <i>Yes:</i> They show the work of the law written in their heart, <a id="si-Rom 2:15" onClick="return mV('Rom',2,15);">Rom 2:15</a>. Is there then a law of nature? <i>Yes:</i> Doth not even nature itself teach you? <a id="si-1Cr 11:14" onClick="return mV('1Cr',11,14);">1Cr 11:14</a>. Is that a law of God? <i>Yes:</i> for he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, <a id="si-Job 33:16" onClick="return mV('Job',33,16);">Job 33:16</a>. Does natural conscience enforce that law? <i>Yes:</i> for the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, <a id="si-Rom 2:14" onClick="return mV('Rom',2,14);">Rom 2:14</a>. Did the Gentiles sin by the breach of that law? <i>Yes:</i> what they know naturally, in these things they corrupt themselves, <a id="si-Jud 1:10" onClick="return mV('Jud',1,10);">Jud 1:10</a>. And will they be punished for the breach of it? <i>Yes:</i> they that have sinned without law, shall perish without law, <a id="si-Rom 2:12" onClick="return mV('Rom',2,12);">Rom 2:12</a>.</p>
<p>2. Has God given us the moral law more fully? <i>Yes:</i> I have written unto them the great things of my law, <a id="si-Hsa 8:12" onClick="return mV('Hsa',8,12);">Hsa 8:12</a>. Are we under that law as a covenant? <i>No:</i> for a man is not justified by the works of the law, <a id="si-Gal 2:16" onClick="return mV('Gal',2,16);">Gal 2:16</a>. Are we under it as a rule? <i>Yes:</i> we are under the law to Christ, <a id="si-1Cr 9:21" onClick="return mV('1Cr',9,21);">1Cr 9:21</a>.</p>
<p>3. Is the law of God very extensive? <i>Yes:</i> Thy commandment is exceeding broad, <a id="si-Psa 119:96" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,96);">Psa 119:96</a>. And very excellent? <i>Yes:</i> the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, and just, and good, <a id="si-Rom 7:12" onClick="return mV('Rom',7,12);">Rom 7:12</a>. Is it admirable? <i>Yes:</i> Thy testimonies are wonderful, <a id="si-Psa 119:129" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,129);">Psa 119:129</a>. Is any thing unjust in it? <i>No:</i> I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, <a id="si-Psa 119:128" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,128);">Psa 119:128</a>. Is it beyond any other law? <i>Yes:</i> what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, <a id="si-Deu 4:8" onClick="return mV('Deu',4,8);">Deu 4:8</a>.</p>
<p>4. Does the law of God bind the inward man? <i>Yes:</i> for the law is spiritual, <a id="si-Rom 7:14" onClick="return mV('Rom',7,14);">Rom 7:14</a>. Does it forbid heart sins? <i>Yes:</i> Wash thy heart from wickedness, <a id="si-Jer 4:14" onClick="return mV('Jer',4,14);">Jer 4:14</a>. Does it require heart service? <i>Yes:</i> My son, give me thy heart, <a id="si-Pro 23:26" onClick="return mV('Pro',23,26);">Pro 23:26</a>. Does the law show us our way? <i>Yes:</i> it is a light to our feet, <a id="si-Psa 119:105" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,105);">Psa 119:105</a>. Does it discover sin to us? <i>Yes:</i> by the law is the knowledge of sin, <a id="si-Rom 3:20" onClick="return mV('Rom',3,20);">Rom 3:20</a>. Does it warn us concerning sin and duty? <i>Yes:</i> by them is thy servant warned, <a id="si-Psa 19:11" onClick="return mV('Psa',19,11);">Psa 19:11</a>. Does it show us the need of Christ? <i>Yes:</i> the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ, <a id="si-Gal 3:24" onClick="return mV('Gal',3,24);">Gal 3:24</a>. And does Christ do that for as which the law could not? <i>Yes:</i> Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, <a id="si-Rom 10:4" onClick="return mV('Rom',10,4);">Rom 10:4</a>.</p>
<p>5. Ought we to love the law of God? <i>Yes:</i> I love thy commandments above gold, <a id="si-Psa 119:127" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,127);">Psa 119:127</a>. And to consult it upon all occasions? <i>Yes:</i> Thy testimonies are my delight, and my counsellors, <a id="si-Psa 119:24" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,24);">Psa 119:24</a>. And to confirm it? <i>Yes:</i> We must walk in the law of the Lord, <a id="si-Psa 119:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,1);">Psa 119:1</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq41"><b><i>Q. 41.Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Was the moral law in force before the ten commandments were given? <i>Yes:</i> for Abraham commanded his children to keep the way of the Lord, <a id="si-Gen 18:19" onClick="return mV('Gen',18,19);">Gen 18:19</a>. Was it at last summed up in these commandments? <i>Yes:</i> for the law was given by Moses, <a id="si-Jhn 1:17" onClick="return mV('Jhn',1,17);">Jhn 1:17</a>. Was the law of the ten commandments given first to Israel? <i>Yes:</i> He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts to the children of Israel, <a id="si-Psa 103:7" onClick="return mV('Psa',103,7);">Psa 103:7</a>. But are they binding to us now? <i>Yes:</i> for Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfil, <a id="si-Mat 5:17" onClick="return mV('Mat',5,17);">Mat 5:17</a>.</p>
