Question 1

1. Is God the first of all beings? Yes.

   “I am the first” Isaiah 44:6

2. Is he the first cause of all beings? Yes.

   “Of whom are all things” 1 Corinthians 8:6

3. Are all other causes subordinate to the first cause? Yes.

   “O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger and the staff in their hands is mine indignation” Isaiah 10:5

4. Is God the first in creation? Yes.

   “He spake and it was done” Psalm 33:9

5. Is he the first in providence? Yes.

   “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” Acts 17:28

6. Is he the first in government? Yes.

   “Thy throne is established of old” Psalm 93:2

7. Is he the first in the world of grace? Yes.

   “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself” 2 Corinthians 5:18

8. Is he first in the displays of his love? Yes.

   “We love him because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19

9. Can we be beforehand with God? No.

   “Who hath first given unto him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again” Romans 11:35

1. Should God then be first in our thoughts? Yes.

   “When I awake I am still with thee” Psalm 139:18

2. And first in our esteem? Yes.

   “Whom have I in heaven but thee” Psalm 73:25

3. Should we first give ourselves unto him? Yes.

   “But first gave their own selves unto the Lord” 2 Corinthians 8:5

4. And should he have the first fruits? Yes.

   “My soul desireth the first ripe fruits” Micah 7:1

1. Is God the chiefest being? Yes.

   “Who is like unto thee, O Lord?” Exodus 15:11

2. Is he above all pretenders? Yes.

   “He is a great King above all gods” Psalm 95:3

3. Is he chief in heaven? Yes.

   “Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord” Psalm 89:6

4. Is he chief on earth? Yes.

   “Thou Lord art high above all the earth” Psalm 97:9

5. Is he only one of the chief? No.

   “For he is the Most High” Psalm 56:2

6. And will he ever retain his preeminency? Yes.

   “For he is the Most High for evermore” Psalm 92:8

1. Should God then be chiefly loved? Yes.

   “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart” Luke 10:27

2. And chiefly feared? Yes.

   “Rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” Matthew 10:28

3. And are those happy who are interested in him? Yes.

   “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord” Psalm 144:15

Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795), pastor at Bourton-on-the-Water. Verses from the King James Version.