A Scripture Catechism, in the Method of the Assemblies Q. 10-19

Q. 10. How did God create man?

A. God created man male and female, after his image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

1. Is man God's creature?
   Yes: For we are also his offspring, Acts 17:28.

   Were our first parents the work of his hands?
   Yes: Male and female created he them, and called their name Adam, Gen. 5:2.

   Was man made with a consultation?
   Yes: For God said, Let us make man, Gen. 1:26.

   Do all the children of men descend from Adam and Eve?
   Yes: For God has made of one blood all nations of men, Acts 17:26.

2. Was man's body at first made out of the earth?
   Yes: God made man of the dust of the ground, Gen. 11:7.

   And are our bodies of the earth earthy?
   Yes: For I also am formed out of the clay, Job 33:6.

   But are they not curiously wrought?
   Yes: For I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Ps. 139:14.

   Is God the former of our bodies?
   Yes: Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and fenced me with bones and sinews, Job 10:11.

   Is he the author of our senses?
   Yes: The hearing ear, and seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them, Prov. 20:12.

3. Is God the Father of our spirits?
   Yes: For he breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life, Gen. 2:7.

   Has God given each of us a soul?
   Yes: The Lord liveth that made us this soul, Jer. 38:16.

   Is it a rational soul?
   Yes for the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, Prov. 20:27.

   Is it immortal?
   Yes: For the spirit of a man goes upward, Eccl. 3:21.

   Does it die with the body?
   No: For when the dust returns to the earth as it was, the Spirit returns to God who gave it, Eccl. 12:7.

   Is God then the Sovereign of the heart?
   Yes: For he has said, Behold, all souls are mine, Ezek. 18:4.

   Must we therefore commit our souls to him?
   Yes: Into thine hand I commit my spirit, Ps. 31:5.

4. Was man made after God's image?
   Yes: God created man in his own image, Gen. 1:27.

   Did that image consist in knowledge?
   Yes: For we are renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created us, Col. 3:10.

   Did it consist in righteousness and true holiness?
   Yes: For the new man after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4:24.

   Was there in man at first a perfect purity and freedom from sin ?
   Yes: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, Ezek. 28:15. Compare Ezek. 16:13.

   Was there in him a perfect rectitude and disposition to good?
   Yes: For God made man upright, Eccl. 7:29.

   Are there some remains of God's image still upon man?
   Yes: For men are made after the similitude of God, Jam. 3:9.

   Was man made with a dominion over the creatures?
   Yes: For thou hast put all things under his feet, Ps. 8:6.

   Have we not reason to admire God's favour to man?
   Yes: Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps. 144:3.

Q. 11. What are God's works of providence?

A. God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.

1. When God had made the world, did he leave it to itself?
   No: For he upholdeth all things by the word of his power, Heb. 1:3.

   Does he see to the whole creation?
   Yes: For the eyes of the Lord are in every place, Prov. 15:3.

   Does he condescend to take notice of his creatures?
   Yes: He humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth, Ps. 113:6.

   Is any thing at a distance from him?
   No: For he is not far from every one of us, Acts 17:27.

   Does he look on as one unconcerned?
   No: For his eyes behold, and his eyelids try, the children of men, Ps. 11:4.

2. Does God look after the world of angels?
   Yes: For he maketh peace in his high places, Job 25:2.

   Does he look after this lower world?
   Yes: For the eyes of all wait upon him, Ps. 145:15.

   Does he take care of the fowls?
   Yes: Our heavenly Father feedeth them, Matt. 6:26.

   What! even the sparrows?
   Yes: Not one of them shall fall to the ground without our Father, Matt. 10:29.

   What! and the ravens?
   Yes: He feeds the young ravens which cry, Ps. 147:9.

   Is he the Protector and Benefactor of all the creatures?
   Yes: Thou preservest them all, Neh. 9:6.

   Is he man's Protector and Benefactor?
   Yes: For in him we live, and move, and have our being, Acts 17:28.

   Do we depend upon God for the support of our life?
   Yes: For he holdeth our soul in life, Ps 66:9.

   And for the comforts of life?
   Yes: For he giveth us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, Acts 14:17.