<p>2. Did God himself give these commandments? <i>Yes:</i> from his right hand went a fiery law for them, <a id="si-Deu 33:2" onClick="return mV('Deu',33,2);">Deu 33:2</a>. Did God himself speak to them? <i>Yes:</i> Thou camest down upon Mount Sinai, and speakest with them from heaven, <a id="si-Neh 9:18" onClick="return mV('Neh',9,18);">Neh 9:18</a>. Did he use the ministry of angels therein? <i>Yes:</i> they received the law by the disposition of angels, <a id="si-Act 7:58" onClick="return mV('Act',7,58);">Act 7:58</a>. Did God himself write them? <i>Yes:</i> he gave unto Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God, <a id="si-Exd 31:18" onClick="return mV('Exd',31,18);">Exd 31:18</a>.</p>
<p>3. Was the law given with much terror? <i>Yes:</i> for it was given upon a mount that burned with fire, and with blackness, and darkness, and tempest, <a id="si-Hbr 12:18" onClick="return mV('Hbr',12,18);">Hbr 12:18</a>. Was the sight terrible to Moses himself? <i>Yes:</i> for he said, I exceedingly fear and quake, <a id="si-Hbr 12:21" onClick="return mV('Hbr',12,21);">Hbr 12:21</a>. Did it strike an awe upon the people? <i>Yes:</i> for they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient, <a id="si-Exd 24:7" onClick="return mV('Exd',24,7);">Exd 24:7</a>. And should not we be awed by the consideration of it? <i>Yes:</i> knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, <a id="si-2Cr 5:11" onClick="return mV('2Cr',5,11);">2Cr 5:11</a>. Did the ten commandments include the whole moral law? <i>Yes:</i> If thou wilt enter into life, keep these commandments, <a id="si-Mat 19:17" onClick="return mV('Mat',19,17);">Mat 19:17</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq42"><b><i>Q. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Is all the law summed up in a word? <i>Yes:</i> all the law is fulfilled in one word, <a id="si-Gal 5:14" onClick="return mV('Gal',5,14);">Gal 5:14</a>. Is that a short and sweet word? <i>Yes:</i> for it is love; love is the fulfilling of the law, <a id="si-Rom 13:10" onClick="return mV('Rom',13,10);">Rom 13:10</a>.</p>
<p>2. Is it our duty to love God? <i>Yes:</i> Take good heed to yourselves that ye love the Lord your God, <a id="si-Jos 23:11" onClick="return mV('Jos',23,11);">Jos 23:11</a>. Must we love him with a sincere love? <i>Yes:</i> Grace be with them that love him in sincerity, <a id="si-Eph 6:24" onClick="return mV('Eph',6,24);">Eph 6:24</a>. And with a strong love? Yes; my soul thirsteth for God, for the living God, <a id="si-Psa 42:2" onClick="return mV('Psa',42,2);">Psa 42:2</a>. And with a superlative love? <i>Yes:</i> There is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, <a id="si-Psa 73:25" onClick="return mV('Psa',73,25);">Psa 73:25</a>. And is all this included in the first and great commandment? <i>Yes:</i> Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; this is the first and great commandment, <a id="si-Mat 22:37-38" onClick="return mV('Mat',22,37,38);">Mat 22:37-38</a>. And is this the sum of our duty to God? Yes; for if any man love God, the same is known of him, <a id="si-1Cr 8:3" onClick="return mV('1Cr',8,3);">1Cr 8:3</a>. Must those who love God be careful to please him? <i>Yes:</i> Ye that love the Lord, hate evil, <a id="si-Psa 97:10" onClick="return mV('Psa',97,10);">Psa 97:10</a>.</p>
<p>3. Is there good reason why we should thus love God? <i>Yes:</i> Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, <a id="si-Deu 11:1" onClick="return mV('Deu',11,1);">Deu 11:1</a>. For is he most lovely in himself? <i>Yes:</i> God is love, <a id="si-1Jo 4:8" onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,8);">1Jo 4:8</a>. And most loving to us? <i>Yes:</i> we love him because he first loved us, <a id="si-1Jo 4:19" onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,19);">1Jo 4:19</a>. Will he return our love? <i>Yes:</i> all things shall work together for good to them that love God, <a id="si-Rom 8:28" onClick="return mV('Rom',8,28);">Rom 8:28</a>. And in the other world? <i>Yes:</i> for eye hath not seen what God hath prepared for them that love him, <a id="si-1Cr 2:9" onClick="return mV('1Cr',2,9);">1Cr 2:9</a>. Will you then love God above all? <i>Yes:</i> I will love thee, O Lord, my strength, <a id="si-Psa 18:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',18,1);">Psa 18:1</a>. And pray to God to give you grace to love him? <i>Yes:</i> the Lord direct our hearts into his love, <a id="si-2Th 3:5" onClick="return mV('2Th',3,5);">2Th 3:5</a>.</p>
