A Scripture Catechism, in the Method of the Assemblies Q. 90-99

Q. 90. How is the word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.

1. Must we read the Word of God with seriousness?
   Yes: We must give attendance to reading, 1 Tim. 4:13.

   And not read it as a common book?
   No: It is not a vain thing, for it is your life, Deut. 32:47.

2. Must we be diligent to hear the word?
   Yes: Watching daily at Wisdom's gates, waiting at the posts of her doors, Prov. 8:34.

   Must we prepare for hearing it?
   Yes: Lay aside all malice, and guile, and hypocrisy, and filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness, 1 Pet. 2:1.

   Must we come to it with a spiritual appetite?
   Yes: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet. 2:2.

   Must we set ourselves to receive it?
   Yes: As Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear his word, Luke 10:39.

   Must we bow our souls before it?
   Yes: Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears, 1 Sam. 3:9.

   Must we diligently hearken to it?
   Yes: Be swift to hear, Jam. 1:19.

3. Must we hear the word with reverence?
   Yes: When Ezra opened the book all the people stood up, Neh. 8:5.

   Must we hear it with care?
   Yes: Take heed how ye hear, Luke 8:18.

   And with meekness?
   Yes: Receive with meekness the engrafted word, Jam. 1:21.

   And with delight?
   Yes: How sweet are thy words unto my taste: Ps. 119:103.

   And with a holy fear?
   Yes: We must tremble at the word, Isa. 66:2.

   Must we receive it as the word of men?
   No: But as it is in truth, the Word of God, 1 Thess. 2:13.

4. Must we take heed of sleeping under the word?
   Yes: Could ye not watch with me one hour? Matt. 26:40.

   Must we pray for a blessing upon the word?
   Yes: Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law, Ps. 119:18.

   Must we receive the word with faith?
   Yes: For it will not profit if it be not mixed with faith, Heb. 4:2.

   Must we receive men's words with an implicit faith?
   No: Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, 1 John 4:1.

   But must we receive God's word with an implicit faith?
   Yes: For every word of God is pure, Prov. 30:5.

   Must we receive it with love?
   Yes: I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food, Job 23:12.

5. Must we remember the word we read and hear?
   Yes: Lest at any time we let it slip, Heb. 2:1.

   Must we lay it up in our hearts?
   Yes: Thy word have I hid in my heart, Ps. 119:11.

   Must we meditate on it?
   Yes: In that law doth he meditate day and night, Ps. 1:2.

   Must we practise it in our lives?
   Yes: Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, James 1:22.

   Will it suffice to hear, though we do not practise?
   No: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them, John 13:17.

Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him who administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in them who by faith receive them.

1. Do the sacraments certainly save all that partake of them?
   No: They who were rejected of Christ could say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, Luke 13:26.

   Are they then effectual by any virtue in themselves?
   No: For bodily exercise profits little, 1 Tim. 4:8.

   Do they of themselves confer grace?
   No: For if thou be a breaker of the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision Rom. 2:25.

   Is the thing signified of greater consequence than the sign?
   Yes: For circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, Rom. 2:29.

2. Does the efficacy of the sacraments depend upon the minister?
   No: For who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed? 1 Cor. 3:5.

   Does the goodness of the minister invigorate the sacrament?
   No: For Philip baptized Simon, who yet was in the gall of bitterness, Acts 8:13, 23.

   Does the badness of the minister invalidate the sacrament?
   No: For Judas was numbered with us, and obtained part of this ministry, Acts 1:17.

3. Does the efficacy of sacraments depend upon the blessing of Christ?
   Yes: Lo, I am with you always, Matt. 28:20.

   And upon the working of the Spirit?
   Yes: For it is the Spirit that quickeneth John 6:63.

   And are they effectual to those only who by faith receive them?
   Yes: He that believes, and is baptized, shall be saved, Mark 16:16.

Q. 92. What is a sacrament?

A. A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

1. Is a sacrament a holy ordinance?
   Yes: For we minister about holy things, 1 Cor. 9:13.

   Must they therefore be holy that attend them?
   Yes: Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, Isa. 52:11.

   Are sacraments instituted by Christ?
   Yes: The Lord himself shall give you a sign, Isa. 7:14.

   May men institute sacraments?
   No: Jeroboam, that ordained a feast which he had devised of his own heart sinned, and made Israel to sin, 1 Kings 12:33.

2. Is there in a sacrament an outward and visible sign?
   Yes: Behold the blood of the covenant, Exod. 24:8.

   Is there an inward and spiritual grace?
   Yes: For that Rock was Christ, 1 Cor. 10:4.

