Page:Shorter catechism in verse, with Scriptural references.pdf/15

In Verse. Q. And what doth it require ? A. Complete content With whatsoever lot to us is sent a, And still to cherish towards all mankind, And all that's theirs, an honest frame of mind b. a Heb. xiii. 5. b Rom. xii. 15. I Cor. xiii. 4.

Q. And what doth it forbid ? A. All discontent With our estate a, to envy or lament Our neighbour's good b, or have affections wrong To things that properly to him belong c. a 1 Cor. x. 10. b Gal. v. 26. c Col. iii. 5.

Q. Can any man all these commands fulfil? A. No; since the fall no mere man has the will, Or pow'r, to keep them perfect a; but proceeds To break them daily in thoughts b, words c, and deeds d. a Eccl. vii. 20. b Gen. viii. 21. c James iii. 8. d James ili, 2.

Is each sin heinous in the same degree? No; some sins in themselves are, and may be, By certain aggravations, worse by far, In the Creator's sight, than others are a. a John xix. 11.

Q. To every sin, as wages, what is due? A. God's wrath and curse, here and hereafter too a. a Gal. iii. 10. Matt. xxv. 41.

Q. What doth the Lord require mankind to do, T'escape his wrath and curse to sinners due? A. The Lord, for so the Holy Scripture saith, Requires that we in Jesus Christ have faith; Repentance unto life a, and that we choose The outward means with diligence to use, By which our blessed Saviour doth bestow The benefits which from redemption flow b. a Acts xx. 21. b Prov. ii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Q. And what is faith in Christ? A. A saving grace a, By which we him most cordially embrace b, And for salvation rest on him alone c, As by the glorious gospel he's made known d. a Heb. x. 39. b John i. 12. c Phil. iii. 9. d Isa. xxxiii. 22.