The Westminster Bigger Catechism because the Framework for Reformed Christian Ethics – Christian Theology

The Westminster Bigger Catechism is the preeminent assertion of the Christian religion in catechal type (questions and solutions).

It’s the finest and clearest restatement in abridged type of what the Bible teaches.

Nonetheless, it’s frequent to satisfy Pastors and Elders which have by no means learn it. They may swear vows to uphold and agree with it however typically assume the vow contains solely the The Westminster Confession of Religion.

The vow although contains not simply the Confession however the “Westminster Requirements” together with the Bigger and Shorter Catechisms. The Catechisms cope with different issues and with a size and a breadth not meant for the extra temporary Confession.

Due to this many haven’t thought of that the moral framework for the Reformed religion rests not within the Confession and solely in a really abridged type within the Shorter Catechism nevertheless it’s full expression is offered within the Bigger Catechism.

The Bigger Catechism holds not solely the interpretive framework for the character and apprehensability of Christian ethics but in addition the sensible software and hermeneutical guidelines.

It’s basic premise is that the legislation of God is nice, is knowable, and is the rule of religion and apply for each the world and the church; each Christian and non-Christian.

Usually, this isn’t the understanding taught within the Bible college or the seminary. It’s grow to be frequent to satisfy younger males finishing seminary and making use of for ordination that haven’t even heard that it is a view, a lot much less that it’s the view they’re swearing to obey.

Lots of you is likely to be considering, I didn’t even know there was one other view however that betrays that you just had been both raised in a traditionally Christian church or steeped your self within the classics. You had been studying Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Calvin whereas everybody else was studying “The Function Pushed Life”.

If this stuff are of curiosity to you please learn and bear fastidiously with what is claimed. With what was believed in higher, much less wayward generations. With what the phrase of God intends for us to know.

“Having Seen What the Scriptures Principally Train Us Regarding God, it Follows to Think about What They Require because the Obligation of Man

91. What’s the obligation which God requireth of man?

The obligation which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will. 4362

92. What did God at first reveal unto man because the rule of his obedience?

The rule of obedience revealed to Adam within the property of innocence, and to all mankind in him, apart from a particular command to not eat of the fruit of the tree data of fine and evil, was the ethical legislation. 4363

93. What’s the ethical legislation?

The ethical legislation is the declaration of the desire of God to mankind, directing and binding each one to private, good, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, within the body and disposition of the entire man, soul and physique, 4364 and in efficiency of all these duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man: 4365 promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening dying upon the breach of it. 4366

94. Is there any use of the ethical legislation to man because the fall?

Though no man, because the fall, can attain to righteousness and life by the ethical legislation: 4367 but there’s nice use thereof, as properly frequent to all males, as peculiar both to the unregenerate, or the regenerate. 4368

95. Of what use is the ethical legislation to all males?

The ethical legislation is of use to all males, to tell them of the holy nature and the desire of God, 4369 and of their obligation, binding them to stroll accordingly; 4370 to persuade them of their incapacity to maintain it, and of the sinful air pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives: 4371 to humble them within the sense of their sin and distress, 4372 and thereby assist them to a clearer sight of the necessity they’ve of Christ, 4373 and of the perfection of his obedience. 4374

96. What explicit use is there of the ethical legislation to unregenerate males?

The ethical legislation is of use to unregenerate males, to awaken their consciences to flee from wrath to return, 4375 and to drive them to Christ; 4376 or, inexcusable, 4377 and beneath the curse thereof. 4378

97. What particular use is there of the ethical legislation to the regenerate?

Though they which can be regenerate, and consider in Christ, be delivered from the ethical legislation as a covenant of works, 4379 in order thereby they’re neither justified 4380 nor condemned; 4381 but, apart from the overall makes use of thereof frequent to them with all males, it’s of particular use, to indicate them how a lot they’re sure to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof of their stead, and for his or her good; 4382 and thereby to impress them to extra thankfulness, 4383 and to precise the identical of their better care to evolve themselves thereunto because the rule to their obedience. 4384