   Are outward signs of use to inform our understandings?
   Yes: For in them Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us, Gal. 3:1.

   Are they of use to refresh our memories?
   Yes: These stones shall be for a memorial, Josh. 4:7.

   And to stir up our affections?
   Yes: They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

   Are they of use to transmit the things of God from generation to generation?
   Yes: For your children shall ask you, What mean you by this service? Exod. 12:26.

3. Is a sacrament a seal?
   Yes: Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, Rom. 4:11.

   A seal of the covenant?
   Yes: He gave him the covenant of circumcision, Acts 7:8.

   Is a sacrament an oath?
   Yes: They entered into an oath to walk in God's law, Neh. 10:29.

   Is it an encouragement to our faith?
   Yes: Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing, John 20:27.

   Is it an engagement to obedience?
   Yes: That henceforth we should not serve sin Rom. 6:6.

   Is Christ applied to us in sacraments?
   Yes: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal. 3:27.

   Are the benefits of the new covenant applied to us?
   Yes: To be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee, Gen. 17:7.

Q. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

A. The sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's supper

1. Were there sacraments in innocency?
   Yes: The tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2:9.

   Were there sacraments under the law?
   Yes: For the law had a shadow of good things to come, Heb. 10:1.

   Was circumcision a sacrament?
   Yes: He received the sign of circumcision, Rom. 4:11.

   Was the passover a sacrament?
   Yes: Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 5:7.

2. Have we sacraments now under the gospel?
   Yes: For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, Heb. 4:2.

   Are baptism and the Lord's supper our two sacraments?
   Yes: For we are baptized into one body, and all drink into one Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:13.

   May men add any more sacraments?
   No: Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, Prov. 30:6.

Q. 94. What is baptism?

A. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, does signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

1. Is washing with water the outward sign in baptism?
   Yes: I am come baptizing with water, John 1:31.

   Is that well done by sprinkling?
   Yes: For so shall he sprinkle many nations, Isa. 52:15. Ezek. 30:25.

   Is that sign significant?
   Yes: If ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, 1 Cor. 6:11.

   But is the outward sign alone sufficient?
   No: Baptism saves us, not as it is the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God, 1 Pet. 3:21.

2. Must baptism be in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?
   Yes: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Sun, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt. 28:19.

   And not in the minister's name?
   No: Were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor. 1:13.

   Is it therefore one?
   Yes: For there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph. 4:5. There were added to the church daily, Acts 2:47.

3. Is baptism a door of admission into the visible church?
   Yes: There were added to the church daily, Acts 2:47.

   Are we thereby entered into Christ's school?
   Yes: Jesus made and baptized disciples, John 4:1.

   And listed under his banner?
   Yes: As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 2 Tim. 2:3.

4. Is baptism a seal of our ingrafting into Christ?
   Yes: For being baptized into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into his death, Rom. 6:3.

   And of our partaking of the new covenant?
   Yes: Be baptized for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts 2:38.

   And of our engagement to be the Lord's?
   Yes: I entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine, Ezek. 16:8.

   Is the covenant sealed in the baptism a mutual covenant?
   Yes: Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God, Jer. 30:22.

5. Are we bound by our baptism to renounce the devil and all his works?
   Yes: For the Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8.

   And to renounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked world?
   Yes: For we must not be conformed to this world, Rom. 12:2.

   And all the sinful lusts of the flesh?
   Yes: For we are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, Rom. 8:9.

   Are we bound to believe all the articles of the Christian faith?
   Yes: We must hold fast the form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1:13.

   And to keep God's holy will and commandments?
   Yes: That we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. 6:4.

   And to walk in the same all the days of our life?
   Yes: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, John 8:31.

Q. 95. To whom is baptism to be administered?

A. Baptism is not to be administered to any who are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

1. Are Jews and Pagans to be baptized upon their believing?
   Yes: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest, Acts 8:31.

   Will their justifiable profession warrant the administering of baptism to them?
   Yes: Simon Magus himself believed also and was baptized, Acts 8:13.

2. Are the children of believing parents to be baptized in their infancy?
   Yes: For a seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation, Ps. 22:30.

   Is it possible that they may be in covenant with God?
   Yes: For you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, John 15:16.

   Is it probable they should be in covenant?
   Yes: For when Israel was a child, then I loved him, Hos. 11:1.

   Is it certain they were in covenant?
   Yes: I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed, Gen. 17:7.

   Is it therefore certain they are in covenant?
   Yes: For the blessing of Abraham comes upon the Gentiles, Gal. 3:14.

