Question 70.Which is the seventh commandment?
Ans. The seventh commandment is, "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Question 71.What is required in the seventh commandment?
Ans. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.
Q. 70&71.1. What doth the seventh commandment respect?
A. The seventh commandment doth respect our own and others' chastity.
Q. 70&71.2. What doth the seventh commandment require, in reference unto our own and others' chastity?
A. The seventh commandment doth require, in reference unto our own and others' chastity, the preservation thereof, in keeping of ourselves unpolluted, and doing what in us lieth to prevent the defilement of others. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour."1 Thess 4:3-4.
Q. 70&71.3. Wherein are we bound by this commandment to preserve our own and our neighbour's chastity?
A. We are bound by this commandment to preserve our own and our neighbour's chastity1. In heart, by such love unto, and desire after, and delight in one another's company, as is pure and chaste; and that whether we be men, as to the company of women; or women, as to the company of men. "See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently."1 Pet 1:22. 2. In speech, by such discourse one with another, as is uncorrupt, and may tend to one another's edification and sanctification. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."Eph 4:29. 3. In behaviour, by such a conversation and actions as are modest and chaste. "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."1 Pet 3:1-2.
Q. 70&71.4. Whereby may we preserve our chastity?
A. We may preserve our chastity1. By watchfulness; and that, (1.) Over our hearts and spirits, to oppose uncleanness in the first desires of it, and inclinations of heart to it, and risings of it in the thoughts. "Keep thy heart with all diligence."Prov 4:23. "Therefore take heed to your spirit."Mal 2:16. (2.) Over our senses; our eyes, to turn them away from such objects as may provoke lust. "I made a covenant with mine eyes, why then should I think upon a maid?"Job 31:1. Our ears, to shut them against all lascivious discourse; we must watch also against such touches and wanton dalliances as may be an incentive to unchaste desires, and take heed of all light and lewd company, and watch to avoid all occasions, and resist temptations to the sin of uncleanness. "Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house."Prov 5:8. "His master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused; and said, How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"Gen 39:7-9. 2. By diligence in our callings, wherein, when our bodies and minds are busily employed, both may be preserved from those unclean practices and desires which idle
persons are more prone unto. "She eateth not the bread of idleness. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."Prov 31:27,29. "And Dinah went out to see the daughters of the land. And Shechem took her and lay with her, and defiled her."Gen 34:1-2. 3. By temperance in eating and drinking, excess in either of which doth pamper the body, and excite unto lust. "They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife."Jer 5:8. "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup," etc. "Thine eyes shall behold strange women."Prov 23:31,33. 4. By abstinence, and keeping under the body, when there is need, with frequent fastings. "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."1 Cor 9:27. 5. By the fear of God, and awful apprehension of his presence and all-seeing eye. "And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings."Prov 5:20-21. 6. By faith in Jesus Christ, and thereby drawing virtue from him for the purifying of the heart and the crucifying of the fleshly lusts. "Purifying their hearts by faith."Acts 15:9. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts."Gal 5:24. 7. By application of the promises of cleansing the heart, and subduing iniquity. "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness will I cleanse you."Ezek 36:25. "He will subdue our iniquities."Mic 7:19. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."2 Cor 7:1. 8. By the help of the Spirit. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."Rom 8:13. 9. By frequent and fervent prayer. "Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than the snow."Ps 51:2,7. "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity." Ps 119:37. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."Matt 6:13. 10. When no other means will avail to quench burning desires, marriage is to be made use of; and that must be in the Lord. "But if they cannot contain, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn. If her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."1 Cor 7:9,39.
Q. 70&71.5. Why must we preserve our chastity?
A. We must preserve our chastity1. Because we are men and women, and not beasts, who are under no law; it is suitable to the principles of reason, and law of God written upon the heart, as well as the express command of the word, to keep ourselves chaste and clean. 2. Because we are Christians and not heathens, who have no knowledge or fear of God. "Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles who know not God."1 Thess 4:5. "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."Eph 4:17,19. 3. Because we are true believers, our bodies are members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Ghost, and not our own, and therefore ought to be kept clean and holy. "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What! know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"1 Cor 6:15-16,19. "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."1 Cor 3:17.
Question 72.What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
Ans. The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Q. 72.1. What is the sin forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, all unchastity and uncleanness. "Fornication, and all uncleanness, let it not be once named amongst you."Eph 5:3.
