John Biddle's Twofold Scripture Catechism (1654)

Part 3 - Chapters 14 to 18


CHAP. XIV
Of Christs Resurrection

Qu. Ought Christ, as to suffer, so also to rise from the dead the third day?
A. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. Luke24.46.
He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor.15.4.

Qu. Was there so great power and consequence in Christs resurrection? How speaketh Paul?
A. I count all things but loss, for the excellencie of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection. Phil.3.8,10.
If Christ be not risen, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ, are perished. 1 Cor.15.17,18.

Qu. How speaketh Peter?
A. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Pet.1.3.

Qu. Did Christ rise by his own power? yea did he raise himself at all? or was he raised by the power of another, and did another raise him? What is the perpetual tenour of the Scripture to this purpose?
A. Though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. 2 Cor.13.4.
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father. Rom.6.4.
By Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. Gal. 1.1.
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus Christ from the dead, dwell in you; he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom,8.11
He which raised up the Lord Jesus , shall raise up us also by Jesus. 2 Cor.4.14.
Ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, And to wait for his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come. 1 Thess.1.9,10.
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead , even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Acts 4.10.
The God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus. Heb.13.20.
But God raised him from the dead. God hath fulfilled the same unto us, in that he hath raised up Jesus again. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead. He whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Acts 13.30,33,34,37.
Him God raised up the third day. Act.10.40.
God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his own power. 1 Cor.6.14.
Who by him believe in God that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory. 1 Pet.1.21.

Qu. Were the Apostles and the Holy Spirit himself sent to bear witness that Christ raised himself, or that God raised him? How speaketh the Scripture?
A. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Acts 2.32.
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up; and denied him in the presence of Pilate; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3.13,15.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour. And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is alsothe Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to all them that obey him. Acts5.30,31,32.
We have testified of God, that he raised up Christ. 1 Cor.15.15.

Qu. Of what consequence is it to believe that Christ was thus raised?
A. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom.10.9
Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him. But for us, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Rom.4.3.23,24.

Qu. What is the prayer of the Apostle Paul to this purpose? How speaketh he in the Ephesians?
A. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know, What is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward, who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead. Eph. 1.17.18,19,20.
 


 

CHAP. XV
Of Justification and Faith

Qu. How many sorts of justification or righteousness are there?
A. The righteousness, which is of the Law. Rom.10.5.
The righteousness, which is of God, by Faith. Phil.3.9.

Qu. How is the righteousness, which is of the Law, described?
A. Moses describeth the righteousness, which is of the Law, that the man which doth those things, shall live by them. Rom. 10.5.

Qu. How speaketh the righteousness which is of Faith?
A. The righteousness, which is of faith, speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine hearts, Who shall ascend into heaven? that is to bring Christ down from above. Or, who shall descend into the deep? that is to bring up Christ again from the dead . Rom. 10.6,7.

Qu. But what saith it? Rom 10.8.
A. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom.10.9.

Qu. In the justification of a believer, is the righteousness of Christ imputed to him? or is his own faith counted for righteousness?
A. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom 4.5.

Qu. Was Abraham the father of the faithful, justified in this maner?
A. He believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen. 15,6.

Qu. Was not this written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him for righteousness?
It was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him: But for us also Rom. 4.23,24.

Qu. On what terms? if we apprehend and apply Christs righteousness to our selves?
A. If we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Rom. 4.24.

Qu. Abraham believed, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Is it not sufficient for us if we believe as he did? what saith Christ?
A. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14.1.

Qu. What saith Peter?
A. Christ was manifested in these last times for you; Who by (or, through)him believe in God. 1 Pet. 1.20,21.

Qu. Doth not God justifie men, because of the full price that Christ paid to him in their stead, so that he abated nothing of his right, in that one drop of Christs blood was sufficient to satisfie for a thousand Worlds? If not how are they saved?
A. Being justified FREELY by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Rom. 3.24. Eph.1.7.

Qu. Did not Christ merit eternal life, and purchase the kingdom of heaven for me?
A. The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6.23.
It is your Fathers good-pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12.32.
 


 

CHAP. XVI
Of Keeping the Commandments, and having an eye to the Reward; of perfection in virtue and godliness to be attained;
and of departing from righteousness and faith.

Qu. Are the commandments possible to be kept?
A. His commandments are not grievous. 1 Joh.5.3.
My yoke is easie , and my burthen light. Mat.11.30.

Qu. But though it be possible to keep the commandments, yet is it not enough if we desire and endeavour to keep them, although we actually keep them not? And doth not God here accept the will for the deed?
A. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 1 Cor. 7.19.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them , I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doth them not , shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand. Mat. 7.21,24,26.
Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work , shall be blessed in his doing. Jam.1.25.
Glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. Rom.2.10.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. Joh.13.17.
Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11.27.
We must all appear before the judgement-seat of Christ, that every man may receive the things done in his body , according to what he hath done , whether it be good or evil. 2 Cor. 5.10.
The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Mat. 16.27.
Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be. Rev. 22.12.
If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Mat. 19.17.

