TheSmallCatechismByMartinLuther ContentsForwardPrefaceI. TheTenCommandmentsII. TheCreedIII. TheLord’sPrayerIV. BaptismV. ConfessionVI. TheLord’sSupperDailyPrayersTableofDuties

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ForwardEverychurch,everypastor,andeveryChristianneedsacatechism.WewhobelieveinJesusChristshouldknowwhatwebelieve,andhowtoarticulateit.AstheBibleinstructsus,wemustalwaysbereadytogiveanaccount,toanyonewhoasks,ofthehopethatiswithinus(1Peter3:15).MartinLuthercomposedthisSmallCatechisminamasterfulway,inordertopromotetheteachingandknowledgeoffundamentalChristianteachingamongallChristians,fromthePastorstothesmallestchildren.TheTenCommandmentsteachushowweshouldliveasChristians,andtheyshowusourfailures,topointustoourneedforChristourSaviour.TheCreedteachesusaboutGodtheFather,Son,andHolySpirit;whatweshouldbelieveGodhasdone,andcontinuestodoforus.TheLord’sPrayerteachesushowtopray,asourLordtaughthisdisciples.ThepartsoftheCatechismaboutBaptism,Confession,andtheLord’sSupperteachushowGodforgivesusthroughhismeansofgrace.Finally,Luther’smorningandeveningprayers,andtheTableofDuties,acompilationofBiblepassagesfordifferentstationsinlife,givefurtherinvaluableguidanceinhowweoughttoliveinamannerthatispleasingtoGod.Howshouldweusethiscatechism?MartinLutheralsoteachesthisclearly.Ineveryfamily,theheadofthehouseholdshouldteachittohiswife,children,andservants.Ineverycongregation,thePastorshouldteachittothepeople.Andeveryprivateindividualforhispartshouldremember,recite,andconfessthewordsoftheCatechismbeforeGod.AlthoughtheteachingsoftheSmallCatechismarebasic,wecannotremindourselvestoooftenabouttheselife-givingwords.MartinLutherdiscoveredthegreatneedforaCatechisminhisownday,whenhemadepersonalvisitstothecongregations.Inhispreface,hewroteabouthisobservationsonthesevisits:‘Thecommonman,especiallyinthevillages,knowspracticallynothingofChristiandoctrine,andmanyofthepastorsarealmostentirelyincompetentandunabletoteach.YetallthepeoplearesupposedtobeChristians,havebeenbaptized,andreceivetheHolySacramenteventhoughtheydonotknowtheLord’sPrayer,theCreed,ortheTenCommandments’.WithoutaCatechism,theChurchwillmostcertainlyreturntosuchadeplorablestate.Godforbidthatthisshouldhappen!Truthfully,withoutexaggerationordoubt,IcanhonestlysaythatifonlyLuther’sSmallCatechismwereknownandfollowedinourcongregationsandinourhomes,wewouldhardlyseeasinglecauseofanystrife,envyordivision,andourchurcheswouldshineasamarvelouslightinthisdarkworld,sothatallmenwouldbeattractedtoitswarmthandcomfort.MayGodproducesuchagoodworkinus!Itgivesmegreatpleasure,therefore,topublishthiseditionofLuther’sSmallCatechism,forthebenefitofallChristians,andmostespeciallyformyfellowLutherans.Ihopetheywillfindthistranslationtobefaithful,yetalsoclear,easytounderstand,andasourceofconstantedification.ByGod’sgrace,thelightofChristmayyetshinethroughthedarknessofthispresentage.Letuspraythatitmaybeso.EdwardArthurNaumann.LCMSTheologicalEducator,SouthAsia

