The Faith of Catholics
THE
FAITH OF CATHOLICS
ON
CERTAIN POINTS OF CONTROVERSY,
CONFIRMED
BY SCRIPTURE,
AND
ATTESTED BY THE FATHERS
OF THE
FIVE FIRST CENTURIES OF THE CHURCH
COMPILED BY
REV. JOSEPH BERINGTON,
AND
REV. JOHN KIRK.
Quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus, creditum est.
Vin. Lirin. Com.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR JOSEPH BOOKER,
NEW BOND STREET.
1830.
TO THE
CATHOLICS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM,
THIS COMPILATION,
AS A
MONUMENT
OF
THE ANTIQUITY AND PERPETUITY OF THEIR FAITH,
IS INSCRIBED
BY
THEIR DEVOTED SERVANTS,
JOSEPH BERINGTON.
JOHN KIRK.
November 23, 1812.
DECLARATION.
AS the sole design of the following Compilation is to aid the instruction, and to strengthen the faith, of the Catholics of this united kingdom; and as inaccuracies, in the wording of the Propositions; in translating so many and various passages; and in stating some opinions, notwithstanding our utmost care, may have escaped us — We submit, without reserve, the work, in all its parts, to the judgment and correction of our Ecclesiastical Superiors, and the other Pastors of the Church, who are the appointed guardians of her faith and discipline.
JOSEPH BERINGTON,
JOHN KIRK.
October 2, 1812.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
1 | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2 | |
Prop. I. When man has sinned, the remission or pardon of sin is not attainable by him, otherwise than in , and by the merits of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, who freely purchased our ransom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2 | |
Prop. II. It is only through the same merits of Jesus Christ, that the just man can obtain either an increase of holiness in this life, or eternal happiness in the next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
3 | |
PROP. III. The good works of a just man , proceeding from grace and charity, are so far acceptable to God, through his goodness and sacred promises, as to be truly deserving of an eternal reward; “God crowning his own gifts, when he crowns the good works of his servants " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4 | |
Faith of Christ: its object and character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
7 | |
PROP . IV . The merits of Jesus Christ, though infinite in them selves, are not applied to us, without a right Faith in him; which Faith is one, entire, and conformable to its object, which object is Divine Revelation , that is, the truths taught by Christ; and to that Revelation or to those truths Faith gives an undoubting assent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
7 | |
Divine Revelation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
8 | |
PROP . V. The Divine Revelation contains many mysterious doctrines, surpassing the natural reach of the human understanding : for which reason, it became the wisdom and goodness of God to provide some way or means, whereby man might be enabled to learn what those mysterious doctrines are — means apparent to all; proportioned to the capacities of all, and sure and certain to all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
8 | |
The authority and marks of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9 |
PROP. VI. The way or means, by which to arrive at the knowledge of the divine truths is, attention and submission to the voice of the Pastors of the Church ; a Church established by Christ for the instruction of all ; spread for that end through all nations ; visibly continued in the succession of Pastors and people through all ages. Whence the marks of this Church are, Unity, Visibility, Indefectibility, Succession from the Apostles, Universality and Sanctity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
9 | |
Unity of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
28 | |
Visibility of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
50 | |
Indefectibility of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
54 | |
Apostolicity of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
62 | |
The Church Catholic, or universal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
73 | |
Sanctity of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
78 | |
The Roman Catholic Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
80 | |
PROP. VII. The Church , above described , thus established, thus continued, thus guided, in one uniform faith, and subordination of government, is that, which is termed the Roman Catholic Church : the qualities just mentioned, Unity, Visibility, Indefectibility, Succession, Universality, and Sanctity, being evidently applicable to her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
80 | |
Prop. VIII. From the testimony and authority of the Catholic Church we receive the Scriptures, and believe them to contain the revealed word of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
92 | |
The Church is the expounder of the Scriptures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
100 | |
PROP. IX. As the Church can assuredly tell us, what particular book is the word of God ; so can she, with like assurance , tell us the true sense and meaning of it, in controverted points of faith : the same spirit which directed the writing of the Scriptures, directing the Church to understand them , and to teach all mysteries and duties as are necessary to salvation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
100 | |
Private judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
104 | |
Apostolical Traditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
115 | |
Prop. X. The Pastors of the Church, either dispersed or convened in Council, have received no commission from Christ to frame new articles of faith — but to define, explain and propound to the faithful, what anciently was, and is, received, and retained , as of Faith in the Church , when debates and controversies arise about them . These definitions in matters relating to Faith only, and proposed as such, oblige all the faithful to a submission of judgment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
128 |
PROP. XI. It is no article of Catholic Faith, that the Church cannot err, either in matters of fact not relating to faith, or in matters of discipline, things alterable by the circumstances of time and place ; or in matters of speculation or civil policy , depending on mere human judgment or testimony. These things are no revelations deposited in the Church, in regard of which alone, she has the promised assistance of the Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
137 | |
Primacy of St. Peter and his Successors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
138 | |
