Catechistical Guide to Sinners and Babes in Christ, Part 2 · Chapter 10
CHAP. X. Some particular Duties which Believers ought to know and perform.
Q. HAving now a fit occaſion, we may here, as in a place moſt convenient, diſcourſe of Good Works, or particular Duties, wherein Believers ought to be exerciſed; but ſeeing we have already mentioned many of them which come under the conſideration of Godlineſs, I ſhall deſire to hear from you ſomething of what you have learned, eſpecially concerning Righteouſneſs and Sobriety, of which hitherto you have been almoſt ſilent. Now obſerve and anſwer my Queſtions, of which the firſt ſhall be this:
What is the Duty of Believers towards Men as Men?
A. This in the general is expreſt by our Saviour thus: All things whatſoever ye would that Men ſhould do to you; do ye even ſo to them: for this is the Law and the Prophets. Mat. 7.12.
Q. How can you expreſs the ſame more particularly?
A. Thus: To render to all their Dues whatſoever they may juſtly challenge and require of us as their right; and to do good to all.
[Rom. 13.7. Render therefore to all their Dues, Tribute to whom Tribute is due, Cuſtom to whom Cuſtom, Fear to whom Fear, Honour to whom Honour. Prov. 3.27. With-hold not good from them to whom it is due, [Hebr. from the Owners thereof] when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Gal. 6.10. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all Men, eſpecially to them that are of the Houſhold of Faith. 1 Theſſ. 5.15. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man; but ever follow that which is good, both among your ſelves, and to all Men. Rom. 16.19. I would have you wiſe unto that which is Good, and ſimple unto that which is Evil. 1 Pet. 3.13.]
Q. But what is it to render to every one his due.
A. To render to others their Due, is, To ſpeak truly, (a) and deal juſtly with them (b): and therefore not to abuſe and wrong them by lying (c), flattery (d) and evil ſpeaking (e), as they do that are Revilers (f), Scoffers (g), Whiſperers (h), Backbiters (i), Slanderers (k), Falſe-Accuſers (l), Falſe Witneſs-bearers (m), unjuſt Judges, (n) and the like, and not to be any wayes injurious to them in their Life (o), Liberty (p), Eſtates (q), Relations (r), and the like; nor hurtful to them, as to their everlaſting Concerns, by corrupting them in their Souls and Lives (ſ), or hindering them from or in that Faith and Love which is in Chriſt Jeſus (t).
[(a) John 4.18. Prov. 12.17. Zech. 8.16. Epheſ. 4.25. (b) Iſa. 26.10. Mich. 6.8. 2 King. 12.15. 1 Theſſ. 2.10. Iſa. 33.15. Pſal. 15.2. Tit. 2.11. (c) Lev. 19.11. Col. 3.9. Joh. 8.44. Rev. 21.27. 1 Tim. 4.2. (d) Pſal. 12.2, 3. 1 Theſſ. 2.5. (e) Tit. 3.2. (f) 1 Cor. 6.10. 1 Pet. 2.23. (g) 2 Pet. 3.3. (h) Rom. 1.29. Prov. 16.28. 2 Cor. 12.20. (i) Rom. 1.30. (k) 1 Tim. 3.11. Prov. 10.18. Pſal. 101.5. Jer. 9.4. (l) 2 Tim. 3.3. (m) Exod. 20.16. Mat. 15.19. (n) Luk. 18.6. Pſalm. 82.6. (o) Exod. 20.13. (p) Jer. 34.15. Heb. 11.36. (q) Exod. 20.15. Epheſ. 4.28. (r) Exod. 20.14. (ſ) Mat. 23.15. 2 Pet. 2. Chapt. (t) Mat. 23.13. Act. 13.8.]
Q. And what is it to do good to all?
A. To do good to all, is in imitation of God, to be merciful and kind to them, in reſpect both of their Bouls and Bodies. [Pſal. 37.26. Mat. 5.7. Luk. 6.36. 1 Cor. 13.4. Luk. 6.35. Col. 3.12.]
Q. But what if they be Enemies to them, and perſecute them?
A. Although they be ſo, yet muſt Believers be merciful and kind unto them.
[Mat. 5.44, &c. I ſay unto you, Love your Enemies; Bleſs them that curſe you; Do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that deſpitefully uſe you, and perſecute you, &c]
Q. What then, muſt Believers be a peaceable People?
A. Yes; They muſt follow Peace with all Men. And if it be poſſible, as much as in them lieth, live peaceably [or be at peace] with all Men. Heb. 12.14. Rom. 12.18.