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PrefaceofDr.MartinLutherToallfaithful,piousparishpastorsandpreachers,MartinLuthersendsgrace,mercy,andpeaceinJesusChrist,ourLord.Thedeplorable,miserableconditionwhichIdiscoveredlatelywhenIwasconductingvistationshasforcedandurgedmetoprepareandpublishthisCatechism,orChristiandoctrine,inthissmall,plain,simpleform.Helpme,dearalmightyGod!WhatgreatdisasterIwitnessedthere!Thecommonman,especiallyintheruralareas,hasnoknowledgeatallaboutChristiandoctrine,andunfortunately,manypastorsarecompletelyincapableandincompetentatteaching.Itisashametosayit.Andyet,theyareallcalledChristian,baptized,andtogetherwithusenjoytheuseoftheholySacraments,eventhoughtheydonotknowthemeaningof,andcannotevenrecitetheLord’sPrayer,theApostles’Creed,ortheTenCommandments.Inshort,theylivenodifferentlythanthebrutebeasts;andnowthattheGospelhascome,theyhavemasteredtheartofabusingallChristianliberty.Youbishops,whateverwillyousaytoChrist,forhavingsoshamefullyneglectedthepeople,allowingthemtowander,andneverforamomentfulfillingyourduty,whichGodentrustedtoyourcare,butdoingeverythingotherthanwhatyourofficerequiredofyou?Youaretoblame,andthisruinoftheChristianreligionisduetoyoualone.Mayallmisfortunefleeyou—Ihopenothingbadhappenstoyou!Isthisnotthehighestformofimpietyandimpudence,thatyoucommandtheSacramentinoneformonly,andinsistonyourhumantraditions,andyetatthesametimeyoudonotcareatallwhetherthepeopleknowtheLord'sPrayer,theCreed,theTenCommandments,oranypartoftheWordofGod?Woe,woe,toyou!ThereforeIentreatandadjureyouallforGod'ssake,mydearsirsandbrethren,whoarepastorsorpreachers,todevoteyourselveswhole-heartedlytoyouroffice,havepityonthepeoplewhoareentrustedtoyou,andtohelpusinculcatetheCatechismuponthepeople,andespeciallyupontheyoung.Andthoseofyouwhocannotdobetter—ifanyofyouaresounskilledthatyouhaveabsolutelynoknowledgeofthesematters—donotbeashamedtotakethesetablesandforms,andimpressthem,wordforword,onthepeople,asfollows.Inthefirstplace,letthepreacheraboveallcarefullyavoidmanydifferentorvarioustextsandformsoftheTenCommandments,theLord'sPrayer,theCreed,andtheSacraments,butchooseoneformtowhichheadheres,andwhichheinculcatesallthetime,yearafteryear.Igivethisadvice,however,becauseIknowthatyoungandsimplepeoplemustbetaughtbyuniform,settledtextsandforms,otherwisetheyeasilybecomeconfusedwhentheteachertodayteachesthemoneway,andinanotheryearsomeotherway,asifhewishedtomakeimprovements,andthusalleffortandlaborwhichhasbeenexpendedinteachingislost.Alsoourblessedfathersunderstoodthiswell;fortheyallusedthesameformoftheLord'sPrayer,theCreed,andtheTenCommandments.Thereforewetooshouldimitate

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theirdiligenceandbeatpainstoteachtheyoungandsimplepeoplethesepartsinsuchawayasnottochangeasyllable,orsetthemforthandrepeatthemoneyeardifferentlythaninanother,nomatterhowoftenweteachtheCatechism.Hence,choosewhateverformyouplease,andadheretoitforever.Butwhenyoupreachinthepresenceoflearnedandintelligentmen,youmayexhibityourskill,andmaypresentthesepartsinasvariedandintricatewaysandgivethemasmasterlyturnsasyouareable.Butwiththeyoungpeoplesticktoonefixed,permanentformandmanner,andteachthem,firstofall,theseparts,namely,theTenCommandments,theCreed,theLord'sPrayer,andsoon,accordingtothetext,wordforword,sothatthey,too,canrepeatitinthesamemannerafteryouandcommitittomemory.ButthosewhoareunwillingtolearnitshouldbetoldthattheydenyChristandarenotChristians,neithershouldtheybeadmittedtotheSacrament,acceptedassponsorsatbaptism,norexerciseanypartofChristianliberty,butshouldsimplybeturnedbacktothePopeandhisofficials,indeed,tothedevilhimself.Moreover,theirparentsandemployersshouldrefusethemfoodanddrink,andtheywouldalsodowelltonotifythemthattheprincewilldrivesuchrudepeoplefromthecountry!Foralthoughwecannotandshouldnotforceanyonetobelieve,yetweshouldinsistandurgethepeopletoknowwhatisrightandwrongwiththosewithwhomtheydwellandwishtomaketheirliving.Forwhoeverwantstoresideinatownmustknowandobservethetownlaws,theprotectionofwhichhewishestoenjoy,nomatterwhetherheisabelieverorsecretlyandprivatelyarogueandaknave.Inthesecondplace,aftertheyhavelearnedthetextwell,thenteachthemthemeaningalso,sothattheyknowwhatitmeans,andagainchoosetheformofthesetables,orsomeotherbriefuniformmethod,whicheveryoulike,andsticktoit,anddonotchangeasinglesyllable,aswasjustsaidregardingthetext;andtaketimeoverit.Foryoudonotneedtoteachallthepartsatonce,butoneaftertheother.AftertheyunderstandtheFirstCommandmentwell,thentakeuptheSecond,andsoon,otherwisetheywillbeoverwhelmed,soasnottobeabletoretainanywell.Inthethirdplace,afteryouhavethustaughtthemthisSmallCatechism,thentakeuptheLargeCatechism,andgivethemalsoaricherandfullerknowledge.Hereexplainatgreaterlengtheverycommandment,article,petition,andpartwithitsvariousworks,uses,benefits,dangers,andinjuries,asyoufindtheseabundantlystatedinmanybookswrittenaboutthesematters.Andemphasizeespeciallywhichevercommandmentorpartsuffersthegreatestneglectamongyourpeople.Forinstance,theSeventhCommandment,concerningstealing,mustbestrenuouslyurgedamongmechanicsandmerchants,andevenfarmersandservants,foramongthesepeoplemanykindsofdishonestyandthievingprevail.SotooyoumusturgewelltheFourthCommandmentamongthechildrenandthecommonpeople,thattheymaybequietandfaithful,obedientandpeaceable,andyoumustalwayssupplymanyexamplesfromtheScripturestoshowhowGodhaspunishedorblessedsuchpeople.Especiallyshouldyouhereurgemagistratesandparentstorulewellandtosendtheirchildrentoschool,showingthemwhyitistheirdutytodothis,andwhatadamnablesintheyarecommittingiftheydonot.Forbysuchneglecttheyoverthrowanddestroy