<p>4. Is it our duty to love our neighbour too? <i>Yes:</i> He that loveth God, must love his brother also, <a id="si-1Jo 4:21" onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,21);">1Jo 4:21</a>. Can we pretend to love God, if we do not love our neighbour? <i>No:</i> he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen? <a id="si-1Jo 4:20" onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,20);">1Jo 4:20</a>. Is this the fulfilling of the law? <i>Yes:</i> all is comprehended in this saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, <a id="si-Rom 13:9" onClick="return mV('Rom',13,9);">Rom 13:9</a>; <a id="si-Jam 2:8" onClick="return mV('Jam',2,8);">Jam 2:8</a>; <a id="si-Gal 5:14" onClick="return mV('Gal',5,14);">Gal 5:14</a>. Is it the second great commandment? <i>Yes:</i> the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, <a id="si-Mat 22:39" onClick="return mV('Mat',22,39);">Mat 22:39</a>. Is it an old commandment? <i>Yes:</i> Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, I am the Lord, <a id="si-Lev 19:18" onClick="return mV('Lev',19,18);">Lev 19:18</a>. Is it a new commandment? <i>Yes:</i> A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, <a id="si-Jhn 13:34" onClick="return mV('Jhn',13,34);">Jhn 13:34</a>.</p>
<p>5. Must we have a respect for all men? <i>Yes:</i> Honour all men, <a id="si-1Pe 2:17" onClick="return mV('1Pe',2,17);">1Pe 2:17</a>. Especially for all good men? <i>Yes:</i> we must honour them that fear the Lord, <a id="si-Psa 15:4" onClick="return mV('Psa',15,4);">Psa 15:4</a>. Must we esteem one another? <i>Yes:</i> Let each esteem other better than themselves, <a id="si-Phl 2:3" onClick="return mV('Phl',2,3);">Phl 2:3</a>. Must we sympathize with one another? <i>Yes:</i> Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep, <a id="si-Rom 12:15" onClick="return mV('Rom',12,15);">Rom 12:15</a>. Must we please one another? <i>Yes:</i> for even Christ pleased not himself, <a id="si-Rom 15:2-3" onClick="return mV('Rom',15,2,3);">Rom 15:2-3</a>. Must we help one another? <i>Yes:</i> Bear ye one another's burdens, <a id="si-Gal 6:2" onClick="return mV('Gal',6,2);">Gal 6:2</a>. Must we do good to one another? <i>Yes:</i> as we have opportunity we must do good to all men, <a id="si-Gal 6:10" onClick="return mV('Gal',6,10);">Gal 6:10</a>. Must we pray for one another? <i>Yes:</i> Pray one for another that ye may be healed <a id="si-Jam 5:16" onClick="return mV('Jam',5,16);">Jam 5:16</a>. Must we love even our enemies? <i>Yes:</i> Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, <a id="si-Mat 5:44" onClick="return mV('Mat',5,44);">Mat 5:44</a>.</p>
<p>6. Must you hurt nobody in word or deed? <i>No:</i> A citizen of Sion doeth not evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour, <a id="si-Psa 15:3" onClick="return mV('Psa',15,3);">Psa 15:3</a>. Must you be true and just in all your dealings? <i>Yes:</i> that which is altogether just shall thou follow, <a id="si-Deu 16:20" onClick="return mV('Deu',16,20);">Deu 16:20</a>. Must you bear no malice or hatred in your heart? <i>No:</i> for whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, <a id="si-1Jo 3:15" onClick="return mV('1Jo',3,15);">1Jo 3:15</a>.</p>
<p>7. Are we to love our neighbour as ourselves? <i>Yes:</i> for we are members one of another, <a id="si-Eph 4:25" onClick="return mV('Eph',4,25);">Eph 4:25</a>. As truly as we love ourselves? <i>Yes:</i> Let love be without dissimulation, <a id="si-Rom 12:9" onClick="return mV('Rom',12,9);">Rom 12:9</a>. And as fruitfully? <i>Yes:</i> Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, <a id="si-1Cr 10:33" onClick="return mV('1Cr',10,33);">1Cr 10:33</a>. And as constantly as we love ourselves? <i>Yes:</i> Let brotherly love continue, <a id="si-Hbr 13:1" onClick="return mV('Hbr',13,1);">Hbr 13:1</a>. Ought we therefore to do as we would be done by? <i>Yes:</i> Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do you even so to them, <a id="si-Mat 7:12" onClick="return mV('Mat',7,12);">Mat 7:12</a>. Should we in our places promote Christian love? <i>Yes:</i> for every one that loveth is born of God, <a id="si-1Jo 4:7" onClick="return mV('1Jo',4,7);">1Jo 4:7</a>. And will this be our comfort? <i>Yes:</i> Live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you, <a id="si-2Cr 13:11" onClick="return mV('2Cr',13,11);">2Cr 13:11</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq43"><b><i>Q. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Did God himself speak the ten commandments? <i>Yes:</i> God spake all these words, saying, <a id="si-Exd 20:1" onClick="return mV('Exd',20,1);">Exd 20:1</a>. Was it fit they should be introduced with a solemn preface? <i>Yes:</i> Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken, <a id="si-Isa 1:2" onClick="return mV('Isa',1,2);">Isa 1:2</a>. Did he therein assert his own authority? <i>Yes:</i> I am the Lord thy God. Did he remind them of the great things he had lately done for them <i>Yes:</i> I am the Lord thy God, from the land of Egypt, <a id="si-Hsa 12:9" onClick="return mV('Hsa',12,9);">Hsa 12:9</a>.</p>
