Catechesis Pro Advltioribvs Scripta, De his potissimum capitibus

be taught what must be done, let us not ask why it should be believed and done, but let us know that it must be believed and done, because it is written thus.

By what authority the sacred Bibles were produced

I. Since it is certain that the authors of the Bibles were men, why, I beseech you, are we so strictly bound to believe their books? R. The prophets and apostles were indeed men: but they did not hand down that holy scripture of the Bibles to the world as men, but as chosen instruments of God. For Saint Peter says, "Prophecy was not brought of old by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Pet. 1:21 And the Lord himself said in the Gospel, "It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of my Father." Mark 13:11, Luke 10:16 "Therefore, whoever hears you, hears me; and whoever rejects you, rejects me." And so, I believe the scriptures as the undoubted word of God.

Distinction of the sacred books

I. How are the canonical books commonly distinguished? R. Into the books of the Old and New Testament. I. Why, however, are they called "books," "Testament," and "books of the Old and New Testament"? R. They are called a Testament because they are written concerning the testament or fœdus covenant of God, but also because they testify to us what that good and holy will of God is toward us.