Q. But how ſhould Believers endeavour to be at peace with all Men?
A. They ſhould endeavour it, by not provoking others to Anger (a), in doing them wrong (b), or in pleaſing themſelves, in that which is diſpleaſing to others, and wherein they may deny themſelves for their Neighbours good (c); alſo by not being eaſily provoked by others (d), as when they ſuffer, without any Contention, ſuch Offences that may be eaſily born (e); alſo by abſtaining from all Revenge (f), and appearing appeaſable (g), and ready to forgive, when they meet with greater Injuries (h). Laſtly, By being courteous to all (i), and forward to do good to all, in that which they will acknowledg for good (k), as by giving and lending to them (l), or being ready in any thing to help and aſſiſt them in their need (m).
[(a) Gal. 5.26. (b) 1 Sam. 1.6, 7. (c) Rom. 15.1, 2, 3. (d) 1 Cor. 13.5. (e) Mat. 5.38, 39, &c. (f) Rom. 1.31. (g) Chap. 12.17, 19. Matth. 6.12, 14, 15. Mat. 18.21, &c. (h) Luk. 17.3, 4. Matth. 23.34. (i) 1 Pet. 3.8. (k) 1 Pet. 3.13. (l) Mat. 5.42. (m) Tit. 3.1, 2. Put them in mind to be ſubject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magiſtrates, to be ready to every good Work, to ſpeak evil of no Man, [Gr. to blaſpheme no Man]; to be no Brawlers, but gentle, ſhewing all meekneſs unto all Men. Jam. 3.17. The Wiſdom that is from Above, is firſt pure, then peaceable, gentle and eaſy to be intreated, full of Mercy and good Fruits, without partiality, [or without wrangling] and without hypocriſy. See Job 29.12, &c.]
Q. I would hear ſomething which you have learn'd concerning the Duty of Believers in their ſeveral Relations to others: and firſt, as being of the ſame Kingdom or Common-Wealth; Here tell me, What is their Duty who govern, as in a Kingdom the King doth, and they that are ſent of him for the puniſhment of Evil Doers, and for the praiſe of them that do well?
A. He that ruleth over Men, muſt be juſt, ruling in the Fear of God. 2 Sam. 23.3.
Q. What is their Duty toward their Governors?
A. They muſt ſubmit themſelves to every Ordinance of Man [Gr. to every Humane Creature, (that is) to every one whom Men ſet up to Rule and Govern] for the Lord's ſake, [that is, for Conſcience-ſake] whether it be to the King as Supream, or unto Governors, as unto them that are ſent by him, for the puniſhment of Evil-doers, and for the praiſe of them that do well.
[1 Pet. 2.13, 14. See the thirteenth Chapter of the Epiſtle to the Romans. See Tit. 3.1.]
Q. VVhat is their Duty, being Huſbands, toward their VVives?
A. An Huſband ought to love his Wife as himſelf, nouriſhing and cheriſhing Her as his own Body, rendering her due Benevolence, and giving honour to the Wife, as to the weaker Veſſel, and not being bitter unto her, and all this, notwithſtanding ſhe be an Unbeliever, whom therefore he muſt not forſake, but muſt endeavour her Converſion. Epheſ. 5.25, &c. 1 Cor. 7.3, &c. 1 Pet. 3.7. Col. 3.19. 1 Cor. 7.11, 16.
Q. What is the Duty of Wives toward their Husbands?
A. A Wife ought to love her Huſband, and to ſubmit to him as to the Lord, by reverencing and obeying him, and muſt render unto him due Benevolence, and all this, though he be an Unbeliever. [Tit. 2.4. Epheſ. 5.22, 23, 24, 33. Col. 3.18. 1 Pet. 3.1, &c. 1 Cor. 7.3, &c. verſ. 10, &c.]
Q. What is the Duty of Parents toward their Children?
A. It is the Duty of Parents not to provoke their Children to Wrath, leſt they be diſcouraged, but to bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, and to provide for them. Epheſ. 6.4. Col. 3.21. Prov. 29.15. 2 Tim. 3.15. 1 Tim. 5.8.