98. The place is the ethical legislation summarily comprehended?

The ethical legislation is summarily comprehended within the ten commandments, which had been delivered by the voice of God upon Mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone; 4385 and are recorded within the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The 4 first commandments containing our obligation to God, and the opposite six our obligation to man. 4386

99. What guidelines are to be noticed for the best understanding of the ten commandments?

For the best understanding of the ten commandments, these guidelines are to be noticed:

That the legislation is ideal, and bindeth each one to full conformity in the entire man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto total obedience for ever; in order to require the utmost perfection of each obligation, and to forbid the least diploma of each sin. 4387
That it’s religious, and so reacheth the understanding, will, affections, and all different powers of the soul; in addition to phrases, works, and gestures. 4388
That one and the identical factor, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in a number of commandments. 4389
That as, the place an obligation is commanded, the opposite sin is forbidden; 4390 and, the place a sin is forbidden, the opposite obligation is commanded: 4391 so, the place a promise is annexed, the opposite threatening is included; 4392 and, the place a threatening is annexed, the opposite promise is included. 4393
That what God forbids, is at no time to be finished; 4394 what he instructions, is at all times our obligation; 4395 and but each explicit obligation is to not be finished always. 4396
That beneath one sin or obligation, all the similar sort are forbidden or commanded; along with all of the causes, means events, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto. 4397
That what’s forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we’re sure, in accordance with our locations to endeavour that it might be averted or carried out by others, in accordance with the obligation of their locations. 4398
That in what’s commanded to others, we’re sure, in accordance with our locations and callings, to be useful to them; 4399 and to take heed of partaking with others in what’s forbidden them. 4400

100. What particular issues are we to contemplate within the ten commandments?

We’re to contemplate within the ten commandments, the preface, the substance of the commandments themselves, and several other causes annexed to a few of them, the extra to implement them.

101. What’s the preface to the ten commandments?

The preface to the ten commandments is contained in these phrases, I’m the Lord thy God, which have introduced thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the home of bondage. 4401 Whereby God manifesteth his sovereignty, as being JEHOVAH, the everlasting, immutable, and almighty God; 4402 having his being in and of himself, 4403 and giving being to all his phrases 4404 and works: 4405 and that he’s a God in covenant, as with Israel of previous, so with all his individuals; 4406 who, as he introduced them out of their bondage in Egypt, so he delivereth us from our religious thraldom; 4407 and that due to this fact we’re sure to take him for our God alone, and to maintain all his commandments. 4408

102. What’s the sum of the 4 commandments which include our obligation to God?

The sum of the 4 commandments containing our obligation to God is, to like the Lord our God with all our coronary heart, and with all our soul, and with all our power, and with all our thoughts. 4409

103. Which is the primary commandment?

The primary commandment is, Thou shalt haven’t any different gods earlier than me. 4410

104. What are the duties required within the first commandment?

The duties required within the first commandment are, the figuring out and acknowledging of God to be the one true God, and our God; 4411 and to worship and glorify him accordingly, 4412 by considering, 4413 mediating, 4414 remembering, 4415 extremely esteeming, 4416 honouring, 4417 adoring, 4418 selecting, 4419 loving, 4420 wanting, 4421 fearing of him; 4422 believing him; 4423 trusting 4424 hoping, 4425 delighting, 4426 rejoicing in him; 4427 being zealous for him; 4428 calling upon him, giving all reward and thanks, 4429 and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the entire man; 4430 being cautious in all issues to please him, 4431 and sorrowful when in any factor he’s offended; 4432 and strolling humbly with him. 4433

