BY REV. JAMES MACLEOD.
A CATECHISM of the Roman Catholic Church was handed to me recently, and after looking over it, I thought it might be of some benefit to some of our people, particularly the young, to see a few things of what is being taught in the Roman Catholic Church to-day. The Catechism was issued by “The Most Reverend Dr Butler,” of the Roman Catholic Church.
Here are some of the questions and answers:—Q.—On what day did Christ become man? A.—On the twenty-fifth of March, the day of the Annunciation, He was conceived by the Holy Ghost. [The proof he gives for his assertion is Isa. vii. 14.] Q.—On what day was Christ born of the Virgin Mary? A.—On Christmas Day, in the stable of Bethlehem. [The Rev. Dr gives as proof that Christ was born on “Christmas Day,” Isa. ix. 6.] Q.—How did Christ end His life? A.—On Good Friday He was crucified on Mount Calvary. [He gives as proof for his “Good Friday” Mark xv. and John xix. No verses are given.] Q.—Where did Christ’s soul go after death? A.—It descended into hell. [His proof for this blasphemous statement is I. Peter iii. 19.] Q.—Did Christ’s soul descend into the hell of the damned? A.—No; but to the place of rest called Limbo. [His proofs are Acts ii. 24, 27.] Q.—Who were in Limbo? A.—The souls of the Saints who died before Christ. [His proofs are Acts iii. 13, and Heb. ii. 30, 34.] Q.—Why did Christ descend into Limbo? A.—St Peter says to preach to those spirits that were in prison: that is, to announce to them in prison the joyful tidings of their redemption. Q.—Why did not the souls of the Saints who died before Christ go to heaven immediately after their death? A.—Because heaven was shut against them by the sin of our first parents, and could not be opened to anyone but by the death of Christ. [His proofs are Acts ii. 34.] Q.—When did the souls of the Saints who died before Christ go to heaven? A.—When Christ ascended into heaven. [His proof is Zech. ix. 11.] Q.—On what day did Christ rise from the dead? A.—On Easter Sunday, the third day after He was crucified, He rose in body and soul glorious and immortal from the dead. [His proof is Matt. xxviii.] Q.—How are we known to be Christians? A.—By being baptised, by professing the doctrines of Christ, and by the sign of the cross. [His proof is Matt. xxviii.] Q.—How is the sign of the cross made? A.—By putting the right hand to the forehead, then under the breast, then to the left and right shoulders; saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Q.—Where are true Christians to be found? A.—Only in the Church. [He means the Church of Rome.] Q.—Are all obliged to be in the true Church? A.—Yes, none can be saved out of it; and he that believeth not shall be condemned. Q.—Are we justified by faith alone, without good works? A.—No; “As the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Q.—How many are the chief mortal sins, commonly called capital and deadly sins? A.—Seven—Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth. Q.—Where shall they go who die in mortal sin? A.—To hell for all eternity. [His proof is Apoc. xiv. 10, 11.] Q.—Where shall they go who die in venial sin? A.—To Purgatory. [His proof is I. Cor. iii. 12, 15.]
There are hundreds more of questions and answers in this Catechism before me, but the above will suffice to show what is taught to-day in the Church of Rome and in Protestant ratepayers paying for the teaching of it. The Roman Catholic priest says that Christ was born on the 25th of December on the day that is called “Christmas Day,” and deluded Protestants must have a “Feast,” and their children a holiday in order to keep in line with the “Whore of Rome.” We must have our “Easter Sunday” and our Easter holiday in conformity with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. The British Parliament says it. The Protestant schools must be closed while the Roman Catholic folk go to Mass on “Christmas Day,” and on “Easter Sunday.” The poor children are not taught the blasphemous nature of the “Mass.” No: but Protestant ministers must give their children a “Christmas Tree.” This cursed practice is carried on in many churches in the land. Free Presbyterian parents must be on their guard that they shall not allow their children to the “Christmas Tree” and “Christmas Treat.” There are some who cannot see any harm or danger in it. No; but let us bear in mind that there are some who cannot see any harm in very heinous sins. Let us not listen to such. They are not of us although they are among us. We do not hate Roman Catholics. No; we hate what they preach, and practice. We must not hate them in their persons, for we are not better by nature, and if the Most High shall not prevent us we shall become pagans like them. We long for the day when the poor people shall see and hear for themselves. Christ said on the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” We should ask the Lord to forgive them.