Q74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q1. What is the subject matter of this commandment?
A. The wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q2. What does it require with reference to these?
A. The procuring and furthering of them.
Q3. In what manner does it enjoin us to procure and further them?
A. Only in a lawful manner; for it requires the LAWFUL procuring and furthering of them.
Q4. Whose wealth is it we should procure and further?
A. Our own wealth, and that of others.
Q5. By what lawful means should we procure and further OUR OWN wealth?
A. By labour and industry in some honest calling, Eph. 4:28.
Q6. What is included in the labour and industry we should exercise in our respective stations and callings?
A. Frugality in managing the affairs of our calling, and a moderate endeavour to recover our own when wrongfully detained from us.
Q7. What is to be understood by frugality in managing the affairs of our calling?
A. Prudence and moderation in our expenses, so as to be sure always to spend within our incomes, Proverbs 31:16.
Q8. Is it warrantable to go to law, for recovering our own, when wrongfully detained?
A. Yes, surely; provided other means have been previously tried without success.
Q9. How do you prove that it is warrantable for Christians to go to law with one another, when urged by necessity?
A. From the lawfulness of magistracy, which is the ordinance of God, Rom. 13:2, "for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well," 1 Pet. 2:14.
Q10. Does not our Lord find fault with this method, when he says, "If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also?" Matt. 5:40.
A. The meaning is, that we should rather part with a little of our right, than run ourselves into unnecessary charges at law, perhaps vastly beyond the value of what we are seeking to regain; and thus discover a contentious and quarrelsome spirit, unbecoming Christianity.
Q11. Does not the apostle also blame Christians for this practice, when he says, "Ye go to law one with another; why do ye not rather take wrong?" 1 Cor. 6:7.
A. The apostle is there speaking of bringing pleas unnecessarily before Heathen magistrates; and his meaning is, that Christians should make up differences among themselves, by submitting to arbitration; or even by suffering some wrong, rather than by vexatious law-suits, (especially about lesser matters) thus bringing a scandal upon the religion which they profess.
Q12. How is the necessity of labouring in an honest calling enforced in scripture?
A. From the necessity of eating: the apostle argues from the natural necessity of the one, to the moral necessity of the other, 2 Thess. 3:10 - "This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."
Q13. Can we procure and further our wealth and outward estate, merely by our own labour and industry?
A. Our own industry is necessary; but without the Lord's blessing upon it, it will not be successful; "for it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich," Proverbs 10:22.
Q14. What ends should we propose to ourselves, in endeavouring to further, or increase, our own outward estate?
A. That we may honour the Lord, with our substance, Proverbs 3:9; live comfortably ourselves, Eccl. 5:19; and be useful to others, Eph. 4:28.
Q15. By what means should we procure and further the wealth and outward estate of OTHERS?
A. By exercising justice and righteousness towards all, Psalm 15:2; and by relieving the wants and necessities of those who stand in need of our charity, 1 John 3:17.
Q16. What is the rule and standard of that justice and righteousness we should exercise towards all men?
A. That we so deal with others, as we would have them deal with us, if we were in their place or condition; or, that we should never do that to another, which, if we were in the other's place or circumstances, we would reckon to be unjust, Matt. 7:12.
Q17. In what cases is this rule to be particularly applied, according to the scope of this commandment?
A. In all contracts, or matters of traffic and commerce between man and man; and likewise in making satisfaction for injuries.
Q18. How is it to be applied in contracts, or matters of traffic between man and man?
A. It is to be applied thus: that in buying and selling, there be always a just proportion between the price and the thing sold; or, that the sale be according to the worth or value of the goods; without taking the advantage of ignorance or poverty on either side, Gen. 23:15, 16.
Q19. How may the worth and value of goods be known?
A. By this general maxim, That every thing is worth as much as it may be currently sold for.
Q20. May not the price of the same commodity vary and change at different times?
A. Yes; according to the plenty or scarcity of the commodity at the time of sale.
Q21. What satisfaction should be made to others, for taking or detaining what belongs to them, or in any manner defrauding them?
A. No other satisfaction is agreeable to God's will of precept, or will gain the approbation of men, but RESTITUTION, if the injuring party is ever capable to make it, Lev. 6:2-6; 1 Sam. 12:3.
Q22. What if the person to whom the restitution should be made, or his nearest of kin, cannot be found?
A. In that case, what has been unjustly detained ought to be given to the poor, or some pious use, Num. 5:8.
Q23. Is relieving the necessities of the poor a duty required in this commandment?
A. Yes; because it is a furthering the outward estate of our neighbour who is in want.
Q24. Why should we relieve the necessities of the poor?