Q. 72.2. Wherein is all unchastity and uncleanness forbidden?
A. All unchastity and uncleanness is forbidden1. In the thoughts and desires of the heart, such as wanton thoughts and lustful desires. "Whosoever looketh upon a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."Matt 5:28. "Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin."James 1:14-15. 2. In words and speeches, such as all obscene words, lascivious songs, and enticing speeches unto any, to draw them to this sin. "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking."Eph 5:4. "Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; and solace ourselves with loves. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him."Prov 7:18,21. 3. In the actions, and that both the acts of unchastity and uncleanness itself, and whatever actions do tend thereunto.
Q. 72.3. What are the acts of unchastity and uncleanness which are forbidden?
A. The acts of unchastity and uncleanness which are forbidden, are either such as are without marriage, or in those that are married.
Q. 72.4. What are the acts of unchastity and uncleanness without marriage forbidden?
A. The acts of unchastity and uncleanness without marriage forbidden are1. Self-pollution. 2. Fornication and adultery. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness."Gal 5:19. "Thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her."Lev 18:20. 3. Incest. "None of you shall approach unto any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the
Lord."Lev 18:6. 4. Rape, and all forcing of any into the sin of uncleanness. "If a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her, the man shall die."Deut 22:25. 5. Sodomy.
Q. 72.5. What are the acts of unchastity and uncleanness forbidden between those that are married?
A. The acts of unchastity and uncleanness forbidden between those that are married, are, all unseasonable and immoderate use of the marriage-bed. "Thou shalt not approach unto a woman, to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness." Lev 18:19. "Defraud ye not one another, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer."1 Cor 7:5.
Q. 72.6. What are those actions forbidden which do tend to unchastity and uncleanness?
A. The actions forbidden which do tend to unchastity and uncleanness, are1. Drunkenness. "And they made their father drunk with wine that night; and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father."Gen 19:33. 2. Gluttony and idleness. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister, Sodom; pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her; and she committed abomination before me."Ezek 16:49-50. 3. Wanton gestures and attires. "The daughters of Zion walk with stretched forth necks, and wanton eyes, walking, and mincing as they go."Isa 3:16. "There met him a woman, with the attire of an harlot; and she caught him, and kissed him."Prov 7:10,13. 4. Frequenting light and lewd company, reading lascivious books, beholding unchaste pictures, or doing anything which may provoke lust.
Q. 72.7. Wherefore ought all to forbear all unchastity and uncleanness, especially the grosser acts of fornication and adultery?
A. All ought to forbear unchastity and uncleanness, especially the grosser acts of fornication and adultery1. Because fornication and adultery is a sin very offensive and dishonourable unto God. "And David sent messengers, and took her: and she came in unto him, and he lay with her. But the thing that David had done displeased
the Lord."2 Sam 11:4,27. 2. Because fornication and adultery is very pernicious and hurtful unto themselves that are guilty of it. (1.) It is a sin against their body, which defileth it, and oftentimes wasteth and consumeth it. "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication, sinneth against his own body."1 Cor 6:18. "Remove thy way far from her, lest thou mourn at last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed."Prov 5:8,11. (2.) It is a sin against their soul, which doth blind the mind, waste the conscience, and, in the issue, doth bring destruction upon the soul. "Whoredom and wine take away the heart;" that is, the understanding.Hos 4:11. "Whoso committeth adultery with a woman, lacketh understanding; he that doeth it, destroyeth his own soul."Prov 6:32. (3.) It woundeth and blotteth the name. "Whoso committeth adultery, a wound and dishonour shall he get, and his reproach shall not be wiped away."Prov 6:32-33. (4.) It wasteth the estate and substance. "Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, and thy labours be in the house of a stranger."Prov 5:10. "For by means of a whorish woman, a man is brought to a piece of bread."Prov 6:26. (5.) It bringeth many to an untimely end. "The adulteress will hunt for the precious life."Prov 6:26. "She hath cast down many wounded; yea, many strong men have been slain by her."Prov 7:26. 3. Because fornication and adultery is injurious to others; the party with whom uncleanness is committed, is involved in the same guilt; and if the party be married, it is an injury to the other married relation.
Question 73.Which is the eighth commandment?
Ans. The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal."
Question 74.What is required in the eighth commandment?
Ans. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q. 73&74.1. What doth the eighth commandment respect?
A. The eighth commandment doth respect the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q. 73&74.2. What doth the eighth commandment require, in reference unto our own and others' wealth and outward estate?
A. The eighth commandment doth require, in reference unto our own and others' wealth and outward estate, the procuring and preservation thereof.
