The Doctrine of the Beginning of Christ
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/A72313.0001.001
Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
THE DOCTRINE OF THE BEGINNING of Christ.
Short for memory, plain for capacity, delivered almost in the express words of the Text, for the more Authority.
By Samuel Hieron, Minister of the Gospel.
1 Co • . 14, 20.
Brethren, be not children in understanding, but as concerning maliciousness be children, but in understanding be of ripe age.
Imprinted at London for Samuel Macham, and Mat. Cook, and are to be sold at their shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Tigers head, 1606
An Aduertisement to the Reader.
I Offer here unto thee, good Reader, this short catechism, neither preferring it before other the like briefs of Religion, neither yet equalling it to any; but I willingly submit it to thy judgment, to place it in what rank thou wilt. Only this; if thou are disposed, after thou hast viewed the title, to look further into the thing it self: then I pray thee by the way, to take notice of this mine acquainting thee with the order and manner of that which followeth.
For order, it showeth thee first, what was the excellency of thy first making, by the eternal Trinitye: Secondly, it discovereth the depth of misery, into which thou hast plunged thyself by communicating with Adams Disobedience, together with thy utter disability, so much as by a thought to desire, or to deserve thine own recovery. Thirdly, it pointeth out Christ unto thee, whom God the Father had sealed, to save his people from their sins. Fourthly, it maketh known unto thee, the sufficiency of his sacrifice, and the means of applying it to thy own soul.
Fifthly, it teacheth thee whence to expect faith, what means to use for the attainment of it, and how to be assured that it is unfeigned. Sixthly, because the end of the appearing of grace is, that we should deny ungodliness, therefore it urgeth upon thee the necessity of good works, that so thou mayest be neither idle nor unfruitful in the knoledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Seventhly, forasmuch as the way of the righteous shineth, as the light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day, therefore also it calleth upon thee to grow in grace, and informeth thee by what helps thou mayst be led forward unto perfection. Eighthly, least in this good course, being encountered with unexpected tribulations, thou shouldst be wearied and faint in thy mind, it fore-adviseth thee of the certainty of diverse afflictions, and teacheth thee both howe to frame thyself to the taking up of thy cross, and withal what quiet fruit of righteousness to expect, by being exercised thereby; in the midst of all, still looking for the blessed hope & appearing of the glory of the mighty GOD, and of our Savior Jesus Christ. Ninthly, and lastly, the general direction for Holiness and Righteousness, it applieth to particulars, both to thy daily carriage in the use of things indifferent, as apparel, meat, recreation, rest, and to thine age, quality and calling, that so in every respect, thy conversation may be such as becometh the Gospel. This is the course and sum of this form of Holy Doctrine, whereunto my desire is to deliver thee, and in which I persuade myself I have comprised the full some of True Religion.
Now for the manner of it: I have as near as I could possibly, in each answer kept myself to the words of the holy Text: thou shalt find me to have failed in a very few; and yet in those, if thou confer with that Place to which I refer thee, thou shalt find me not to have erred from the meaning of the Spirit of GOD therein. The reason of this course is, First to acquaint thee with the Language of the Scripture. Secondly, that each point may have the more credit, when thy conscience shall see & hear, as it were, God himself speaking in every Answer.
Thirdly, that thou mayst acknowledge that (which many in their ignorance will not believe) the Scripture is a rich Store-house, affording directions for every particular.
Now, where I have supposed, some word, or speeches to be such as might breed thee some trouble, not being rightly understood, I have in the margin, as it were, reached thee a light for the cleereing of all such darker places, that thou mightest both know the sense, and acknowledge the certainty of those things wherein my desire is thou mayest be instructed. This is all, whereof I have to admonish thee: proceed now on God's name, to the pervsing of the thing it self, & the lord give thee understanding in all things. Al that I desire of thee by the way of recompense for my endeavor to do thee good, is, that thou wouldest strive with me by prayers to God for me, that I may fulfill the Ministry, which I have received in the Lord: And so I commend thee to him, and to the word of his grace, wishing thee an Inherytance among them that are sanctified.
Modbury in Deuon, the fourth of August. 1604.
Thine in the Lord, SAM. HIERON.
