Question: Who is the First and Chiefest Being?

Answer: God is the First and Chiefest Being


Question: Ought every One to believe there is a God?

Answer: Every One ought to believe there is a God; and it is their great Sin and Folly who do not.

Every One ought to believe there is a God;[1] and it is their great Sin and Folly who do not.[2]


Question: How may we know there is a God?

Answer: The Light of Nature in Man, and the Works of God plainly declare there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only, do it fully and effectually, for the Salvation of Sinners.

The Light of Nature in Man, and the Works of God plainly declare there is a God;[1] but his Word and Spirit only, do it fully and effectually, for the Salvation of Sinners.[2]


Question: What is the Word of God?

Answer: The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only certain Rule of Faith and Obedience.

The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only certain Rule of Faith and Obedience.[1]


Question: May all Men make use of the Holy Scriptures?

Answer: All Men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Holy Scriptures.

All Men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Holy Scriptures.[1]


Question: What things are chiefly contained in the Holy Scriptures?

Answer: The Holy Scriptures chiefly contain, what Man ought to believe concerning God, and what Duty God requireth of Man.

The Holy Scriptures chiefly contain, what Man ought to believe concerning God, and what Duty God requireth of Man.[1]


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, Infinite, Eternal, and Unchangeable, in his Being, Wisdom, Power, Holiness, Justice, Goodness and Truth.

God is a Spirit[1], Infinite[2], Eternal[3], and Unchangeable[4], in his Being[5], Wisdom[6], Power[7], Holiness[8], Justice, Goodness and Truth[9].


Question: Are there more Gods than One?

Answer: There is but One only, the Living and True God.

There is but One only, the Living and True God[1].


Question: How many Persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer: There are Three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these Three are One God, the same in Essence, equal in Power and Glory.

There are Three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these Three are One God, the same in Essence, equal in Power and Glory[1].


Question: What are the Decrees of God?

Answer: The Decrees of God are, his Eternal Purpose according to the Counsel of his Will, whereby, for his own Glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

The Decrees of God are, his Eternal Purpose according to the Counsel of his Will, whereby, for his own Glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass[1].


Question: How doth God execute his Decrees?

Answer: God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence

God executeth his Decrees in the Works of Creation and Providence


Question: What is the Work of Creation?

Answer: The Work of Creation , is God's making all Things of Nothing, by the Word of his Power, in the space of six Days, and all very Good.

The Work of Creation , is God's making all Things of Nothing, by the Word of his Power, in the space of six Days, and all very Good[1].


Question: How did God create Man?

Answer: God created Man, Male and Female, after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteousness and Holiness, with Dominion over the Creatures.

God created Man, Male and Female, after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteousness and Holiness, with Dominion over the Creatures[1].


Question: What are God's Works of Providence?

Answer: God's Works of Providence, are his most Holy, Wise, and Powerful preserving, and governing all his Creatures, and all their Actions.

God's Works of Providence, are his most Holy[1], Wise[2], and Powerful preserving[3], and governing all his Creatures, and all their Actions[4].


Question: What special Act of Providence did God exercise towards Man in the Estate wherein he was created?

Answer: When God had created Man, he entered into a Covenant of Life with him, upon Condition of perfect Obedience: forbidding him to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, upon pain of Death.

When God had created Man, he entered into a Covenant of Life with him, upon Condition of perfect Obedience: forbidding him to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, upon pain of Death[1].


Question: Did our first Parents continue in the Estate wherein they were created?

Answer: Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own Will, fell from the Estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own Will, fell from the Estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God[1].


Question: What is Sin?

Answer: Sin is any want of Conformity unto, or Transgression of the Law of God.

Sin is any want of Conformity unto, or Transgression of the Law of God[1].


Question: What was the Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created?

Answer: The Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden Fruit.

The Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden Fruit[1].


Question: Did all Mankind fall in Adam's first Transgression?

Answer: The Covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his Posterity, all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first Transgression.

The Covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his Posterity, all Mankind descending from him by ordinary Generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first Transgression[1].


Question: Into what Estate did the Fall bring Mankind?

Answer: The Fall brought Mankind into an Estate of Sin and Misery.

The Fall brought Mankind into an Estate of Sin and Misery[1].


Question: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell?

Answer: The sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell, consists in the Guilt of Adam's first Sin, the want of Original Righteousness, and the Corruption of his whole Nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from it.

The sinfulness of that Estate whereinto Man fell, consists in the Guilt of Adam's first Sin, the want of Original Righteousness, and the Corruption of his whole Nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all actual Transgressions which proceed from it[1].


Question: What is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell?

Answer: All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with God, are under his Wrath and Curse; and so make liable to all Miseries in this Life, to Death it self, and to the Pains of Hell for ever.

All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with God[1], are under his Wrath and Curse[2]; and so make liable to all Miseries in this Life, to Death it self, and to the Pains of Hell for ever[3].


Question: Did God leave all Mankind to perish in the Estate of Sin and Misery?

Answer: God, having out of his meer good pleasure, from all Eternity, elected some to Everlasting Life, did enter into a Covenant of Grace, to deliver them out of the Estate of Sin and Misery, and to bring them into an Estate of Salvation by a Redeemer.

God, having out of his meer good pleasure, from all Eternity, elected some to Everlasting Life[1], did enter into a Covenant of Grace, to deliver them out of the Estate of Sin and Misery, and to bring them into an Estate of Salvation by a Redeemer[2].


Question: Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect?

Answer: The only Redeemer of God's Elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ; who being the Eternal Son of God, became Man, and so was; and continueth to be God and Man, in two distinct Natures, and one Person for ever.

The only Redeemer of God's Elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ[1]; who being the Eternal Son of God, became Man[2], and so was; and continueth to be God and Man, in two distinct Natures, and one Person for ever[3].


Question: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become Man?

Answer: Christ the Son of God became Man, by taking to himself a true Body, and a reasonable Soul; being conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without Sin.

Christ the Son of God became Man, by taking to himself a true Body[1], and a reasonable Soul[2]; being conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her[3], yet without Sin[4].


Question: What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

Answer: Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King, both in his Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation.

Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King, both in his Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation[1].


Question: How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet?

Answer: Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the Will of God for our Salvation.

Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the Will of God for our Salvation[1].


Question: How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest?

Answer: Christ executeth the Office of a Priest, in his once offering up of himself a Sacrifice to satisfy Divine Justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual Intercession for us.

Christ executeth the Office of a Priest, in his once offering up of himself a Sacrifice to satisfy Divine Justice[1], and reconcile us to God[2], and in making continual Intercession for us[3].


Question: How doth Christ execute the Office of a King?

Answer: Christ executeth the Office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling, and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our Enemies.

Christ executeth the Office of a King, in subduing us to himself[1], in ruling[2], and defending us[3], and in restraining and conquering all his and our Enemies[4].


Question: Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist?

Answer: Christ's Humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low Condition; made under the Law, undergoing the Miseries of this Life, the Wrath of God, and the cursed Death of the Cross; in being buried, and continuing under the Power of Death for a time. Mat. 12:40.

Christ's Humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low Condition[1]; made under the Law[2], undergoing the Miseries of this Life[3], the Wrath of God[4], and the cursed Death of the Cross[5]; in being buried[6], and continuing under the Power of Death for a time[7]. Mat. 12:40.


Question: Wherein consisteth Christ's Exaltation?

