Lesson 17: On tlie Second, Third, and Fourth Commandments

1. Say the second commandment.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

y. What is commanded by the second commandment?

A. To speak with reverence of God, of his saints and ministers: of religion, its practices and ceremonies; and of all things relating to divine service.

2. What else is commanded by the second commandment?

To keep our lawful oaths and vows.

3. What is forbidden by the second commandment?

All false, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths; Also, cursing, swearing, blaspheming, and profane words Mail. v. 34. James, v. 12.

4. Is it ever lawful to swear?

It is; when God's honour, our own or our neigh hour's good, or necessary defence, require it.

5. What do you mean by an unjust oath?

An oath injurious to God, to ourselves, or to oui neighbours.

6. Is a person obliged to keep an unjust oath?

No; he sinned in taking it, and would sin more grievously in keeping it

7. Is a person obliged to keep a lawful oath?

Yes; and it would be perjury to break it.

8. What is perjury?

To break a lawful oath, or to take a false one.

9. Is perjury a great sin? •

4. It is a most grevious sin.

10. Say the third commandment.

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath da^P.

11. What is commanded by the third commandment?

To sanctify the Sunday.

12. Which is the chief duty by which we are commanded to sanctify the Sunday?

Assisting at the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

13. What other religious exercises are recommended to sanctify the Sunday?

Attending vespers, reading moral and pious books, and going to communion.

14. What particular good works are recommended to sanctify the Sunday?

The works of mercy, spiritual and corporal; and particularly to instruct the ignorant in the way of salvation, by word and example. Daniel, xii. 3.

15. What is forbidden by the third commandment? A. All unnecessary servile work; and whatever may hinder the due observance of the Lord's day, or tend to profane it.

16. Say the fourth commandment.

Honour thy father and thy mother.

17. What is commanded by the fourth commandment

To love, honour, and obey parents and superiors <ol iii. 20.

18. What is forbidden by the fourth commandment?

All contempt, stubbornness, ill-will, and disobedience to parents and superiors.

19. What are the chief duties of parents?

To provide for their children; to instruct them and all others under their care in the Christian doctrine; and by every means in their power to lead them to God. 1 Tim.v. 8.

20. What special reward has God promised to duiiful children?

A long and happy life, even in this world. Ephes. vi.

21. What are the duties of citizens towards the civil government?

To obey the laws and respect the public officers, M not only for wrath, but also for conscience " sake; for so is the will of God. 1 Pet. ii. Rom. xiii. We should likewise pray "for all who are in high stations, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life." 1 Tim. ii.

22. Is it sinful to resist the established authorities \

Yes; St. Paul says: " Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, purchase to themselves damnation." Rom. xiii. 1.

23. What are the chief duties of masters to their servants, apprentices, and all others under their care \

To lead them to God by word and example; to see that they be exact in their religious duties; to treat (hem with justice and humanity; and to correct hi\d reprove them, when necessary.

24. What does St. Patd say to masters?

Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a master in heaven. Colos. iv. 1.

25. What are the chief duties of servants and apprentices to their masters?

To be obedient, respectful, and faithful to them; to be diligent in their work and services, and not to suffer their masters to be injured in their property by any person. Ephes. vi. Colos. hi.