THE DOCTRINE OF the beginning of Christ.
Question. WHo made man?
A. The Lord God. Gen. 2.7.
Q. What is God.
A. The almighty, which is, which was, and which is to come, Reu. 1.8.
Q. Howe many persons be there in the Godhead?
A. Three, the father, the word, and the holy Ghost. 1. John. 5.7.
Q. Are there then three God's;
A. To us there is but one God. 1. Cor. 8.6.
Q. Wherefore did God make man?
A. For his own sake, , Pro. 16.4.
Q. Whereof was man made;
A. Of the dust of the ground, , Gen. 2.7,
Q. After what fashion did God make man:
A. In his own Image. Gen, 1.27.
Q. What was this Image especially?
A. Righteousness and holiness of truth, Eph. 4.24.
Q. Doth this Image of God abide still in our nature?
A. We all have sinned, and are deprived of the glory of God. Rom. 3.23.
Q. What is sin?
A The transgression of gods law, 1 Io. 3, 4
Q What was the first sin by which came one spiritual nakedness?
A Adams eating the forbidden fruit, Gen. 3, 7▪
Q Who drew Adam to that sin?
A The old Serpent the Devil, he was the murderer from the beginning. Reu. 12.9. Gen, 3, 1. John 8, 44
Q What entered into the world hereby?
A Death came over all men, Rom. 5, 1 2.
Q Why? there was but one man sinned.
A Yet by the offense of one, the guilt came upon all , Rom. 5, 18
Q In what estate are we then of our selves?
A Borne in iniquity and the children of wrath, Eph. 2.3 Psal. 51, 5
Q And what is belonging to us?
Except we repent we shall all perish, Luk, 13, 3.
Q Can we by no means remedy this?
A No: for what can a man give for recompense of his soul? Mat, 16, 26.
Q What is then the only name given under heaven, whereby we must be saved?
A Jesus Christ, Act. 4, 12.
Qu What is Jesus Christ.
A A holy thing f borne of a woman, and called the Son of God, Luke 1.35,
Q What hath he done for us.
A He hath given himself for us Ep 5, 2.
Q Wherefore hath God sent him to do this for us.
A That we should not perish, but have life everlasting, John, 3, 16.
Q How doth he bring this to pass for us?
A By being our Redemption , and our righteousness, 1 Cor 1, 30
Q How is he our redemption.
A Because he hath bought us with the price of his own blood, 1 Cor. 6.20.1. Pet. 1, 19.
Q How is he our righteousness.
A Because he doth present us without fault in God's sight, Col. 1.22.
Q How are we made righteous through Christ.
A As he was made sin for us, 2 Cor. 5 21.
Q Howe come we to the knowledge of all this.
A By the word of Truth, which is the Gospel, Coloss. 1.5.
Q What is the Gospel.
A Glad tidings to all God's people , Luk. 2.10
Q. To whom do these benefits of Christ appertain?
A. Even to those that believe in his name, John. 1.12.
Q. What is Faith?
A. To know that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God. John. 6.69.
Q. Is it in our power to believe?
A. No man can come to Christ, , except God the father draw him, , John. 6.44.
Q. What is the outward means by which Faith cometh.
A The hearing of a Preacher which is sent, Rom. 10.14.15,
Q. What is the inward means?
A. The opening of the heart, , Act. 16.14.
Q. When doth the word preached work best, with the hearers?
A. When it is received not as the word of man, but as it is indeed, the word of God. 1. Thes. 2.13.
Q. What is specially to be cared for by those which think they have faith?
A. To prove themselves whether they are in the saith or no, 2, Cor. 13.5.
Q What is the principal fruit of faith, by which it is known?
A. The purifying of the heart. Act. 15.9.
Q. What is the surest note of a purified heart?
A A desire in all things to live honestly Heb. 13.18.
Q. What is chiefly to be urged upon those which believe?
A That they be careful to show forth good works. Tit. 3.8.
Q. What works be good?
A. Such as God requireth, , Mic. 6.8.
Q When are our works called good?
A. When we have respect to God's commandments, Psal. 119.6.
Q How many be the commandments of God?
A Ten. Exo. 34.28.
Q What is the brief sum of them all?
A Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. Math. 22.37.39.