Answer: Christ's Exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the Dead on the third Day, in ascending up into Heaven, in sitting at the right Hand of God the Father, and in coming to judg the World at the last Day.

Christ's Exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the Dead on the third Day[1], in ascending up into Heaven[2], in sitting at the right Hand of God the Father[3], and in coming to judg the World at the last Day[4].


Question: How are we made Partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: We are made Partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual Application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

We are made Partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual Application of it to us[1] by his Holy Spirit[2].


Question: How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Chrift, by working Faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual Calling.

The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Chrift, by working Faith in us[1], and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual Calling[2].


Question: What is effectual Calling?

Answer: Effectual Calling, is the Work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our Sin and Misery, enlightening our Minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our Wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel.

Effectual Calling, is the Work of God's Spirit[1], whereby, convincing us of our Sin and Misery[2], enlightening our Minds in the knowledge of Christ[3], and renewing our Wills[4], he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel[5].


Question: What Benefits do they that are effectually called, partake of in this Life?

Answer: They that are effectually called, do in this Life partake of Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, and the several Benefits which in this Life do either accompany or flow from them.

They that are effectually called, do in this Life partake of Justification[1], Adoption[2], Sanctification, and the several Benefits which in this Life do either accompany or flow from them[3].


Question: What is Justification?

Answer: Justification is an Act of God's free Grace, wherein he pardoneth all our Sins, and accepteth us as Righteous in his sight, only for the Righteousness of Christ imputed us, and received by Faith alone.

Justification is an Act of God's free Grace, wherein he pardoneth all our Sins[1], and accepteth us as Righteous in his sight[2], only for the Righteousness of Christ imputed us[3], and received by Faith alone[4].


Question: What is Adoption?

Answer: Adoption is an Act of God's free Grace, whereby we are received into the Number, and have a Right to all the Privileges of the Sons of God.

Adoption is an Act of God's free Grace[1], whereby we are received into the Number, and have a Right to all the Privileges of the Sons of God[2].


Question: What is Sanctification?

Answer: Sanctification is the Work of God's free Grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto Sin, and live unto Righteousness.

Sanctification is the Work of God's free Grace[1], whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God[2], and are enabled more and more to die unto Sin, and live unto Righteousness[3].


Question: What are the Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification?

Answer: The Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification, are Assurance of God's Love, Peace of Conscience, Joy in the Holy Spirit, Increase of Grace, and Perseverance therein to the End.

The Benefits which in this Life do accompany or flow from Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification, are Assurance of God's Love, Peace of Conscience[1], Joy in the Holy Spirit[2], Increase of Grace[3], and Perseverance therein to the End[4].


Question: What Benefits do Believers receive from Christ at their Death?

Answer: The Souls of Believers are at their Death made, perfect in Holiness, and do immediately pass into Glory: And their Bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their Graves till the Refurrection.

The Souls of Believers are at their Death made, perfect in Holiness[1], and do immediately pass into Glory[2]: And their Bodies being still united to Christ[3], do rest in their Graves[4] till the Resurrection[5].


Question: What Benefits do Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection?

Answer: At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in Glory, shall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the Day of Judgement, and made perfectly blessed, both in Soul and Body, in the full enjoyment of God, to all Eternity.

At the Resurrection Believers being raised up in Glory[1], shall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the Day of Judgement[2], and made perfectly blessed, both in Soul and Body, in the full enjoyment of God[3], to all Eternity[4].


Question: But what shall be done to the Wicked at their Death?

Answer: The Souls of the Wicked shall at their death be cast into the Torments of Hell, and their Bodies lie in their Graves, till the Refurrection and Judgment of the Great Day.

The Souls of the Wicked shall at their death be cast into the Torments of Hell, and their Bodies lie in their Graves, till the Refurrection and Judgment of the Great Day[1].


Question: What shall be done to the Wicked at the Day of Judgment?

Answer: At the Day of Judgment the Bodies of the Wicked being raised out of their Graves, shall be sentenced together with their Souls, to unspeakable Torments, with the Devil and his Angels for ever.

At the Day of Judgment the Bodies of the Wicked being raised out of their Graves, shall be sentenced together with their Souls, to unspeakable Torments, with the Devil and his Angels for ever[1].


Question: What is the Duty which God requireth of Man?

Answer: The Duty which God requireth of Man, is Obedience to his Revealed Will.

The Duty which God requireth of Man, is Obedience to his Revealed Will[1].


Question: What did God at first reveal to Man for the Rule of his Obedience?

Answer: The Rule which God at first revealed to Man for his Obedience, was the Moral Law.

The Rule which God at first revealed to Man for his Obedience, was the Moral Law[1].


Question: Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended?

Answer: The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.

The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments[1].


Question: What is the Sum of the Ten Commandments?

Answer: The Sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God, with all our Heart, with all our Soul, with all our Strength, and with all our Mind; and our Neighbour as our Selves.

The Sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God, with all our Heart, with all our Soul, with all our Strength, and with all our Mind; and our Neighbour as our Selves[1].


Question: What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments?

Answer: The Preface to the Ten Commandments, is in these words, "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage".

The Preface to the Ten Commandments, is in these words, "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage"[1].


Question: What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?

Answer: The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us, that because God is the LORD, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments.

The Preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us, that because God is the LORD, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments[1].


Question: Which is the first Commandment?

Answer: The first Commandment is, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me".

The first Commandment is, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me"[1].


Question: What is required in the first Commandment?

Answer: The first Commandment requireth us, to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.

The first Commandment requireth us, to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God[1]; and to worship and glorify him accordingly[2].


Question: What is forbidden in the first Commandment?

Answer: The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God, and our God; and the giving that Worship and Glory to any other, which is due unto him a alone.

The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying[1], or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God[2], and our God[3]; and the giving that Worship and Glory to any other, which is due unto him alone[4].


Question: What are we specially taught by these words "before me" in the first Commandment?

Answer: These words "before me" in the first Commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with the Sin of having any other God.

These words "before me" in the first Commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with the Sin of having any other God[1].


Question: Which is the second Commandment?

Answer: The second Commandment is, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, or any Likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the Water under the Earth; thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them: For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the Third and Fourth Generation of them that hate me; and shewing Mercy unto Thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments.

The second Commandment is, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, or any Likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the Water under the Earth; thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them: For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the Third and Fourth Generation of them that hate me; and shewing Mercy unto Thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments[1].


Question: What is required in the second Commandment?

Answer: The second Commandment requireth, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious Worship and Ordinances, as God hath appointed in his Word.

The second Commandment requireth, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious Worship and Ordinances, as God hath appointed in his Word[1].


Question: What is forbidden in the second Commandment?

Answer: The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images, or any other Way not appointed in his Word.

The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images[1], or any other Way not appointed in his Word[2].


Question: What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment?

Answer: The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are, God's Sovereignty over us, his Propriety in us, and the Zeal he hath to his own Worship.

The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are, God's Sovereignty over us[1], his Propriety in us[2], and the Zeal he hath to his own Worship[3].


Question: Which is the third Commandment?

Answer: The third Commandment is, "Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain".

The third Commandment is, "Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain"[1].


Question: What is required in the third Commandment?

Answer: The third Commandment requireth, the Holy and Reverent Use of God's Names, Titles, Attributes, Ordinances, Word, and Works.

The third Commandment requireth, the Holy and Reverent Use of God's Names[1], Titles[2], Attributes[3], Ordinances[4], Word[5], and Works[6].