   And do we depend upon him for the safety of our life?
   Yes: He keepeth all our bones, Ps. 34:20.

   And for the continuance of life?
   Yes: For he is thy life, and the length of thy days, Deut. 30:20.

3. Does God govern all things?
   Yes: His kingdom ruleth over all, Ps. 103:19.

   Does he govern the holy angels?
   Yes: For they do his commandments, Ps. 103:20.

   Does he govern the heavenly bodies?
   Yes: The stars in their courses fought against Sisera, Judg. 5:20.

   Does he govern the power of the air?
   Yes: Stormy winds fulfil his word, Ps 148:8.

   Does he order what weather it shall be?
   Yes: For he saith to the snow, Be thou upon the earth, Job 37:6.

   And does he govern the inferior creatures?
   Yes: He spake, and locusts came, Ps. 105:34.

   Can he command them?
   Yes: I have commanded the ravens to feed thee, 1 Kings 17:4.

   Can he control them?
   Yes: He shut the lions' mouths, Dan 6:22.

   Has he a sovereign dominion over the whole creation?
   Yes; For the Lord of hosts is his name, Isa 47:4.

4. Does God govern the children of men?
   Yes; The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, Dan 4:32.

   Does he govern kings?
   Yes: For the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Prov. 21:1.

   And does he govern kingdoms?
   Yes; For he is the Governor among the nations, Ps. 22:28.

   And families too?
   Yes; For except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, Ps 127:1.

   Does be govern great men?
   Yes: For God is the judge, he puts down one, and sets up another, Ps. 75:6,7.

   And mean men too?
   Yes: For every man's judgment proceedeth from the Lord, Prov. 29:26.

   Can man make his own fortune?
   No: For the way of man is not in himself, neither is it in man that walketh, to direct his steps, Jer. 1:23.

   When man purposes, does God dispose?
   Yes: A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps, Prov. 16:9.

   Do all comforts and crosses come from God's hand?
   Yes: For he has said, I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things, Isa. 45:7.

   Does God's providence extend itself to the smallest things?
   Yes: The very hairs of your head are all numbered, Matt. 10:30.

5. Is God's government holy?
   Yes: He is holy in all his works, Ps. 145:17.

   Is it wise?
   Yes: He is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working, Isa. 28:29.

   Is it powerful?
   Yes: For when he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble, Job 39:29.

   Is it rightful?
   Yes: God is greater than man, Job 33:12.

   Is it just?
   Yes: For shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Gen. 18:25.

   Does God sometimes reward and punish in this life?
   Yes: The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner, Prov. 11:31.

   But does he always?
   No: For all things come alike to all, Eccl. 9:1, 2.

6. Does God govern the world for the good of his Church?
   Yes: For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have called thee by thy name, Isa. 45:4.

   Is the government of the world committed to the Lord Jesus?
   Yes: For he is head over all things unto the church, Eph. 1:22.

   And is all ordered for God's glory?
   Yes: For the Lord alone shall be exalted, Isa. 2:11.

   Is it a comfort to good men that God governs the world?
   Yes: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice, Ps. 97:1.

   Is it a terror to the wicked?
   Yes: The Lord reigns, let the people tremble, Ps. 99:1.

   Ought we to give him the praise of it?
   Yes: Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigns, Rev. 19:6.

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?

A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.

1. Did God make man happy as well as holy?
   Yes: For he put him into the garden of Eden, Gen. 2:15.

   Did he provide comfortably for him?
   Yes: For he said, I will make him a help meet for him, Gen. 2:18.

   Did he admit him into communion with himself?
   Yes: For he then blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, Gen. 2:3.

   Was God well pleased in him?
   Yes: For his delights were with the sons of men, Prov. 8:31.

2. Did God give him a law?
   Yes: The Lord God commanded the man, Gen. 2:16.

   Did he give him a command of trial?
   Yes: Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, Gen. 2:17.

   Did he assure him of happiness, if he obeyed?
   Yes: For of every tree in the garden (even the tree of life,) thou mayest freely eat, Gen. 2:16.