PROP. XII. Catholics believe, that peculiar and superior powers were given to St. Peter ; and that the Bishop of Rome, as his Successor, is the Head of the whole Catholic Church; in which sense, as already stated, this Church may therefore fitly be styled Roman Catholic; being a universal body united under one visible head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
138 | |
PROP. XIII. The Bishops of Rome have ever been acknowledged, from the earliest ages of Christianity, as the Supreme Rulers on Earth of the whole Church of Christ; and have exercised an acknowledged Primacy of Spiritual Jurisdiction , as of Divine Right, over all other particular Christian Churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
157 | |
PROP XIV . It is no article of Catholic Faith to believe that the Pope is in himself infallible, separated from the Church even in expounding the Faith : by consequence, Papal definitions or decrees, in whatever form pronounced, taken exclusively from a General Council or acceptance of the Church, oblige none, under pain of heresy, to an interior assent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
165 | |
PROP. xv . Nor do Catholics, as Catholics, believe, that the Pope has any direct, or indirect authority over the temporal concerns of states or the jurisdiction of Princes. Hence should the Pope pretend to absolve or to dispense with his Majesty's subjects from their allegiance, on account of heresy or schism, such dispensation they would view as frivolous and null . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
165 |
PROP. XVI. It is a fundamental truth in the Catholic religion, that no licence can be given to men to lie, to forswear, or perjure themselves; to massacre their neighbours, or disturb their country , on pretence of promoting the Catholic cause or religion : furthermore they believe, that all pardons or dispensations granted, or pretended to be granted, in order to such ends or designs, could have no other validity or effect, than to add sacrilege and blasphemy to the above crimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
166 | |
PROP. XVII. Detesting the immoral doctrine of equivocation, and mental reservation, the Catholic Church ever inculcated and inculcates, that simplicity and godly sincerity are truly Christian virtues, necessary to the conservation of justice, truth and common security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
167 | |
Section II. Other points of Catholic Faith | ||
PROP. I. Catholics believe, that there are seven Sacraments, or sacred ceremonies, instituted by our Saviour Jesus Christ, whereby the merits of his Passion are applied to the soul of the worthy receiver. These sacraments are, Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction Order, and Matrimony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
168 | |
Baptism and Confirmation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
168 | |
PROP. II. It is an article of Catholic belief, that in the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, there is truly and really contained the Body of Christ, which was delivered for us, and his blood which was shed for the remission of sins: the substance of the bread and wine being, by the power of God, changed into the substance of his blessed body and blood; the species or appearances of bread and wine, by the will of the same God, remaining as they were. This change has been properly called Transubstantiation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
177 | |
Discipline of the Secret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
179 | |
The Liturgies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
190 | |
Proofs from the Fathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
208 |
Prop. III. Christ is not present in this Sacrament according to his natural way of existence; that is, as bodies naturally exist; but in a manner proper to the character of his exalted and glorified body.” His presence then is real and substantial, but sacramental; not exposed to the external senses, nor obnoxious to corporal contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
250 | |
PROP. IV. The Body of Christ, in this holy Sacrament, is not separated from his blood, nor his blood from his body, nor is either of them disjoined from his soul and his divinity: but all and the whole living Christ is entirely contained under each species : so that whoever receives under one kind, becomes truly partaker of the whole Sacrament: he is not deprived either of the body or of the blood of Christ Communion in one kind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
259 | |
Prop. v . Our Saviour, in leaving to us his body and blood, under two distinct species or kinds, instituted not only a Sacrament, but also a sacrifice ; a commemorative sacrifice, distinctly shewing his passion and death until he come. For as the sacrifice of the cross was performed by a distinct effusion of his blood, so is that sacrifice commemorated in this of the altar by a distinction of the symbols. Jesus, therefore, is here given not only to us, but for us ; and the Church is hereby enriched with a true, proper, and propitiatory sacrifice, usually termed the Mass: propitiatory we say, because representing, in a lively manner, the passion and death of our Lord, it is peculiarly pleasing to our eternal Father, and thus more effectually applies to us the all -sufficient merits of the sacrifice of the cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
263 | |
PROP. VI. Sincere repentance, that is, sorrow of mind, joined to a firm resolution of amendment, was, at all times, so necessary, that without it there could be no remission of sin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
291 | |
Institution of the Sacrament of Penance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
292 | |
PROP . VII . Catholics believe, that when a sinner repents of his sins, from his heart, and acknowledges his transgressions to God, and his ministers, the dispensers of the mysteries of Christ, resolving to turn from his evil ways, and to bring forth fruit worthy of penance, there is then, and not otherwise, an authority left by Christ to absolve such a penitential sinner from his sins : which authority, we believe, Christ gave to his Apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests of his Church , in those words, when he said : Receive ye the Holy Ghost, &c. John xx. 22, 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
292 |
Prop. VIII. The essential parts of Penance are three- Contrition, Confession, and Satisfaction - without which, in the case of grievous sin—unless when the two last, Confession and Satisfaction, from unavoidable obstacles, cannot be complied with — we believe, that the sinner cannot obtain forgiveness from God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
301 | |
Confession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
307 | |
Suppression of the Penitentiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
322 | |
Satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