Question: What is forbidden in the third Commandment?

Answer: The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning and abusing of any thing, whereby God makes himself known.

The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning and abusing of any thing, whereby God makes himself known[1].


Question: What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment?

Answer: The Reason annexed to the third Commandment, is, that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape Punishment from Men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his Righteous Judgment.

The Reason annexed to the third Commandment, is, that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape Punishment from Men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his Righteous Judgment[1].


Question: Which is the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The fourth Commandment is, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy: Six Days shalt thou labour, and do all thy Work; but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God, in it thou shalt not do any Work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-servant, nov thy Maid-servant, nor thy Cattel, nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates: For in six Days the LORD made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the Seventh Day; wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it".

The fourth Commandment is, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy: Six Days shalt thou labour, and do all thy Work; but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God, in it thou shalt not do any Work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-servant, nov thy Maid-servant, nor thy Cattel, nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates: For in six Days the LORD made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the Seventh Day; wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it"[1].


Question: What is required in the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The fourth Commandment requireth, the keeping Holy to God one whole Day in Seven, to be a Sabbath to himself

The fourth Commandment requireth, the keeping Holy to God one whole Day in Seven, to be a Sabbath to himself[1].


Question: Which Day of the Seven hath God appointed to be the Weekly Sabbath?

Answer: Before the Refurrection of Christ, God appointed the Seventh Day of the Week to be the Weekly Sabbath, and the First Day of the Week ever since, to continue to the End of the World, which is the Christian Sabbath.

Before the Refurrection of Christ, God appointed the Seventh Day of the Week to be the Weekly Sabbath[1], and the First Day of the Week ever since, to continue to the End of the World, which is the Christian Sabbath[2].


Question: How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer: The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy Resting all that Day, even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other Days; and spending the whole Time in the Public and Private Exercises of God's Worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the Works of Necessity and Mercy.

The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy Resting all that Day[1], even from such worldly Employments and Recreations as are lawful on other Days[2]; and spending the whole Time in the Public and Private Exercises of God's Worship[3], except so much as is to be taken up in the Works of Necessity and Mercy[4].


Question: What is forbidden in the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the Omission or careless Performance of the Duties required, and the profaning the Day by Idleness, or doing that which is in it self sinful; or by unnecessary Thoughts, Words, or Works about worldly Employments or Recreations.

The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the Omission or careless Performance of the Duties required[1], and the profaning the Day by Idleness[2], or doing that which is in it self sinful[3]; or by unnecessary Thoughts, Words, or Works about worldly Employments or Recreations[4].


Question: What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment, are God's allowing us six Days of the Week for our own lawful Employments, his challenging a special Propriety in a Seventh, his own Example, and his blessing the Sabbath Day.

The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment, are God's allowing us six Days of the Week for our own lawful Employments[1], his challenging a special Propriety in a Seventh, his own Example, and his blessing the Sabbath Day[2].


Question: Which is the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The fifth Commandment is, "Honour thy Father and thy Mother; that thy Days may be long upon the Land which the LORD thy God give it thee."

The fifth Commandment is, "Honour thy Father and thy Mother; that thy Days may be long upon the Land which the LORD thy God give it thee"[1].


Question: What is required in the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the Honour, and performing the Duties belonging to every one in their several Places and Relations, as Superiours, Inferiors, or Equals.

The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the Honour, and performing the Duties belonging to every one in their several Places and Relations, as Superiours[1], Inferiors[2], or Equals[3].


Question: What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against the Honor and Duty which belongeth to every one in their several Places and Relations.

The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against the Honor and Duty which belongeth to every one in their several Places and Relations[1].


Question: What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The reason annexed to the fifth Commandment, is a Promise of long Life and Prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's Glory, and their own Good) to all such as keep this Commandment.

The reason annexed to the fifth Commandment, is a Promise of long Life and Prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's Glory, and their own Good) to all such as keep this Commandment[1].


Question: What is the sixth Commandment?

Answer: The sixth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill".

The sixth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill"[1].


Question: What is required in the sixth Commandment?

Answer: The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful Endeavors to preserve our own Life, and the Life of others.

The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful Endeavors to preserve our own Life[1], and the Life of others[2].


Question: What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment?

Answer: The sixth Commandment absolutely forbiddeth the taking away of our own Life; or the Life of our Neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

The sixth Commandment absolutely forbiddeth the taking away of our own Life; or the Life of our Neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto[1].


Question: Which is the seventh Commandment?

Answer: The seventh Commandment is, "Thou shalt not commit adultery".

The seventh Commandment is, "Thou shalt not commit adultery"[1].


Question: What is required in the seventh Commandment?

Answer: The seventh Commandment requireth the Preservation of our own, and out Neighbor's Chastity, in Heart, Speech, and Behavior.

The seventh Commandment requireth the Preservation of our own, and out Neighbor's Chastity, in Heart, Speech, and Behavior[1].


Question: What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment?

Answer: The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast Thoughts, Words and Actions.

The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast Thoughts, Words and Actions[1].


Question: Which is the eighth Commandment?

Answer: The eighth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal".

The eighth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal"[1].


Question: What is required in the eighth Commandment?

Answer: The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring, and furthering the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves, and others.

The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring, and furthering the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves, and others[1].


Question: What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment?

Answer: The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our Neighbour's Wealth, or outward Estate.

The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our Neighbour's Wealth, or outward Estate[1].


Question: Which is the ninth Commandment?

Answer: The ninth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false Witness against thy Neighbour".

The ninth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false Witness against thy Neighbour"[1].


Question: What is required in the ninth Commandment?

Answer: The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of Truth between Man and Man, and of our own and our Neighbor's good Name, especially in Witness-bearing.

The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of Truth between Man and Man[1], and of our own and our Neighbor's good Name[2], especially in Witness-bearing[3].


Question: What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment?

Answer: The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to Truth, or injurious to our own or our Neighbor's good name.

The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to Truth, or injurious to our own or our Neighbor's good name[1].


Question: Which is the tenth Commandment?

Answer: The tenth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbor's House, that shalt not covet thy Neighbor's Wife, nor his Man-servant, nor his Maid-servant, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is thy Neighbor's".

The tenth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbor's House, that shalt not covet thy Neighbor's Wife, nor his Man-servant, nor his Maid-servant, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is thy Neighbor's"[1].


Question: What is required in the tenth Commandment?

Answer: The tenth Commandment requireth the full Contentment with our own Condition, with a right and charitable frame of Spirit toward our Neighbor, and all that is his.

The tenth Commandment requireth the full Contentment with our own Condition[1], with a right and charitable frame of Spirit toward our Neighbor, and all that is his[2].


Question: What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment?

Answer: The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all Discontentment with our own Estate; envying or grieving at the Good of our Neighbor, and all inordinate Motions and Affections to any thing that is his.

The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all Discontentment with our own Estate[1]; envying or grieving at the Good of our Neighbor[2], and all inordinate Motions and Affections to any thing that is his[3].


Question: Is any Man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God?

Answer: No meer Man since the Fall, is able in this Life, perfectly to keep the Commandments of God, but doth daily break them, in Thought, Work, or Deed.

No meer Man since the Fall, is able in this Life, perfectly to keep the Commandments of God[1], but doth daily break them, in Thought, Work, or Deed[2].