   Did he threaten death upon his disobedience?
   Yes: For in the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die, Gen. 2:17.

3. Was this God's covenant with Adam?
   Yes: For we read of those who, like Adam, transgressed the covenant, Hos. 6:7 (margin).

   Was, Do this and live, one branch of that covenant?
   Yes: For the man that doeth them, shall live, in them, Gal. 3:12.

   Was, Fail and die the other branch of the covenant?
   Yes: The soul that sinneth, it shall die, Ezek. 18:4.

   Was this the covenant of innocency?
   Yes: For the law was ot of faith, Gal 3:12.

   Was there a mediator of this covenant?
   No: For it is the better covenant that is established in the hands of a Mediator, Heb 8:6.

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the state wherein they were first created?

A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

1. Is man now in the state wherein he was created?
   No: For God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions, Eccl. 7:29.

   Can we now say we are perfectly holy?
   No: If I say I am perfect, that shall prove me perverse, Job 9:20.

   Can we say we are perfectly happy?
   No: For man is born to trouble, Job 5:7.

   Are we as we were then?
   No: Man was planted a noble vine, but is turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine, Jer. 2:21.

   Did man continue long in his state of innocence?
   No: For man being in honour abideth not, Ps. 49:42.

2. Did God leave man to the freedom of his own will?
   Yes: For if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it, Prov. 9:12.

   Did God draw Adam to sin?
   No: For God tempteth no man, James 1:13.

   Is he any way the Author of' sin?
   No: Far be it from God that he should do wickedness, Job 34:10.

   Did he do what was fit to be done to prevent it?
   Yes: What could have been done more to my vineyard? Isa. 5:4.

   Was he obliged to do more?
   No: For may he not do what he will with his own? Matt. 20:15.

   Does all the blame of man's sin lie upon himself then?
   Yes: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, Hos. 13:9.

3. Did man fall by sinning against God?
   Yes: Thou hast fallen by thine iniquity, Hos. 14:1.

   Was that the beginning of sin in this world?
   Yes: For by one man sin entered into the world, Rom, 5:12.

Q. 14. What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of, the law of God.

1. Is there a moral difference of good and evil?
   Yes: For we must cease to do evil, and learn to do well, Isa. 1:16, 17.

   Is it all alike then what we do?
   No: For God shall bring every work into judgment, whether it be good, or whether it be evil, Eccl. 12:14.

   Is there such thing as sin in thought?
   Yes: For the thought of foolishness is sin, Prov. 24:9.

   May sin be committed in word too?
   Yes: For in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, Prov. 10:19.

2. Does sin suppose a law?
   Yes: For where there is no law, there is no transgression, Rom. 4:15. and v. 13.

   Is sin the breach of a law?
   Yes: For sin is the transgression of the law, 1 John 3:4.

   Is it God's law only that can make a thing to be sin?
   Yes: For against thee, thee only, have I sinned, Ps. 51:4.

   Is every breach of God's law sin?
   Yes: For all unrighteousness is sin, 1 John 5:17.

   Are we to judge of sin by the law?
   Yes: For by the law is the knowledge of sin, Rom. 3:20.

   Could we discover sin without some law?
   No: For I had not known sin but by the law. Rom. 7:7.

   Is the transgression of the law of nature sin?
   Yes: For they that have not the written law, show the work of the law written in their hearts, Rom. 2:14, 15.

   But does the written law discover the root of sin?
   Yes: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7:7.

3. Is ignorance of God sin?
   Yes: He shall take vengeance on them that know not God,. 2 Thes. 1:8.

   Is disaffection to God's government sin?
   Yes: My people would not hearken to my voice, and Israel would none of me, Ps. 81:11.

   Is all disobedience to God's law sin?
   Yes: For the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience, Col. 3:6.

   Is it a sin to omit the good which God has commanded?
   Yes: For to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin, James 4:17.

   Is it a sin to do it negligently?
   Yes: For if thou doest not well, sin lies at the door, Gen. 4:7.

   Is it a sin to do the evil which God has forbidden?
   Yes: For he has said, O do not this abominable thing which I hate, Jer. 44:4.

