image of God, and disturbs the peace of our conscience; 3. It robs us of all merits, and of our heirship to Heaven; and 4. It draws upon us the judgments of God, and, lastly, eternal damnation.
'They that commit sin and iniquity are enemies of their own soul' (Tob. xii. 10). — Examples: Cain, Antiochus, Judas. Parable of the rich man.
15. Why should we also carefully avoid venial sin?
1. Because venial sin also is an offence against God, and is, therefore, after mortal sin, the greatest of all evils;
2. Because it weakens the life of the soul, and hinders many graces which God intends to give us; and
3. Because it also brings many punishments of God upon us, and leads us by degrees to grievous sins.
'He that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater' (Luke xvi. 10). 'Behold how small a fire what a great wood it kindleth' (James iii. 5).
Application. 'My son, all the days of thy life have God in thy mind, and take heed thou never consent to sin. . . . We lead indeed a poor life; but we shall have many good things, if we fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is good ' (Tob. iv. 6, 23 ).
§ 2. On the different kinds of sin.
16. What particular kinds of sin are there?
1. The seven Capital or Deadly Sins; 2. The six sins against the Holy Ghost; 3. The four sins crying to Heaven for vengeance; and 4. The nine ways of being accessory to another person's sins.
17. Which are the seven Capital Sins?
1. Pride; 2. Covetousness; 3. Lust; 4. Anger; 5. Gluttony; 6. Envy; and 7. Sloth.
18. Are these sins always grievous?
They are grievous sins as often as a weighty duty either to God, our neighbor, or ourselves is violated by them.