105. What are the sins forbidden within the first commandment?

The sins forbidden within the first commandment are, Atheism, in denying or not having a God; 4434 Idolatry, in having or worshipping extra gods than one, or any with or as an alternative of the true God; 4435 the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; 4436 the omission or neglect of any factor as a consequence of him, required on this commandment; 4437 ignorance, 4438 forgetfulness, 4439 misapprehensions, 4440 false opinions, 4441 unworthy and depraved ideas of him; 4442 daring and curious looking out into his secrets and techniques; 4443 all profaneness, 4444 hatred of God; 4445 self-love, 4446 self-seeking, 4447 and all different inordinate and im-moderate setting of our thoughts, will, or affections upon different issues, and taking them off from him in entire or partially; 4448 useless credulity, 4449 unbelief, 4450 heresy, 4451 misbelief, 4452 mistrust, 4453 despair, 4454 incorrigibleness, 4455 and insensibleness beneath judgments, 4456 hardness of coronary heart, 4457 pleasure, 4458 presumption, 4459 carnal safety, 4460 tempting of God; 4461 utilizing illegal means, 4462 and trusting in lawful means; 4463 carnal delights and joys; 4464 corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; 4465 lukewarmness, 4466 and deadness within the issues of God; 4467 estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; 4468 praying, or giving any non secular worship, to saints, angels, or every other creatures; 4469 all compacts and consulting with the satan, 4470 and hearkening to his recommendations; 4471 making males the lords of our religion and conscience; 4472 slighting and despising God and his instructions; 4473 resisting and grieving of his Spirit, 4474 discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; 4475 and ascribing the reward of any good we both are, have or can do, to fortune, 4476 idols, 4477 ourselves, 4478 or every other creature. 4479

106. What are we specifically taught by these phrases [before me] within the first commandment?

These phrases [before me] or earlier than my face, within the first commandment, train us, that God, who seeth all issues, taketh particular discover of, and is way displeased with, the sin of getting every other God: that so it might be an argument to dissuade from it, and to worsen it as a most impudent provocation: 4480 as additionally to steer us to do as in his sight, no matter we do in his service. 4481

107. Which is the second commandment?

The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven picture, or any likeness of any factor that’s in heaven above, or that’s within the earth beneath, or that’s within the water beneath the earth. Thou shalt 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 kids unto the third and fourth era of them that hate me; and displaying mercy unto 1000’s of them that love me, and maintain my commandments. 4482

108. What are the duties required within the second commandment?

The duties required within the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and holding pure and whole, all such non secular worship and ordinances as God hath instituted in his phrase; 4483 notably prayer and thanksgiving within the identify of Christ; 4484 the studying, preaching, and listening to of the phrase; 4485 the administration and receiving of the sacraments; 4486 church authorities and self-discipline; 4487 the ministry and maintainance thereof; 4488 non secular fasting; 4489 swearing by the identify of God; 4490 and vowing unto him; 4491 as additionally the disapproving, detesting, opposing all false worship; 4492 and, in accordance with each’ s place and calling, eradicating it, and all monuments of idolatry. 4493

109. What are the sins forbidden within the second commandment?

The sins forbidden within the second commandment are, all devising, 4494 counselling, 4495 commanding, 4496 utilizing, 4497 and any sensible approving, any non secular worship not instituted by God himself; 4498 the making any illustration of God, of all or of any of the three individuals, both inwardly in our thoughts, or outwardly in any type of picture or likeness of any creature in any way; 4499 all worshipping of it, 4500 or God in it or by it; 4501 the making of any illustration of feigned deities, 4502 and all worship of them, or service belonging to them, 4503 all superstitious units, 4504 corrupting the worship of God, 4505 including to it, or taking from it, 4506 whether or not invented and brought up of ourselves, 4507 or obtained by custom from others, 4508 although beneath the title of antiquity, 4509 customized, 4510 devotion, 4511 good intent, or every other pretence in any way; 4512 simony; 4513 sacrilege; 4514 all neglect, 4515 contempt, 4516 hindering, 4517 and opposing the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed. 4518

110. What are the explanations annexed to the second commandment, the extra to implement it?

The explanations annexed to the second commandment, the extra to implement it, contained in these phrases, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the kids unto the third and fourth era of them that hate me; and displaying mercy unto 1000’s of them that love me, and maintain my commandments; 4519 are, apart from God’ s sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, 4520 his fervent zeal for his personal worship, 4521 and his revengeful indignation towards all false worship, as being a religious whoredom; 4522 accounting the breakers of this commandment akin to hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; 4523 and esteeming the observers of it akin to love him and maintain his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. 4524

111. Which is the third commandment?

The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the identify of the Lord thy God in useless: for the Lord won’t maintain him guiltless that taketh his identify in useless. 4525

