On the Tenth Commandment.
602. What is forbidden by the tenth commandment?
All wishes inconsistent with charity to our neighbor, and thoughts which are inseparable from such wishes.
603. Why are we forbidden not only evil deeds, but also evil wishes and thoughts?
First, because when the soul entertains any evil wishes or thoughts, it is already impure in God's sight, and unworthy of him; as Solomon says: The unjust thought is an abomination to the Lord. Prov. xv. 26. And therefore we must needs cleanse ourselves also from these inward impurities also, as the Apostle teaches: Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. 2 Cor. vii. 1.
Secondly, because, to prevent sinful acts, it is necessary to crush sinful wishes and thoughts, from which, as from seeds, such actions spring; as it is said: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matt. xv. 19. Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James i. 14, 15.
604. When we are forbidden to desire any thing of our neighbor's, what passion is thereby
Envy.
605. What is forbidden by the words, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife?
All lustful thoughts and wishes, or inward adultery.
606. What is forbidden by the words, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, nor his land, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any of his cattle, nor any thing that is his?
All thoughts of avarice and ambition.
607. What positive duties, corresponding to these prohibitions, are prescribed by the tenth commandment?
First, to keep purity of heart; and, secondly, to be content with our lot.
608. What is indispensable for the cleansing of the heart?
The frequent and earnest invocation of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
CONCLUSION.
Application of the Doctrine of Faith and Piety.
609. How must we apply the doctrine of faith and piety?
We must act according to our knowledge, and keep before our eyes the fearful judgment threatened for disobedience.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John xiii. 17. That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Luke xii. 47.
610. What must a man do when he is conscious of any sin?
Not only should lie immediately repent, and firmly resolve to avoid the same sin for the future, but also strive, as far as possible, to repair the scandal or injury that he has wrought by contrary good deeds.
Thus it was that Zaccheus the Publican acted, when he said to the lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing away from any one by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke xix. 8.
611. What caution do we need when we seem to ourselves to have fulfilled any commandment?
We must then dispose our hearts according to the words of Jesus Christ: When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke xvii. 10.