   Is the inclination to evil sin?
   Yes: For St. Paul speaks of the sin that dwells in us, Rom 7:17.

4. Is sin the worst of evils?
   Yes: It is an evil thing, and a bitter, to forsake the Lord, Jer. 2:19.

   Is the sinfulness of it the worst thing in it?
   Yes: For sin by the commandment becomes exceeding sinful, Rom. 7:13.

   Is sin worse than affliction?
   Yes: For Moses by faith chose rather to suffer affliction than to enjoy the pleasures of sin, Heb 11:25.

   Is it displeasing to God?
   Yes: God is angry with the wicked every day, Ps. 7:11.

   Is it destructive to ourselves?
   Yes: Be sure your sin will find you out, Numb 32:23.

5. Ought we not therefore to take heed of sin?
   Yes: Stand in awe, and sin not, Ps. 4:4.

   And of all appearances of it?
   Yes: Abstain from all appearances of evil, 1 Thes. 5:22.

   And all approaches towards it?
   Yes: Touch not the unclean thing, 2 Cor. 6:17.

   And must we hate it?
   Yes: Ye that love the Lord, hate evil, Ps. 97:10. Must little children take heed of sin? My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, 1 John. 2:1.

   Is it folly to make light of sin?
   Yes: Fools make a mock at sin Prov. 14:9.

   Will our observing the law of God be the best preservative against sin?
   Yes: Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee, Ps. 119:11.

   Will an eye to God be the best argument against sin?
   Yes: How shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God, Gen. 39:9.

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the state wherein they were created?

A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the state wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.

1. Did our first parents eat the forbidden fruit?
   Yes: Thou hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it, Gen. 3:17.

   Was their doing so disobedience?
   Yes: For it was by one man's disobedience that many were made sinners, Rom. 5:19.

   Did the woman eat forbidden fruit first?
   Yes: The woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Tim 2:14.

   Did the serpent tempt her to it?
   Yes: The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 2 Cor. 11:3.

   Was that serpent the devil?
   Yes: The old serpent is the devil and Satan? Rev. 20:2.

   Did he aim to make man as miserable as himself?
   Yes: He was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44.

2. Did the tempter teach them to question the command?
   Yes: He said to the woman, Hath God said ye shall not eat? Gen. 3:1.

   Did he promise them safety in sin?
   Yes: He said, Ye shall not surely die, Gen. 3:4.

   Did he promise them advantage by the sin?
   Yes: In the day ye eat thereof your eyes shall be opened, ver. 5.

   Did he feed them with high thoughts of themselves?
   Yes: Ye shall be as gods, ver. 5.

   Did he suggest to them hard thoughts of God?
   Yes: For he said, God doth know this, ver. 5.

   Did Eve do well to parley with him?
   No: For we should cease to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge, Prov. 19:27.

3. Did the devil prevail in the temptation?
   Yes: For she took of the fruit, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her, and he did eat, Gen. 3:6.

   Was there in this sin the lust of the flesh?
   Yes: For she saw that the tree was good for food.

   Was there in it the lust of the eye?
   Yes: For she saw that it was pleasant to the eyes.

   And the pride of life?
   Yes: For she saw it was a tree to be desired to make one wise.

   Was unbelief of the word of God at the bottom of it?
   Yes: It is the evil heart of unbelief that departs from the living God, Heb. 3:12.

   Was there in it an opposition to the divine law?
   Yes: For sin took occasion by the commandment, Rom. 7:8.

   Was disobedience in a small matter a great provocation?
   Yes: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is iniquity and idolatry, 1 Sam. 15:23.

   If Adam fell thus, have we any reason to be secure?
   No: Wherefore let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10:12.

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression.

1. Are we concerned in our first parents' disobedience?
   Yes: For by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, Rom. 5:18.

   Were we in their loins when they ate the forbidden fruit?
   Yes: For Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living, Gen. 3:20.

   Was Adam a common father?
   Yes: For he was to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, Gen. 1:28.

   Was he a public person?
   Yes: For he was the figure of him that was to come, Rom. 5:14.