112. What’s required within the third commandment?

The third commandment requires, That the identify of God, his titles, attributes, 4526 ordinances, 4527 the phrase, 4528 sacraments, 4529 prayer, 4530 oaths, 4531 vows, 4532 heaps, 4533 his works, 4534 and in any way else there’s whereby he makes himself recognized, be holy and reverently utilized in thought, 4535 meditation, 4536 phrase, 4537 and writing; 4538 by an holy occupation, 4539 and answerable dialog, 4540 to the glory of God, 4541 and the great of ourselves, 4542 and others. 4543

113. What are the sins forbidden within the third commandment?

The sins forbidden within the third commandment are, the not utilizing of God’ s identify as is required; 4544 and the abuse of it in an ignorant, 4545 useless, 4546 irreverent, profane, 4547 superstitious 4548 or depraved mentioning or in any other case utilizing his titles, attributes, 4549 ordinances, 4550 or works, 4551 by blasphemy, 4552 perjury; 4553 all sinful cursings, 4554 oaths, 4555 vows, 4556 and plenty; 4557 violation of our oaths and vows, if lawful 4558 and fulfilling them, if of issues illegal; 4559 murmuring and quarrelling at, 4560 curious prying into, 4561 and misapplying of God’ s decrees 4562 and providences; 4563 misinterpreting, 4564 misapplying, 4565 or any manner perverting the phrase, or any a part of it; 4566 to profane jests, 4567 curious or unprofitable questions, useless janglings, or the sustaining of false doctrines; 4568 abusing it, the creatures, or any factor contained beneath the identify of God, to charms, 4569 or sinful lusts and practices; 4570 the maligning, 4571 scorning, 4572 reviling, 4573 or any sensible opposing of God’ s fact, grace, and methods; 4574 making occupation of faith in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; 4575 being ashamed of it, 4576 or a disgrace to it, by unconformable, 4577 unwise, 4578 unfruitful, 4579 and offensive strolling, 4580 or backsliding from it. 4581

114. What causes are annexed to the third commandment?

The explanations annexed to the third commandment, in these phrases, [The Lord thy God,] and, [For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain,] 4582 are, as a result of he’s the Lord and our God, due to this fact his identify is to not be profaned, or any manner abused by us; 4583 particularly as a result of he might be so removed from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he won’t endure them to flee his righteous judgment; 4584 albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of males. 4585

115. Which is the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment is, Bear in mind the sabbath-day, to maintain it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; however the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that’s inside thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the ocean, and all that in them is, and rested within the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it. 4586

116. What’s required within the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment requireth of all males the sanctifying or holding holy to God such set occasions as he hath appointed in his phrase, expressly one entire day in seven; which was the seventh from the start of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the primary day of the week ever since, and so to proceed to the tip of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, 4587 and within the New Testomony referred to as The Lord’ s day. 4588

117. How is the sabbath or the Lord’s day to be sanctified?

The sabbath or Lord’s day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all of the day, 4589 not solely from such works as are always sinful, however even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on different days lawful; 4590 and making it our delight to spend the entire time 4591 in the private and non-private workouts of God’ s worship: 4593 and, to that finish, we’re to arrange our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly enterprise, that we could be the extra free and match for the duties of that day. 4594

118. Why is the cost of holding the sabbath extra specifically directed to governors of households, and different superiors?

The cost of holding the sabbath is extra specifically directed to governors of households, and different superiors, as a result of they’re sure not solely to maintain it themselves, however to see that it’s noticed by all these which can be beneath their cost; and since they’re inclined ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their very own. 4595

119. What are the sins forbidden within the fourth commandment?

The sins forbidden within the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, 4596 all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; 4597 all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; 4598 and by all useless works, phrases, and ideas, about our worldly employments and recreations. 4599

120. What are the explanations annexed to the fourth commandment, the extra to implement it?

The explanations annexed to the fourth commandment, the extra to implement it, are taken from the fairness of it, God permitting us six days of seven for our personal affairs, and reserving however one for himself in these phrases, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 4600 from God’ s difficult a particular propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: 4601 from the instance of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the ocean, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not solely in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, however in ordaining it to be a method of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day, and hallowed it. 4602