Q. 73&74.3. May we use any means for the procuring and preserving of our own and others' wealth and outward estate.
A. We must use none but lawful means for the procuring or preserving of our own or others' wealth and outward estate?
Q. 73&74.4. How may and ought we to endeavour the procurement and preservation of our own wealth and outward estate?
A. We may and ought to endeavour the procurement and preservation of our own wealth and outward estate1. By making choice of a lawful and fit calling for us; and therein to abide with God. "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to dress it, and to keep it."Gen 2:15. "And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground."Gen 4:2. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Brethren, let every man wherein he is called therein abide with God."1 Cor 7:20-24. 2. By a moderate care in our callings, to provide such things of this world's good things for ourselves, as are honest and decent, and useful for us. "She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."Prov 31:16. "Provide things honest in the sight of all men."Rom 12:17. 3. By prudence and discretion in the managing of the affairs of our callings to the best advantage. "A good man showeth favour, and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with discretion."Ps 112:5. "Discretion shall preserve thee, and understanding shall keep thee."Prov 2:11. 4. By frugality, in decent sparing unnecessary expenses, wasting nothing, and denying ourselves the extravagant and costly cravings
of our carnal desires and appetites. "There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."Prov 21:20. "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."John 6:12. "Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly," etc.Titus 2:12. 5. By diligence and laboriousness in our callings. "The hand of the diligent maketh rich."Prov 10:4. "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."Prov 13:11. "Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."Eph 4:28. 6. By seeking unto the Lord for his blessing upon our endeavours, and dependence upon him in the use of means for temporal provisions. "The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."Prov 10:22. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God."Phil 4:6. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."1 Pet 5:7. 7. By a cheerful use of the good things which God giveth us ourselves, so far as we have need, and a ready distribution to the necessity of others. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."Prov 11:24-25. 8. By seeking our due, in a moderate endeavour to keep or recover that which doth of right belong unto us, when wrongfully sought or detained from us.
Q. 73&74.5. Is it lawful, in the sight of God, to make use of the laws of men to recover or defend that which is our own, when it is said by our Saviour (Matt 5:40), "If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also?" and by the apostle (1 Cor 6:7), "Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another; why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?"
A. 1. Neither of these places of Scripture does absolutely forbid the making use of the law at all, or at any time, for the defence or recovery of our right. 2. That of our Saviour doth forbid contention; and rather than to uphold it, to part with some of our right, such as a coat or a cloak, or any such smaller goods, which, without much prejudice, we might spare; but it doth not hence follow, if another should wrong us in a greater matter, and seek to undo us, that we ought to let him take all which we have in the world, without seeking our right by the laws under which we live; for if this were so, all sincere Christians would quickly be robbed and spoiled by the wicked, amongst whom they live, of all their livelihood. 3. That of the apostle doth forbid Christians going to law one with another before the heathen and infidel magistrates, which was a scandal to the Christian religion which they did profess; and he telleth them, they ought rather to make up their differences about wrong and right amongst themselves, and to suffer wrong rather than do anything to the prejudice of the gospel; but this doth not prohibit Christians, in a Christian commonwealth, to defend or recover their own by law; yet, so much is forbidden in these places, namely, the contending at law about small matters, especially in case of scandal, and the using the law at all, if there be not necessity. 4. That it is lawful in the sight of God to make use of the laws of men for defence or recovery of our right, is evident, from God's appointment of a magistracy to execute those laws, who would be of no use might we not have the benefit of the laws; and because those laws are suitable to the judicial laws of God's own appointment, which the children of Israel might make use of for the defence and recovery of their right; and by the same reason Christians may do so too.
Q. 73&74.6. How ought we to endeavour the procurement and furtherance of the wealth and outward estate of others?
A. We ought to endeavour the procurement and preservation of the wealth and outward estate of others, in general, by a public spirit, in seeking the good of the commonwealth above our own, and seeking others' private wealth and advantage, as well as our own. "Let no man
seek his own (that is, only), but every man another's wealth."1 Cor 10:24.
Q. 73&74.7. What is our duty in reference unto such as are poor and in want?
A. Our duty unto such as are poor and in want, is to relieve them, according to our ability and their necessity, by lending and giving freely unto them for their supply and help, especially if they be of the household of faith. "If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him; yea, though he be a stranger or sojourner, that he may live with thee."Lev 25:35. "As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith."Gal 6:10. "Distributing to the necessities of the saints."Rom 12:13. "Give to him that asketh thee; and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away."Matt 5:42. "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"James 2:15-16. "Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"1 John 3:17.
Q. 73&74.8. What is our duty towards all, in reference unto their wealth and outward estate?
A. Our duty towards all, in reference unto their wealth and outward estate, is kindness and justice.
Q. 73&74.9. Wherein should our kindness show itself in reference unto the wealth and outward estate of others?
A. Our kindness in reference unto the wealth and outward estate of others, should show itself in our readiness unto any offices of love, which may promote and further it. "Let us do good unto all men"Gal 6:10. "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints; and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you."Rom 16:1-2.
