Who are "the Three Children" here mentioned?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
What Manasses is the one mentioned?
Manasseh the son of Hezekiah.
What difference is there between the use of these books and that of the canonical books?
The canonical books are used both to give us practical examples and instruction, and to establish doctrines; the other books are not applied to establish doctrine, but only read "for example of life and instruction of manners" or conduct.
Why does the Church make this difference between these books?
Because the whole Church of Christ for four hundred years made such a difference.
But do these books then differ in nothing from common religious or historical books?
They differ in this respect, that their writers are considered to be trustworthy and credible in matters of example and precept.
Where does the Church show that this is her opinion?
Partly by many expressions in the Homilies, and partly by appointing some portions of them to be read in divine service on the saints' days.
What is the meaning of the word Apocrypha?
It means doubtful. That is, the Church does not determine respecting the authenticity or genuineness of these books.