121. Why is the Phrase Bear in mind set to start with of the fourth commandment?

The phrase Bear in mind is ready to start with of the fourth commandment, 4603 partly, due to the nice advantage of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to maintain it, 4604 and, in holding it, higher to maintain all the remainder of the commandments, 4605 and to proceed a grateful remembrance of the 2 nice advantages of creation and redemption, which include a brief abridgment of faith; 4606 and partly, as a result of we’re very able to neglect it, 4607 for that there’s much less gentle of nature for it, 4608 and but it restraineth our pure liberty in issues at different occasions lawful; 4609 that it cometh however as soon as in seven days, and lots of worldly companies come between, and too typically take off our minds from considering of it, both to arrange for it, or to sanctify it; 4610 and that Devil along with his devices labours a lot to blot out the glory, and even the reminiscence of it, to herald all irreligion and impiety. 4611

122. What’s the sum of the six commandments which include our obligation to man?

The sum of the six commandments which include our obligation to man, is, to like our neighbour as ourselves, 4612 and to do to others what we might have them to do to us. 4613

123. Which is the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mom: that thy days could also be lengthy upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 4614

124. Who’re meant by father and mom within the fifth commandment?

By father and mom, within the fifth commandment, are meant, not solely pure mother and father, 4615 however all superiors in age 4616 and presents; 4617 and particularly akin to, by God’ s ordinance, are over us instead of authority, whether or not in household, 4618 church, 4619 or commonwealth. 4620

125. Why are superiors styled Father and Mom?

Superiors are styled Father and Mom, each to show them in all duties towards their inferiors, like pure mother and father, to precise love and tenderness to them, in accordance with their a number of relations; 4621 and to work inferiors to a better willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their mother and father. 4622

126. What’s the normal scope of the fifth commandment?

The final scope of the fifth commandment is, the efficiency of these duties which we mutually owe in our a number of relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. 4623

127. What’s the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?

The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in coronary heart, 4624 phrase, 4625 and behavior; 4626 prayer and thanksgiving for them; 4627 imitation of their virtues and graces; 4628 keen obedience to their lawful instructions and counsels; 4629 due submission to their corrections; 4630 constancy to, 4631 defence, 4632 and upkeep of their individuals and authority, in accordance with their a number of ranks, and the character of their locations; 4633 bearing with their infirmities, and overlaying them in love, 4634 that so they might be an honour to them and to their authorities. 4635

128. What are the sins of inferiors towards their superiors?

The sins of inferiors towards their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required towards them; 4636 envying at, 4637 contempt of, 4638 and insurrection 4639 towards, their individuals 4640 and locations, 4641 of their lawful counsels, 4642 instructions, and corrections; 4643 cursing, mocking 4644 and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a disgrace and dishonour to them and their authorities. 4645

129. What’s required of superiors in direction of their inferiors?

It’s required of superiors, in accordance with that energy they obtain from God, and that relation whereby they stand, to like, 4646 pray for, 4647 and bless their inferiors; 4648 to instruct, 4649 counsel, and admonish them; 4650 countenancing, 4651 commending, 4652 and rewarding akin to do properly; 4653 and discountenancing, 4654 reproving, and chastising akin to do sick; 4655 defending, 4656 and offering for all of them issues vital for soul 4657 and physique: 4658 and by grave, sensible, holy, and exemplary carriage, to obtain glory to God, 4659 honour to themselves, 4660 and so to protect that authority which God hath put upon them. 4661

130. What are the sins of superiors?

The sins of superiors are, apart from the neglect of the duties required of them, 4662 and inordinate searching for of themselves, 4663 their very own glory, 4664 ease, revenue, or pleasure; 4665 commanding issues illegal, 4666 or not within the energy of inferiors to carry out; 4667 counseling, 4668 encouraging, 4669 or favouring them in that which is evil; 4670 dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is nice; 4671 correcting them unduly; 4672 careless exposing, or leaving them to flawed, temptation, and hazard; 4673 scary them to wrath; 4674 or any manner dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour. 4675

131. What are the duties of equals?

The duties of equals are, to treat the dignity and price of one another, 4676 in giving honour to go one earlier than one other; 4677 and to rejoice in every others’ presents and development, as their very own. 4678

132. What are the sins of equals?

The sins of equals are, apart from the neglect of the duties required, 4679 the undervaluing of the price, 4680 envying the presents, 4681 grieving on the development or prosperity certainly one of one other; 4682 and usurping pre-eminence one over one other. 4683

133, What’s the cause annexed to the fifth commandment, the extra to implement it?