   Was the covenant made with him, and his posterity?
   Yes: For God always established his covenant with men, and with their seed after them, Gen. 9:9.

2. Was Adam's sin our ruin then?
   Yes: For through the offence of one many are dead, Rom. 5:15.

   Was the honour of human nature thereby stained?
   Yes: For Adam begat a son in his own likeness, Gen. 5:8.

   Was the power of the human nature thereby weakened?
   Yes: For when we were without strength, Christ died for us, Rom. 5:6.

   Was the purity of it thereby corrupted?
   Yes: For in us, that is, in our flesh, there dwells no good thing, Rom. 6:18.

   Was Adam himself degenerated?
   Yes: For God said to him, Dust thou art, Gen. 3:19.

   And are we in like manner degenerated?
   Yes: For we have all borne the image of the earthy, 1 Cor. 15:49.

3. Is this degeneracy universal?
   Yes: For all flesh hath corrupted his way, Gen. 6:12.

   Did our Lord Jesus descend from Adam by ordinary generation?
   No: For he is the Lord from heaven 1 Cor. 15:47.

   Did he then sin in Adam?
   No: For he is undefiled, separate from sinners, Heb. 7:26.

   Did all the rest of mankind sin in Adam?
   Yes: For how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Job 25:4.

   Are the ways of the Lord herein equal?
   Yes: But our ways are unequal, Ezek. 18:29.

Q. 17. Into what state did the fall bring mankind?

A. The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery.

1. Is mankind in a state of sin?
   Yes: For both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, Rom. 3:9.

   Is a state of sin a sad state?
   Yes: For they that are in the flesh cannot please God, Rom. 8:8.

   Did the fall bring us into a state of sin?
   Yes: For by it many were made sinners, Rom. 5:19.

   Does the world continue in that state?
   Yes: For the whole world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.

   And are you by nature in that state?
   Yes: If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me, Job 9:20.

2. Is mankind in a state of misery?
   Yes: The misery of man is great upon him, Eccl. 8:6.

   Is sin the cause of all that misery?
   Yes: For death entered by sin, and so death passed upon all men, Rom. 5:12.

   Is misery the consequence of sin?
   Yes: For evil pursues sinners, Prov. 13:21.

   Do all the creatures share in the sad effects of sin?
   Yes: Cursed is the ground for thy sake, Gen. 3:17.

   And could all this mischief come from that one sin?
   Yes: For how great a matter does a little fire kindle, James 3:5,6.

3. Did the fall bring mankind into a state of apostasy from God?
   Yes: For they are all gone aside, Ps. 14:3.

   Is that a sinful state?
   Yes: For it is great whoredom, to depart from the Lord, Hos. 1:2.

   And is it a miserable state?
   Yes: Woe unto them, for they have fled from me, Hos. 7:13.

4. Did the fall bring mankind into a state of slavery to Satan?
   Yes: For they are taken captive by him at his will, 2 Tim. 2:26.

   Is that a sinful state?
   Yes: For the prince of the power of the air works in the children of disobedience, Eph. 2:2.

   Is it a miserable state?
   Yes: For the god of this world hath blinded their minds, 2 Cor. 4:4.

   Is it like the condition of the prodigal son?
   Yes: For he went into a far country, wasted his substance, began to be in want, and was sent into the fields to feed swine, Luke 15:13-15.

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell?

A. The sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell consist in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, (which is commonly called original sin,) together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

1. Are we all born under guilt?
   Yes: For all the world is guilty before God, Rom. 3:19.

   Does the whole race of mankind stand attainted at God's bar?
   Yes: For the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, Gal. 3:22.

   Is this according to God's rule of judgment?
   Yes: For he visiteth the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, Exod. 20:5.

   Is not God unrighteous who thus takes vengeance?
   No: God forbid, for then how shall God judge the world, Rom. 3:6.

2. Are we all born in sin?
   Yes: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me, Ps. 51:5.

   Are we of a sinful brood?
   Yes: For we are a seed of evil-doers, Isa. 1:4.

   May we be truly called sinners by nature?
   Yes: Thou wast called a transgressor from the womb, Isa. 48:8.