339 | |
PROP. IX. Though no creature can make condign satisfaction, either for the guilt of sin, or for the pain eternal due to it, —this satisfaction being proper to Christ our Saviour only ---yet penitent sinners, as members of Christ , may, in some measure, satisfy by prayer, fasting, alms-deeds, and other works of piety, for the temporal pain, which, in the order of the divine justice, sometimes remains due, after the guilt of sin and pain eternal have been remitted. Such penitential works, notwithstanding, are no otherwise satisfactory, than as joined and applied to that satisfaction, which Jesus made upon the Cross, in virtue of which alone all our good works find a grateful acceptance in the sight of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
339 | |
Indulgences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
349 | |
PROP. X. The guilt of sin, or pain eternal due to it, is not remitted by that dispensation of mercy, which in the Catholic Church is called an Indulgence ; but such temporalpunishment only, as in the order of divine justice may remain due after the guilt has been remitted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
349 | |
Purgatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
354 | |
Prop. XI . Catholics hold there is a purgatory, that is to say, a place or state, where souls departing this life, with remission of their sins, as to the guilt or eternal pain, but yet liable to some temporal punishment ( of which we have just spoken ) still remaining due ; or not perfectly freed from the blemish of some defects which we call venial sins, are purged before their admittance into heaven, where nothing that is defiled can enter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
354 | |
Prayers for the Dead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
355 |
PROP. XII. We also believe, that such souls so detained in purgatory, being the living members of Christ Jesus, are relieved by the prayers and suffrages of their fellow members here on earth . But where this place be — of what nature or quality the pains be — how long souls may be there detained -in what manner the suffrages, made in their behalf, be applied — whether by way of satisfaction or intercession, &c. are questions superfluous and impertinent as to Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
355 | |
The Sacrament of Extreme Unction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
375 | |
PROP. XII . The Sacrament, which is administered to dying persons, to strengthen them in their passage out of this life into a better, from the oil that is used on the occasion, Catholics call extreme unction ; and they believe it to be divinely instituted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
375 | |
The Sacrament of Holy Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
379 | |
PROP. xiv. We believe Order to be a Sacrament, by which the Ministers of the Church are consecrated, and power given to them to perform such public offices, as regard the service of God and the salvation of souls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
379 | |
Celibacy of the Clergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
384 | |
The Religious or Monastic State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
386 | |
The Sacrament of Matrimony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
387 | |
PROP. xv. We believe Matrimony to be a Sacrament of the new law , instituted by Christ, whereby a new dignity is added to the lawful contract of marriage, and grace given to those who worthily receive it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
387 | |
Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
393 | |
The Sign of the Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
394 | |
Holy or Blessed Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
401 | |
The use of the Latin tongue in the service of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
401 | |
Precepts of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
404 | |
PROP. xvi. We believe, that Christ has given to the Pastors of his Church a power to make laws, which all the faithful are bound to obey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
404 | |
The Fast of Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
406 | |
Ember-days and the Vigils of Feasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
409 | |
Abstinence on certain days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
410 | |
Relics, Pictures, and Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
411 |
PROP. XVII. God alone is the object of our worship and adoration : but Catholics shew honour to the relics of Saints, and they place images and pictures in their churches, to reduce their wandering thoughts, and to enliven their thoughts towards heavenly things. They shew , besides, a respect to the representations of Christ, of the mysterious facts of their religion , and of the Saints of God, beyond what is due to every profane figure ; not that they can believe any virtue to reside in them , for which they ought to be honoured; but because the honour given to pictures is referred to the prototype, or the thing represented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
411 | |
PROP. XVIII. They maintain also, that honour and respect are due to the Bible, to the Cross, to the name of Jesus, to churches, &c. as things peculiarly appertaining to God; and to kings, magistrates, and superiors; to whom honour is due, honour may be given, without any derogation from the majesty of God, or that divine worship which is appropriate to him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
411 | |
The Invocation of Angels and Saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
427 | |
PROP. xix. Catholics are persuaded , that the Angels and Saints in Heaven , replenished with charity , pray for us, the fellow members of the latter here on earth ; that they rejoice in our conversion ; that, seeing God, they see and know in him all things suitable to their happy state ; and that God may be inclined to hear their requests made in our behalf, and for their sakes may grant us many favours — therefore, we believe, that it is good and profitable to invoke their intercession. Can this manner of invocation be more injurious to Christ our Mediator, than it is for one Christian to beg the prayers of another here on earth? However, Catholics are not taught so to rely on the prayers of others, as to neglect their own duty to God-in imploring his divine mercy and goodness ; in mortifying the deeds of the flesh ; in despising the world ; in loving and serving God and their neighbours; in following the footsteps of Christ our Lord, who is the way, the truth, and the life : to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
427 | |
The Creed of Pope Pius IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
452 |