The explanation annexed to the fifth commandment, in these phrases, That thy days could also be lengthy upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, 4684 is an specific promise of lengthy life and prosperity, so far as it shall serve for God’ s glory and their very own good, to all akin to maintain this commandment. 4685

134. Which is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. 4686

135. What are the duties required within the sixth commandment?

The duties required within the sixth commandment are all cautious research, and lawful endeavors, to protect the lifetime of ourselves 4687 and others 4688 by resisting all ideas and functions, 4689 subduing all passions, 4690 and avoiding all events, 4691 temptations, 4692 and practices, which are likely to the unjust taking away the lifetime of any; 4693 by simply defence thereof towards violence, 4694 affected person bearing of the hand of God, 4695 quietness of thoughts, 4696 cheerfulness of spirit; 4697 a sober use of meat, 4698 drink, 4699 physick, 4700 sleep, 4701 labour, 4702 and recreations; 4703 by charitable ideas, 4704 love, 4705 compassion, 4706 meekness, gentleness, kindness; 4707 peaceful, 4708 delicate and courteous speeches and behavior; 4709 forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, affected person bearing and forgiving of accidents, and requiting good for evil; 4710 comforting and succouring the distressed and defending and defending the harmless. 4711

136. What are the sins forbidden within the sixth commandment?

The sins forbidden within the sixth commandment are, all taking away the lifetime of ourselves, 4712 or of others, 4713 besides in case of public justice, 4714 lawful warfare, 4715 or vital defence; 4716 the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and vital technique of preservation of life; 4717 sinful anger, 4718 hatred, 4719 envy, 4720 need of revenge; 4721 all extreme passions, 4722 distracting cares; 4723 excessive use of meat, drink, 4724 labor, 4725 and recreations; 4726 scary phrases, 4727 oppression, 4728 quarreling, 4729 putting, wounding, 4730 and in any way else tends to the destruction of the lifetime of any. 4731

137. Which is the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery. 4732

138. What are the duties required within the seventh commandment?

The duties required within the seventh commandment are, chastity in physique, thoughts, affections, 4733 phrases, 4734 and conduct; 4735 and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; 4736 watchfulness over the eyes and all of the senses; 4737 temperance, 4738 holding of chaste firm, 4739 modesty in attire; 4740 marriage by people who haven’t the present of continency, 4741 conjugal love, 4742 and cohabitation; 4743 diligent labor in our callings; 4744 shunning all events of uncleanliness, and resisting temptations thereunto. 4745

139. What are the sins forbidden within the seventh commandment?

The sins forbidden within the seventh commandment, apart from the neglect of the duties required, 4746 are, adultery, fornication, 4747 rape, incest, 4748 sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; 4749 all unclean imaginations, ideas, functions, and affections; 4750 all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; 4751 wanton seems to be, 4752 impudent or gentle behaviour, conceited attire; 4753 prohibiting of lawful, 4754 and dishing out with illegal marriages; 4755 permitting, tolerating, holding of stews, and resorting to them; 4756 entangling vows of single life, 4757 undue delay of marriage, 4758 having extra wives or husbands than one on the similar time; 4759 unjust divorce, 4760 or desertion; 4761 idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, 4762 unchaste firm; 4763 lascivious songs, books, photos, dancings, stage performs; 4764 and all different provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, both in ourselves or others. 4765