Q Are we of our selves suffient to do good works?
A No our sufficiency is of God. 2. cor. 3.5.
Q Are we then saved by our works?
A. No: but by grace. , Ephe, 2, 8, 9.
Q Is not our salvation partly by works, partly by grace ?
A Then Grace were no grace. Ro. 11.6.
Q What is fruther required of a Christian?
A. To increase more and more , 1, Th. 4.1.
Q How many means be there to further our increasing?
A Three especially?
Q What is the first?
A The sincere milk of God's word, 1. Pet. 2.2.
Q How many ways be there of using the word?
A Four?
Q What is the first?
A Public hearing with an honest & good heart , Luke 8.15.
Q What is the second?
A Daily searching the Scriptures, whether those things which we hear are so, Acts 17, 11.
Q What is the third?
A To let it be our meditation Ps. 119.97
Q What is the fourth?
A To talk of it, Deu, 6, 7.
Q What is the second means to edify us in our holy faith?
A Praying in the holy Ghost, Lu, 20.
Q What is Prayer?
A A pouring out of the very soul before the Lord , 1. Sam. 15 Psal, 62.10.
Q Who is the only Mediator by whom we must pray?
A There is one Mediator Jesus Christ 1. Tim. 2, 5.
Q Know we what to pray as we ought?
A No: yet God's spirit helpeth oue infirmities Rom, 8.26.
Q What is the best rule of Prayer?
A That which Christ taught, Mat. 6, 9.
Q What is the third means for our spiritual increase?
A The use of the seals of righteousness, the two Sacraments. Rom. 4, 11
Q What be they?
A Baptism and the Lord's Supper, Mat. 28, 19
Q How doth Baptism strengthenthen our faith, and further our obedience?
A When we duly consider the nature and end of Baptism.
Q What is the nature of Baptism?
A It is the washing of a new birth. Tit. 3, 5
Q Can the washing of the flesh save us?
A Baptism is but a figure , it is the blood of Christ which purgeth the conscience. 1. Pet, 3, 21, Heb, 9, 14,
Q What is the end of our washing in Baptism?
A That we should be holy and without blame, zealous of good works, Eph. 5, 27, Tit, 2.14,
Q How doth the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper increase our faith?
A Because it showeth us the Lord's death until he come , 1, Cor. 11, 26,
Q How must this Sacrament be used?
A Every man must examine himself, & so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup, 1, Cor, 11, 28.
Q What must every Christian make account of, that holdeth this eourse?
A That he must through many afflictions enter into the kingdom of God, Acts 14, 22,
Q Is it good for us to be afflicted?
A Yea, in sundry respects. Psal. 71,
Q What is the first?
A Before we be afflicted, we go astray Psal. 1, 1967.
Q What is the second,
A In our affliction we will seek God diligently. Hos, 5, 15;
Q What is the third,
A Affliction maketh our faith much more precious then gold , 1, Pet. 17,
Q How many sorts of afflictions be there?
A. Two: Inward and outward.
Q What be inward afflictions?
A Satan's buffetings, and the drawing by our own concupiscence 2, Cor 12.7, I am. 1, 14.
Q How doth Satan deal with God's children?
A He doth winuow them as Wheat. Luke 22, 31.
Q What is our duty therefore?
A To be sober and watching, , 1, Pe. 5, 8,
Q What is our comfort herein?
A Christ hath prayed that our faith do not fail , Luke 22, 32,
Q Yea, but the Devil is a roaring Lyon.
A Greater is he which is in us , then he which is in the world, , 1, John, 44,
Q How doth our in ward concupiscence afflict us?
A When it leadeth us captive, that we cannot do the good which we would, , Rom. 7, 19, 23,
Q What is our duty hereupon?
A To keep our hearts with all diligence, Prov. 4, 23
Q What is our comfort in this case
A The power of God is made perfyt by our weakness, 2 Cor 12,9,
Q But alas we come far short of our duties.
A The Lord will spare us , as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him, Mal. iii. 17.
Q Put case the Child of God fall into some foul evil.
A Though he fall, yet he shall not be cut off: for the Lord putteth under his hand, Psal. 37, 24.
Qu What be outward afflictions.
