'How can I do this wicked thing, and sin against my God?' (Gen. xxxix. 9).
10. What should deter us from committing sin?
The consideration of its malice and evil consequences.
11. In what does the malice of mortal sin principally consist?
In this: that mortal sin is —
1. A grievous offence against God, our Supreme Lord, and the most criminal disobedience to His holy will;
2. The most shameful ingratitude to God, our greatest Benefactor and best Father;
3. Detestable infidelity to our most amiable Redeemer, and contempt of His graces and merits.
1. 'Thou hast broken my yoke, and thou saidst: I will not serve' (Jerem. ii. 20). 2. 'Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken: I have brought up children and exalted them; but they have despised me' (Isai. i. 2). 3. Of those 'who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and are fallen away [from God by mortal sin],' St. Paul says 'that they crucify again to themselves the Son of God, and make Him a mockery' (Heb. vi. 4-6). 'If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema' (1 Cor. xviii. 22).
12. Can we comprehend the full malice of an offence against God?
We cannot, because we do not comprehend the infinite greatness and goodness of the Lord our God, who is offended by sin.
13. What most of all shows us the malice of an offence against God?
1. The grievous punishment of the wicked angels and of our first parents; 2. The everlasting punishment in hell which every mortal sin deserves; and 3. The most bitter Passion and Death which the Only Son of God suffered for our sins.
14. What are the consequences of mortal sin?
Mortal sin, 1. Separates us from God, and deprives us of His love and friendship; 2. It disfigures in us the
