Question 6

And of duty?

Yes. They know not to do right,^b

Does ignorance lead to sin?

Yes. I did it ignorantly,^c

But is it an excuse for sin?

No. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen, that know thee not,^d

And are the scriptures appointed for our instruction?

Yes. The entrance of thy words giveth light,^e

Do the scriptures teach plainly?

Yes. We use great plainness of speech,^g

Do they teach powerfully?

Yes. For the word of God is quick and powerful,^h

Do they teach sinners?

Yes. O ye simple understand wisdom, O ye fools be of an understanding heart,ⁱ

Do they teach saints?

Yes. I speak as to wise men,^j

Does grace and peace come to the soul in this way?

Yes. Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God,^l

And is ignorance of God a great reproach?

Yes. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel doth not know,^m

Can men know God aright without his word?

No. Remember that at that time ye were without God in the world,ⁿ

May all that may be known of God without the word, be better known in and by the word?

Yes. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,^o

Should we therefore have recourse to the scriptures for the knowledge of God?

Yes. For if we receive his words, then shall we find the knowledge of God,^p

Is it a debt due from all?

Yes. The commandment of God is made known unto all nations for the obedience of faith,^r

But especially from the saints?

Yes. They which have believed in God, must be careful to maintain good works,^s

And are the duties of obedience best learned from the divine word?

Yes. For the scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness,^t

And without reserve or exception?

Yes. Ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left,^v

And without reluctance?

Yes. I delight to do thy will, O my God,^w

And without assuming?

Yes. When ye have done all these things, say we are unprofitable servants,^x

And without fainting?

Yes. Let us not be weary in well doing,^y

And will other methods be ineffectual for instruction where the written word fails?

Yes. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead,^z