3. Is there in every one of us by nature the want of original righteousness?
   Yes: There is none righteous, no, not one, Rom. 3:10.

   Is there in us an aversion to that which is good?
   Yes: For the carnal mind is enmity against God, Rom. 8:7.

   Is there in us a moral impotency to that which is good?
   Yes: For the carnal mind is not in subjection to the law of God, neither indeed can be, Rom. 8:7.

   Can we of ourselves do any thing that is good?
   No: For we are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing of ourselves, 2 Cor. 3:5.

4. Is there in us a proneness to that which is evil?
   Yes: My people are bent to backsliding from me, Hos. 11:7.

   Are there the snares of sin in our bodies?
   Yes: For there is a law in the members warring against the law of the mind, Rom. 7:23.

   And are there the seeds of sin in our souls?
   Yes: For when I would do good, evil is present with me, Rom. 7:21.

   And is the stain of sin upon both?
   Yes: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23.

5. Did we all bring sin into the world with us?
   Yes: For man is born like the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.

   Is it in little children?
   Yes: For foolishness is in the heart of a child, Prov. 22:15.

   As reason improves, does sin grow up with it?
   Yes: For when the blade is sprung up, then appear the tares also, Matt. 13:26.

   Is it not a wonder of mercy then that we are any of us alive?
   Yes: It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, Lam. 3:22.

6. Is the whole nature of man corrupted by the fall?
   Yes: The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint, Isa. 1:5.

   Is the understanding corrupted?
   Yes: The understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph. 4:18.

   Is that unapt to admit the rays of divine light?
   Yes: For they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2:14.

   Is the will corrupted?
   Yes: The neck is an iron sinew, Isa. 48:4.

   And is that unapt to submit to the rule of the divine law?
   Yes: For what is the Almighty (say they) that we should serve him? Job 21:15.

   Are the thoughts corrupted?
   Yes: For the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen. 8:21.

   Is the fancy full of vanity?
   Yes: Vain thoughts lodge within us, Jer. 4:15.

   Are the affections corrupted?
   Yes: It is a carnal mind, Rom. 8:7.

   Is conscience itself corrupted?
   Yes: Even the mind and conscience is defiled, Tit. 1:15.

   Is the whole soul corrupted?
   Yes: The heart is deceitful above all things, Jer. 17: 9.

7. Is this corruption of the mind sin?
   Yes: For it is enmity against God, Rom. 8:7.

   Have we it from our original?
   Yes: For that which is born of the flesh is flesh, John 3:6.

   Do we derive it through our parents?
   Yes: For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Job 14:4.

   Does it render us odious to God's holiness?
   Yes: For the foolish shall not stand in his sight, Ps. 5:5.

   Does it render us obnoxious to his justice?
   Yes: For death reigns over them that have not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, Rom. 5:14.

8. Does this original corruption produce actual transgression?
   Yes: For a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, Matt. 7:18.

   Does it produce it betimes?
   Yes: For the wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies, Ps. 58:3.

   Does it produce it naturally?
   Yes: As a fountain casteth out her waters, Jer. 6:7.

   Does all sin begin in the heart?
   Yes: For when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, James 1:15.

   Is it not necessary therefore we should have a new nature?
   Yes: Marvel not that I said unto you, Ye must be born again, John 3:7.

   Can we get to heaven without it?
   No: For flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 15:50.

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever.

1. When our first parents had eaten the forbidden fruit, did they become as gods?
   No: They were like the beasts that perish, Ps. 49:12.

   Did the devil make his words good then?
   No: For he is a liar and the father of it, John 8:44.

   Did not he put a cheat upon them?
   Yes: The woman said, the serpent beguiled me, Gen. 3:13.

   Did shame come in with sin?
   Yes: For they knew that they were naked, Gen. 3:7.

   Did fear come in with sin?
   Yes: For they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden, Gen. 3:8.

   Was not that their misery?
   Yes: For fear hath torment, 1 John. 4:18.

2. Did they lose communion with God?
   Yes: For he drove out the man, Gen. 3:24.

   Is fallen man unworthy of communion with God?
   Yes: For what communion has light with darkness? 2 Cor. 2:14.

