Lesson 10: On the true Church,

1. What do you mean by the true church?

The congregation of all the faithful, who, being baptized, profess the same doctrine, partake of the same sacraments, and are governed by their lawful pastors, inder one visible head on earth.

2. How do you call the true church?

The Holy Catholic Church, Ap. Cr.

3. Is there any other true church, besides the holy catholic church?

No; as there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, one father of all; there is but one true church. Ephes. iv.

4. Are all obliged to be of the true church?

Yes; " he that believeth not shall be condemned" Mark xvi. 16. Acts ii. 47. Luke x. 15. John x. 16. MaiL xviii. 17.

5. Can persons who deny outwardly the true religion or church, in which the inwardly believe, expect salvation while in that state?

No; " whosoever," says Christ, " shall deny me before man, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven" Matt. x. 33.

6. Is a person in the way of salvation who believes in the true church, and says, that in his heart he is attached to it, but through pride, human respect, or worldly motives, does not make open profession of it, or does not comply with its essential duties?

No; St. Paul says, " With the heart we beliem unto justice; but with the mouth confession is made u?> to salvation" Rom. x. 10.

7. Will strict honesty to every one, and moral good works, ensure salvation, whatever church or religion one professes?

No; good words must be enlivened by faith, that worketh by charity. Gal. v. 6.

8. Why must our good works be enlivened by faith?

Because the Scriptures says; without faith it is impossible to please God. Ileb. xi. G.

9. Are we justified by faith alone, without good works?

No; As the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James, ii. 26.

10. Must our good works be also enlivened by charity?

Yes; for St. Paul says: If I should deliver all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not (harily, it profdeth me nothing. 1 Cor. xiii. 3.

O. What' is that charity of which St. Paul speaks?

A. That pure and sincere love for God, which makes us do his will in all things; and be obedient to his church, which he commands us to hear. Matt, xviii. 17. Luke, x. 1G.

11. Which are the marks and signs of true church?

The true church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolical.

12. How is the church one?

In being one body and one fold, animated by one rpirii, under one head, and one shepherd, Jesus Christ, who is over all the church. Eplies. i. and iv.

13. In what else is the church one?

In all its members believing the same truths, haring the same sacraments and sacrifice, and being under one visible head on earth.

14. How is the church holy?

In its founder, Jesus Christ: in its doctrine and sacraments; and in numbers of its children, who havo been eminent for holiness in all ages.

15. How is the church catholic or universal!

Because it has subsisted in every age. and va U

last to the end of time, and is spread throughout ijl nations. Matt, xxviii. 20.

16. How is the church apostolical?

Because it was founded by Christ on his apostles, and was governed by them and their lawful successors; and because it never ceased, and never will cease to teach their doctrine. Ephes. ii. 20. Matt, xxviii. 20.