<p>2. Was the condition of Israel in Egypt very miserable? <i>Yes:</i> for the Egyptians made them to serve with rigour, <a id="si-Exd 1:13" onClick="return mV('Exd',1,13);">Exd 1:13</a>. Did God bring them out of Egypt? <i>Yes:</i> He brought Israel from among them, for his mercy endureth for ever, <a id="si-Psa 136:11" onClick="return mV('Psa',136,11);">Psa 136:11</a>. Did he do it miraculously? <i>Yes:</i> With a strong hand, and a stretched-out arm, for his mercy endureth for ever, <a id="si-Psa 136:12" onClick="return mV('Psa',136,12);">Psa 136:12</a>. Did this oblige them to keep his commandments? <i>Yes:</i> When I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I said, Obey my voice, <a id="si-Jer 7:22-23" onClick="return mV('Jer',7,22,23);">Jer 7:22-23</a>. But does this concern us? <i>Yes:</i> for unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, <a id="si-Hbr 4:2" onClick="return mV('Hbr',4,2);">Hbr 4:2</a>. For is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? <i>Yes:</i> of the Gentiles also, <a id="si-Rom 3:29" onClick="return mV('Rom',3,29);">Rom 3:29</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq44"><b><i>Q. 44. What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all God's commandments.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Is God the Lord Jehovah? <i>Yes:</i> I am the Lord, that is my name, <a id="si-Isa 43:8" onClick="return mV('Isa',43,8);">Isa 43:8</a>. Is that a reason why we should keep his commandments? <i>Yes:</i> Ye shall observe all my statutes, and do them, I am the Lord, <a id="si-Lev 19:37" onClick="return mV('Lev',19,37);">Lev 19:37</a>. Is he our God? <i>Yes:</i> He is thy praise, and he is thy God, <a id="si-Deu 10:21" onClick="return mV('Deu',10,21);">Deu 10:21</a>. Is that a reason why we should keep his commandments? <i>Yes:</i> for all people will walk every one in the name of their God, <a id="si-Mic 4:5" onClick="return mV('Mic',4,5);">Mic 4:5</a>; <a id="si-Psa 95:7" onClick="return mV('Psa',95,7);">Psa 95:7</a>.</p>
<p>2. Is he our Redeemer? <i>Yes:</i> Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, <a id="si-Isa 63:16" onClick="return mV('Isa',63,16);">Isa 63:16</a>. Has he redeemed us from outward troubles? <i>Yes:</i> Behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, <a id="si-Jos 14:10" onClick="return mV('Jos',14,10);">Jos 14:10</a>. And are we therefore bound to keep his commandments? <i>Yes:</i> Truly, I am thy servant, thou hast loosed my bonds, <a id="si-Psa 116:16" onClick="return mV('Psa',116,16);">Psa 116:16</a>. And are we very ungrateful if we do not? <i>Yes:</i> Now thou hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments? <a id="si-Ezr 9:13-14" onClick="return mV('Ezr',9,13,14);">Ezr 9:13-14</a>.</p>
<p>3. Has God brought us out of a spiritual Egypt? <i>Yes:</i> for Christ proclaims liberty to the captives, <a id="si-Isa 61:1" onClick="return mV('Isa',61,1);">Isa 61:1</a>. Are we delivered from the bonds of sin? <i>Yes:</i> He shall redeem Israel from all their iniquities, <a id="si-Psa 130:8" onClick="return mV('Psa',130,8);">Psa 130:8</a>. And is our deliverance by Christ greater than theirs out of Egypt? <i>Yes:</i> for if the Son make you free, then you shall be free indeed, <a id="si-Jhn 8:36" onClick="return mV('Jhn',8,36);">Jhn 8:36</a>. And are we therefore bound to keep all his commandments? <i>Yes:</i> for we are delivered out of the hands of our enemies, that we might serve him, <a id="si-Luk 1:74-75" onClick="return mV('Luk',1,74,75);">Luk 1:74-75</a>. And was this the design of our redemption? <i>Yes:</i> He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, <a id="si-Tts 2:14" onClick="return mV('Tts',2,14);">Tts 2:14</a>. Is there then all the reason in the world why we should be religious? <i>Yes:</i> Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, <a id="si-Isa 1:18" onClick="return mV('Isa',1,18);">Isa 1:18</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq45"><b><i>Q. 45. What is the first commandment?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Is it an essential duty of religion to worship God? <i>Yes:</i> for those have no hope that are without God in the world <a id="si-Eph 2:12" onClick="return mV('Eph',2,12);">Eph 2:12</a>. Are we concerned to be right in the object of our worship? <i>Yes:</i> We must know what we worship, <a id="si-Jhn 4:22" onClick="return mV('Jhn',4,22);">Jhn 4:22</a>. Does the first commandment direct us in this? <i>Yes:</i> for the first of all the commandments is this, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, <a id="si-Mar 12:29" onClick="return mV('Mar',12,29);">Mar 12:29</a>.</p>