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boththekingdomofGodandthatoftheworld,actingastheworstenemiesbothofGodandofmen.Andmakeitverycleartothemwhatdreadfulharmtheyaredoingiftheywillnothelptotrainchildrentobepastors,preachers,secretaries,andsoon,andthatGodwillpunishthemterriblyforit.Forsuchpreachingisneeded.Honestly,Idonotknowofanyothertopicthatdeservestobetreatedasmuchasthis.Parentsandmagistratesarenowsinningunspeakablyinthisrespect.Thedeviltooisplottingsomethingcruelbecauseofthesethings.Lastly,sincethetyrannyofthePopehasbeenabolished,peoplearenolongerwillingtogototheSacrament,andtheydespiseitassomethinguselessandunnecessary.Hereagainwemusturgethem,butwiththisunderstanding:Wearetoforcenoonetobelieve,ortoreceivetheSacrament,norfixanylaw,nortime,norplaceforit,butaretopreachinsuchamannerthat,oftheirownaccord,withoutourlaw,theywillurgethemselvesand,asitwere,compeluspastorstoadministertheSacrament.Thisisdonebytellingthem:WhoeverdoesnotseekordesiretheSacramentatleastsomefourtimesayear,itistobefearedthathedespisestheSacramentandisnoChristian,justasheisnoChristianwhodoesnotbelieveorheartheGospel.ForChristdidnotsay,‘Thisomit,’or,‘Thisdespise,’but,‘Thisdo,asoftenasyoudrinkit’.ThetruthisthatHewantsittobedone,andnotentirelyneglectedanddespised.‘Thisdo!’Hesays.NowwhoeverdoesnothighlyvaluetheSacramenttherebyshowsthathehasnosin,noflesh,nodevil,noworld,nodeath,nodanger,nohell;thatis,hedoesnotbelieveanysuchthings,althoughheisinthemoverheadandearsandisdoublythedevil'sown.Ontheotherhand,heneedsnograce,life,Paradise,heaven,Christ,God,noranythinggood.Forifhebelievedthathehadsomuchthatisevil,andneededsomuchthatisgood,hewouldnotneglecttheSacrament,bywhichsuchevilisremediedandsomuchgoodisbestowed.NeitherwillitbenecessarytoforcehimtotheSacramentbyanylaw,buthewillcomevoluntarilyrunningandracing,andwillforcehimselfandurgeyouthatyoumustgivehimtheSacrament.Hence,youmustnotmakeanylawinthismatter,asthePopedoes.Onlysetforthclearlythebenefitandharm,theneedanduse,thedangerandtheblessing,connectedwiththisSacrament,andthepeoplewillcomeofthemselveswithoutyourcompulsion.Butiftheydonotcome,letthemgoandtellthemthatsuchbelongtothedevilasdonotregardnorfeeltheirgreatneedandthegracioushelpofGod.Butifyoudonoturgethis,ormakealaworabaneofit,itisyourfaultiftheydespisetheSacrament.Howcouldtheybeanythingotherthanslothfulifyouaresleepyandsilent?Thereforeseetoit,youpastorsandpreachers!OurofficehasnowbecomeadifferentthingfromwhatitwasunderthePope;ithasnowbecomeseriousandsalutary.Accordinglyitnowinvolvesmuchmoretroubleandlabor,dangerandtrials,and,inaddition,itreceiveslittlerewardandgratitudeintheworld.ButChristhimselfwillbeourrewardifwelaborfaithfully.TothisendmaytheFatherofallgracehelpus,towhombepraiseandthanksforeverthroughChrist,ourLord!Amen.

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I.TheTenCommandmentsHowtheheadofthehouseholdshouldteachtheminaverysimplewaytohisfamily.TheFirstCommandmentYoushallhavenoothergodsbeforeme.Youshallnotmakeforyourselfacarvedimage—anylikenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,orthatisintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewaterundertheearth;youshallnotbowdowntothemnorservethem.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:Weshouldfear,love,andtrustinGodaboveallthings. TheSecondCommandmentYoushallnottakethenameoftheLord,yourGod,invain.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotcurse,swear,usewitchcraft,lie,ordeceivebyhisname,butcalluponitineverytimeofneed,pray,praise,andgivethanks. TheThirdCommandmentYoushallkeeptheSabbathdayholy.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotdespisepreachingandhisWord,butconsiderittobesacred,andgladlyhearandlearnit. TheFourthCommandmentYoushallhonouryourfatherandyourmother,sothatitmaybewellwithyou,andyoumaylivelongupontheearth.