Q. What is the Duty of Children towards their Parents?
A. It is the Duty of Children to honour their Father and Mother. Epheſ. 6.2. Exod. 20.12. Mal. 1.6.
Q. But what is it for Children to honour their Father and Mother?
A. Firſt, Children that are under the Power of their Parents, ought to honour them, by obeying them in the Lord.
[Epheſ. 6.1, 2, 3. Children obey your Parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, (which is the firſt Commandment with promiſe) that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayeſt live long on the Earth. Col. 3.20. Children, obey your Parents in all things, (which they as Parents may command) for this is well-pleaſing unto the Lord. See Rom. 1.30. 2 Tim. 3.2.]
Secondly, Children under the Power of their Parents, ought to honour them, by ſo regarding them when they juſtly correct, as to be aſhamed, and amend, and not to be provoked to Anger when ſo chaſtiſed. Heb. 12.9.
[Thus it is written in the Law of Moſes; Deut. 21.18, &c. If a Man have a ſtubborn and rebellious Son, which will not obey the Voice of his Father, or the Voice of his Mother, and that when they have chaſtened him, will not hearken unto them; then ſhall his Father and his Mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the Elders of his City, and unto the Gate of his Place; and they ſhall ſay unto the Elders of his City, This our Son is ſtubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our Voice, he is a Glutton and a Drunkard. And all the Men of his City ſhall ſtone him with Stones that he die: So ſhalt thou put Evil away from among you, and all Iſrael ſhall hear and fear.]
Thirdly, Children under or not under the Power of their Parents, ought to honour them, by reverencing their Father and Mother.
[Levit. 19.3. Ye ſhall fear [reverence] every Man his Mother and his Father. Deut. 27.16. Curſed be he that ſetteth light by his Father or his Mother, and all the People ſhall ſay, Amen. Prov. 30.17. The Eye that mocketh at his Father, and deſpiſeth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valey ſhall pick it out, and the young Eagles ſhall eat it.]
Fourthly, All Children ought to honour their Parents, by ſhewing the natural Affection of Children to them, in being a delight and glory to them, and uſeful and profitable to them in what they can.
[Prov. 10.1. A wiſe Son maketh a glad Father, but a fooliſh Son is the heavineſs of his Mother. Prov. 23.24. The Father of the Righteous ſhall greatly rejoice, and he that begetteth a wiſe Child, ſhall have joy of him. Prov. 28.7. Whoſo keepeth the Law, is a wiſe Son, but he that is a Companion of riotous Men, ſhameth his Father. Matth. 15.4, &c. God commanded, ſaying, Honour thy Father and Mother; and he that curſeth Father or Mother, let him die the Death. But ye [Phariſees] ſay, Whoſoever ſhall ſay to his Father or Mother, It is a Gift, by whatſoever thou mighteſt be profited by me, and honour not his Father or Mother, he ſhall be free. Thus (ſaith Chriſt) have ye made the Commandment of God of none effect by your Tradition. duplicate page duplicate page Prov. 19.26. He that waſteth his Father, and chaſeth away his Mother, is a Son that cauſeth ſhame, and bringeth reproach. Exod. 21.15. He that ſmiteth his Father or his Mother, ſhall be ſurely put to death.]
Q. What is the Duty of Maſters towards their Servants?
A. 'Tis the Duty of Maſters to give unto their Servants that which is juſt and equal, moderating Threatnings. Knowing that their Maſter alſo is in Heaven, and that there is no reſpect of Perſons with him. Col. 4.1. Epheſ. 6.9.
Q. What is the Duty of Servants toward their Maſters?
A. 'Tis the Duty of Servants, to count their Maſters worthy of all Honour [due to Maſters], and to be obedient to them with fear and trembling, [that is, pleaſing them well in all things, not anſwering again, or gain-ſaying] in ſingleneſs of their Heart, as unto Christ: that is, not with Eye-Service, as Men-pleaſers, but as the Servants of Christ, doing the VVill of God from the Heart; with good VVill doing ſervice as to the Lord, and not to Men: not purloining, but ſhewing all good fidelity. And all this not only to the good and gentle, but alſo to the froward: for this is thankworthy, if a Man for Conſcience toward God endure grief, ſuffering wrongfully. But if they have Believing Maſters, they muſt not deſpiſe them becauſe they are Brethren, but rather do them Service becauſe they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the Benefit. Epheſ. 6.5, &c. Col. 3.22, &c. Tit. 2.9, &c. 1 Pet. 2.18, &c. 1 Tim. 6.1, 2.
Q. What is the Duty of Believers towards Believers?
A. Believers ought to love one another with a pure heart fervently, and to continue therein. 1 Pet. 1.22. Heb. 13.1.
Q. But how are they to ſhew their love one to another?
A. Firſt, They are to follow after the things that make for Peace, as lowlineſs or humbleneſs, meekneſs, longſuffering, and the like. Rom. 14.19. Epheſ. 4.2, 3.
