to live up to them; and 3. Because all are obliged to mutual edification, by setting one another an example of Christian piety.
'He that is of God, heareth the words of God; therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God' (John viii. 47). It is therefore a bad sign when people neglect to hear the word of God.
13. How should we hear the word of God?
We should, 1. Listen to it with earnest attention, and with an ardent desire of working out our salvation; and 2. We should reflect well upon it, apply it to ourselves, and faithfully follow it.
'Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it' (Luke xi. 28; comp. Luke viii. 5-15).
Application. Make it a rule to assist with devotion on Sundays and Holydays at the Divine Service in the morning and in the afternoon, and to prefer your parish church to any other.
Missions, retreats and Lenten courses of instructions are seasons of special grace and mercy, particularly for those who have been leading irregular lives: to neglect these opportunities is to despise the mercy of God.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT OF THE CHURCH.
1. What does the Second Commandment of the Church oblige us to do?
The Second Commandment of the Church obliges us to observe the laws of abstinence and fasting laid down by the Church.
2. What does the law of abstinence forbid?
The law of abstinence forbids the eating of flesh meat and of broth or soup made of meat; but it permits the use of eggs, milk, cheese, and butter; also seasonings of food which are made from the fat of animals.
