Chapter 2: Of the Holy Scriptures

Q. You have shewed that to be instructed in the principles of religion, is both warrantable, needfull, and profitable; tell likewise from where we must take direction for attaining wel-grounded knowledge in these principles, and all other points of religion?

A. Out of those sacred books or writings, which are called the holy Scriptures.

Q. Has the word and will of God always been set down in writing?

A. No: Moses was the first penman of holy Scripture, who lived not till above two thousand years after the creation.

Q. How was the will of God made known to his people in those times afore the Scriptures were written?

A. By divers and sundry means, as by visions, by dreams, by visible signs, and by audible voice.

Q. Why did God afterward cause his will to be set down in writing?

A. That it might be the better preserved, that it might be conveyed to posterity, and that it might be an infallible standard to try all doctrines by.

Q. What are the books of holy Scriptures?

A. The books of the Old Testament as they are expressed in our Bibles.

Q. Why are these writings called holy?

A. They are called holy because they have an holy author, which is God, were written by penmen who were holy men, and because the doctrine which is contained in them is all for the promoting of holiness in us.

Q. How may it be proved that these books are indeed the word of God?

A. Because it is said they were given by inspiration of God, and that the penmen of them spake as they were moved, or acted by the Holy Ghost.

Q. How else?

A. By the wonderful efficacy of them, as in other things, so in this, that they enter into the heart, for conviction, and humiliation, and are mighty through God to convert and comfort the soul.

Q. How else may it be proved that the Scriptures are the word of God?

A. Because they must either be the word of God, and have him for the author of them, or else some creature must be the author of them; which latter is not possible.

Q. It is true indeed, if no creature be the author of them, then God the creator must; but why may not some creature be their author?

A. A good creature, angel or man, could never be so impious, presumptuous, and blasphemous, as to father his own doings upon God, falsely making him the author of them; and a wicked creature would never shew such care and zeal for the glory of God, such dislike and detestation of all kind of sin, as the book of the Scriptures does.

Q. What particular uses are the Scriptures profitable for?

A. For the teaching of true doctrine, and convincing the contrary, for correction or reformation of errors in life, and for instructing to good duties (2 Timothy 3:16).

Q. Are the Scriptures a complete and sufficient rule of direction for all points of faith and life?

A. Yes; for they were written for that very end, that we might believe on Christ Jesus, and believing have eternal life through his name: and they are able to make one wise to salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Q. How else may this sufficiency and perfection of the Scriptures appear?

A. It may appear also by this, in that by the Scriptures, the man of God, who needs more abilities than other men, may be perfect, and thoroughly furnished to all good works; and because it is a cursed thing to add any thing thereto.

Q. Does the knowledge of the Scriptures belong to all, or only to the learned?

A. Not only magistrates and ministers, but every householder, yes simple people; yes women, young men, and children, ought to be acquainted with the Scriptures; and therefore the knowledge of them does belong to all sorts of people.