A. Because, "He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth to the Lord; and that which he hath given, will he pay him again," Proverbs 19:17.
Q25. Who are the proper objects of Charity?
A. All who are in real poverty and want, and are not able to work; especially those "who are of the household of faith," Gal. 6:10.
Q26. How should our acts of charity be managed?
A. They should be conducted with prudence, namely, as our own circumstances will permit, and the necessity of the object requires, 1 John 3:17.
Q27. When should we perform acts of charity?
A. Presently, if the necessities of those whom we are bound to relieve, call for present assistance, Proverbs 3:28.
Q28. What should we shun or avoid, in our acts of charity?
A. All ostentation, or a desire to be seen of men, and commended by them, Matt. 6:2-5.
Q1. Is religion a friend to outward prosperity?
A. Yes: In wisdom's left hand are riches and honour, Prov. 3:16.
Q2. Does it teach us to be diligent in our callings?
A. Yes: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, Prov. 27:23.
Q3. And to keep close to them?
A. Yes: Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, 1 Thess. 4:11.
Q4. And is that the way to thrive?
A. Yes: For the hand of the diligent maketh rich, Prov. 10:4.
Q5. Does religion teach us to be prudent in our affairs?
A. Yes: The good man will guide his affairs with discretion, Ps. 112:5.
Q6. And is that the way to thrive?
A. Yes: For through wisdom is a house builded, Prov. 24:3.
Q7. Must we serve God with our worldly estate?
A. Yes: Honour the Lord with thy substance, Prov. 3:9.
Q8. And is that the way to thrive?
A. Yes: So shall thy barn be filled with plenty, Prov. 3:10.
Q9. Must we cheerfully use our estates?
A. Yes: For I know no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life, Eccl. 3:12.
Q10. And must we cheerfully serve God with them?
A. Yes: We must serve the Lord our God with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abundance of all things, Deut. 28:47.
Q11. Must we be just to all we deal with?
A. Yes: Render therefore to all their due, Rom. 13:7.
Q12. And must we give everybody their own?
A. Yes: Owe no man any thing but to love one another, Rom. 13:8.
Q13. Must we be true to every trust reposed in us?
A. Yes: As the workmen who dealt faithfully, 2 Kings 12:15.
Q14. And is honesty the best policy?
A. Yes: For a little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Ps. 37:16.
Q15. And shall we have the comfort of it in this world?
A. Yes: He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, that despiseth the gain of oppression and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be in the munitions of rocks, bread shall be given him, and his waters shall he sure, Isa. 33:15, 16.
Q16. If therefore we have done any wrong, must we make restitution?
A. Yes: Zaccheus stood and said, If I have wronged any man, I restore him fourfold, Luke 19:8.
Q17. Must we concern ourselves for the welfare of others?
A. Yes: Look not every one on his own things, but everyone also on the things of others, Phil. 2:4.
Q18. And must we do all we can to promote the welfare of others?
A. Yes; If thy brother's ox or ass go astray, thou shalt bring them back, Deut. 22:1.
Q19. Must we relieve the poor according to our ability?
A. Yes; If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen into decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, Lev. 25:35.
Q20. Must we be forward to relieve the poor?
A. Yes: We must be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, 1 Tim. 6:18.
Q21. Is that the way to thrive in this world?
A. Yes; For he that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again, Prov. 19:17.
Q22. And shall it be repayed in the other world?
A. Yes: Thou shalt be recompenses in the resurrection of the just, Luke 14:14.
Q23. And must we make this use of what we have in the world?
A. Yes: We must labour that we may have to give to him that needeth, Eph. 4:28.
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The Ten Commandments
The moral law and what God requires of man
Q39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?
A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.
Q40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.
Q41. Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?
A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.
Q42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is, To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves.
Q43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?
A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Q44. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
A. The preface to the ten commandments teacheth us, That because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
Q45. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Q46. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
Q47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.
Q48. What are we specially taught by these words, 'before me', in the first commandment?
A. These words, before me, in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
Q49. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Q50. What is required in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word.
Q51. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word.
Q52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God's sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he hath to his own worship.
Q53. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Q54. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works.
Q55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
Q56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
Q57. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but 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 manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Q58. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself.
Q59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?
A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.
Q60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
Q61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Q62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.
Q63. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Q64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and relations.
Q66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Q67. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Q68. What is required in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Q70. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Q71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.
Q72. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Q73. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Q74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbour's, wealth or outward estate.
Q76. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Q77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. 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.
Q78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbour's, good name.
Q79. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. 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 anything that is thy neighbour's.
Q80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his.
Q81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
Q82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Q83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Q84. What doth every sin deserve?
A. Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.