Course 4, Chapter 2: Christianity visible. — Advantages of exterior worship, continued. — Origin of ceremonies

1. What is the second advantage of exterior worship?

The second advantage of exterior worship is to settle the truths of religion, and place them beyond the reach of heretical innovations.

2. What is the third ad vantage of exterior worship?

The third advantage of exterior worship is to render men better, by bringing them together, to instruct them in their duties to God, to their neighbor, and to themselves. If there were no churches, no 29*

342 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

Sunday, no obligation to assist at mass, men would soon become wicked and dangerous to society.

3. What is the origin of the ceremonies which accompany the worship of the Catholic Church?

The origin of the ceremonies which accompany the worship of the Catholic Church is divine; it is God himself who has established them, in the person of Jesus Christ, or through the apostles or their successors, filled with the Holy Ghost and clothed with his power.

4. How happens it that the ceremonies are not the same every where?

The ceremonies are not the same every where; because, besides those which are essential and which never change, there are others which are not essential, and which may change according to times and places. So far from injuring the unity of religion, this diversity shows forth the beauty of the church in brighter, bolder relief.

5. Are the ceremonies of the church worthy of our respect and love?

The ceremonies of the church are worthy of our respect and love on account of their origin, the advantages they afford us, and the glory which thence redounds to God.

6. Why should we study the ceremonies?

We should study the ceremonies because they i ave been instituted for our instruction and edification, and to aid us to understand and love religion by means of sensible things.