Course 2, Chapter 27: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by charity. First Commandment continued — Second Command* ment

1. What are the principal works by which we testify our charity for our neighbor?

The principal works by which we testify our charity towards our neighbor, are such as refer to his soul and to his body. The first are called spiritual Vorks of charity; the second, corporal works of iharity.

2. How many are the spiritual works of charity?

There are seven: 1st, to instruct the ignorant;?d, to admonish the sinner; 3d, to counsel the doubtful; 4th, to comfort the sorrowful; 5th, to bear wrongs patiently; 6th, to forgive all injuries; 7th, to pray for the living and the dead, and for those who persecute us.

3. In what consists the pardon of injuries?

The pardon of injuries consists: 1st, in not keeping in our heart any feeling of hatred, any desire of revenge, any spite against him who has offended us; but loving him as our brother, for the love of God; 2d, in extending to him exteriorly the usual marks of friendship and charity, and rendering him assistance if lie needs it. To perform this duty proper ly, we must bear in mind that God forgives us, as we forgive others.

4. . What is fraternal correction?

Fraternal correction is an act of charity, by which we admonish those who do wrong.

5. How should we give or receive fraternal correction?

We should admonish our neighbor as we would wish to be admonished: that is, with prudence and

194 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

charity; we should receive admonitions with humility and gratitude: for they are the best proof of friend ship that can be given us.

6. What are the corporal works of charity?

There are seven corporal works of charity; 1 st, to feed the hungry; 2d, to give drink to the thirsty; 3d, to clothe the naked; 4th, to visit and ransom captives; 5th, to harbor the harborless; 6th, to visit the sick; 7th, to bury the dead.

7. Are we obliged to give alms?

Yes, we are obliged to give alms. God commands it; and our alms should be proportioned to our means and the wants of the poor.

8. How must we give alms?

To be useful and meritorious, alms must be given from a supernatural motive; must be given cheerfully and without ostentation.

9. What are the advantages of the first command ment?

The following are some of the advantages of the first commandment: 1 st, it has delivered the world from idolatry; 2d, it infuses into our heart sentiments worthy of us; 3d, it inspires those beautiful sacrifices by which we solace human misery.

10. What is the second commandment?

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

11. How do we take the name of God in vain?

We take the name of God in vain when we use it without respect, when we dishonor it by perjury or blasphemy; on the contrary, we honor the name of God when we bless it in our prayers and thanksgivings; when we take an oath with truth, judgment and justice.

12. What do you mean by taking an oath?

To take an oath, is to call upon God to witness what we assert.

13. What is blasphemy?

Blasphemy is any word injurious to God, to the saints, or to religion. Blasphemy and perjury are two very great sins, of which we should have the greatest horror. Whenever we hear any one blaspheme, we should interiorly bless the name of God and pray for the blasphemer.

14. What are imprecations?

Imprecations are words by which we wish evil to ourselves or to others.

15. What are the advantages of the second commandment?

Among others are the following: 1st, it obliges us to respect God, and thereby preserve our love for him; for we soon cease to love what we may despise with impunity; 2d, it guarantees contracts and good faith among men, which are the basis of society.