140. Which is the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. 4766

141. What are the duties required within the eighth commandment?

The duties required within the eighth commandment are, fact, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; 4767 restitution of products unlawfully detained from the best homeowners thereof; 4768 giving and lending freely, in accordance with our talents, and the requirements of others; 4769 moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections regarding worldly items; 4770 a provident care and examine to get, 4771 maintain, use, and dispose this stuff that are vital and handy for the sustentation of our nature, and appropriate to our situation; 4772 a lawful calling, 4773 and diligence in it; 4774 frugality; 4775 avoiding pointless law-suits, 4776 and suretiship, or different like engagements; 4777 and an endeavor, by all simply and lawful means, to obtain, protect, and additional the wealth and outward property of others, in addition to our personal. 4778

142. What are the sins forbidden within the eighth commandment?

The sins forbidden within the eighth commandment, apart from the neglect of the duties required, 4779 are, theft, 4780 theft, 4781 man-stealing, 4782 and receiving any factor that’s stolen; 4783 fraudulent dealing, 4784 false weights and measures, 4785 eradicating landmarks, 4786 injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, 4787 or in issues of belief; 4788 oppression, 4789 extortion, 4790 usury, 4791 bribery, 4792 vexatious law-suits, 4793 unjust inclosures and depopulations; 4794 ingrossing commodities to boost the worth; 4795 illegal callings, 4796 and all different unjust or sinful methods of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; 4797 covetousness; 4798 inordinate prizing and affecting worldly items; 4799 distrustful and distracting cares and research in getting, holding, and utilizing them; 4800 envying on the prosperity of others; 4801 as likewise idleness, 4802 prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all different methods whereby we do unduly prejudice our personal outward property, 4803 and defrauding ourselves of the due use and luxury of that property which God hath given us. 4804

143. Which is the ninth commandment?

The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness towards thy neighbor. 4805

144. What are the duties required within the ninth commandment?

The duties required within the ninth commandment are, the preserving and selling of fact between man and man, 4806 and the great identify of our neighbour, in addition to our personal; 4807 showing and standing for the reality; 4808 and from the guts, 4809 sincerely, 4810 freely, 4811 clearly, 4812 and totally, 4813 talking the reality, and solely the reality, in issues of judgment and justice, 4814 and in all different issues in any way; 4815 a charitable esteem of our neighbours; 4816 loving, wanting, and rejoicing of their good identify; 4817 sorrowing for, 4818 and overlaying of their infirmities; 4819 freely acknowledging of their presents and graces, 4820 defending their innocency; 4821 a prepared receiving of an excellent report, 4822 and unwillingness to confess of an evil report, 4823 regarding them; discouraging tale-bearers, 4824 flatterers, 4825 and slanderers; 4826 love and care of our personal good identify, and defending it when want requireth; 4827 holding of lawful guarantees; 4828 learning and training of in any way issues are true, sincere, pretty, and of fine report. 4829

145. What are the sins forbidden within the ninth commandment?

The sins forbidden within the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the reality, and the great identify of our neighbours, in addition to our personal, 4830 particularly in public judicature; 4831 giving false proof, 4832 suborning false witnesses, 4833 wittingly showing and pleading for an evil trigger, out-facing and overbearing the reality; 4834 passing unjust sentence, 4835 calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the depraved in accordance with the work of the righteous, and the righteous in accordance with the work of the depraved; 4836 forgery, 4837 concealing the reality, undue silence in a simply trigger, 4838 and holding our peace when iniquity calleth for both a reproof from ourselves, 4839 or criticism to others; 4840 talking the reality unseasonably, 4841 or maliciously to a flawed finish, 4842 or perverting it to a flawed that means, 4843 or in uncertain or equivocal expressions, to the bias of fact or justice; 4844 talking untruth, 4845 mendacity, 4846 slandering, 4847 backbiting, 4848 talebearing, 4849 whispering, 4850 scoffing, 4851 reviling, 4852 rash, 4853 harsh, 4854 and partial censuring; 4855 misconstructing intentions, phrases, and actions; 4856 flattering, 4857 vain-glorious boasting; 4858 considering or talking too extremely or too meanly of ourselves or others; 4859 denying the presents and graces of God; 4860 aggravating smaller faults; 4861 hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when referred to as to a free confession; 4862 pointless discovering of infirmities; 4863 elevating false rumors, 4864 receiving and countenancing evil stories, 4865 and stopping our ears towards simply protection; 4866 evil suspicion; 4867 envying or grieving on the deserved credit score of any, 4868 endeavoring or wanting to impair it, 4869 rejoicing of their shame and infamy; 4870 scornful contempt, 4871 fond admiration; 4872 breach of lawful guarantees; 4873 neglecting things like are of fine report, 4874 and training, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering what we are able to in others, things like procure an sick identify. 4875