Q. 73&74.10. What is the rule of justice to be observed in reference unto the wealth and outward estate of others?
A. The rule of justice to be observed, in reference unto
the wealth and outward estate of others, is, to do unto others as it is fit, and as we would that others should do unto us. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them; for this is the law and the prophets."Matt 7:12.
Q. 73&74.11. Wherein must we show our justice in our dealings with others?
A. We must show our justice in our dealings with others1. In our truth and sincerity in all our concerns with others. "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh truth in his heart."Ps 15:2. "For our rejoicing is this, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we had our conversation in the world."2 Cor 1:12. 2. In our faithfulness to fulfil all our lawful covenants and promises, and to discharge whatever trust is committed unto us. "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not."Ps 15:4. "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."1 Cor 4:2. 3. In our buying and selling, giving a just price for those things that we buy, and taking a reasonable rate for such things as we sell. "If thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another."Lev 25:14. 4. In paying every one his dues. "Render, therefore, to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom. Owe no man anything, but to love one another."Rom 13:7-8. "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not to thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee."Prov 3:27-28. 5. In restoring the pledge which is left with us, or goods of others which are found by us, or anything that is gotten by stealth or fraud. "He shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found."Lev 6:4. "Hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge," etc.Ezek 18:6. "If I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."Luke 19:8.
Question 75.What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
Ans. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.
Q. 75.1. What doth the eighth commandment forbid, as a hindrance of our own wealth and outward estate?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth, as a hindrance of our own wealth and outward estate1. Prodigality and lavish spending of our substance, in gluttony, drunkenness, lewd company, gaming, and the like. "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living."Luke 16:13. "The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty."Prov 23:21. "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich."Prov 20:17. "He that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough."Prov 28:19. 2. Imprudence in venturing out all upon great uncertainties, rash engaging in suretiship; or anywise indiscreet management of our callings, to our detriment. "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."Prov 28:22. "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"Prov 22:26-27. 3. Idleness and slothful neglect of the duties of our particular callings. "Drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags."Prov 23:21. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man."Prov 24:30-34.
Q. 75.2. What doth the eighth commandment forbid in
the excess, in reference unto our own wealth and outward estate?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth in the excess, in reference unto our own wealth and outward estate1. Covetousness, in getting an estate with carking cares, inordinate desires to be rich, or with immoderate labour, so as to waste the body, and to exclude time for religious duty. "Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have."Heb 13:5. "I would have ye without carefulness."1 Cor 7:32. "Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life."Luke 21:34. "They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition; for 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 sorrows."1 Tim 6:9-10. "There is one alone, and not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, neither saith he, For whom do I labour and bereave myself of good?"Eccles 4:8. 2. Covetousness, in keeping what we have gotten of the good things of the world, without an heart to make use of them. "There is an evil under the sun, and it is common among men; a man to whom God hath given riches and wealth, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul, of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and an evil disease."Eccles 6:1-2. 3. Unlawful contracts, such as simony in the sale of holy things, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, pardons of sin, and dispensations unto it, church-livings, and the charge of souls. "Thy money perish with thee, because that thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."Acts 8:20. 4. Bribery in the sale of public justice. "And thou shalt take no gift; for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous."Exod 23:8. "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards; they judge not
the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them."Isa 1:23. 5. Unlawful arts, fortune telling, figure casting, and making use of any unwarrantable ways for the getting of money. "Thou hast trusted in thy wickedness. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up and save thee."Isa 47:10,13. "Many also of them which used curious arts, brought their books together, and burnt them before all men. A certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen."Acts 19:19,24.
Q. 75.3. What doth the eighth commandment forbid in reference unto others which are in want?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth, in reference unto others which are in want, a withholding relief from them, and stopping the ear against their cry. "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he shall cry himself; but shall not be heard."Prov 21:13. "If there be a poor man of thy brethren, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother."Deut 15:7.
Q. 75.4. What doth the eighth commandment forbid in reference unto all men?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth, in reference unto all men, any kind of injustice and unrighteousness, in any of our dealings with them; such as1. Defrauding others in our buying, when we discommend that which we know to be good, or take an advantage of others' ignorance of the worth of their commodities, or their necessity of selling them, so as to give a great underrate for them. "It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer; but when he, is gone his way, then he boasteth."Prov 20:14. "If thou buyest ought of thy neighbour, ye shall not oppress."Lev 25:14. 2. Defrauding others in selling, when we praise that which we sell, and against our consciences say, It is excellent good, though we know it to be stark naught; and when we take an unreasonable price for our commodities; or when we cozen them, in the sale of goods, by false weights and measures. "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter; because the Lord
is the avenger of all such."1 Thess 4:6. "Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and a just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have."Deut 25:13,15. "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord; but a just weight is his delight."Prov 11:1. "Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?"Mic 6:10-11. 3. Especially, the eighth commandment doth directly forbid stealing one from another"Thou shalt not steal." "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."Lev 19:11.