Qu. Which? Mat. 19.18.
A. Thou shalt do no murther ; Thou shalt not commit adultery; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not bear false witness; Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self. Mat. 19.18,19.

Qu. Though it be not onely possible, but also necessary to keep the commandments, yet is it lawful so to do, that we may have a right to eternal life and the heavenly inheritance? may we seek for honor, and glory, and immortality by well doing? is it the tenor of the Gospel that we should live uprightly in expectation of the hope hereafter? and finally ought we to suffer for the kingdom of God, and not (as some are pleased to mince the matter) from the kingdom of God? Cite the testimonies of the Scripture to this purpose.
A. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Rev.22.14.
----The revelation of the righteous judgement of God. Who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them, who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. Rom.2.6,7,8 .
The grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope , and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Tit.2.11,12,13.
That ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. 2 Thess. 1.5.

Qu. Have ye any Scripture that saith , we must believe that God is a rewarder of them that seek him, and that if we come not to him with such a faith, it is impossible to please him?
A. Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11.6.

Qu. Have you any example of keeping the commandments under the law? what saith David of himself?
A. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of mine hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgements were before me, & I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him: and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompenced me according to my righteousness according to the cleanness of my hands in his eye-sight. Psal.13.20,21,22,23,24.

Qu. Have ye any example under the Gospel?
A. Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments , and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. Joh.3.22.

Qu. Have you not examples of the choicest Saints, who obeyed God in hope of the reward, both before, under and after the Law?
A. By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Heb. 11.8,9,10.
By faith Moses when he was come to yeers refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter: Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Heb,11,24,25,26.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him , endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb .12.1,2.
Paul a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of Gods elect, and the acknowledging of the truth, which is after godliness: In hope of eternal life. Tit. 1.1,2.

Qu. Do not the Scriptures intimate that Christians may attain to perfection of virtue and godliness? and that it is the intention of God and Christ, and his ministers, to bring them unto this pitch? Rehearse the texts to this effect.
A. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unblameable before him in love. Eph.1.4.
Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it:
That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph.5.25,26,27.
Having therefore these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor.7.1.
Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matth. 5.48.
Finally, brethren, farewel : be ye perfect. 2 Cor. 13.11.
We preach warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col. 1.28.
He gave some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph.4.11,12,13.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God. Col.4.12.
The very God of peace sanctifie you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5.23.
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1 Thess. 3.13.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thess. 2.16,17.

Qu. Have you any example of perfection before the Law?
A. Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Gen.6.9.
The Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1.8.

Qu. Have you any example of perfection under the Law?
A. There was in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless. Luk.1.5,6.

Qu. Have you any examples under the Gospel?
A. Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. 1 Pet.2.21,22.
I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred fourty and four thousand, having his Fathers name written on their foreheads. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev.14.1,4,5.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments , and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Rev. 3.4.
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe. 1 Thess. 2.10.

Qu. If works be so necessary to salvation, as you have before shewn from the Scripture, how cometh it to pass that Paul saith, we are justified by faith without works? Meant he to exclude all good works whatsoever, or onely those of the Law? How doth he explain himself?
A. We are justified by faith without the works of the Law. Rom. 3.28.

Qu. Can you make it appear from elsewhere, that Paul intended to exclude from justification onely the perfect works of the Law, which leave no place for either grace or faith, and not such works as include both and that by a justifying faith he meant a working faith, and such a one as is accompanied with righteousness?
A. By grace are ye saved, through faith , and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them. Eph.8.9,10.
Now to him that worketh , is the reward not reckoned of grace , but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. 3.4,5.
There is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no more of works : otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace : otherwise work is no more work. Rom.11.5,6
If they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise of none effect.
Because the law worketh wrath; for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith , that it might be by grace: to the end the promise might by sure to all the seed. Rom.4.14,15,16.
In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith working by love. Gal. 5.6 .
The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Rom, 1.17,18.

Qu. What answer then would you give to a man, who wresting the words of Paul in certain places of his Epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, should bear you in hand that all good works whatsoever are excluded from justification and salvation, and that is enough onely to believe?
A. Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not be faith onely .
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. Jam.2.20,22,23,24,25,26.

Qu. What is the advice of Paul to Titus concerning the business of faith, and works, and the Law?
A. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works: these things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. Tit. 3.8,9.