<p>2. Does God lay a stress upon our having him for our God? <i>Yes:</i> Hear, O my people, and I will speak; I am God, even thy God, <a id="si-Psa 50:7" onClick="return mV('Psa',50,7);">Psa 50:7</a>. And upon our having him only? <i>Yes:</i> Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee; there shall no strange god be in thee, neither shall thou worship any strange god, <a id="si-Psa 81:8-9" onClick="return mV('Psa',81,8,9);">Psa 81:8-9</a>. Did Israel need this commandment? <i>Yes:</i> for their fathers served other gods, <a id="si-Jos 24:2" onClick="return mV('Jos',24,2);">Jos 24:2</a>. And were they tempted to serve other gods? <i>Yes:</i> the gods of the people that were round about them, <a id="si-Deu 13:7" onClick="return mV('Deu',13,7);">Deu 13:7</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq46"><b><i>Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Does that which forbids us to have any other gods, require us to have the true God? <i>Yes:</i> Put away the strange gods, and serve the Lord only, <a id="si-1Sa 7:3-4" onClick="return mV('1Sa',7,3,4);">1Sa 7:3-4</a>. Is it our duty to acknowledge God? <i>Yes:</i> The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God, <a id="si-1Ki 18:39" onClick="return mV('1Ki',18,39);">1Ki 18:39</a>. And must we acknowledge him to be the only true God? <i>Yes:</i> Thou art the God, even thou alone, <a id="si-2Ki 19:15" onClick="return mV('2Ki',19,15);">2Ki 19:15</a>.</p>
<p>2. Is it our duty to acquaint ourselves with him? <i>Yes:</i> Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace, <a id="si-Job 22:21" onClick="return mV('Job',22,21);">Job 22:21</a>. Must we grow in that acquaintance? <i>Yes:</i> increasing in the knowledge of God, <a id="si-Col 1:10" onClick="return mV('Col',1,10);">Col 1:10</a>. And may we attain to it? <i>Yes:</i> then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, <a id="si-Hsa 6:3" onClick="return mV('Hsa',6,3);">Hsa 6:3</a>.</p>
<p>3. Must we accept of God for our God? <i>Yes:</i> Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, <a id="si-Deu 26:17-17" onClick="return mV('Deu',26,17,18);">Deu 26:17-17</a>. And must we join ourselves to him? <i>Yes:</i> Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, <a id="si-Jer 50:5" onClick="return mV('Jer',50,5);">Jer 50:5</a>. And consent to be his? <i>Yes:</i> O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant, <a id="si-Psa 116:16" onClick="return mV('Psa',116,16);">Psa 116:16</a>. Must we take God the Father to be our chief good and highest end? <i>Yes:</i> O God, thou art my God, <a id="si-Psa 63:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',63,1);">Psa 63:1</a>. And God the Son to be our Prince and Saviour? <i>Yes:</i> My Lord and my God, <a id="si-Jhn 20:28" onClick="return mV('Jhn',20,28);">Jhn 20:28</a>. And God the Holy Ghost to be our sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter? <i>Yes:</i> for they that are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God, <a id="si-Rom 8:14" onClick="return mV('Rom',8,14);">Rom 8:14</a>. Must we renounce all others? <i>Yes:</i> For by thee only will we make mention of thy name, <a id="si-Isa 26:13" onClick="return mV('Isa',26,13);">Isa 26:13</a>. Must we do this deliberately? <i>Yes:</i> Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, <a id="si-Jos 24:15" onClick="return mV('Jos',24,15);">Jos 24:15</a>. Must we do it solemnly? <i>Yes:</i> One shall say, I am the Lord's and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, <a id="si-Isa 44:5" onClick="return mV('Isa',44,5);">Isa 44:5</a>. Must we do it resolutely? <i>Yes:</i> Nay, but we will serve the Lord, <a id="si-Jos 24:21" onClick="return mV('Jos',24,21);">Jos 24:21</a>. May we be at liberty to change our Master? <i>No:</i> but with purpose of heart must cleave to the Lord, <a id="si-Act 11:23" onClick="return mV('Act',11,23);">Act 11:23</a>.</p>
<p>4. When we have avouched the Lord for our God, must we apply ourselves to him? <i>Yes:</i> If the Lord be God, then follow him, <a id="si-1Ki 18:21" onClick="return mV('1Ki',18,21);">1Ki 18:21</a>. Must we glorify him accordingly? <i>Yes:</i> Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, <a id="si-Psa 39:2" onClick="return mV('Psa',39,2);">Psa 39:2</a>. Must we worship him? <i>Yes:</i> Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve, <a id="si-Mat 4:10" onClick="return mV('Mat',4,10);">Mat 4:10</a>. Must we worship him with inward worship? <i>Yes:</i> we must serve him with our spirits, <a id="si-Rom 1:9" onClick="return mV('Rom',1,9);">Rom 1:9</a>. Is that the worship he requires? <i>Yes:</i> for such the Father seeks to worship him, <a id="si-Jhn 4:28" onClick="return mV('Jhn',4,28);">Jhn 4:28</a>.</p>