Q. 75.5. What stealing doth the eighth commandment forbid?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth all stealing, either within the family or without the family.
Q. 75.6. What stealing within the family doth the eighth commandment forbid?
A. The eighth commandment doth forbid within the family1. Servants stealing and purloining, as also anywise wasting and wronging their masters, in their goods or estates. "Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity."Titus 2:9-10. "A certain rich man had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods."Luke 16:1. 2. Children stealing and robbing their parents. "Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer."Prov 28:24. "He that wasteth his father, is a son that causeth shame."Prov 19:26.
Q. 75.7. What stealing without the family doth the eighth commandment forbid?
A. The eighth commandment doth forbid without the family, all theft, both public and private.
Q. 75.8. What is the public theft which the eighth commandment doth forbid?
A. The public theft which the eighth commandment
doth forbid, is1. Sacrilege, which is, when any do either violently or fraudulently take away or alienate any thing that hath been dedicated to sacred uses; or when sacred persons, without just cause, are taken off from their employment. "Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?"Rom 2:22. "It is a snare to a man to devour that which is holy."Prov 20:25. "Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me: but ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation."Mal 3:8-9. 2. Robbing public treasuries, or any way wronging and defrauding the commonwealth, by taking away its just liberties and privileges, or by doing a public detriment for private advantage's sake; amongst which public robberies may be numbered inclosures, engrossings, forestallings, monopolies, and the like.
Q. 75.9. What is the private theft which the eighth commandment doth forbid without the family?
A. The private theft which the eighth commandment doth forbid without the family, is1. Man-stealing, or woman-stealing, or stealing of children, that they may be sent or sold for slaves. "The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for murderers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons."1 Tim 1:9-10. "He that stealeth a man, and selleth him, shall surely be put to death."Exod 21:16. 2. Robbery, either by land or sea, either of money, cattle, or any goods. "And the men of Shechem set liers in wait in the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them."Judg 9:25. "Now, Barabbas was a robber."John 18:40. "The robber swalloweth up their substance."Job 5:5.
Q. 75.10. What further is inclusively forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. There is further inclusively forbidden in the eighth commandment1. All partaking with thieves in receiving stolen goods, or otherwise. "Cast in thy lot among us, let us all have one purse."Prov 1:14. "Whoso is partner with a thief, hateth his own soul."Prov 29:24.
"When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him."Ps 50:18. 2. Detaining that which is strayed or lost. "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them; thou shalt in any case bring them again to thy brother. In like manner shalt thou do with his raiment, and with all lost things of thy brother's which thou hast found."Deut 22:1,3. 3. Falsehood and unfaithfulness in our promises, and in regard of any thing committed to our trust. "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein."John 12:6. 4. Rigorous requiring what is owed to us, without compassion or forbearance. "But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence; and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not; but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt."Matt 18:28-30. 5. Cruel keeping the pledge when it is the means of our neighbour's living. "If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down: for that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? And it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious."Exod 22:26-27. 6. All withholding that which is due, especially the wages and hire of servants and labourers. "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again."Ps 37:21. "The wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."Lev 19:13. 7. Removing the ancient landmarks, or any otherwise seeking to defraud others of the just title which they have to their estates. "Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set."Prov 22:28. 8. Extortion and all oppression, especially of the poor and afflicted. "Rob not the poor, because he is poor; neither oppress the afflicted in the gate; for the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them."Prov 22:22-23. "Hear this, O ye
that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail; falsifying the balances by deceit, to buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes, and sell the refuse of the wheat, The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works."Amos 8:4-7. 9. Usury and taking increase merely for loan. "If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury."Exod 22:25. "He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase."Ezek 18:8.
Q. 75.11. Why should we forbear all manner of theft, and endeavours to enrich ourselves by the wronging of others?
A. We ought to forbear all manner of theft, and endeavours to enrich ourselves by the wronging of others, because it is the express prohibition of God written in the Word, and most agreeable to the law of nature written upon the heart; as also, because that riches got by theft and wrong are accompanied with God's curse; and if not here, be sure God's vengeance will overtake such persons as are guilty of theft and unrighteousness, in the other world. "This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth; for every one that stealeth, shall be cut off on this side: and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and shall consume it, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof."Zech 5:3-4. "As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool."Jer 17:11. "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you! ye have heaped treasure together for the last days."James 5:1,3.