Q. What elſe?
A. They alſo are to follow after the things wherewith they may edify one another, as by reſtoring them that are taken in a Fault; by confirming, exhorting, and comforting one another. Rom. 14.19. Gal. 6.1. 1 Theſſ. 5.14. Act. 15.32. Heb. 10.24, &c.
Q. Is there any thing elſe?
A. Yes; for Believers ought in an eſpecial manner to be ready unto every good Work towards their Brethren, and that with the hazard of their own Lives (if need be) for the relief, ſuccour, and ſafety of their Brethren, when they are poor, ſick, impriſoned, baniſhed, or any otherwiſe in affliction and danger.
[Gal. 6.10. Heb. 13.16. 1 Joh. 3.16. Joh. 13.34. Mat. 25.34, &c. Heb. 13.1, 2, 3. 1 Joh. 3.15, &c. Rom. 12.13. Phil. 2.30.]
Q. Have you any thing more to add?
A. I ſhall ſum up all in this, That Believers ought to rejoice with them that rejoice, and to weep with them that weep, to be of the ſame mind one towards another, and to ſerve one another in love. Rom. 12.15, 16. Gal. 5.13.
Q. What is the Duty of their Elders that Teach and Rule among them?
A. They ought to feed the Flock of God, taking the overſight thereof, not by conſtraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Enſamples to the Flock. 1 Pet. 5.2, 3.
Q. What is the Duty of the Flock towards thoſe that feed them?
A. Their Duty is, to know, obey and eſteem them very highly in love for their Works ſake, and to communicate to them in all good things. 1 Theſſ. 5.12, 13. Heb. 13.17. Gal. 6.6.
Q. I am now willing to hear what you have learn'd touching the Duty of Believers, in reference to their temporal Life, and the good things belonging thereto, as Pleaſures, Riches, Honours, and in reference to the contrary; wherefore I ask you, What is the Duty of Believers in reference to their Temporal Life?
A. Their Duty in the general is, To love their Lives in ſeeking to ſave them, when they may ſo do, and not loſe them for ever; alſo to hate their Lives in not ſeeking to ſave them, when by loſing them they may ſave them for ever. 1 Pet. 3.10. Luk. 14.26.
Q. When may a Man be ſaid to loſe his Life for ever, in ſeeking to ſave it for a time?
A. Then when a Man cannot ſave his Life and ſerve God together.
Q. Well; What is the Duty of Believers for the ſaving of their temporal Lives?
A. They as Men truſting in God and obeying him, muſt ſeek to provide that which may preſerve their Lives, and to avoid that which may deſtroy them.
Q. How may they thus ſeek that which may preſerve their Lives?
A. When with Prayer and thankfulneſs to God daily for their daily Bread, they ſeek to get by diligence in ſome honeſt Imploiment, or, if need be, by Benefits from others, that which is needful, and to keep neceſſary things, not waſtfully ſpending them, nor ſinfully with-holding them, when called to lend them unto the Lord.
[Mat. 6.11. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5. Mat. 6.25, &c. Epheſ. 4.28. 1 Theſſ. 4.11, 12. 2 Theſſ. 3.6, &c. Prov. 6.6, &c. Luk. 22.35. Act. 4.34. & 20.35. Eccleſ. 3.6. Prov. 21.20. & 23.21. & 29.3. & 22.16. Prov. 11.24. & 28.27. & 19.17.]
Q. How must they ſeek to avoid that which may deſtroy their Lives?
A. Among other things, they muſt firſt keep themſelves free from all ſins, for which God ſometimes doth, or Men juſtly may take away their Lives. Pſalm. 55.23. 1 Cor. 11.30. Rom. 13.4. 1 Pet. 4.15. Secondly, They muſt ſeek to keep themſelves ſafe from thoſe that ſeek their Lives, and this either by Power, when Right and Law arms them againſt their Enemies, or only by Prudence, when Power is wanting, or may not be uſed lawfully. Eſth. 8.11, &c. 1 King. 1.12. Mat. 10.16, &c. Epheſ. 5.15, 16. Col. 4.5.
Q. When muſt Believers hate their Lives in not ſeeking to ſave them?
A. Then muſt they hate their Lives, when they cannot with the perſervation of their Lives, keep a good Conſcience towards God. They muſt be always free to hazard their Lives in the performance of their Duty to God. Rev. 12.11. Matth. 16.24, &c. Luk. 14.26, &c. Joh. 12.25. Rom. 8.17. Act. 15.26. & 20.24. Judg. 5.18.