Question: Are all Transgressions of the Law equally heinous?

Answer: Some Sins in themselves, and by reason of several Aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Some Sins in themselves, and by reason of several Aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others[1].


Question: What doth every Sin deserve?

Answer: Every Sin deserveth God's Wrath and Curse, both in this Life, and that which is to come.

Every Sin deserveth God's Wrath and Curse, both in this Life, and that which is to come[1].


Question: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his Wrath and Curse, due to us for Sin?

Answer: To escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin, God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance unto Life, with the diligent use all the outward Means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption.

To escape the Wrath and Curse of God due to us for Sin, God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance unto Life[1], with the diligent use all the outward Means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption[2].


Question: What is Faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving Grace, whereby we receive, and rest upon him alone for Salvation, as he is offered to us in the Gospel.

Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving Grace[1], whereby we receive, and rest upon him alone for Salvation, as he is offered to us in the Gospel[2].


Question: What is Repentance unto Life?

Answer: Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace, whereby a Sinner, out of a true Sense of his Sin, and Apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his Sin, turn from it unto God, with full Purpose of, and Endeavor after, new Obedience.

Repentance unto Life is a saving Grace[1], whereby a Sinner, out of a true Sense of his Sin[2], and Apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ[3], doth, with grief and hatred of his Sin, turn from it unto God[4], with full Purpose of, and Endeavor after, new Obedience[5].


Question: What are the outward Means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption?

Answer: The outward in ordinary Means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption, are his Ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Prayer; all which Means are made effectual to the Elect for Salvation.

The outward in ordinary Means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption, are his Ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Prayer; all which Means are made effectual to the Elect for Salvation[1].


Question: How is the Word made effectual to Salvation?

Answer: The Spirit of God maketh the Reading, but especially the Preaching of the Word, an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners; and of building them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation.

The Spirit of God maketh the Reading, but especially the Preaching of the Word, an effectual Means of convincing and converting Sinners; and of building them up in Holiness and Comfort through Faith unto Salvation[1].


Question: How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to Salvation?

Answer: That the Word may become effectual to Salvation, we must attend thereunto with Diligence, Preparation, and Prayer; receive it with Faith and Love, lay it up in our Hearts, and practice it in our Lives.

That the Word may become effectual to Salvation, we must attend thereunto with Diligence[1], Preparation[2], and Prayer[3]; receive it with Faith and Love[4], lay it up in our Hearts[5], and practice it in our Lives[6].


Question: How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper, become effectual Means of Salvation?

Answer: Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual Means of Salvation, not for any Virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them, but only by the Blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in those that by Faith received them.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual Means of Salvation, not for any Virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them, but only by the Blessing of Christ[1], and the working of the Spirit in those that by Faith received them[2].


Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is an Ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ, to be unto the Party baptised, a Sign of his Fellowship with him, in his Death, Burial, and Resurrection; of his being ingrafted into him; of Remission of Sins; and of his giving up himself unto God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of Life.

Baptism is an Ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ[1], to be unto the Party baptised, a Sign of his Fellowship with him, in his Death, Burial, and Resurrection; of his being ingrafted into him[2]; of Remission of Sins[3]; and of his giving up himself unto God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of Life[4].


Question: To whom is Baptism to be administered?

Answer: Baptism is to be administered to all those, who actually profess Repentance toward God, Faith in, and Obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to none other.

Baptism is to be administered to all those, who actually profess Repentance toward God, Faith in, and Obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to none other[1].


Question: Are the Infants of such as are Professing Believers to be baptized?

Answer: The Infants of such as are professing Believers are not to be baptized, because there is neither Command, or Example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain Consequence from them to baptize such.

The Infants of such as are professing Believers are not to be baptized, because there is neither Command, or Example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain Consequence from them to baptize such.


Question: How is Baptism rightly administered?

Answer: Baptism is rightly administered, by Immersion, wore dipping the whole Body of the Party in Water, into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ's Institution, and the Practice of the Apostles; and not by the sprinkling or pouring of Water, or dipping some Part of the Body, after the Tradition of Men.

Baptism is rightly administered, by Immersion, wore dipping the whole Body of the Party in Water, into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ's Institution, and the Practice of the Apostles[1]; and not by the sprinkling or pouring of Water, or dipping some Part of the Body, after the Tradition of Men.


Question: What is the Duty of such who are rightly baptized?

Answer: It is the Duty of such who are rightly baptized, to give up themselves to some particular and orderly Church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless.

It is the Duty of such who are rightly baptized, to give up themselves to some particular and orderly Church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless[1].


Question: What is the Lord's Supper?

Answer: The Lord's Supper is an Ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ; wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine, according to his Appointment, his Death is shewed forth; and the worthy Receivers are, not after a Corporal and Carnal manner, but by Faith, made Partakers of his Body and Blood, with all his Benefits, to their spiritual Nourishment, and growth in Grace.

The Lord's Supper is an Ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ; wherein by giving and receiving Bread and Wine, according to his Appointment, his Death is shewed forth; and the worthy Receivers are, not after a Corporal and Carnal manner, but by Faith, made Partakers of his Body and Blood, with all his Benefits, to their spiritual Nourishment, and growth in Grace[1].


Question: Who are the proper Subjects of this Ordinance?

Answer: They who have been baptized upon a personal Profession of their Faith in Jesus Christ, and Repentance from dead Works.

They who have been baptized upon a personal Profession of their Faith in Jesus Christ, and Repentance from dead Works[1].


Question: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?

Answer: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves, of their Knowledge to discern the Lord's Body, of their Faith to feed upon him, of their Repentance, Love, and new Obedience; lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink Judgment to themselves.

It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves, of their Knowledge to discern the Lord's Body[1], of their Faith to feed upon him[2], of their Repentance[3], Love[4], and new Obedience[5]; lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink Judgment to themselves[6].


Question: What is Prayer?

Answer: Prayer is an offering up our Desires to God, by the Assistance of the Holy Spirit, for things agreeable to his Will, in the Name of Christ believing, with Confession of our Sins, and thankful Acknowledgment of his Mercies.

Prayer is an offering up our Desires to God[1], by the Assistance of the Holy Spirit[2], for things agreeable to his Will[3], in the Name of Christ[4] believing[5], with Confession of our Sins[6], and thankful Acknowledgment of his Mercies[7].


Question: What Rule hath God given for our Direction in Prayer?

Answer: The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer; but the special Rule of Direction is, that Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer.

The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer[1]; but the special Rule of Direction is, that Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer[2].


Question: What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

Answer: The Preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father which art in Heaven," teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence, as Children to a Father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.

The Preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father which art in Heaven[1]," teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence, as Children to a Father, able and ready to help us[2]; and that we should pray with and for others[3].


Question: What do we pray for in the first Petition?

Answer: In the first Petition, which is, "Hallowed be thy Name," we pray, that God would enable us and others, to glorify him in all that, whereby he maketh himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own Glory.

In the first Petition, which is, "Hallowed be thy Name[1]," we pray, that God would enable us and others, to glorify him in all that, whereby he maketh himself known[2]; and that he would dispose all things to his own Glory[3].


Question: What do we pray for in the Second Petition?

Answer: In the second Petition, which is, "Thy Kingdom come," we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be destroyed, and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced, our selves and others brought into it and kept in it, and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened.