146. Which is the tenth commandment?

The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’ s home, thou shall not covet they neighbour’ s spouse, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any factor that’s thy neighbour’ s. 4876

147. What are the duties required within the tenth commandment?

The duties required within the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our personal situation, 4877 and such a charitable body of the entire soul towards our neighbour, as that every one our inward motions and affections touching him, have a tendency unto, and additional all that good which is his. 4878

148. What are the sins forbidden within the tenth commandment?

The sins forbidden within the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our personal property; 4879 envying 4880 and grieving on the good of our neighbour, 4881 along with all inordinate motions and affections to any factor that’s his. 4882

149. Is any man ready completely to maintain the commandments of God?

No man is ready, both of himself, 4883 or by any grace obtained on this life, completely to maintain the commandments of God; 4884 however doth every day break them in thought, 4885 phrase, and deed. 4886

150. Are all transgressions of the legislation of God equally heinous in themselves, and within the sight of God?

All transgressions of the legislation of God should not equally heinous; however some sins in themselves, and by cause of a number of aggravations, are extra heinous within the sight of God than others. 4887

151. What are these aggravations that make some sins extra heinous than others?

Sins obtain their aggravations,

From the individuals offending 4888 they be of riper age, 4889 better expertise of grace, 4890 eminent for occupation, 4891 presents, 4892 place, 4893 workplace, 4894 information to others, 4895 and whose instance is more likely to be adopted by others. 4896,
From the events offended: 4897 if instantly towards God, 4898 his attributes, 4899 and worship; 4900 towards Christ, and his grace; 4901 the Holy Spirit, 4902 his witness, 4903 and workings 4904 towards superiors, males of eminency, 4905 and akin to we stand particularly associated and engaged unto; 4906 towards any of the saints, 4907 notably weak brethren, 4908 the souls of them, or every other, 4909 and the frequent good of all or many. 4910,
From the character and high quality of the offense: 4911 if it’s towards the specific letter of the legislation, 4912 break many commandments, include in it many sins: 4913 if not solely conceived within the coronary heart, however breaks forth in phrases and actions, 4914 scandalize others, 4915 and admit of no reparation: 4916 if towards means, 4917 mercies, 4918 judgments, 4919 gentle of nature, 4920 conviction of conscience, 4921 public or personal admonition, 4922 censures of the church, 4923 civil punishments; 4924 and our prayers, functions, guarantees, 4925 vows, 4926 covenants, 4927 and engagements to God of males: 4928 if finished intentionally, 4929 wilfully, 4930 presumptuously, 4931 impudently, 4932 boastingly, 4933 maliciously, 4934 steadily, 4935 obstinately, 4936 with delight, 4937 continuance, 4938 or relapsing after repentance. 4939
From circumstances of time 4940 and place: 4941 if on the Lord’ s day, 4942 or different occasions of divine worship; 4943 or instantly earlier than 4944 or after these, 4945 or different helps to forestall or treatment such miscarriages; 4946 if in public, or within the presence of others, who’re thereby more likely to be provoked or defiled. 4947

152. What doth each sin deserve by the hands of God?

Each sin, even the least, being towards the sovereignty, 4948 goodness, 4949 and holiness of God, 4950 and towards his righteous legislation, 4951 deserveth his wrath and curse, 4952 each on this life, 4953 and that which is to return; 4954 and can’t be expiated however by the blood of Christ. 4955

153. What doth God require of us, that we could escape his wrath and curse as a consequence of us by cause of the transgression of the legislation?

That we could escape the wrath and curse of God as a consequence of us by cause of the transgression of the legislation, he requireth of us repentance towards God, and religion towards our Lord Jesus Christ, 4956 and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the advantages of his mediation. 4957

The Westminster Bigger Catechism of the Affiliate Reformed Presbyterian Church”

Neiswonger