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Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotdespiseorangerourparentsandmasters,buttreatthemwithhonour,serve,obey,andholdtheminloveandhighesteem. TheFifthCommandmentYoushallnotkill.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonothurtorharmourneighborinhisbody,butbefriendhim,andhelphiminalltheneedsandtrialsofhisbodyandlife. TheSixthCommandmentYoushallnotcommitadultery.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatweleadchasteanddecentlivesinwordsanddeeds;andspousesloveandhonoroneanother. TheSeventhCommandmentYoushallnotsteal.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonottakemoneyorgoodsawayfromourneighbour,norgetthemforourselvesbyfraudulentdealsordeception,buthelphimtoimproveandincreasehisgoodsandbusiness,anddoourbesttopreservehiswealth,andmakehisconditionbetter. TheEighthCommandmentYoushallnotbearfalsewitnessagainstyourneighbor.Whatdoesthismean?

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Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotlevelfalse,intentionalliesagainstourneighbour,norbetray,defame,orslanderhim,butdefendhim,thinkandspeakwellofhim,andunderstandandinterpreteverythinginthebestway. TheNinthCommandmentYoushallnotcovetthyneighbor'shouse.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotcraftilytakeourneighbor'sinheritanceorhouse,andgetitforourselvesonthepretenseofjusticeandlegalright,buthelpandbeofservicetohiminkeepinghisfortunesundiminished. TheTenthCommandmentYoushallnotcovetyourneighbor'swife,norhisservant,norhismaid,norhisox,norhisdonkey,noranythingthatishis.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeshouldfearandloveGod,sothatwedonotalienate,abduct,orenticeourneighbor'swife,servants,orcattleawayfromhim,buturgethemtostayanddotheirdutywithcare. WhatdoesGodsayinsummaryaboutalloftheseCommandments?Answer:HespeaksthiswayinExodus20:5-6:‘ForItheLordyourGodamajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrentothethirdandthefourthgenerationsofthosewhohateme,butshowingmercytothousands,tothosewholovemeandkeepmycommandments.’Whatdoesthismean?Answer:Godthreatenstopunishallwhotransgressandviolatethesecommandments.Thereforeweshouldfearanddreadhisanger,anddonothingcontrarytothesecommandments.Buthepromisesgraceandeveryblessingtoallwhokeepthesecommandments.Thereforeweshouldalsoloveandtrustinhim,andzealouslyanddiligentlyorderourentirelifeaccordingtohiscommandments.

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II.TheCreedHowtheheadofthehouseholdshouldteachitinaverysimplewaytohisfamily. TheFirstArticle.OfCreation.IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures;thathehasgivenmemybodyandsoul,eyes,ears,andallmylimbs,myreason,andallmysenses,andstillsustainsthem;thatinadditiontothese,hehasgivenmeclothingandshoes,meatanddrink,houseandhomestead,wifeandchildren,fields,cattle,andallmygoods;thatheprovidesmerichlyanddailywithallIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife;thatheprotectsmefromalldanger,andguardsmeandpreservesmefromallevil;andallthisoutofhispure,fatherly,divinegoodnessandmercy,withoutanyofmymeritsorworthiness;andthatforallthesethings,Irightlyoughttogivethankstohim,praisehimwithaloudvoice,serve,andobeyhim.Thisismostcertainlytrue. TheSecondArticle.OfRedemption.AndinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord;whowasconceivedbytheHolySpirit,bornoftheVirginMary;sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,died,andwasburied;hedescendedintohell;thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;heascendedintoheaven,andsitsattherighthandofGodtheFatheralmighty;fromthenceheshallcometojudgethelivingandthedead.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:IbelievethatJesusChrist,trueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,bornoftheVirginMary,ismyLord,whohasredeemedanddeliveredme,alostandcondemnedcreature,fromallsins,fromdeath,andfromthepowerofthedevil,notwithgoldorsilver,butwithhisholy,preciousblood,andwithhisinnocentsufferinganddeath,sothatImaybeentirelyhis,andliveunderhimandservehiminhiskingdom,ineverlastingrighteousness,innocence,andblessedness,justasheisrisenfromthedead,livesandreignstoeternity.Thisismostcertainlytrue. TheThirdArticle.

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OfSanctification.IbelieveintheHolySpirit;theholyCatholicChurch,thecommunionofsaints;theforgivenessofsins;theresurrectionofthebody;andthelifeeverlasting.Amen.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:IbelievethatIcannotinanywaybelieveinJesusChristmyLord,norcometohimandreachhimbymyownreasonorstrength;butthattheHolySpirithascalledmebytheGospel,enlightenedmewithhisgifts,andsanctifiedandkeptmeinthetruefaith.Inthesameway,hecalls,gathers,enlightens,andsanctifiesthewholeChristianChurchonearth,andkeepsherinJesusChristthroughtheonetruefaith.InthisChristianChurchhekindlyforgivesmeandallbelieversforalloursinseachday;andonthelastday,hewillraiseallofusfromdeath,andgiveeverlastinglifetomeandtoallwhobelieveinChrist.Thisismostcertainlytrue.

III.TheLord'sPrayerHowtheheadofthehouseholdshouldteachitinaverysimplewaytohisfamily.OurFatherwhoartinheaven.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:GodlovinglyinvitesusinthislittleintroductiontotrulybelievethatheisourtrueFather,andthatweareHistruechildren,sothatwewillcalluponhimmoreconfidentlywithperfecttrust,justasweseedearchildrenconfidentlyaskingtheirparentsforsomething. TheFirstPetitionHallowedbeThyname.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:God'snameiscertainlyholyofitself;butweprayinthispetitionthatitmaybekeptholyamongusalso.Howisthisdone?