In the second Petition, which is, "Thy Kingdom come[1]," we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be destroyed[2], and that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced[3], our selves and others brought into it and kept in it[4], and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened[5].


Question: What do we pray for in the third Petition?

Answer: In the third Petition, which is, "Thy Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven," we pray, that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his Will in all things, as the Angels do in Heaven.

In the third Petition, which is, "Thy Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven[1]," we pray, that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his Will in all things[2], as the Angels do in Heaven[3].


Question: What do we pray for in the fourth Petition?

Answer: In the fourth Petition, which is, "Give us this Day our daily Bread," we pray, that of God's free Gift, we may receive a competent Portion of the good Things of this Life, and enjoy his Blessing with them.

In the fourth Petition, which is, "Give us this Day our daily Bread[1]," we pray, that of God's free Gift, we may receive a competent Portion of the good Things of this Life, and enjoy his Blessing with them[2].


Question: What do we pray for in the fifth Petition?

Answer: In the fifth Petition, which is, "And forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors," we pray, that God for Christ's sake would freely pardon all our Sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his Grace we are enabled from the Heart to forgive others.

In the fifth Petition, which is, "And forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors[1]," we pray, that God for Christ's sake would freely pardon all our Sins[2]; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his Grace we are enabled from the Heart to forgive others[3].


Question: What do we pray for in the sixth Petition?

Answer: In the sixth Petition, which is, "And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil," we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

In the sixth Petition, which is, "And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil[1]," we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin[2], or support and deliver us when we are tempted[3].


Question: What doth the Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach?

Answer: The Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever, Amen," teacheth us to take our Encouragement in Prayer from God only, and in our Prayers to praise him, ascribing Kingdom, Power and Glory to him: And in testimony of our Desire, and Assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.

The Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever, Amen[1]," teacheth us to take our Encouragement in Prayer from God only[2], and in our Prayers to praise him, ascribing Kingdom, Power and Glory to him[3]: And in testimony of our Desire, and Assurance to be heard, we say, Amen[4].


Question: Who made the world?

Answer: God made the world.


Question: Who is God?

Answer: God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things.


Question: What is man?

Answer: Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.


Question: Why did God make you?

Answer: God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next.


Question: What must we do to save our souls?

Answer: To save our souls, we must worship God by faith, hope, and charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart.


Question: How shall we know the things which we are to believe?

Answer: We shall know the things which we are to believe from the Catholic Church, through which God speaks to us.


Question: Where shall we find the chief truths which the Church teaches?

Answer: We shall find the chief truths which the Church teaches in the Apostles' Creed.


Question: Say the Apostles' Creed.

Answer: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell: the third day He arose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a spirit infinitely perfect.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Had God a beginning?

Answer: God had no beginning; He always was and He always will be.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Where is God?

Answer: God is everywhere.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?

Answer: We do not see God, because He is a pure spirit and cannot be seen with bodily eyes.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Does God see us?

Answer: God sees us and watches over us.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Does God know all things?

Answer: God knows all things, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Can God do all things?

Answer: God can do all things, and nothing is hard or impossible to Him.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Is God just, holy, and merciful?

Answer: God is all just, all holy, all merciful, as He is infinitely perfect.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Is there but one God?

Answer: Yes; there is but one God.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Why can there be but one God?

Answer: There can be but one God, because God, being supreme and infinite, cannot have an equal.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: How many Persons are there in God?

Answer: In God there are three Divine Persons, really distinct, and equal in all things--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Father God?

Answer: The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Son God?

Answer: The Son is God and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Holy Ghost God?

Answer: The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: What is the Blessed Trinity?

Answer: The Blessed Trinity is one God in three Divine Persons.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Are the three Divine Persons one and the same God?

Answer: The three Divine Persons are one and the same God, having one and the same Divine nature.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Which are the chief creatures of God?

Answer: The chief creatures of God are men and angels.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: What are angels?

Answer: Angels are bodiless spirits created to adore and enjoy God in heaven.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: Who were the first man and woman?

Answer: The first man and woman were Adam and Eve.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: Were Adam and Eve innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God?

Answer: Adam and Eve were innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: Did Adam and Eve remain faithful to God?

Answer: Adam and Eve did not remain faithful to God; but broke His command by eating the forbidden fruit.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: What befell Adam and Eve on account of their sin?

Answer: Adam and Eve, on account of their sin, lost innocence and holiness, and were doomed to misery and death.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: What evil befell us through the disobedience of our first parents?

Answer: Through the disobedience of our first parents we all inherit their sin and punishment, as we should have shared in their happiness if they had remained faithful.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: What is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents?

Answer: The sin which we inherit from our first parents is called original sin.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: Was any one ever preserved from original sin?

Answer: The Blessed Virgin Mary, through the merits of her Divine Son, was preserved free from the guilt of original sin, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.

LESSON FOURTH: ON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS


Question: Is original sin the only kind of sin?

Answer: Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind of sin, which we commit ourselves, called actual sin.


Question: What is actual sin?

Answer: Actual sin is any wilful thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the law of God.


Question: How many kinds of actual sin are there?

Answer: There are two kinds of actual sin--mortal and venial.


Question: What is mortal sin?

Answer: Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.


Question: What is venial sin?

Answer: Venial sin is a slight offense against the law of God in matters of less importance; or in matters of great importance it is an offense committed without sufficient reflection or full consent of the will.


Question: Which are the chief sources of sin?

Answer: The chief sources of sin are seven: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth; and they are commonly called capital sins.


Question: Did God abandon man after he fell into sin?

Answer: God did not abandon man after he fell into sin, but promised him a Redeemer, who was to satisfy for man's sin and reopen to him the gates of heaven.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: Who is the Redeemer?

Answer: Our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of mankind.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: What do you believe of Jesus Christ?

Answer: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true man.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: What do you mean by the Incarnation?

Answer: By the Incarnation I mean that the Son of God was made man.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: How was the Son of God made man?

Answer: The Son of God was conceived and made man by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: On what day was the Son of God conceived and made man?

Answer: The Son of God was conceived and made man on Annunciation day--the day on which the Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: On what day was Christ born?

Answer: Christ was born on Christmas day in a stable at Bethlehem, over nineteen hundred years ago.

LESSON SIXTH: ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION


Question: What did Jesus Christ suffer?

Answer: Jesus Christ suffered a bloody sweat, a cruel scourging, was crowned with thorns, and was crucified.

LESSON SEVENTH: ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION


Question: On what day did Christ die?

Answer: Christ died on Good Friday.

LESSON SEVENTH: ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION


Question: Why did Christ suffer and die?

Answer: Christ suffered and died for our sins.

LESSON SEVENTH: ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION


Question: On what day did Christ rise from the dead?

Answer: Christ rose from the dead, glorious and immortal, on Easter Sunday, the third day after His death.

LESSON SEVENTH: ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION


Question: After Christ had remained forty days on earth, whither did He go?

Answer: After forty days Christ ascended into heaven, and the day on which He ascended into heaven is called Ascension day.

LESSON SEVENTH: ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION


Question: Who is the Holy Ghost?

Answer: The Holy Ghost is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON EIGHTH: ON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES


Question: On what day did the Holy Ghost come down upon the Apostles?

Answer: The Holy Ghost came down upon the Apostles ten days after the Ascension of our Lord; and the day on which He came down upon the Apostles is called Whitsunday, or Pentecost.

LESSON EIGHTH: ON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES


Question: Who sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles?