   Does the seal of the covenant therefore belong to them?
   Yes: Every man-child among you shall be circumcised, Gen. 17:10.

3. Are the children of Christians members of Christ's visible church?
   Yes: For of such is the kingdom of God, Mark 10:14.

   Do the promises belong to them?
   Yes: The promise is to you and to your children, Acts 2:39.

   Does the promise of the Spirit belong to them?
   Yes: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, Isa. 44:3.

   Are they capable of receiving it?
   Yes: John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, Luke 1:15.

   Are they then to be baptized?
   Yes: For who can forbid water to them which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:47.

4. Are the children of believers federally holy?
   Yes: Else were your children unclean, but now are they holy, 1 Cor. 7:14.

   Are they so in their parents' right?
   Yes: If the root be holy, so are the branches, Rom. 11:16.

   Are they disciples?
   Yes: For the yoke of circumcision was put upon the neck of the disciples, Acts 15:1,10.

   Are they to be received in Christ's name?
   Yes: Whosoever receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me, Matt. 18:5.

   Are they born unto God?
   Yes: Thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast born unto me, Ezek. 16:20.

   Are they bound by relation to be his servants?
   Yes: I am thy servant the son of thine handmaid, Ps. 116:16.

   Ought they then to be presented to him?
   Yes: The first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me, Exod. 22:29.

5. Do children need to be cleansed from the pollutions of sin?
   Yes: For they are shapen in iniquity, Ps. 51:5.

   Is there provision made for their cleansing?
   Yes: For there is a fountain opened to the house of David, Zech. 13:1.

6. Are the nations to be discipled by baptism?
   Yes: Go ye and disciple all nations, baptizing them, Matt. 28:19.

   Are children a part of the nations?
   Yes: Your little ones stand here this day, to enter into covenant with God, Deut. 29:11,12.

   And has Christ excepted them?
   No: Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, Matt. 19:14.

   Were the families of believers baptized by the apostles?
   Yes: Lydia was baptized, and her household, Acts 16:15.

   Did Christ himself receive the seal of the covenant in his infancy?
   Yes: When he was eight days old he was circumcised, Luke 2:21.

7. Is infant baptism useful for preserving the church?
   Yes: That our children may not cease from fearing the Lord, Josh. 22:25.

   Was it a great mercy to you that you were baptized?
   Yes: For we are the children of the covenant, Acts 3:25.

8. Must we be careful to improve our baptism?
   Yes: Be ye mindful always of his covenant, 1 Chron. 16:15.

   Is it a good argument against sin ?
   Yes: How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein? Rom. 6:2.

   And for holiness?
   Yes: For we also should walk in newness of life, Rom. 6:4.

   Is it a great encouragement to faith?
   Yes: Thou art my God from my mother's belly, Ps. 22:10.

   Is it a good plea in prayer?
   Yes: Save the son of thy handmaid, Ps. 86:16.

   Is it a strong inducement to brotherly love?
   Yes: For we all are baptized into one body, 1 Cor. 12:13.

Q. 96. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are not, after a corporeal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.

1. Was the Lord's Supper instituted by Christ himself?
   Yes: I received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you, 1 Cor. 11:23.

   Did he leave it as a legacy to his church?
   Yes: It was in the night wherein he was betrayed, 1 Cor. 11:23.

   Did he intend it should continue?
   Yes: Till he come, 1 Cor. 11:26.

2. Is bread to be used in this sacrament?
   Yes: For he took bread, Matt 26:26.

   And does that signify it to be a strengthening ordinance?
   Yes: For bread strengthens man's heart, Ps. 104:15.

   Is the cup to be used in this sacrament?
   Yes: He took the cup when he had supped, 1 Cor. 11:25.

   Does that signify it to be a refreshing ordinance?
   Yes: For wine makes glad the heart Ps. 104:15.

   Must these be given and received?
   Yes: Jesus took bread, and gave to them,--- took the cup, and gave it to them, Mark 14:22,23.

   Are the people to partake of the cup?
   Yes: Drink ye all of it, Matt. 26:27.

   Is the ordinance doubled?
   Yes: Because the thing is established, Gen. 41:32.

3. Does the bread signify the body of Christ?
   Yes: This is my body which is broken for you, 1 Cor. 11:21.

   Does the wine signify the blood of Christ?
   Yes: This cup is the New Testament in my blood, Luke 22:20.

   Are they turned into the very body and blood of Christ?
   No: For it is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing, John 6:63.

   But is the doctrine of Christ crucified meat and drink to a believing soul?
   Yes: My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, John 6:55.