Q. Now let us ſpeak concerning Worldly Pleaſures, and their Contrary: What have you learn'd touching the Duty of Believers, in reference to worldly Pleaſures?
A. I have learn'd, That Believers, who may uſe lawful Pleaſures, muſt be moderate in the uſe of them, and avoid all ſinful Pleaſures and Delights; being chaſt and temperate in ſhunning Adultery, Fornication, Unnatural Uncleanneſs, Laſciviouſneſs, Surfeiting, Gluttony, Drunkenneſs, Rioting or Revelling, Idleneſs, and the like.
[Eccleſ. 3.12. & 5.18, &c. & 9.7, &c. Phil. 4 5. 1 Cor. 7.29, &c. Prov. 21.17. Luk 8.14. 1 Tim. 5.6. 2 Tim. 3.4, 11. Heb. 11.25. Tit. 2.12. 1 Pet. 3.2. 1 Theſſ. 4.11. Gal. 5.23. 2 Pet. 1.6. 1 Cor. 9.25, &c. Tit. 1.8. & 2.2. Gal. 5.19. Epheſ. 5.3. Rom. 1.24, &c. Deut. 23.17. 1 Cor. 6.9. 1 Tim. 1.10. Jude 7. Exod. 12.19. Levit. 18.23. Mark 7.22. 1 Pet. 4.3. Luke 21.24. Prov. 23.21. Mat. 11.19 Rom. 13.13. Gal. 5.21. Ezek. 10.49. 1 Tim. 5 13. 2 Theſſ. 3.11.]
Q. What is the Duty of Believers that are in ſorrow by reaſon of Afflictions?
A. It is their Duty to be patient in all, to rejoice in the Lord always, and to endeavour that all may be for profit and good unto them. Rom. 12.12. Jam. 5.7, &c. Phil. 4.4. Jam. 1.2. Heb. 12.11.
Q. Let us now ſpeak of Worldly Riches; What is the Duty of Believers that are Rich?
A. Their Hearts muſt not be lifted up [in Pride] becauſe of their Riches. They muſt not deſpiſe the Poor, nor oppreſs them, nor truſt in uncertain Riches, but in the living God; and they ought to be rich in good Works. Ezek. 28.5. Pſ. 49.6. Prov. 28.11. Jam. 2.6. Prov. 17.5. & 14.31. 1 Tim. 6.17.
Q. What is their Duty who are not Rich?
A. They muſt be content with the things that they have, not willing, reſolving and labouring to be rich, nor envying thoſe that are. Heb. 13.5. 1 Tim. 6.8, &c. Prov. 23.4. 1 Cor. 13.4. Rom. 13.13. Pſal. 73.2, &c.
Q. We are now to ſpeak of Worldly Honour: Tell me, how muſt they that are in Honour behave themſelves?
A. They muſt be lowly, and walk worthy of the Honour they have. Prov. 11.2. & 16.18, 19. Act. 24.2.
Q. Upon this occaſion, tell me, What is the way of getting and keeping an honourable Eſteem and Reputation with others?
A. The right way to get and keep our ſelves in an honourable Eſteem with others; is, To abſtain from all appearance of Evil; to excel in Wiſdom and Vertue, and to b… have our ſelves modeſtly and diſcreetly in all Converſe with others.
[1 Theſſ. 5.22. 1 Cor. 14.12. 1 King 4.30 Phil. 2.29, 30. Prov. 31.10, &c. & 15.33. Luke 14.8, &c. 1 Tim. 2.9, &c. 1 Cor. 11.13, &c. Pſal. 112.5. Tit. 2 5. Prov. 11.22. & 12.16. & 19.11. & 18.13. Eccleſ. 10 1. Prov. 25.9, 10.]
Q. You have now ſpoken much of good Works, Have you any thing more to ſay of this Matter?
A. There is much more to be ſpoken concerning good Works; but I am willing to conclude this Diſcourſe now with that of the Apoſtle Paul, in Phil. 4.8. Finally, Brethren, whatſoever things are true, whatſoever things are juſt, whatſoever things are pure, whatſoever things are lovely, whatſoever things are of good report; if there be any Vertue, and if there be any Praiſe, think on theſe things.
THE END.
End of the text · John Norton, Catechistical Guide to Sinners and Babes in Christ (1680)