Answer: Our Lord Jesus Christ sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles.

LESSON EIGHTH: ON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES


Question: Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost?

Answer: Christ sent the Holy Ghost to sanctify His Church, to enlighten and strengthen the Apostles, and to enable them to preach the Gospel.

LESSON EIGHTH: ON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES


Question: Which are the chief effects of the Redemption?

Answer: The chief effects of the Redemption are two: The satisfaction of God's justice by Christ's sufferings and death, and the gaining of grace for men.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What do you mean by grace?

Answer: By grace I mean a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: How many kinds of grace are there?

Answer: There are two kinds of grace, sanctifying grace and actual grace.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What is sanctifying grace?

Answer: Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What is actual grace?

Answer: Actual grace is that help of God which enlightens our mind and moves our will to shun evil and do good.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What is Faith?

Answer: Faith is a Divine virtue by which we firmly believe the truths which God has revealed.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What is Hope?

Answer: Hope is a Divine virtue by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: What is Charity?

Answer: Charity is a Divine virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.

LESSON NINTH: ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION


Question: Which are the means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits of the Redemption?

Answer: The means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits of His Redemption are the Church and the Sacraments.


Question: What is the Church?

Answer: The Church is the congregation of all those who profess the faith of Christ, partake of the same Sacraments, and are governed by their lawful pastors under one visible Head.


Question: Who is the invisible Head of the Church?

Answer: Jesus Christ is the invisible Head of the Church.


Question: Who is the visible Head of the Church?

Answer: Our Holy Father the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the Vicar of Christ on earth, and the visible Head of the Church.


Question: Has the Church any marks by which it may be known?

Answer: The Church has four marks by which it may be known: it is One; it is Holy; it is Catholic; it is Apostolic.


Question: In which Church are these marks found?

Answer: These marks are found in the Holy Roman Catholic Church alone.


Question: What is a Sacrament?

Answer: A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

LESSON ELEVENTH: ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL


Question: How many Sacraments are there?

Answer: There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

LESSON ELEVENTH: ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL


Question: Whence have the Sacraments the power of giving grace?

Answer: The Sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Jesus Christ.

LESSON ELEVENTH: ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL


Question: Do the Sacraments always give grace?

Answer: The Sacraments always give grace, if we receive them with the right dispositions.

LESSON ELEVENTH: ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL


Question: Can we receive the Sacraments more than once?

Answer: We can receive the Sacraments more than once, except Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

LESSON ELEVENTH: ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL


Question: What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven.


Question: Are actual sins ever remitted by Baptism?

Answer: Actual sins and all the punishment due to them are remitted by Baptism, if the person baptized be guilty of any, and is rightly disposed.


Question: Is Baptism necessary to salvation?

Answer: Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.


Question: Who can administer Baptism?

Answer: The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity any one who has the use of reason may baptize.


Question: How is Baptism given?

Answer: Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.


Question: What is Confirmation?

Answer: Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.


Question: Who administers Confirmation?

Answer: The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation.


Question: How does the bishop give Confirmation?

Answer: The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead of each with holy chrism in the form of a cross.


Question: What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

Answer: In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.


Question: To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?

Answer: To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace.


Question: Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?

Answer: It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations.


Question: What is the Sacrament of Penance?

Answer: Penance is a Sacrament in which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.

LESSON FOURTEENTH: ON THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE


Question: What must we do to receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily?

Answer: To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily we must do five things:

LESSON FOURTEENTH: ON THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE


Question: What is the examination of conscience?

Answer: The examination of conscience is an earnest effort to recall to mind all the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession.

LESSON FOURTEENTH: ON THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE


Question: What is contrition, or sorrow for sin?

Answer: Contrition, or sorrow for sin, is a hatred of sin and a true grief of the soul for having offended God, with a firm purpose of sinning no more.


Question: Why should we be sorry for our sins?

Answer: We should be sorry for our sins, because sin is the greatest of evils and an offense against God our Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, and because mortal sin shuts us out of heaven and condemns us to the eternal pains of hell.


Question: What do you mean by a firm purpose of sinning no more?

Answer: By a firm purpose of sinning no more I mean a fixed resolve not only to avoid all mortal sin, but also its near occasions.


Question: What do you mean by the near occasions of sin?

Answer: By the near occasions of sin I mean all the persons, places, and things that may easily lead us into sin.


Question: What is Confession?

Answer: Confession is the telling of our sins to a duly authorized priest, for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness.


Question: What sins are we bound to confess?

Answer: We are bound to confess all our mortal sins, but it is well also to confess our venial sins.


Question: What should we do if we cannot remember the number of our sins?

Answer: If we cannot remember the number of our sins, we should tell the number as nearly as possible.


Question: Is it a grievous offense wilfully to conceal a mortal sin in Confession?

Answer: It is a grievous offense wilfully to conceal a mortal sin in Confession, because we thereby tell a lie to the Holy Ghost, and make our Confession worthless.


Question: What must he do who has wilfully concealed a mortal sin in Confession?

Answer: He who has wilfully concealed a mortal sin in Confession must not only confess it, but must also repeat all the sins he has committed since his last worthy Confession.


Question: Why does the priest give us a penance after Confession?

Answer: The priest gives us a penance after Confession that we may satisfy God for the temporal punishment due to our sins.


Question: What is an Indulgence?

Answer: An Indulgence is the remission in whole or in part of the temporal punishment due to sin.


Question: How many kinds of Indulgences are there?

Answer: There are two kinds of Indulgences--Plenary and Partial.


Question: What is a Plenary Indulgence?

Answer: A Plenary Indulgence is the full remission of the temporal punishment due to sin.


Question: What is a Partial Indulgence?

Answer: A Partial Indulgence is the remission of a part of the temporal punishment due to sin.


Question: What must we do to gain an Indulgence?

Answer: To gain an Indulgence we must be in the state of grace and perform the works enjoined.


Question: What is the Holy Eucharist?

Answer: The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament which contains the body and blood, soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: What do you mean by the appearances of bread and wine?

Answer: By the appearances of bread and wine I mean the figure, the color, the taste, and whatever appears to the senses.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: When did Christ give His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood?

Answer: Christ gave His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood when He said to the Apostles, Do this for a commemoration of Me.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: How do the priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

Answer: The priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ through the words of consecration in the Mass, which are the words of Christ: This is My body; this is My blood.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Answer: Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist--

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: What is Holy Communion?

Answer: Holy Communion is the receiving of the body and blood of Christ.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: What is necessary to make a good Communion?

Answer: To make a good Communion it is necessary to be in the state of grace and to be fasting for one hour from food and all drinks, except water.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: Does he who receives Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ?

Answer: He who receives Communion in mortal sin receives the body and blood of Christ, but does not receive His grace, and he commits a great sacrilege.

LESSON EIGHTEENTH: ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST


Question: When are the bread and wine changed into the body and blood of Christ?

Answer: The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ at the consecration in the Mass.

LESSON TWENTIETH: ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS


Question: What is the Mass?

Answer: The Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ.

LESSON TWENTIETH: ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS


Question: Is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the cross?

Answer: The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the cross.

LESSON TWENTIETH: ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS


Question: How should we assist at Mass?

Answer: We should assist at Mass with great interior recollection and piety, and with every outward mark of respect and devotion.

LESSON TWENTIETH: ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS


Question: What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Answer: Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which, through the anointing and prayer of the priest, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness.