Q. 75.12. How may we be kept from the sins forbidden in this eighth commandment?
A. We may be kept from the sins forbidden in this eighth commandment, by mortified affections to the world through Christ's death and Spirit, by raised affections to the things above, by a love of justice, by prayer, by faith in God's promises and special providence, in making all needful provision without this sin for his.
Question 76.Which is the ninth commandment?
Ans. The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
Question 77.What is required in the ninth commandment?
Ans. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.
Q. 76&77.1. Wherein doth this ninth commandment differ from the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?
A. This ninth commandment doth differ from the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments, in that the sixth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's life; the seventh commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's chastity; the eighth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate: but this ninth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's good name.
Q. 76&77.2. What is more generally required in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment doth more generally require the maintaining and promoting truth between man and man.
Q. 76&77.3. How ought we to maintain and promote truth between man and man?
A. We ought to maintain and promote truth between man and man, by speaking the very truth to and of one another, and that from the heart. "These are the things that ye shall do, Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."Zech 8:16. "Wherefore putting away all lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another."Eph 4:25. "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."Ps 15:1-2.
Q. 76&77.4. What doth the ninth commandment more particularly require, in reference unto our own and others' good name?
A. The ninth commandment doth more particularly require, in reference unto our own and others' good name, the maintaining and promoting thereof, especially in witness-bearing.
Q. 76&77.5. How ought we to maintain and promote our own good name?
A. We ought to maintain and promote our own good name by deserving it, and defending it.
Q. 76&77.6. How may we deserve a good name?
A. Although we can deserve nothing in the sight of God, yet we may deserve a good name in the sight of men, by being good, and by doing good.
Q. 76&77.7. What is that which we may be and do that we may deserve a good name amongst men?
A. That we may deserve a good name amongst men, we must be holy, humble, harmless, wise, loving, patient, meek, just, righteous, sober, chaste, true, honest, and every way gracious and virtuous, as to our inward dispositions and affections; our conversations also, and actions, must be correspondent, doing always those things which be praiseworthy and of good report. "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."1 Pet 3:15-16. "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."Phil 2:15. "A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine."Eccles 8:1. "Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved), bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."Col 3:12. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned and received,
and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you."Phil 4:8-9.
Q. 76&77.8. How may we defend our good name?
A. We may defend our good name1. By clearing ourselves from the false aspersions, and vindicating our innocency against the false accusations, of our adversaries. "I do the more cheerfully answer for myself; that thou mayest understand that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem, and they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogue, nor in the city; neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me."Acts 24:10-13. 2. By speaking sometimes in commendation of ourselves, when there is need only, and that very sparingly, modestly, humbly, and unwillingly, always abasing ourselves, giving God all the glory for anything in ourselves which is praiseworthy. "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you, for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing."2 Cor 12:11. "By the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not 1, but the grace of God which was with me."1 Cor 15:10.
Q. 76&77.9. Who ought especially to maintain and promote their good name?
A. All ought to maintain and promote their good name, especially all believers and professors of religion; chiefly magistrates, and such unto whom public trust is committed; and ministers, unto whom is committed the charge of souls. "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to speak of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."Titus 2:7-10.
Q. 76&77.10. Why ought all to maintain and promote their own good name?
A. All ought to maintain and promote their own good name1. Because it is for the glory of God, which is the
duty of all principally to aim at, and to design their own honour only in subordination hereunto. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."Matt 5:16. "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."1 Pet 2:12. 2. Because a good name is precious, and rendereth men the more useful one to another, causing mutual love unto, and confidence in one another, whereby their mutual concernments and advantage, both civil and spiritual, are exceedingly promoted. "A good name is better than precious ointment."Eccles 7:1. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."Prov 22:1.
Q. 76&77.11. What doth the ninth commandment require of us, in reference to the good name of our neighbour?
A. The ninth commandment requireth of us, in reference unto the good name of our neighbour, the maintaining and promoting thereof as our own, and that both in regard of ourselves and in regard of others.
Q. 76&77.12. How ought we to maintain and promote our neighbour's good name, in regard of ourselves?
A. We ought to maintain and promote our neighbour's good name, in regard of ourselves1. By looking unto, and having a due esteem of, the worth and the good things which are in them. "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."Phil 2:4. "Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake."1 Thess 5:13. 2. By liking, and loving, and desiring, and giving thanks to God for their good name and fame. "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."Rom 1:8. 3. By a ready receiving a good report concerning them, and rejoicing therein. "I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came, and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth."3 John 3. "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."1 Cor 13:6. 4. By deafening the ear against
and discouraging talebearers, backbiters, slanderers, who speak evil of their neighbours. "That taketh not up a reproach against his neighbour."Ps 15:3. "The north wind driveth away rain; so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue."Prov 25:23. 5. By grieving at their faults, which expose them unto disgrace, with desires and endeavours to promote their amendment and the recovery of their reputation. "For, out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."2 Cor 2:4.