   And are we to feed upon that doctrine?
   Yes: He that eateth me, even he shall live by me, John 6:57.

4. Is the Lord's Supper a commemorating ordinance?
   Yes: Do this in remembrance of me, Luke 22:19.

   Is it a confessing ordinance?
   Yes: Ye do show the Lord's death, 1 Cor. 11:26.

   Is it a communicating ordinance?
   Yes: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. 10:16.

   Is it a covenanting ordinance?
   Yes: For it is the New Testament, 1 Cor. 11:25.

   Is it a confirming ordinance?
   Yes: For Christ in it is evidently set forth, Gal. 3:9.

   Is it an ordinance of communion with all Christians?
   Yes: For we have been all made to drink into one Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:13.

5. Is the pardon of sin sealed to believers in this sacrament?
   Yes: It is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins, Matt. 26:28.

   Is the gift of the Holy Ghost sealed to them?
   Yes: Receive ye the Holy Ghost, John 20:22.

   Is the promise of eternal life sealed to them?
   Yes: That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, Luke 22:30. Matt. 26:29.

   Do we, by receiving this sacrament, bind ourselves out from all sin?
   Yes: For we reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, Rom. 6:11.

   And do we bind ourselves up to all duty?
   Yes; For being made free from sin, we become the servants of righteousness, Rom. 6:18.

6. Is the Lord's Supper a spiritual feast?
   Yes: A feast of fat things, of wines on the lees, Isa. 26:6.

   Is it a marriage-feast?
   Yes: A certain king made a marriage for his son, Matt. 26:2.

   Is it a feast upon a sacrifice?
   Yes: Christ is sacrificed for us, let us keep the feast, 1 Cor. 5:7,8.

   Is it a feast upon a covenant?
   Yes: As Isaac made a feast for Abimelech when they swore one to another, Gen. 26:30,31.

   Are all good Christians invited to this feast?
   Yes: Come, for all things are now ready, Luke 14:17.

   Are they often to partake of it?
   Yes: As often as ye eat this bread, 1 Cor. 11:26.

Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

A. It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience, lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.

1. Are the ignorant to be admitted to the Lord's Supper?
   No: For they discern not the Lord's body, 1 Cor. 11:29.

   Are those to be admitted to it who are openly profane?
   No: For what concord hath Christ with Belial? 2 Cor. 6:15.

   But must all visible adult believers be admitted to it?
   Yes: All the congregation of Israel shall keep the passover, Exod. 12:47.

2. Must those who come to the Lord's Supper prepare for it?
   Yes: We must prepare our heart to seek God, the Lord God of our fathers, 2 Chron. 13:18.

   Must we put away every sin?
   Yes: Purge out the old leaven, 1 Cor. 5:7.

   And must we cleanse ourselves from all pollutions?
   Yes: I will wash my hands in innocency, so I will compass thine altar, O Lord, Ps. 26:6.

   Must we sequester ourselves from the world?
   Yes: Tarry ye here, while I go yonder and worship, Gen. 22:5.

   And must we apply ourselves seriously to this service?
   Yes: We must engage the heart to approach unto God, Jer. 30:21.

3. When we come to this ordinance must we examine ourselves?
   Yes: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup, 1 Cor. 11:28.

   Must we examine our spiritual state?
   Yes: Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, 2 Cor. 13:5.

   Must we examine our particular ways?
   Yes: Let us search and try our ways, Lam. 3:40.

   Must we renew our repentance for sin:
   Yes: For if we would judge ourselves, we shouldl not be judged, 1 Cor. 11:31.

   And our faith in Christ crucified?
   Yes: Who loved me and gave himself for me, Gal. 2:20.

   Must we steadfastly purpose to lead a new life?
   Yes: I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments, Ps. 119:106.

   And must we be in charity with all men?
   Yes: First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift, Matt. 5:24.

   And must we stir up desires towards Christ?
   Yes: Let him that is athirst come, Rev. 22:17.

4. Must we receive this sacrament with great reverence?
   Yes: In thy fear will I worship towards thy holy temple, Ps. 5:7.

   And with fixedness of thought?
   Yes: Bind the sacrifice with cords unto the horns of the altar, Ps. 118:27.

   Must we receive it with godly sorrow for sin?
   Yes: They shall look on me whom they have pierced, and mourn, Zech. 12:10.

   And with holy joy in the Lord?
   Yes: They did eat their meat with gladness, praising God, Acts 2:46,47.

   Must we receive it with an affectionate remembrance of the love of Christ?
   Yes: We will remember thy love more than wine, Cant. 1:4.