A In good name, in goods, in person.
Q What is afflictyon in good name.
A When all manner of evil is spoken against us for Christ sake, falsely, Matth. 5, 11.
Q What must our care be in such cases.
A To have our conversation honest, that those which speak evil, may be either converted or ashamed, 1 Pet. 2.12. Tit. 2.8
Q What is our comfort in this cross?
A The reward is great in heaven: Mat. 5.12.
Q What is affliction in goods?
A Losses of diverse kinds.
Q What is chiefly to be thought upon in such an affliction?
A That we open not our mouth , because it is the Lord that hath done it , Psal. 39.9.
Q What is our comfort here?
A The Lord is able to give us more. 2. Chro. 25.9.
Q But how if he still keep us low?
A Yet a good Conscience is a continual feast. Pro. 15, 15.
Q What is affliction in a man's person?
A Sickness and death.
Q What is the first thing to be done in Sickness?
A We must confess against our selves our wickedness to the Lord. Psal. 32.5.
Q What is our comfort in sickness?
A That the Lord will turn all our bed in our sickness , Psal. 41, 3.
Q How if the Lord recover us?
A We must sin no more g, least a worse thing come unto us. John. 5, 14.
Q Is it lawful to use charms for the curing of diseases?
A Let there be no charmer amongst you, saith God, , Deut, 18.10, 11.
Q But yet many have binne helped by such means.
A We may not do evil, that good may come thereby, Rom. 3.8.
Q What is our principal duty in respect of death?
A To die daily , 1. Cor. 15.31,
Q What is the best comfort, when the time of departing is at hand?
A That we have kept the faith , 2, Tim. 4.7.
Q What besides?
A That Christ hath plucked out the sting of Death, which is sin. 1, Cor. 15.55, 56.
Q When will GOD wipe away all tears from the eyes of his Children?
A At that time of refreshing , Reu. 21, 4, Acts, 3, 19.
Q What time is that?
A When that same Jesus Christ, which is now preached unto us, shall come to judgment, Acts 3.20.
Q Is that time near?
A The Judge standeth before the door, I am. 5.9.
Q In what manner will he come?
A In his glory, and all his holy Angels with him. Mat. 25.31.
Q What will he do when he cometh?
A He will separate the Sheep from the Goats. Mat 25, 32.
Q Who be his Sheep?
A They which hear and know his voice. John 10, 4.27.
Q Who be the Goats?
A They which believe not. John 10, 26
Q What will he say to the Sheep?
A Come ye blessed, inherit a kingdom. Mat. 25.34.
Q What will he say to the Goats?
A Depart from me, ye cursed, Mat. 25.41.
Q What shall then become of the Sheep?
A Where Christ is, there shall they be also, John 14, 3.
Q What shall happen to the Goats?
A Euerlasting perdition, 2. Thes. 1, 9.
Q What must we do till that day cometh?
A Look for it, and hasten to it. b 2. Pet. 3.12.
Q What else?
A Pray daily, even so, Come Lord Jesus, Revel. 22.20.
A Direction for a man's daily carriage.
Q What must our first work be in the morning?
A To let our Prayer come before the L. and to praise his mercy , Psal. 88.13. Psal. 59.16.
Q What must our apparel be?
A Such as becometh those which profess the fear of God , 1. Tim. 2 10.
Qu What is the next to be done?
A We must follow our own business with quietness. 1, Thes. 4.11.
Q What must be chiefly cared for in our business?
A To walk with God d Gen. 5.22.
Q What must our speech be?
A Gracious always e Col. 4.6.
Q What things must chiefly be avoided in speaking?
A Lying, swearing, filthiness, foolish talking, jesting, railing. Eph. 4.15.5, 4. I am. 5 12, 1, Cor, 5, 11,
Q What company must we keep?
A All our delight must be to the Saints in earth. Psal. 16, 3,
Q What must we do when we come to our meat?
A We must look up to Heaven and give thanks. Mat. 14, 19.
Q How many things must chiefly be looked unto in our diet?
A Three.
Q What is the first?
A That our hearts be not oppressed with surfeiting and drunkenness. Luk. 21.34.
Q What is the second?
A That we forget not the work of the Lord. Is. 5, 12,
Q What is the third?
