Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 6, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 32.

Question Corner

By Editor

1260. Catholic Catechism and the Law of God.

How does the Catholic Catechism give the Law of God?

About the same as it is found in our Bibles and as Protestants teach them with these exceptions: (1) The first two commandments are counted as one. In some catechisms they are both given as one in full. In others the two as one are greatly abbreviated, giving in fact simply the first. (2) The first sentence of the fourth commandment (counted by Catholics the third) is given: “Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.” This is Ex. 20:8 as in the Douay Version of the Bible, that used by Catholics. Then follows the Catechism, this question and answer:—

“What is commanded by the third commandment?

“To sanctify the Sunday.”

Then frequently we are told that under the “old law” God commanded the seventh day, but now the church has changed the day. (3) The tenth commandment is divided to make up the number ten. The only practical difference is in regard to the Sabbath commandment. See tract, Bible Student’s Library No. 107, “Who changed the Sabbath?” That gives many authorities

1261. When the Theocracy Ceased.

When did the Theocracy of Israel cease?

It ceased when Israel refused to let God rule them longer. They formally did this when they demanded a king. Sam. 8:7. Still God cared for them, wrought for them and through them, but the human rulership idea at last wholly perverted the nation. See John 19:19. When they said, “Make us a king to judge us like all the nations,” and held to that, they also said in that very thing, “Away with Him.” . . . we have no king but Cæsar.”