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Answer:WhentheWordofGodistaughtpurelyandsincerely,andwhenwealsoleadholylivesinaccordancewithit,aschildrenofGodshould.Grantthatthismaybeso,andhelpus,dearFatherinheaven!ButwhoeverteachesorlivescontrarytowhatGod'sWordteachesprofanesthenameofGodamongus.Butthatthismaynothappen,dopreventit,HeavenlyFather! TheSecondPetitionThykingdomcome.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:ThekingdomofGodalsocomeswithoutourprayer,ofitself;butweprayinthispetitionthatitmaycometousalso.Howisthisdone?Answer:WhenourheavenlyFathergivesushisHolySpirit,tobringitaboutbyhisgracethatwebelievehisholyWord,andleadgodlylives,bothhereintimeandthenafterwardsforeternity. TheThirdPetitionThywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:ThegoodandgraciouswillofGodisalsodonewithoutourprayer;butweprayinthispetitionthatitmaybedoneamongusalso.Howisthisdone?Answer:WhenGodbreaksandhinderseverywickedplan,will,andeffort,suchasthewillofthedevil,theworld,andourflesh,whichwouldpreventusfromhallowingthenameofGod,andpreventhiskingdomfromcomingtous;thenwhenhestrengthensandkeepsussteadfastinhisWordandinfaithuntiltheendofourlife.Thisishisgoodandgraciouswill. TheFourthPetition

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Giveusthisdayourdailybread.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:Godcertainlygivesdailybreadtoeveryone,alsowithoutourprayer,eventowickedmen;butweprayinthispetitionthatwemayacknowledgethisblessing,andsoreceiveourdailybreadwiththanksgiving.Whatismeantbydailybread?Answer:Itmeanseverythingthatpertainstotheneedsandpreservationofourlife,namelyfood,drink,clothes,shoes,house,homestead,fields,cattle,money,wealth,agoodwife,goodchildren,honestservants,honestandfaithfulmagistrates,stablegovernment,goodweather,peace,health,discipline,honour,goodfriends,faithfulneighbours,andotherthingslikethis. TheFifthPetitionAndforgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:WeaskinthispetitionthatourFatherinheavenwouldnotinspectandexamineoursins,andrejectourprayerbecauseofthem;forwearenotworthyofanyofthethingsweaskfor,neithercanweearnthem.Weask,however,thathewouldbewillingtogiveuseverythingoutofhisgraceandgoodness;foreveryday,wesininmanyways,andindeeddeservenothingbutpunishment.Inturn,sowillweforourpartalsoforgivefromourheart,howeverothershavesinnedagainstus,andalsogladlyreturngoodforevil. TheSixthPetitionAndleadusnotintotemptation.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:Godcertainlytemptsnoone.ButweprayinthispetitionthatGodwouldguardandpreserveus,sothatSatan,theworld,andourfleshmaynotdeceiveus,norseduceusfromthetruefaithandthrowusintosuperstition,unbelief,despair,andothergreatcrimesandvices;andthat,especiallywhenweareafflictedbytemptationslikethis,wemaynotbedefeated,butfinallyovercomethem,andwinthevictory.

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TheSeventhPetitionButdeliverusfromevil.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:Weprayinthispetition,asinasummary,thatourFatherinheavenwoulddeliverusfromallevilsanddangersofbodyandsoul,goodsandhonours;andthatfinally,whenthehourofdeathcomes,hewouldgrantusablessedendoflife,andoutofhisgraciousgoodnesstakeusfromthisvaleoftearstohimselfinheaven.Forthineisthekingdomandthepowerandtheglory,foreverandever.Amen.Whatdoesthismean?Answer:‘Amen’meansthatIshouldbecertainthatthesepetitionsareacceptabletoourFatherinheavenandheardbyhim;forhehimselfhascommandedustopraythisway,andhaspromisedthathewillhearus.‘Amen,Amen’,thatis:‘Truly,certainly,mayitbeso.’

IV.TheSacramentofHolyBaptismHowtheheadofthefamilyshouldteachitinaverysimplewaytohishousehold.FirstWhatisBaptism?Answer:Baptismisnotsimplyplainwater,butitiswatercomprehendedinGod'scommandandconnectedtotheWordofGod.WhatisthatWordofGod?Answer:WhereourLordJesusChristsaysinMatthew28:19:‘Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit’.Second