A That of that which remaineth, nothing be lost. John. 6, 12.
Q Ought not some time of every day be set apart for spiritual uses?
A We must redeem the time, because the days are evil. Eph. 5.16.
Q May not recreation be sometime used?
A Yes: there is a time to laugh. Eccl. 3, 4,
Q What kinds of disports may we use?
A Such as be of good report , Phil. 4, 8.
Q How many things must be looked unto in the use of our delights?
A Two.
Q What is the first?
A That our rejoicing hinder not better duties. , 1 Thes. 5, 16, 17,
Q What is the second?
A That we cause not our commodity to be evil spoken of , Rom, 14, 16.
Q What is the Euening duty?
A To examine our selves upon our Bed, and to say every man to himself: what have I done? Psal. 4.4.
Q What must we do else?
A Pray Psal. 55.17.
Q How many things make sleep comfortable?
A Two.
Q What is the one?
Q What is the other?
A A godly care to thrive in Religion, Pro. 3.13, 21, 24. f,
Q How must sleep be used?
A Love it not, least thou come to poverty. Pro 20, 13.
The Magistrates duty
Q What is the principal duty of the Magistrate?
A To beautify the house of God Ezra, 7.27
Q Howe must he carry himself among the people?
A He is the minister of God, for the people's wealth. Rom, 13 4,
Q How shall he procure the people's wealth?
A If he be for the praise of them that do well, and the punshment of evil doers. 1 Pet. 2, 14,
Q What kind of men are fit to be Magistrates?
A Men of courage, fearing God, dealing truly, and hating covetousness, Exo, 18 21.
The Subiectes duty.
Q What is the Subjects duty?
A To be subject for Conscience sake Ro, 13 5,
Q What else?
A To pray for them that are in Authoryty , 1, Tim, 2, 2.
Q What besides?
A Not to curse y e Magistrate, not so much as in a thought. Eccl. 10, 20.
Q Is there any other duty?
A We must not join with them that are seditious, Pro. 24, 21.
The Ministers duty.
Q What is the Ministers duty?
A To take heed to his Ministry which he hath received, that he fulfill it, Col, 4. 17.
Q How is that done?
A 1, By watching continually over the Flock , Is, 62, 6, Act. 20, 28,
2 By being diligent to know the estate of his flock , Pro, 27.23,
3 By giving attendance to reading , 1. Tim. 4, 13,
4 By not being entangled with the affairs of this life. 2. Tim 2, 4.
5 By being instant in Preaching the word. 2, Tim. 2.4,
7 By being an example to them which believe. 1. Tim, 4, 12,
Q What is the punishment of a negligent Minister?
A God will require the people's blood at his hand. Ezek, 33.8.
Q How many things are chiefly necessary for him that is to be a Minister?
A Two.
Q What is the one?
A That he hold fast the Faithful, word . Tit. 2, 9.
Q What is the other?
A That he be able to exhort with wholesome doctrine, and improve them which say against it , Tit. 1, 9.
The people's duty.
Q What is the people's duty in regard of such a Minister?
A The people's duty hath five branches.
Q What is the first?
A To obey and submit themselves . Heb. 13.17.
Q What is the second?
A To have him in singular love, and to know him 1 Thes. 5.13.
Q What is the third.
A To make him partaker of all their goods Gal 6.6.
Q What is the fourth?
A To pray for him, that utterance may be given him. Eph. 6, 19.
Q What is the fifth?
A To receive no accusation suddenly against him 1, Tim. 5, 19.
Q Why must the people thus carry themselves to their Minister?
A For three causes.
Q What is the first?
A Because he worketh the Lord's work, 1. Cor. 16.10.
Q What is the second?
A Because he watcheth for their souls, and must give account thereof. Heb 13.17
Q What is the third?
A Because otherwise he shall do his duty with grief, which is unprofitable for the people, Heb. 13, 17
Household duties.
Q What is the duty of the Master of the family for matters of religion?
A To command his Household, that they keep the way of the Lord Gen. 18, 19
Q What is his duty for outward things?
A To make provision for those of his own household. 1, Tim, 5, 8.
Q What is the wives duty in these things?