Q. 76&77.13. How ought we to maintain and promote our neighbour's good name, in reference unto others?
A. We ought to maintain and promote our neighbour's good name, in reference unto others1. By giving that honour unto them which is their due, speaking well of them behind their backs, freely acknowledging their gifts and graces, and good things, and preferring them in honour before ourselves. "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."1 Pet 2:17. "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true."3 John 12. "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."1 Cor 1:4-5,7. "Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."Rom 12:10. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but, in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves."Phil 2:3. 2. By defending their reputation and good name, in endeavours to prevent or stop any evil or false report concerning them, and to vindicate them so far as we can; especially when we are called before a magistrate to bear witness to their innocency, so far as it is consistent with truth. "Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and goeth at thy bidding, and
is honourable in thine house?"1 Sam 22:14. 3. By concealing and covering their faults and infirmities when we may, with unwillingness to expose them unto disgrace; and, in the spirit of meekness, endeavouring to restore them when they are overtaken and fallen into sin. "Charity shall cover the multitude of sins."1 Pet 4:8. "Joseph, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately."Matt 1:19. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."Gal 6:1. 4. By reproving them before others only when there is need, and that with a respect unto their condition, and remembrance of what is praiseworthy in them. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more," etc.Matt 18:15-16. "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience," etc. "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee," etc.Rev 2:2,4.
Question 78.What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
Ans. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.
Q. 78.1. What is more generally forbidden in this ninth commandment?
A. In this ninth commandment is more generally forbidden two things1. Whatsoever is prejudicial to truth. 2. Whatsoever is injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.
Q. 78.2. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment, as prejudicial to truth?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth, as prejudicial to truth, all falsehood and lying whatsoever, whether it be lies to make mischief, as false accusation of others; or lies to make gain, as falsifying of our word, overreaching our neighbours for advantage to ourselves; or lies to make
wonder, as in the inventing of strange or false news; or lies to make sports, as in lying jests; or lies to make excuse, as in all lies for the covering of our own or others' faults. "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds."Col 3:9. "All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."Rev 21:8.
Q. 78.3. What doth the ninth commandment forbid, as injurious to our own good name?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth, as injurious unto our own good name1. The doing any thing which is justly of evil report, and may prejudice our reputation among men, such as committing adultery, theft, fraud, and any kind of baseness and wickedness, which is not only dishonourable unto God, but dishonourable unto ourselves. "Whoso committeth adultery with a woman, lacketh understanding; a wound and dishonour shall he get, and his reproach shall not be wiped away."Prov 6:32-33. "Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear.Now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."1 Sam 2:24,30. 2. All boasting and vainglory, and that whether we boast of a false gift, or those gifts which we really have, whereby we really debase and render ourselves contemptible in the eyes of God, and of the more judicious Christians. "Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, behaveth not itself unseemly."1 Cor 13:4-5. "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift, is like clouds and wind without rain."Prov 25:14. "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."Matt 23:12. 3. Bearing false witness against ourselves, in accusing ourselves in that wherein we are not guilty, and, by denying the gifts and graces which God hath given us, endeavouring to lessen our esteem, that thereby we might be numbered amongst those from whom we are through grace redeemed. "Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility."Col 2:18. 4. Unnecessary and imprudent discovery of all real infirmities, unto the scorn of the wicked and ungodly.
Q. 78.4. What doth the ninth commandment forbid, as injurious unto the good name of our neighbour?
A. The ninth commandment doth forbid, as injurious unto the good name of our neighbour1. Perjury, or false swearing and false accusations, or anywise bearing false witness ourselves, or suborning others to bear false witness against our neighbour. "Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against your neighbour, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."Zech 8:17. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their ownselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good."2 Tim 3:1-3. "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."Ps 35:11. "A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."Prov 19:5. "And they brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place," etc.Acts 6:12-13. 2. Judging, evil-speaking, and rash censuring of our neighbours for doubtful or smaller matters, especially when we are guilty of the same or greater faults ourselves. "And they said, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live."Acts 28:4. "Judge not, that ye be not judged. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"Matt 7:1,3. "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."Rom 2:1. "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."James 4:11. 3. Scoffing, deriding, reviling, and reproachful speeches unto the face of our neighbours, and all backbiting of them, which may wound
or detract from their due reputation. "Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother: thou slanderest thine own mother's son."Ps 50:19-20. "Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour."Ps 15:1,3. "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people."Lev 19:16. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, speaking things which they ought not."1 Tim 5:13. "Lest there be debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults."2 Cor 12:20. 4. Raising or taking up evil reports against our neighbours, without good proof. "Thou shalt not raise a false report."Exod 23:1. "Nor take up a reproach against his neighbour."Ps 15:3. "If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked."Prov 29:12.