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WhatdoesBaptismgiveorprofit?Answer:Itworksforgivenessofsins,deliversfromdeathandthedevil,andgiveseternalsalvationtooneandallwhobelievethis,asthewordsandpromisesofGoddeclare.WhatarethosewordsandpromisesofGod?Answer:WhereourLordJesusChristsaysinMark16:16:‘Hewhobelievesandisbaptizedwillbesaved;buthewhodoesnotbelievewillbecondemned.’ ThirdHowcanwaterdosuchgreatthings?Answer:Thewatercertainlydoesnotdosuchgreatthings,buttheWordofGod,whichisinandwiththewater;andfaith,whichtrustsinthisWordofGodinthewater.ForwithouttheWordofGodthewaterisplainwaterandnotabaptism.ButwiththeWordofGoditisabaptism,thatis,agraciouswateroflifeandawashingofregenerationintheHolySpirit,asSt.PaulsaysinTitus3:4-7:‘ButwhenthekindnessandtheloveofGodourSaviortowardmanappeared,notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus,throughthewashingofregenerationandrenewingoftheHolySpirit,whomhepouredoutonusabundantlythroughJesusChristourSavior,thathavingbeenjustifiedbyHisgraceweshouldbecomeheirsaccordingtothehopeofeternallife.’FourthWhatdoesthisbaptismwithwatersignify?Answer:ItsignifiesthattheoldAdamstillwithinusshould,throughdailymortificationandrepentance,bedrownedanddiewithallsinsandevildesires,andagain,thatthenewmanshoulddailycomeforthandarise,tolivebeforeGodinrighteousnessandpurityforever.Whereisthiswritten?Answer:St.PaulsaysinRomans6:4:

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‘Thereforewewereburiedwithhimthroughbaptismintodeath,thatjustasChristwasraisedfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife.’

V.ConfessionHowthesimplepeopleshouldbeinstructed.WhatisConfession?Answer:Confessionincludestwoparts:thefirstistheconfessionofsins,andthesecondisreceivingabsolutionorforgivenessfromtheconfessororpreacheroftheGospel,asfromGodhimself,andnotdoubting,butfirmlybelievingthatsinsareforgivenbeforeGodinheaventhroughthatabsolution.Whatsinsshouldweconfess?Answer:BeforeGodweshouldpleadguiltyofallsins,eventhosewedonotknowabout,aswedointheLord'sPrayer.Beforetheconfessor,however,weshouldconfessonlythosesinsthatweknowabout,andwhichwefeelinourhearts.Whicharethese?Answer:HereleteachpersonconsiderhisstationinlifeaccordingtotheTenCommandments:whetheryouareafather,amother,ason,adaughter,amasterorladyofthehouse,oraservant;whetheryouhavebeendisobedient,unfaithful,ornegligent;whetheryouhavehurtanyonebywordsordeeds;whetheryouhavestolen,neglected,orwastedanything,ordoneanyharmtoanyone. AShortFormofConfessionforSimplePeopleYoushouldspeaktotheconfessorlikethis:Reverendfather,Iaskyoutohearmyconfession,andpronounceforgivenesstomeforGod'ssake.Proceed:I,apoorsinner,confessbeforeGodthatIamguiltyofallsins;especiallyIconfessbeforeyouthatIamaservant(oramaid,etc.),butIservemymasterunfaithfully;forinthis

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andthatIdidnotdo,anddonotdo,whathecommandedme;Ihaveprovokedthem,andcausedthemtocurse;Ineglectedmanythings,andcauseddamage(etc.);Iwasshamelessinwordsanddeeds,Iwasimpatient,Iquarreledwithmyequals,Igrumbledandsworeatthehouselady(etc.).ForallthisIamsorry,andIbegforgrace.Iwanttodobetter.Amasterorladyofthehousemaysaysomethinglikethis:InparticularIconfessbeforeyouthatIwasnotdiligentinfaithfullyeducatingandtrainingmyfamily—mywife,children,andservants—tothegloryofGod;Icursed;ImisusedthenameofGod;Isetabadexamplebyrudewordsanddeeds;Iharmedmyneighbours,andinjuredtheminmanyways;Iusedfalseweightsandmeasures;ItrickedmyneighbourwhenIsoldhimgoods.AndwhateverelsehappenedcontrarytoGod'sCommandments,ineachperson’svocation,letthemconfess.Butifanyonedoesnotfeelthatheisburdenedwithsinslikethese,orweightierones,heshouldnotbeanxiousaboutit,orsearchforandinventothersins,andtherebymakeconfessionatorture,butmentiononeortwosinsthatheknowsabout,like:InparticularIconfessthatIabusedGod’snameonetime;again,Iusedimproperwordsonce;Ionceneglectedthisorthat,etc.Letthisbeenough,andthiswayletthesoulbeatpeace.Butifyouarenotawareofanyatall(whichshouldbepracticallyimpossible),thenyoushouldalsomentionnothinginparticular,butreceiveforgivenessafteryoumakeageneralconfession,whichyoupronouncetotheconfessorinthepresenceofGod.Thenshalltheconfessorsay:MayGodbemercifultoyouandstrengthenyourfaith.Amen.Heshouldalsoaskthepersonmakingconfession:DoyoubelievethatmyforgivenessisGod'sforgiveness?Answer:Yes,father.Thenlethimsaytotheacceptingbeliever:Letitbedonetoyouasyoubelieve.AndatthecommandofourLordJesusChrist,Iforgiveyouforyoursins,inthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit.Amen.Departinpeace.Asforthosewhosufferfromgreatlyafflictedconsciences,temptations,ordespair,theconfessorwillknowhowtocomfortthemwithfurtherpassagesofScripture,whichwillservetoincreasetheirfaith.Theformofconfessionthatwejustlaidoutisjustachildish,commonformforsimple,uneducatedpeople.