A To be a help to hir husband. Gen, 2, 18
Qu What is the man's duty in regard of his wife?
A To dwell with her, and to love her as his own body. 1 Pet, 3.7. Eph. 5.28.
Q What is the Woman's duty to her Husband?
A To be subject to him as unto the Lord. Eph. 5.22
Q What is his duty whom God hath made a father?
A To bring up his children in Religion, in good manners, and in an honest calling. Eph. 6.4.
Q What is the Mothers duty?
A To nourish her children, and to instruct them. 1. Tim. 5.10.
Q What is the Masters duty in respect of his servants ?
A To do to them that that is just and equal. Col, 4.1.
Q What is children's duty to their parents?
A To obey them in the Lord. Eph. 6.1.
Q What is children's duty each to other?
A Not to fall out. Gen. 45, 24
Q What is servants duty?
A In singleness of heart, and all good faithfulness, to please their Masters, yea, though they be froward, Eph. 6, 5, Tit. 2, 10. 1, Pet, 2, 18.
The duty of single persons.
Q What is required of persons unmarried?
A If they cannot abstain, they must marry , 1, Cor, 7, 9.
Q How must they marry?
A Only in the Lord b, 1, Cor, 7, 39.
The duty of Neighbors each to other.
Q What is required of Neighbors that live and converse together?
A To consider one another, to provoke unto love, & to good works Heb, 10, 24
Q How must we be affected in respect of those things which happen to our neighbors?
A We must rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep Rom, 12, 15.
Q What is the benefit of a good neighbor?
A He is better than a brother a far off. Pro. 27.10.
Q What is the best means to preserve a good neighbor?
A He that hath friends, must show himself friendly. Pro, 18, 24.
Q But how if there be jarring sometimes?
A Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath, 4, 26.
Q Put case a man be daily provoked?
A Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with goodness, Rom, 12, 21.
Q When a man hath many enemies, what is the best way to have peace?
A If a man's ways please GOD, he will make also his enemies be at peace with him , Pro. 16, 7,
Q How if a man live in a place so Wicked, that it is not safe for him almost to be familiar with any?
A He must strive to shine as a light in a naughty and crooked generation, Phil. 2.15.
A direction for mattees of contract.
Q How must we carry our selves in our dealings among men?
A We must neither oppress nor defraud, any man in anything. 1, Th. 4.6
Q What is the rule, by which all our matters of contract must be guided?
A Whatsouer we would that men should do to us, we must do so to them. Mat, 7. 12.
The Rich man's duty.
Q What is the Rich man's duty?
A To honor God with his Riches. Pro. 3.9.
Q How is that done principally?
A If he be rich in good works, and be ready distribute , 1. Tim, 6, 18.
Q How many things must a Richman chiefly take heed of?
A Two: High mindedness, and confidence in his wealth. 1 Tim. 6, 17,
Q What must be the Rich man's joy?
The poor man's duty.
Q What is the poor man's duty?
A To learn to know howe to be abased, and to have want, Phil. 4.12.
Q What is the best means by which a man may be assured, while he liveth, never to fall into extremity?
A To seek first the Kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, Math, 6, 33.
Q What must be the poor man's joy?
The Aged persons duty.
Q What is the duty of the aged man?
A To be sober, honest, discreet, sound in faith, in love and patience , Tit, 2.2.
Q When is Age a Crown of glory?
A When it is found in the way of righteousness. Pro, 16.31.
Q What is required of Elder women?
A To be of such behavior as becometh Holines, and to instructs the younger women. Tit 2, 3, 4.
The young men's duty.
Q Howe many be the duties of young folk?
A Three especially.
Q What is the first?
A To remember their Creator , Eccle.
Q What is the second?
A To be sober minded, and to flee the lusts of youth. Tit. 2.6.2, Tim. 2, 22.
Q What is the third?
A To honor the person of the Aged. Levite, 19.32,
Q Wherewithal shall a Young man redress his way:
A In taking heed thereto according to God's word. Psal. 119, 9,
The Sum of all.
Q What is the brief Sum of the whole duty of Man;
A To fear God , and keep his commandments. Eccle, 12, 13.
Q What is the reward of all?
A He that doth these things, shall never be moved. Psal. 15.5.