Choose a topic from Part 2B:

3. The External Act of Faith

1. The external declaration, in words or deeds, of what webelieve, is a true act of faith. Though faith itself is in thesoul, and its act is primarily internal, it can be outwardlyexpressed without losing its essential character. Hence, ifinternal thought and assent make an act of faith, the externalexpression of that thought and assent makes an act of faith.

2. A man is obliged to declare his faith outwardly (thatis, he isobliged to make an external act of faith) wheneverthe honor of God or his neighbor's good requires that he shoulddo so.

"God speaks to us without ceasing by his good inspirations."
The Cure D'Ars

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"Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor. No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Those who love God are always happy, because their whole happiness is to fulfill, even in adversity, the will of God."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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