Lesson 9: On the descent of the Holy Ghost, on the New Law, and the Sign of the Cross

1. Ox what day, and after what manner, did the Holy Ghost descend on the apostles?

On Whitsunday the Holy Ghost descended in tlvt form of tongues of fire, and sat upon every one of them. Acts, ii.

2. What does the Scripture say of those who received the Holy Ghost?

As They were all filled with the Holy Ghost; and they began to speak in divers tongues, the wonderful works of God. Acts, ii.

3. Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost?

To sanctify his church, to comfort his apostles, and to enable them to preach his gospel, or the new law.

4. What do you mean by the new law?

The law which Christ established on earth.

5. Which was the old law?

The law given to the Jews.

6. How do you call the followers of the new law?

Christians.

7. How are we known to be Christians?

By being baptized, by professing the doctrine of Christ, and by the sign of the cross.

8. How is the sign of the cross made?

By putting the right hand to the forehead, then under the breast, then to the left and right shoulders; saying, \n the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen

9. Why do you make the sign of the cross?

.To beg that Jesus Christ, by his cross and passion, may bless and protect me.

10. Should we frequently make the sign of the cross?

Yes; particularly in all temptations and dangers, and before and after prayer; and always with great attention and devotion.

11. What does the sign of the cross signify?

It signifies and brings to our minds the principal mysteries of religion.

12. What mysteries of religion does the sign of the cross recall to our minds?

The blessed Trinity, and the incarnation and death of our Saviour.

13. How does the sign of the cross remind us of the blessed Trinity?

Because in making the sign of the cross, we invoke the three divine persons; saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and cf the Holy Ghost.

14. How does the sign of the cross 1 ring to our minds the incarnation and death of our Sa\iour?

Because as he suffered death in human flesh on a cross, the sign of the cross must naturally remind all true Christians of his incarnation and death.

15. Where are true Christians to be found?

In the true church.