Qu. You shewed even now out of Paul, that the faith of him that will be saved, must be accompanied with justice or righteousness; I would therefore know of you what is a just or righteous man? is it not such a one as apprehendeth and applyeth Christs righteousness to himself, or at most, desireth to do righteously? Is not he accepted of God?
A. Let no man deceive you, he that doth righteousness, is righteous. He that committeth sin, is of the Divel , for the Divel sinneth from the beginning. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Divel : whoever doth not righteousness is not of God. 1 John 3.7,8,10.
If we know that he is righteous, know ye that every one that doth righteousness is born of God. 1 John 2.29.
God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him. Acts 10.34,35.
If a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, Hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, Hath walked in my Statutes, and hath kept my judgements, to deal truly; he is just, he shall not dye . saith the Lord GOD. Ezek. 18.5,6,7,8,9.

Qu. May not righteous men depart from their righteousness, and believers from their faith, and so perish? And is it not false, that once in Christ, and ever in Christ?
A. When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doth, shall he live? all his righteousness that he hath done, shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned in them shall he dye. Ezek. 18.24.
When I shall say unto the righteous that he shall surely live: if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered, but for his iniquity that he hath committed he shall dye for it. Ezek.33.13.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of Divels . 1 Tim. 4.1.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, that thou war the good war fare: Holding faith, and a good conscience which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck.
Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Tim. 1.18,19,20.
The younger widows refuse, for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry. Having condemnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 1 Tim.5.11.
The love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many arrows. 1Tim.6.10.
Their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus: Who concerning the faith have erred , saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Tim. 2.17,18.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Heb. 3.12.13.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Heb. 4.11.
It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. If they fall away, to renew them again to repentance. Heb. 6.4,5,6.
Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together, as the maner of some is, but exhorting one another. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. He that despised Moses law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the spirit of grace? Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them that draw back unto perdition: but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Heb.10.24,25,26,28,29,35,38,39.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God. Heb.12.15.
Cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; When they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then , after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Pet.2.14,15,18,20,21,22.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness . 2Pet.3.17.
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 1 Thess.3.5.
Because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed, lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness, and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Rom.11.20,21,22.
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Rom.14.1.
Through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died. 1 Cor.8.11.
I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast-away. I Cor. 9.27.
If a man abide not in me , he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered. Joh. 15.6.
 


 

CHAP. XVII
Of the duty of Subjects and magistrates, Wives and Husbands,
Children and parents, Servants and Masters.

Qu. What is the duty of all them that are under authority?
A. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Rom. 13.2.

Qu. Why must every soul be subject to them?
A. For there is no power but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom. 13.1.

Qu. What doth he that resisteth the power; and what shall they receive to themselves?
A. Whosoever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. Rom.13.2.

Qu. Why shall they that resist, receive damnation?
A. For rulers are not a terrour to good works, but to evil. Rom.13.3.

Qu. How shall a man behave himself that he need not fear the power: and whence cometh it so to pass?
A. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good: but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Rom.13.3,4.

Qu. Is not the fear of wrath or punishment the onely motive to subjection?
A. Ye must needs be subject, not onely for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Rom. 13.5.

Qu. Must we not also pay to the higher powers tribute and custom?
A. Render to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom . Rom. 13.7.

Qu. Why should we pay tribute to them?
A. For this cause pay you tribute also: for they are Gods ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Rom. 13.6.

Qu. Though what you have cited out of the apostle Paul doth intimate the duty of the Magistrate, yet have you not some passage of Scripture that doth expressly set it down?
A. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 2 Sam.23.3.

Qu. What benefit shall accrue to him that ruleth so?

A. He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 2 Sam. 23.4.

Qu. What is the duty of wives and husbands, according to the doctrines of the two great apostles, Paul and Peter? Rehearse their words.
A. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it: That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water, by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh: but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord doth the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Eph. 5:22,23 &c.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Col. 3.18,19.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, and of puting on of apparel:
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this maner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands. Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Pet.3.1,2, &c.

Qu. What is the duty of children and parents, according to Paul?
A. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise) That it may be well with thee; and thou maist live long on the earth.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph.6.1,2,3,4.
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children , lest they be discouraged. Col. 3.20,21.

Qu. What is the duty of servants and masters, according to the doctrine of the two aforesaid Apostles?
A. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatning : knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Eph. 6.5,6,7,8,9.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour: that the Name of God, and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren: but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. 1Tim.6.1,2.
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering again. Not purloyning , but shewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Tit.2.9,10.
Servants obey in all things your masters, according to the flesh: not with eye service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: Knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Col.3.22,23,24,25. Col. 4.1
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not onely to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Pet. 2.18,19,20,21.
 


 

CHAP. XVIII
Of the behaviour of men and women in general; and in special
of aged men, aged women, yong women and yong men

Qu. What would the apostle Paul have men in general do? How speaketh he?
A. I will that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1Tim.2.8,9,10,11,12.
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. Tit.2.1,2,&c
 

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