Question 79.Which is the tenth commandment?
Ans. The tenth commandment is, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Question 80.What is required in the tenth commandment?
Ans. The tenth commandment requireth, full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.
Q. 79&80.1. What doth the tenth commandment require, in reference to ourselves?
A. The tenth commandment doth require, in reference to ourselves, full contentment with our own condition. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have."Heb 13:5.
Q. 79&80.2. Wherein doth contentment with our own condition consist?
A. Contentment with our own condition doth consist in our free acquiescence and complacency with God's disposal of us, whereby we like our present condition, as best, and most fit for us.
Q. 79&80.3. How may we attain contentment in a prosperous condition, when we abound in wealth and the good things of this life?
A. We may attain contentment in a prosperous condition, and when we abound in wealth and the good things of this life1. By not setting our hearts too much on, nor expecting too much from, any of these things. "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them."Ps 62:10. "Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."Luke 12:15. 2. By placing our chief happiness in God and things above; and chiefly seeking to enjoy God in the good things which we have. "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage."Ps 16:5-6. 3. By readiness to distribute to the necessities of others, which is accompanied with God's love and blessing, who giveth the greatest comfort in these things unto such. "God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work."2 Cor 9:7-8. 4. By prayer, and seeking to God through Christ for this grace of contentment, without which the more we have in the world, the more our desires after increase will be enlarged, and the less we shall be satisfied.
Q. 79&80.4. How may we attain contentment in a low, necessitous, and afflicted condition?
A. We may attain contentment in a low, necessitous, and afflicted condition1. By attaining true godliness, unto which alone true contentment is annexed. "Godliness with contentment is great gain."1 Tim 6:6. 2. By being fully persuaded of, and seriously and understandingly eyeing the wise and good hand of God's providence in his disposal of us, and bringing any affliction upon
us. "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."Job 1:21. "I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it."Ps 39:9. "I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me."Ps 119:75. 3. By getting an interest, and trusting in God's promise, to cause all things, even the worst things that can befall us, to work together for our good. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."Rom 8:28. 4. By humility, and a deep sense of our undeservings and ill-deserving at God's hands for our sins. "I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant."Gen 32:10. "O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, because we have sinned against thee."Dan 9:8. 5. By looking to others better than ourselves, who have been lower in the world, and more afflicted than we have been. Our Saviour had not where to lay his head; and those of whom the world was not worthy had no certain dwellingplace in the world, and many of them destitute, afflicted, and tormented. 6. By labouring so much the more to abound in spiritual riches, the less we have of temporal; and if we have no earthly inheritance to secure our right unto, living by faith upon our heavenly inheritance; hereby the poorest sometimes become the richest, and those that have most outward trouble have most inward joy. "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"James 2:5. "Having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost."1 Thess 1:6. 7. By considering how we brought nothing into the world, and that we can carry nothing with us out of it. "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither."Job 1:21. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content."1 Tim 6:7-8. 8. By going to Christ to teach us the lesson of universal contentment, and fetching
strength from him to exercise this grace in every condition. "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere, and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."Phil 4:11-13.
Q. 79&80.5. What doth the tenth commandment require, in reference unto our neighbour?
A. The tenth commandment doth require, in reference unto our neighbour, a right and charitable frame of spirit towards him, and all that is his.
Q. 79&80.6. Wherein doth this right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his, consist?
A. This right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his, doth consist1. In our affections of love, desire, and delight, towards and in our neighbour, and his welfare; together with grief and sorrow with and for our neighbour's evil and sufferings. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love. Rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep."Rom 12:10,15. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."Heb 13:3. 2. In a ready disposition and habitual inclination unto these affections towards our neighbour.
Q. 79&80.7. How may we attain such affections and dispositions towards our neighbour?
A. We may attain such affections and dispositions towards our neighbour1. By getting the law of God written in our hearts, whereby we are wrought into a love of the law, and to an inclination to do it. "I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts."Heb 8:10. 2. By getting our affections chiefly set upon God, which will incline unto any right affections one towards another. "Every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him."1 John 5:1. 3. By faith in Jesus Christ, which worketh the heart both to a true love to God and towards one another. "But
faith which worketh by love."Gal 5:6. 4. By looking unto, and following the example of, Jesus Christ. "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us."Eph 5:2.