   Is he unfit for communion with God?
   Yes: For can two walk together except they be agreed? Amos 3:3.

   Could fallen man ever get to heaven by virtue of the covenant of innocency?
   No: For cherubims and a flaming sword were set to keep that way to the tree of life, Gen. 3:24.

3. Is fallen man under God's wrath?
   Yes: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, Rom. 1:18.

   Are we all so by nature?
   Yes: We are by nature children of wrath, even as others, Eph. 2:2.

   Are we so by reason of sin?
   Yes: For because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, Eph. 5:6.

   Is there a distance between God and man by reason of sin?
   Yes: Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, Isa. 49:2.

   Is there a quarrel between God and man by reason of sin?
   Yes: My soul loathed them, and their soul also it abhorred me, Zech. 11:8.

   Is it not said to lie under God's wrath?
   Yes: For who knows the power of his anger? Ps. 90:11.

4. Is fallen man under God's curse?
   Yes: For cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them, Gal. 3:10.

   Is this curse in force against all wicked people?
   Yes: The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, Prov. 3:33.

   Has sin brought a curse upon the world?
   Yes: Cursed is the ground for thy sake, Gen. 3:17.

5. Is mankind by the fall become liable to the miseries of this life?
   Yes: In sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life, Gen 3:17.

   Are we all by nature liable to these miseries?
   Yes: For man is born to trouble, Job 5:7.

   Is all the hurtfulness of the creatures the effect of sin?
   Yes: Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth, Gen. 3:18.

   Is the toil of business the effect of sin?
   Yes: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, ver. 19.

   Is pain and sickness the effect of sin?
   Yes: There is not any rest in my bones, because of my sin, Ps. 38:3.

   Are all our crosses the effect of sin?
   Yes: Our sins have withholden good things from us, Jer. 5:25.

   Should we not therefore bear them patiently?
   Yes: Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sin? Lam. 3:39.

6. Is all mankind by the fall become liable to death itself?
   Yes: For so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned, Rom. 5:12.

   Was a sentence of death immediately passed upon fallen man?
   Yes: Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return, Gen. 3:19.

   Do we all deserve death?
   Yes: The wages of sin is death, Rom. 6:23.

   Is it the natural consequence of sin?
   Yes: For sin, when it is finished, brings forth death, Jam. 1:15.

   Can any avoid it?
   No: What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Ps. 89:48.

   Is it determined?
   Yes: It is appointed to men once to die, Heb. 9:27.

   Do you expect it?
   Yes: I know that thou wilt bring me to death, Job 30:23.

   Is sin the sting of death?
   Yes: The sting of death is sin, 1 Cor. 15:56.

   Is the amazing fear of death the effect of sin?
   Yes: There are those who through fear of death are all their life-time subject to bondage, Heb. 2:15.

   Is the body's rotting in the grave the effect of sin?
   Yes: As drought and heat consume the snow-waters, so doth the grave those which have sinned, Job 24:19.

7. Is mankind by the fall become liable to the pains of hell for ever?
   Yes: For he that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead, Prov. 21:16. Ps. 9:17.

   Can God make a soul forever miserable?
   Yes: For after he hath killed he hath power to cast into hell, Luke 12:5.

   Is there a state of punishment in the other life?
   Yes: For we are warned to flee from the wrath to come, Matt. 3:7.

   Is it the desert of sin?
   Yes: For when God renders to every man according to his works, he will render indignation with wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, Rom. 2:8, 9.

   Will it be the portion of impenitent sinners?
   Yes: Ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell, Matt. 23:33.

8. Is hell the wrath of an everlasting God?
   Yes: For the breath of the Lord. like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it, Isa. 30:33.

   Is it the anguish of an immortal soul?
   Yes: For their worm dieth not, Mark 9:44.

   Is any way of relief open to them?
   No: Betwixt us and you there is a gulf fixed, Luke 16:26.

   Is their punishment therefore everlasting?
   Yes: These shall go away into everlasting punishment, Matt. 25:46.

   Should we not every one of us dread it?
   Yes: For it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Heb. 10:31. Isa. 33:14.