   And with all earnest desire of mercy from God?
   Yes: I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord, Ps. 116:13.

5. Must those who have received this sacrament be very watchful against all sin?
   Yes: He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints, but let them not turn again to folly, Ps. 85:8.

   Must they abound in all duty?
   Yes: I will pay my vows unto the Lord, Ps. 116:14.

   And must they ever preserve a sense of their engagements?
   Yes: Thy vows are upon me, O God, Ps. 56:12.

6. Do those who wilfully resolve to continue in sin receive unworthily?
   Yes: For what hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction, Ps. 50:16,17.

   And do those receive unworthily who have no regard to Christ in what they do?
   Yes: For they say the table of the Lord is contemptible, Mal. 1:7.

   Are they that do so guilty of a great sin?
   Yes: They are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11:27.

   And are they in great danger?
   Yes: For they eat aud drink judgment to themselves, 1 Cor. 11:29.

   But shall weak believers, who bewail their unworthiness, be encouraged?
   Yes: For he will not break the bruised reed, Matt. 12:20.

Q. 98. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

1. Is it every one's duty to pray?
   Yes: Men ought always to pray, Luke 18:1.

   Call a man be a good man who lives without prayer?
   No: Every one that is godly shall pray, Ps. 32:6.

   Are we to pray daily?
   Yes: Morning, and evening, and at noon, will I pray, Ps. 55:17.

   Are we to pray continually?
   Yes: Pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. 5:17.

   Are we to pray in secret?
   Yes: Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and shut thy door, Matt. 6:6.

   Are we to pray when we are in affliction?
   Yes: Is any among you afflicted, let him pray, James 5:13.

2. Are we to pray to God only?
   Yes: For he only knows the hearts of all the children of men, 1 Kings 8:39.

   May we pray to departed saints to pray for us?
   No: For Abraham is ignorant of us, Isa. 63:16.

   Is prayer the soul's ascent to God?
   Yes: Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, Ps. 25:1.

   Is it the soul's converse with God?
   Yes: Pour out your hearts before him, Ps. 62:8.

   Are we in prayer to ascribe glory to God?
   Yes: Give unto the Lord glory and strength, Ps. 96:7.

   And to ask mercy of God?
   Yes: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, Matt. 7:7.

3. Are we to pray to God for things agreeable to his will?
   Yes: If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us, 1 John 5:14.

   Must we pray for pardoning mercy, and sanctifying grace?
   Yes: Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4:16.

   Are God's promises to be the guide of our desires in prayer?
   Yes: Remember thy word unto thy servant, Ps. 119:49.

   And the ground of our faith?
   Yes: For I hope in thy word, Ps. 119:81.

4. Must we pray in the name of Christ?
   Yes: Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, John 19:13.

   Relying on his righteousness alone?
   Yes: For we have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Heb. 10:19.

   Must we pray in faith?
   Yes: Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering, Jam. 1:6.

   Depending on the assistance of the Holy Spirit?
   Yes: For the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, Rom. 8:26.

5. Must we in prayer make confession of sin?
   Yes: I prayed to the Lord my God, and made my confession, Dan. 9:4.

   And must we give thanks for mercies received?
   Yes: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Ps. 100:4.

6. Must we be constant in prayer?
   Yes: I gave myself unto prayer, Ps. 109:4.

   And humble in prayer?
   Yes: For we are but dust and ashes, Gen. 18:27.

   And earnest in prayer?
   Yes: Always labouring fervently in prayer, Col 4:12.

   Must we in sincerity set God before us in prayer?
   Yes: Let us draw near with a true heart, Heb. 10:22.

   Must we pray in charity?
   Yes: Lifting up pure hands without wrath, 1 Tim. 2:8.

7. Will God hear and accept those who thus pray to him?
   Yes: He never said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain, Isa. 45:19.

   But will the love of sin spoil the success of prayer
   Yes: If I regard iniquity in my heart, God will not hear me, Ps. 66:18.

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer.

1. Do we need direction in prayer?
   Yes: For we know not what we should pray for as we ought, Rom. 8:26.

   Should we pray to God for direction?
   Yes: Lord, teach us to pray, Luke 11:1.

   Hath he given us direction in prayer?
   Yes: Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, Hos. 14:2.

2. Is the whole word of God of use to direct us.
   Yes: I will show thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth, Dan. 10:21. compare 2 Chron. 9:23.

   Is the Lord's Prayer to be used as a directory for prayer?
   Yes: After this manner therefore pray ye, Matt. 6:9.

   And is it to be used as a form of prayer?
   Yes: When ye pray, say, Our Father, Luke 11:2.