<p>5. Must we remember God? <i>Yes:</i> Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, <a id="si-Ecc 12:1" onClick="return mV('Ecc',12,1);">Ecc 12:1</a>. And think of him with delight? <i>Yes:</i> My meditation of him shall be sweet, <a id="si-Psa 104:34" onClick="return mV('Psa',104,34);">Psa 104:34</a>. Must we adore and admire him? <i>Yes:</i> Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? <a id="si-Exd 15:11" onClick="return mV('Exd',15,11);">Exd 15:11</a>. Must we fear him above all? <i>Yes:</i> Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread, <a id="si-Isa 8:13" onClick="return mV('Isa',8,13);">Isa 8:13</a>. And reverence him? <i>Yes:</i> he is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. <a id="si-Psa 89:7" onClick="return mV('Psa',89,7);">Psa 89:7</a>. Must we submit to his word? <i>Yes:</i> Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears, <a id="si-1Sa 3:9" onClick="return mV('1Sa',3,9);">1Sa 3:9</a>. And submit to his will? <i>Yes:</i> It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, <a id="si-1Sa 3:18" onClick="return mV('1Sa',3,18);">1Sa 3:18</a>.</p>
<p>6. Must we love God above all? <i>Yes:</i> O love the Lord all ye his saints, <a id="si-Psa 31:23" onClick="return mV('Psa',31,23);">Psa 31:23</a>. Must our desire be towards him? <i>Yes:</i> So panteth my soul after thee O God, <a id="si-Psa 43:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',43,1);">Psa 43:1</a>. Must our delight be in him? <i>Yes:</i> Delight thyself always in the Lord, <a id="si-Psa 37:4" onClick="return mV('Psa',37,4);">Psa 37:4</a>. Must our dependence be upon him? <i>Yes:</i> In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, <a id="si-Psa 31:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',31,1);">Psa 31:1</a>.</p>
<p>7. Must we live a life of communion with God? <i>Yes:</i> Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord, <a id="si-Psa 25:15" onClick="return mV('Psa',25,15);">Psa 25:15</a>. And a life of complacency in him? <i>Yes:</i> Rejoice in the Lord always, <a id="si-Phl 4:4" onClick="return mV('Phl',4,4);">Phl 4:4</a>. And a life of conformity to him? <i>Yes:</i> Be ye holy, for I am holy, <a id="si-1Pe 1:16" onClick="return mV('1Pe',1,16);">1Pe 1:16</a>. And a life of confidence in him? <i>Yes:</i> Commit thy way unto the Lord, <a id="si-Psa 37:5" onClick="return mV('Psa',37,5);">Psa 37:5</a>. And a life of regard to him? <i>Yes:</i> In all thy ways acknowledge him, <a id="si-Pro 3:6" onClick="return mV('Pro',3,6);">Pro 3:6</a>. Must our hearts go out towards him? <i>Yes:</i> Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, <a id="si-Psa 25:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',25,1);">Psa 25:1</a>. And must we have him always in our eye? Yes; I have set the Lord always before me, <a id="si-Psa 16:8" onClick="return mV('Psa',16,8);">Psa 16:8</a>. And must we walk with him in the whole course of our conversation? <i>Yes:</i> as Enoch walked with God, <a id="si-Gen 5:24" onClick="return mV('Gen',5,24);">Gen 5:24</a>. And is this inward worship the life of religion? <i>Yes:</i> it is better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices, <a id="si-Mar 12:33" onClick="return mV('Mar',12,33);">Mar 12:33</a>.</p>
<hr />
<p id="scq47"><b><i>Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying, the true God, as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone.</i></b></p>
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<p>1. Is it a great sin to deny the being of God? <i>Yes:</i> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God, <a id="si-Psa 14:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',14,1);">Psa 14:1</a>. Or to deny his omniscience? <i>Yes:</i> they say, The Lord shall not see, <a id="si-Psa 94:7" onClick="return mV('Psa',94,7);">Psa 94:7</a>. Or to deny his justice? <i>Yes:</i> He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it, <a id="si-Psa 10:13" onClick="return mV('Psa',10,13);">Psa 10:13</a>. Or his holiness? <i>Yes:</i> Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself, <a id="si-Psa 50:21" onClick="return mV('Psa',50,21);">Psa 50:21</a>. Or his goodness? <i>Yes:</i> I knew thee to be a hard man, <a id="si-Mat 25:24" onClick="return mV('Mat',25,24);">Mat 25:24</a>. Or his faithfulness? <i>Yes:</i> Where is the promise of his coming? <a id="si-2Pe 3:4" onClick="return mV('2Pe',3,4);">2Pe 3:4</a>. Is it a sin to question God's providence? <i>Yes:</i> is the Lord among us? Or is he not? <a id="si-Exd 17:7" onClick="return mV('Exd',17,7);">Exd 17:7</a>. Or to question his power? <i>Yes:</i> Can God furnish a table in the wilderness, <a id="si-Psa 78:19" onClick="return mV('Psa',78,19);">Psa 78:19</a>. And is there such a thing as practical atheism? <i>Yes:</i> They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, <a id="si-Tts 1:16" onClick="return mV('Tts',1,16);">Tts 1:16</a>.</p>