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VI.TheSacramentoftheAltarAstheheadofthefamilyshouldteachitinasimplewaytohishousehold.WhatistheSacramentoftheAltar?TheSacramentoftheAltaristhetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist,underthebreadandwine,forusChristianstoeatandtodrink,institutedbyChristHimself.Whereisthiswritten?Answer:Theholyevangelists(Matthew26:26,Mark14:22,Luke22:19),andSt.Paul(1Corinthians11:23),writeasfollows:OurLordJesusChrist,onthenightwhenhewasbetrayed,tookbread,andwhenhehadgiventhanks,hebrokeit,andgaveittohisdisciples,andsaid,‘Take,eat;thisismybody,whichisgivenforyou.Dothisformyremembrance.’Inthesamewayalso,afterhehadsupper,hetookthecup,andwhenhehadgiventhanks,hegaveittothemsaying,‘Take,drinkfromthis,allofyou.Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood,whichisshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.Dothisasoftenasyoudrinkit,formyremembrance.’Butwhatisthebenefitofsucheatinganddrinking?Answer:Thisisindicatedtousbythesewords:‘Given,andshedforyou,fortheremissionofsins’;namely,thatforgivenessofsins,life,andsalvationaregiventousthroughthesewordsintheSacrament.Forwherethereisforgivenessofsins,thereisalsolifeandsalvation.Howcanthisbodilyeatinganddrinkingdosuchgreatthings?Answer:Theeatinganddrinkingcertainlydonotaccomplishthesethings,butthosewordsthatareputhere,namely,‘Given,andshedforyou,fortheremissionofsins’.Thesewords,togetherwiththebodilyeatinganddrinking,arethecentreandsummationofthisSacrament;andhewhobelievesthesewordshaswhattheysayandexpress,namely,theforgivenessofsins.Who,then,receivesormakesuseofthisSacramentworthily?Answer:Fastingandpreparingone’sbodyiscertainlygoodexternaltraining.Butheistrulyworthyandwellpreparedwhohasfaithinthesewords:‘Given,andshedforyou,fortheremissionofsins’.

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Butwhoeverdoesnotbelievethesewords,orwhodoubtsthem,isunworthyandunprepared,becausethewords‘foryou’requireeveryhearttobelieve.

DailyPrayersHowtheheadofthefamilyshouldteachhishouseholdtopraymorningandevening.MorningPrayerInthemorning,whenyourise,youshallblessyourselfwiththeholycrossandsay:InthenameofGodtheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit.Amen.Then,kneelingorstanding,repeattheCreedandtheLord'sPrayer.Ifyouchoose,youmay,inaddition,saythislittleprayer:Ithankyou,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,yourdearSon,thatyouhavekeptmethisnightfromallharmanddanger;and,Ipray,keepmethisdayfromsinandallevil,sothatallmydoingsandlifemaypleaseyou.ForintoyourhandsIcommendmyself,mybodyandsoul,andallthings.Letyourholyangelbewithme,thattheevilfoemayhavenopoweroverme.Amen.Thengotoyourworkwithjoy,singingahymn,astheTenCommandments,orwhatyourdevotionmaysuggest. EveningPrayerIntheevening,whenyougotobed,youshallblessyourselfwiththeholycrossandsay:InthenameofGodtheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit.Amen.Then,kneelingorstanding,repeattheCreedandtheLord'sPrayer.Ifyouchoose,youmay,inaddition,saythislittleprayer:Ithankyou,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,yourdearSon,thatyouhavegraciouslykeptmethisday;and,Ipray,forgivemeforallmysins,whereIhavedonewrong,andgraciouslykeepmethisnight.ForintoyourhandsIcommendmyself,mybodyandsoul,andallthings.Letyourholyangelbewithme,thattheevilfoemayhavenopoweroverme.Amen.Thengotosleeppromptlyandcheerfully.

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HOWTHEHEADOFTHEFAMILYshouldteachhishouseholdtoaskablessingandreturnthanks.AskingaBlessingThechildrenandservantsshallgotothetablewithfoldedhandsandreverently,andsay:Theeyesofalllooktoyou,OLord;andyougivethemtheirmeatindueseason;youopenyourhand,andsatisfythedesireofeverylivingthing.Note:To‘satisfythedesire’meansthatallanimalsreceivesomuchtoeatthattheyareonthisaccountjoyfulandofgoodcheer;forcareandavaricehindersuchsatisfaction.ThensaytheLord'sPrayer,andthefollowingprayer:LordGod,HeavenlyFather,blessusandtheseyourgifts,whichwereceivefromyourbountifulgoodness,throughJesusChrist,ourLord.Amen. ReturningThanksLikewisealsoafterthemealtheyshallreverentlyandwithfoldedhandssay:OgivethanksuntotheLord,forHeisgood;forHismercyenduresforever.Hegivesfoodtoallflesh;Hegivestothebeasthisfood,andtotheyoungravenswhichcry.Hedelightsnotinthestrengthofthehorse;Hetakesnotpleasureinthelegsofaman.TheLordtakespleasureinthemthatfearHim,inthosethathopeinHismercy.ThensaytheLord'sPrayerandthefollowingprayer:Wethankyou,LordGod,ourFather,forallThybenefits,throughJesusChrist,ourLord,wholivesandreignsforeverandever.Amen.

