Question 1

Is he the first cause of all beings?

Yes. Of whom are all things,^b

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,^c

Is God the first in creation?

Yes. He spake and it was done,^d

Is he the first in providence?

Yes. For in him we live, and move, and have our being,^e

Is he the first in government?

Yes. Thy throne is established of old,^f

Is he the first in the world of grace?

Yes. All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself,^g

Is he first in the displays of his love?

Yes. We love him because he first loved us,^h

Can we be beforehand with God?

No. Who hath first given unto him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again,ⁱ

And first in our esteem?

Yes. Whom have I in heaven but thee,^k

Should we first give ourselves unto him?

Yes. But first gave their own selves unto the Lord,^l

And should he have the first fruits?

Yes. My soul desireth the first ripe fruits,^m

Is he above all pretenders?

Yes. He is a great King above all gods,^o

Is he chief in heaven?

Yes. Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord,^p

Is he chief on earth?

Yes. Thou Lord art high above all the earth,^q

Is he only one of the chief?

No. For he is the Most High,^r

And will he ever retain his preeminency?

Yes. For he is the Most High for evermore,^s

And chiefly feared?

Yes. Rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,^u

And are those happy who are interested in him?

Yes. Happy is that people whose God is the Lord,^v