<p>2. Is it a great sin to be ignorant of God? <i>Yes:</i> Some have not the knowledge of God; I speak it to your shame, <a id="si-1Cr 15:34" onClick="return mV('1Cr',15,34);">1Cr 15:34</a>. Is it a damning sin? <i>Yes:</i> He shall take vengeance on them that know not God, <a id="si-2Th 1:8" onClick="return mV('2Th',1,8);">2Th 1:8</a>. Is it the cause of all other sins? <i>Yes:</i> There is neither truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God, in the land, <a id="si-Hsa 4:1" onClick="return mV('Hsa',4,1);">Hsa 4:1</a>. Is it a great sin to forget God? <i>Yes:</i> Thou hast forgotten the God that formed thee, <a id="si-Deu 32:18" onClick="return mV('Deu',32,18);">Deu 32:18</a>. And to cast off the fear of him? <i>Yes:</i> There is no fear of God before his eyes, <a id="si-Psa 36:1" onClick="return mV('Psa',36,1);">Psa 36:1</a>. And to live without prayer? <i>Yes:</i> Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, <a id="si-Isa 43:22" onClick="return mV('Isa',43,22);">Isa 43:22</a> And not to glorify him? <i>Yes:</i> The God in whose hand thy breath is, hast thou not glorified, <a id="si-Dan 5:23" onClick="return mV('Dan',5,23);">Dan 5:23</a>.</p>
<p>3. Is all distrust of God a sin? <i>Yes:</i> the evil heart of unbelief departs from the living God, <a id="si-Hbr 3:12" onClick="return mV('Hbr',3,12);">Hbr 3:12</a>. And tempting God? <i>Yes:</i> Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, <a id="si-Mat 4:7" onClick="return mV('Mat',4,7);">Mat 4:7</a>. And all the coldness of our love to him? <i>Yes:</i> But their heart is far from me, <a id="si-Mat 15:8" onClick="return mV('Mat',15,8);">Mat 15:8</a>. Does this commandment forbid all ungodliness? <i>Yes:</i> for the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness, <a id="si-Rom 1:18" onClick="return mV('Rom',1,18);">Rom 1:18</a>. And all idolatry? <i>Yes:</i> Little children, keep yourselves from idols, <a id="si-1Jo 5:21" onClick="return mV('1Jo',5,21);">1Jo 5:21</a>.</p>
<p>4. Had the Gentiles other gods besides the true God? <i>Yes:</i> they had gods many, and lords manly, <a id="si-1Cr 8:5" onClick="return mV('1Cr',8,5);">1Cr 8:5</a>. And were those gods devils? <i>Yes:</i> they sacrificed to devils and not to God, <a id="si-1Cr 10:20" onClick="return mV('1Cr',10,20);">1Cr 10:20</a>. May we have communion with them? <i>No:</i> I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils, <a id="si-1Cr 10:20" onClick="return mV('1Cr',10,20);">1Cr 10:20</a>. Have those fellowship with them who consult with witches? <i>Yes:</i> Is it because there is not a God in Israel, that thou goest to inquire of Beelzebub the god of Ekron, <a id="si-2Ki 1:3" onClick="return mV('2Ki',1,3);">2Ki 1:3</a>. Did the Gentiles multiply their gods? <i>Yes:</i> According to the number of thy cities are thy gods, <a id="si-Jer 2:28" onClick="return mV('Jer',2,28);">Jer 2:28</a>. Were they gods of their own making? <i>Yes:</i> And they that make them are like unto them, <a id="si-Psa 115:8" onClick="return mV('Psa',115,8);">Psa 115:8</a>. Was not that a great affront to the living God? <i>Yes:</i> They changed the truth of God into a lie, <a id="si-Rom 1:25" onClick="return mV('Rom',1,25);">Rom 1:25</a>.</p>
<p>5. Is there not such a thing as spiritual idolatry? <i>Yes:</i> These men have set their idols in their hearts, <a id="si-Eze 14:4" onClick="return mV('Eze',14,4);">Eze 14:4</a>. Is it idolatry to make a god of our appetites? <i>Yes:</i> Whose god is their belly, <a id="si-Phl 3:19" onClick="return mV('Phl',3,19);">Phl 3:19</a>. Or a god of our money? <i>Yes:</i> for covetousness is idolatry, <a id="si-Col 3:5" onClick="return mV('Col',3,5);">Col 3:5</a>. May we give that respect to any creature which is due to God alone? <i>No:</i> for his glory he will not give to another, <a id="si-Isa 42:8" onClick="return mV('Isa',42,8);">Isa 42:8</a>. Is it therefore a sin to love them more than God? <i>Yes:</i> He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, <a id="si-Mat 10:37" onClick="return mV('Mat',10,37);">Mat 10:37</a>. And to trust in them? <i>Yes:</i> Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, <a id="si-Jer 17:5" onClick="return mV('Jer',17,5);">Jer 17:5</a>. Is this spiritual adultery? <i>Yes:</i> She went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith the Lord, <a id="si-Hsa 2:13" onClick="return mV('Hsa',2,13);">Hsa 2:13</a>.</p>
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<p id="scq48"><b><i>Q. 48. What are we especially taught by these words, [before me,] in the first commandment?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. These words, [before me,] in the first commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, takes notice of and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Are we always in God's sight? <i>Yes:</i> Thou knowest my down-sitting, and my up-rising, <a id="si-Psa 139:2" onClick="return mV('Psa',139,2);">Psa 139:2</a>. Are all our actions in his sight? <i>Yes:</i> All my ways are before thee, <a id="si-Psa 119:168" onClick="return mV('Psa',119,168);">Psa 119:168</a>. Does he take notice of them? <i>Yes:</i> he pondereth all our goings, <a id="si-Pro 5:21" onClick="return mV('Pro',5,21);">Pro 5:21</a>.</p>
