Lesson 16: First Commandment continued

1. What else is forbidden by the first Commandment?

To give to any creature the honour due to God alone

2. x\re we forbidden to honour the saints?

No; if we only honour them as God's special

friends and faithful servants, and if we do not give them supreme or divine honour, which belongs to God alone,

3. How do Catholics distinguish between the honour they give to God, and the honour they give to the saints, when they pray to God and the saints?

Of God alone they beg grace and mercy; and of the saints they only ask the assistance of their prayers. Tobias, xii. 12.

4. Is it lawful to recommend ourselves to the saints, and to ask their prayers?

Yes; as it is lawful and a very pious practice to ask the prayers of our fellow- creatures on earth, and to pray for them. Thessal. v. 25. James, v. 16.

5. Why do Catholics kneel before the images of Christ and of his saints?

To honour Christ and his saints, whom their images represent. Exod. xxv. 18, 19, 22.

6. Is it proper to show any mark of respect to the crucifix and to the pictures of Christ and his saints? A. Yes; because they relate to Christ and his saints, being representations and memorials of them. Acts, xix. 12.

7. Why do Catholics honour the relics of the saints?

Because their bodies have been the temples of the Holy Ghost: and at the last day will be honoured and glorified for ever in heaven. Matt. ix. 20, 21.

8. May we then pray to the crucifix, or to the images, or relics of the saints?

By no means; for they have neither life, nor sense, nor power to hear or help us.

O. Why then do we pray before the crucifix, and before the images and relics of the saints?

A. Because they enliven our devotion, by exciting pious affections and desires, and reminding us of Christ and his saints; they also encourage us to imitate their virtues and good works. Exod. xxv. 18, 19, 22. St John, iii. 14.

9. Is it not forbidden by the first commandment to make images?

No; if we do not make them for gods, to adore and serve them, as the idolaters did.

10. Is there any tiling else forbidden by the first commandment?

Yes; all dealings and communications with the devil; and inquiring after things lost, hidden, or to come, by improper means.

11. Are crediting dreams, fortune-telling, and the like superstitious practices, also forbidden?

Yes; and all incantations, charms, and spells; also, idle observation of omens and accidents, and all such nonsensical remarks.

12. What do you think of theatrical representations, in which religion, its ministers, and sacred rites are ridiculed?

They are impious and highly criminal, and strictly forbidden by the first commandment