LESSON TWENTY-FIRST: ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS


Question: Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Answer: The effects of Extreme Unction are: 1st, to comfort us in the pains of sickness and to strengthen us against temptation; 2d, to remit venial sins and to cleanse our soul from the remains of sin; 3d, to restore us to health, when God sees fit.

LESSON TWENTY-FIRST: ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS


Question: What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

Answer: Holy Orders is a Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties.

LESSON TWENTY-FIRST: ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS


Question: What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?

Answer: The Sacrament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christian man and woman in lawful marriage.


Question: Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony?

Answer: The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are: 1st, to sanctify the love of husband and wife; 2d, to give them grace to bear with each other's weaknesses; 3d, to enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God.


Question: To receive the Sacrament of matrimony worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?

Answer: To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws of the Church.


Question: What is a sacramental?

Answer: A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart to remit venial sin.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: Which is the chief sacramental used in the Church?

Answer: The chief sacramental used in the Church is the sign of the cross.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: How do we make the sign of the cross?

Answer: We make the sign of the cross by putting the right hand to the forehead, then on the breast, and then to the left and right shoulders, saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: Why do we make the sign of the cross?

Answer: We make the sign of the cross to show that we are Christians and to profess our belief in the chief mysteries of our religion.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: What other sacramental is in very frequent use?

Answer: Another sacramental in very frequent use is holy water.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: What is holy water?

Answer: Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to beg God's blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of darkness.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the cross and holy water?

Answer: Besides the sign of the cross and holy water there are many other sacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries and scapulars.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD: ON THE SACRAMENTALS


Question: Is there any other means of obtaining God's grace than the Sacraments?

Answer: There is another means of obtaining God's grace, and it is prayer.


Question: What is prayer?

Answer: Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God to adore Him, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Him all the graces we need, whether for soul or body.


Question: Is prayer necessary to salvation?

Answer: Prayer is necessary to salvation, and without it no one having the use of reason can be saved.


Question: At what particular times should we pray?

Answer: We should pray particularly on Sundays and holydays, every morning and night, in all dangers, temptations, and afflictions.


Question: Which are the prayers most recommended to us?

Answer: The prayers most recommended to us are the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, and the Acts of Faith, Hope, Love and Contrition.


Question: Are prayers said with distractions of any avail?

Answer: Prayers said with wilful distractions are of no avail.


Question: Is it enough to belong to God's Church in order to be saved?

Answer: It is not enough to belong to the Church in order to be saved, but we must also keep the Commandments of God and of the Church.

LESSON TWENTY-FIFTH: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD


Question: Which are the Commandments of God?

Answer: The Commandments of God are these ten:

LESSON TWENTY-FIFTH: ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD


Question: What is the first Commandment?

Answer: The first Commandment is: I am the Lord thy God: thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: How do we adore God?

Answer: We adore God by faith, hope, and love, by prayer and sacrifice.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: How may the first Commandment be broken?

Answer: The first Commandment may be broken by giving to a creature the honor which belongs to God alone; by false worship; and by attributing to a creature a perfection which belongs to God alone.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: Are sins against faith, hope, and charity also sins against the first Commandment?

Answer: Sins against faith, hope, and charity are also sins against the first Commandment.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: How does a person sin against faith?

Answer: A person sins against faith: 1st, by not trying to know what God has taught; 2d, by refusing to believe all that God has taught; 3d, by neglecting to profess his belief in what God has taught.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: Are we obliged to make open profession of our faith?

Answer: We are obliged to make open profession of our faith as often as God's honor, our neighbor's spiritual good, or our own requires it.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: Which are the sins against hope?

Answer: The sins against hope are presumption and despair.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: What is presumption?

Answer: Presumption is a rash expectation of salvation without making proper use of the necessary means to obtain it.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: What is despair?

Answer: Despair is the loss of hope in God's mercy.

LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH: ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT


Question: Does the first Commandment forbid the honoring of the saints?

Answer: The first Commandment does not forbid the honoring of the saints, but rather approves of it, because by honoring the saints, who are the chosen friends of God, we honor God Himself.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Does the first Commandment forbid us to pray to the saints?

Answer: The first Commandment does not forbid us to pray to the saints.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: What do we mean by praying to the saints?

Answer: By praying to the saints we mean the asking of their help and prayers.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Does the first Commandment forbid us to honor relics?

Answer: The first Commandment does not forbid us to honor relics, because relics are the bodies of the saints or objects directly connected with them or with our Lord.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?

Answer: The first Commandment does forbid the making of images if they are made to be adored as gods, but it does not forbid the making of them to put us in mind of Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and the saints.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Is it right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ and His saints?

Answer: It is right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ and His saints, because they are the representations and memorials of them.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Is it allowed to pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints?

Answer: It is not allowed to pray to the crucifix or images and relics of the saints, for they have no life, nor power to help us, nor sense to hear us.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of the saints?

Answer: We pray before the crucifix and images and relics of the saints because they enliven our devotion by exciting pious affections and desires, and by reminding us of Christ and of the saints, that we may imitate their virtues.

LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS


Question: What is the second Commandment?

Answer: The second Commandment is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the second Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the second Commandment to speak with reverence of God and of the saints, and of all holy things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is an oath?

Answer: An oath is the calling upon God to witness the truth of what we say.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is a vow?

Answer: A vow is a deliberate promise made to God to do something that is pleasing to Him.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Is it a sin not to fulfill our vows?

Answer: Not to fulfill our vows is a sin, mortal or venial, according to the nature of the vow and the intention we had in making it.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the second Commandment?

Answer: The second Commandment forbids all false, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths, blasphemy, cursing, and profane words.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the third Commandment?

Answer: The third Commandment is: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: How are we to worship God on Sundays and holydays of obligation?

Answer: We are to worship God on Sundays and holydays of obligation by hearing Mass, by prayer, and by other good works.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the third Commandment?

Answer: The third Commandment forbids all unnecessary servile work and whatever else may hinder the due observance of the Lord's day.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are servile works?

Answer: Servile works are those which require labor rather of body than of mind.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Are servile works on Sunday ever lawful?

Answer: Servile works are lawful on Sunday when the honor of God, the good of our neighbor, or necessity requires them.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH: FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The fourth Commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the fourth Commandment to honor, love, and obey our parents in all that is not sin.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Are we bound to honor and obey others than our parents?

Answer: We are also bound to honor and obey our bishops, pastors, magistrates, teachers, and other lawful superiors.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the fourth Commandment?

Answer: The fourth Commandment forbids all disobedience, contempt, and stubbornness towards our parents or lawful superiors.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The fifth Commandment is: Thou shalt not kill.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the fifth Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the fifth Commandment to live in peace and union with our neighbor, to respect his rights, to seek his spiritual and bodily welfare, and to take proper care of our own life and health.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the fifth Commandment?

Answer: The fifth Commandment forbids all wilful murder, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, and bad example.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the sixth Commandment?

Answer: The sixth Commandment is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the sixth Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the sixth Commandment to be pure in thought and modest in all our looks, words, and actions.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the sixth Commandment?

Answer: The sixth commandment forbids all unchaste freedom with another's wife or husband; also all immodesty with ourselves or others in looks, dress, words, or actions.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Does the sixth Commandment forbid the reading of bad and immodest books and newspapers?

Answer: The sixth Commandment does forbid the reading of bad and immodest books and newspapers.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the seventh Commandment?