<p>2. Are all our good works before him? <i>Yes:</i> I know thy work, and thy labour, and thy patience, <a id="si-Rev 2:2" onClick="return mV('Rev',2,2);">Rev 2:2</a>. Does he know all our inward worship of him? <i>Yes:</i> The Lord hearkened, and heard those that thought on his name, <a id="si-Mal 3:16" onClick="return mV('Mal',3,16);">Mal 3:16</a>. And should that encourage us to have him for our God? <i>Yes:</i> for your Father sees in secret, and will reward openly, <a id="si-Mat 6:4" onClick="return mV('Mat',6,4);">Mat 6:4</a>.</p>
<p>3. Are all our evil works before him? <i>Yes:</i> He sets our iniquities before him, <a id="si-Psa 90:8" onClick="return mV('Psa',90,8);">Psa 90:8</a>. Is the having of other gods oftentimes a secret sin? <i>Yes:</i> They do it in the dark, and say, the Lord sees us not, <a id="si-Exd 8:12" onClick="return mV('Exd',8,12);">Exd 8:12</a>. But does God see? <i>Yes:</i> He that formed the eye, shall he not see it? <a id="si-Psa 94:9" onClick="return mV('Psa',94,9);">Psa 94:9</a>. Does he take notice of all our neglects of him? <i>Yes:</i> if we have forgotten the name of our God he knows it. And does he take notice of all our inclinations to other gods? <i>Yes:</i> if we have stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out? <a id="si-Psa 44:20-21" onClick="return mV('Psa',44,20,21);">Psa 44:20-21</a>. And is he much displeased with secret idolatry? <i>Yes:</i> Seest thou the great abominations that they commit? <a id="si-Eze 8:6" onClick="return mV('Eze',8,6);">Eze 8:6</a>. And should this oblige us to be faithful to him? <i>Yes:</i> for the Lord searcheth all hearts, <a id="si-1Ch 28:9" onClick="return mV('1Ch',28,9);">1Ch 28:9</a>.</p>
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<p id="scq49"><b><i>Q. 49. What is the second commandment?</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>A. The second commandment is, Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath; or that is in the water under the earth: thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.</i></b></p>
<hr />
<p>1. Does the second commandment concern the ordinances of God's worship, as the first object of it? <i>Yes:</i> Therefore ye shall keep mine ordinances, <a id="si-Lev 18:10" onClick="return mV('Lev',18,10);">Lev 18:10</a>. Was it requisite there should be a law concerning them? <i>Yes:</i> Lest ye say, How did these nations serve their gods? so will I do likewise, <a id="si-Deu 12:30" onClick="return mV('Deu',12,30);">Deu 12:30</a>. Is this binding to us now? Dearly beloved, flee from idolatry, <a id="si-1Cr 10:14" onClick="return mV('1Cr',10,14);">1Cr 10:14</a>. Are we Christians forbidden to worship images? <i>Yes:</i> That they should not worship idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, <a id="si-Rev 9:20" onClick="return mV('Rev',9,20);">Rev 9:20</a>.</p>
<p>2. Does this commandment forbid the making of images for a religious use? <i>Yes:</i> Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, <a id="si-Deu 27:15" onClick="return mV('Deu',27,15);">Deu 27:15</a>. Does it forbid the making an image of what is in heaven above? <i>Yes:</i> Lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, shouldst be driven to worship them, <a id="si-Deu 4:19" onClick="return mV('Deu',4,19);">Deu 4:19</a>. Or on earth, beneath? <i>Yes:</i> As they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox, <a id="si-Psa 106:20" onClick="return mV('Psa',106,20);">Psa 106:20</a>. Or in the waters under the earth? <i>Yes:</i> As they made the likeness of creeping things, <a id="si-Rom 1:23" onClick="return mV('Rom',1,23);">Rom 1:23</a>.</p>
<p>3. Does it forbid us to bow down to them? <i>Yes:</i> Shall I bow down to the stock of a tree? <a id="si-Isa 44:19" onClick="return mV('Isa',44,19);">Isa 44:19</a>. Or to worship them? <i>Yes:</i> Thou shall worship no other God, <a id="si-Exd 34:14" onClick="return mV('Exd',34,14);">Exd 34:14</a>. Or to show any respect to them? I will take away the names of Baalim out of their mouth, <a id="si-Hsa 2:17" onClick="return mV('Hsa',2,17);">Hsa 2:17</a>. Was it requisite this commandment should be thus enlarged? <i>Yes:</i> Precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, <a id="si-Isa 28:10" onClick="return mV('Isa',28,10);">Isa 28:10</a>. And that it should be backed with many reasons? <i>Yes:</i> for they are mad upon their idols, <a id="si-Jer 50:38" onClick="return mV('Jer',50,38);">Jer 50:38</a>.</p>
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<p class="cite">Henry, Matthew. "A Scripture Catechism, in the Method of the Assemblies" in <em>Miscellaneous Writings</em>. Blue Letter Bible. 17 Mar 2005. </p>
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