fession of our Christian Faith, and, consequently, that by its profanation we bring disgrace on our Religion, and give great scandal to our fellow-Christians.
Zeal of the Jews in keeping holy the Sabbath day (2 Mac. vi. 11).
Application. Always observe the Lord's day conscientiously, and never be induced to violate it, either by thoughtlessness and excessive fondness for amusements, or by the example of wicked or infidel people. 'God be merciful unto us; it is not profitable to us to forsake the law' (1 Mac. ii. 21).
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD.
'Honor thy Father and thy Mother.'
1. What is commanded by the Fourth Commandment?
By the Fourth Commandment children are commanded to show reverence, love, and obedience to their parents, and inferiors to their superiors.
2. Why must children reverence, love, and obey their parents?
Because, next to God, their parents are their greatest benefactors, and supply His place in their regard.
3. How should children reverence their parents?
They should venerate their parents as the representatives Oi God, and should therefore always show them respect in word and deed.
'Honor thy father in work and word, and all patience' (Ecclus. iii, 9).
4. How should children love their parents?
They should, 1. Be grateful to them, and wish them well from their heart; 2. They should make them happy by their good conduct; 3. They should assist them in their necessities, and take care of them in their old age; and 4. They should bear with their faults and weaknesses.
'With thy whole heart honor thy father, and forget not the