Answer: The seventh Commandment is: Thou shalt not steal.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the seventh Commandment?

Answer: By the seventh Commandment we are commanded to give to all men what belongs to them and to respect their property.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the seventh Commandment?

Answer: The seventh Commandment forbids all unjust taking or keeping what belongs to another.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Are we bound to restore ill-gotten goods?

Answer: We are bound to restore ill-gotten goods, or the value of them, as far as we are able; otherwise we cannot be forgiven.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Are we obliged to repair the damage we have unjustly caused?

Answer: We are bound to repair the damage we have unjustly caused.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the eighth Commandment?

Answer: The eighth Commandment is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the eighth Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the eighth Commandment to speak the truth in all things, and to be careful of the honor and reputation of every one.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the eighth Commandment?

Answer: The eighth Commandment forbids all rash judgments, backbiting, slanders, and lies.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the ninth Commandment?

Answer: The ninth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the ninth Commandment?

Answer: We are commanded by the ninth Commandment to keep ourselves pure in thought and desire.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the ninth Commandment?

Answer: The ninth Commandment forbids unchaste thoughts, desires of another's wife or husband, and all other unlawful impure thoughts and desires.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the tenth Commandment?

Answer: The tenth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are we commanded by the tenth Commandment?

Answer: By the tenth Commandment we are commanded to be content with what we have, and to rejoice in our neighbor's welfare.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is forbidden by the tenth Commandment?

Answer: The tenth Commandment forbids all desires to take or keep wrongfully what belongs to another.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Which are the chief commandments of the Church?

Answer: The chief commandments of the Church are six:

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation?

Answer: It is a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation unless we are excused for a serious reason. They also commit a mortal sin who, having others under their charge, hinder them from hearing Mass, without a sufficient reason.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What do you mean by fast-days?

Answer: By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What do you mean by days of abstinence?

Answer: By days of abstinence, I mean days on which we are forbidden to eat flesh-meat, but are allowed the usual number of meals.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?

Answer: The Church commands us to fast and abstain in order that we may mortify our passions and satisfy for our sins.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is meant by the command of confessing at least once a year?

Answer: By the command of confessing at least once a year is meant that we are obliged, under pain of mortal sin, to go to Confession within the year.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time?

Answer: He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the Easter time?

Answer: The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors?

Answer: We are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors, and to bear our share in the expenses of the Church and school.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: When will Christ judge us?

Answer: Christ will judge us immediately after our death, and on the last day.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the judgment called which we have to undergo immediately after death?

Answer: The judgment we have to undergo immediately after death is called the Particular Judgment.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is the judgment called which all men have to undergo on the last day?

Answer: The judgment which all men have to undergo on the last day is called the General Judgment.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular Judgment?

Answer: The rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular Judgment are Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is Hell?

Answer: Hell is a state to which the wicked are condemned, and in which they are deprived of the sight of God for all eternity, and are in dreadful torments.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is Purgatory?

Answer: Purgatory is a state in which those suffer for a time who die guilty of venial sins, or without having satisfied for the punishment due to their sins.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Will our bodies share in the reward or punishment of our souls?

Answer: Our bodies will share in the reward or punishment of our souls, because through the resurrection they will again be united to them.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: What is Heaven?

Answer: Heaven is the state of everlasting life in which we see God face to face, are made like unto Him in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.

LESSON TWENTY-NINTH: FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT


Question: Who made the world?

Answer: God made the world.


Question: Who is God?

Answer: God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things.


Question: What is man?

Answer: Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.


Question: Is this likeness in the body or in the soul?

Answer: This likeness is chiefly in the soul.


Question: How is the soul like to God?

Answer: The soul is like God because it is a spirit that will never die, and has understanding and free will.


Question: Why did God make you?

Answer: God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next.


Question: Of which must we take more care, our soul or our body?

Answer: We must take more care of our soul than of our body.


Question: Why must we take more care of our soul than of our body?

Answer: We must take more care of our soul than of our body, because in losing our soul we lose God and everlasting happiness.


Question: What must we do to save our souls?

Answer: To save our souls we must worship God by faith, hope, and charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart.


Question: How shall we know the things which we are to believe?

Answer: We shall know the things which we are to believe from the Catholic Church, through which God speaks to us.


Question: Where shall we find the chief truths which the Church teaches?

Answer: We shall find the chief truths which the Church teaches in the Apostles' Creed.


Question: Say the Apostles' Creed.

Answer: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell: the third day He arose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.


Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a spirit infinitely perfect.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Had God a beginning?

Answer: God had no beginning; He always was and He always will be.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Where is God?

Answer: God is everywhere.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?

Answer: We do not see God, because He is a pure spirit and cannot be seen with bodily eyes.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Does God see us?

Answer: God sees us and watches over us.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Does God know all things?

Answer: God knows all things, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Can God do all things?

Answer: God can do all things, and nothing is hard or impossible to Him.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Is God just, holy, and merciful?

Answer: God is all just, all holy, all merciful, as He is infinitely perfect.

LESSON SECOND: ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS


Question: Is there but one God?

Answer: Yes; there is but one God.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Why can there be but one God?

Answer: There can be but one God, because God, being supreme and infinite, cannot have an equal.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: How many Persons are there in God?

Answer: In God there are three Divine Persons, really distinct, and equal in all things--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Father God?

Answer: The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Son God?

Answer: The Son is God and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Is the Holy Ghost God?

Answer: The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: What do you mean by the Blessed Trinity?

Answer: By the Blessed Trinity I mean one God in three Divine Persons.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Are the three Divine Persons equal in all things?

Answer: The three Divine Persons are equal in all things.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Are the three Divine Persons one and the same God?

Answer: The three Divine Persons are one and the same God, having one and the same Divine nature and substance.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Can we fully understand how the three Divine Persons are one and the same God?

Answer: We cannot fully understand how the three Divine Persons are one and the same God, because this is a mystery.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: What is a mystery?

Answer: A mystery is a truth which we cannot fully understand.

LESSON THIRD: ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD


Question: Who created heaven and earth, and all things?

Answer: God created heaven and earth, and all things.


Question: How did God create heaven and earth?

Answer: God created heaven and earth from nothing by His word only; that is, by a single act of His all-powerful will.


Question: Which are the chief creatures of God?

Answer: The chief creatures of God are angels and men.


Question: What are angels?

Answer: Angels are pure spirits without a body, created to adore and enjoy God in heaven.


Question: Were the angels created for any other purpose?

Answer: The angels were also created to assist before the throne of God and to minister unto Him; they have often been sent as messengers from God to man; and are also appointed our guardians.


Question: Were the angels, as God created them, good and happy?

Answer: The angels, as God created them, were good and happy.


Question: Did all the angels remain good and happy?

Answer: All the angels did not remain good and happy; many of them sinned and were cast into hell, and these are called devils or bad angels.


Question: Who were the first man and woman?

Answer: The first man and woman were Adam and Eve.

LESSON FIFTH: ON OUR FIRST PARENTS AND THE FALL


Question: Were Adam and Eve innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God?

Answer: Adam and Eve were innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God.

LESSON FIFTH: ON OUR FIRST PARENTS AND THE FALL


Question: Did God give any command to Adam and Eve?

Answer: To try their obedience God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of a certain fruit which grew in the garden of Paradise.

LESSON FIFTH: ON OUR FIRST PARENTS AND THE FALL