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TableofDutiesCertainpassagesofscriptureforvariousholyordersandpositions,admonishingthemabouttheirdutiesandresponsibilities.ForBishops,Pastors,andPreachers‘Abishopthenmustbeblameless,thehusbandofonewife,temperate,sober-minded,ofgoodbehavior,hospitable,abletoteach;notgiventowine,notviolent,notgreedyformoney,butgentle,notquarrelsome,notcovetous;onewhoruleshisownhousewell,havinghischildreninsubmissionwithallreverence(forifamandoesnotknowhowtorulehisownhouse,howwillhetakecareofthechurchofGod?);notanovice,lestbeingpuffedupwithpridehefallintothesamecondemnationasthedevil.Moreoverhemusthaveagoodtestimonyamongthosewhoareoutside,lesthefallintoreproachandthesnareofthedevil.’1Timothy3:2-7.‘Forabishopmustbeblameless,asastewardofGod,notself-willed,notquick-tempered,notgiventowine,notviolent,notgreedyformoney,buthospitable,aloverofwhatisgood,sober-minded,just,holy,self-controlled,holdingfastthefaithfulwordashehasbeentaught,thathemaybeable,bysounddoctrine,bothtoexhortandconvictthosewhocontradict.’Titus1:7-9.WhattheHearersOwetoTheirPastors‘EvensotheLordhascommandedthatthosewhopreachthegospelshouldlivefromthegospel.’1Corinthians9:14.‘Lethimwhoistaughtthewordshareinallgoodthingswithhimwhoteaches.’Galatians6:6.‘Lettheelderswhorulewellbecountedworthyofdoublehonor,especiallythosewholaborinthewordanddoctrine.FortheScripturesays,“Youshallnotmuzzleanoxwhileittreadsoutthegrain,”and,“Thelaborerisworthyofhiswages.”’1Timothy5:17-18.‘Obeythosewhoruleoveryou,andbesubmissive,fortheywatchoutforyoursouls,asthosewhomustgiveaccount.Letthemdosowithjoyandnotwithgrief,forthatwouldbeunprofitableforyou.’Hebrews13:17-18.ConcerningCivilGovernment‘Leteverysoulbesubjecttothegoverningauthorities.ForthereisnoauthorityexceptfromGod,andtheauthoritiesthatexistareappointedbyGod.ThereforewhoeverresiststheauthorityresiststheordinanceofGod,andthosewhoresistwillbring

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judgmentonthemselves.Forrulersarenotaterrortogoodworks,buttoevil.Doyouwanttobeunafraidoftheauthority?Dowhatisgood,andyouwillhavepraisefromthesame.ForheisGod’sministertoyouforgood.Butifyoudoevil,beafraid;forhedoesnotbeartheswordinvain;forheisGod’sminister,anavengertoexecutewrathonhimwhopracticesevil.’Romans13:1-4.WhatSubjectsOwetotheMagistrates‘RenderthereforetoCaesarthethingsthatareCaesar’s,andtoGodthethingsthatareGod’s.’Matt.22:21.‘Thereforeyoumustbesubject,notonlybecauseofwrathbutalsoforconscience’sake.Forbecauseofthisyoualsopaytaxes,fortheyareGod’sministersattendingcontinuallytothisverything.Renderthereforetoalltheirdue:taxestowhomtaxesaredue,customstowhomcustoms,feartowhomfear,honortowhomhonor.’Rom.13:5-7.‘ThereforeIexhortfirstofallthatsupplications,prayers,intercessions,andgivingofthanksbemadeforallmen,forkingsandallwhoareinauthority,thatwemayleadaquietandpeaceablelifeinallgodlinessandreverence.’1Tim.2:1-2.‘Remindthemtobesubjecttorulersandauthorities,toobey,tobereadyforeverygoodwork,tospeakevilofnoone,tobepeaceable,gentle,showingallhumilitytoallmen.’Titus3:1-2.‘ThereforesubmityourselvestoeveryordinanceofmanfortheLord’ssake,whethertothekingassupreme,ortogovernors,astothosewhoaresentbyhimforthepunishmentofevildoersandforthepraiseofthosewhodogood.ForthisisthewillofGod,thatbydoinggoodyoumayputtosilencetheignoranceoffoolishmen’.1Peter2:13-15.ForHusbands‘Husbands,likewise,dwellwiththemwithunderstanding,givinghonortothewife,astotheweakervessel,andasbeingheirstogetherofthegraceoflife,thatyourprayersmaynotbehindered.’1Peter3:7.‘Husbands,loveyourwives,anddonotbebittertowardthem.’Colossians3:19.ForWives‘Wives,submityourselvestoyourownhusbandsastotheLord.’Ephesians5:22.‘Wives,likewise,besubmissivetoyourownhusbands…asSarahobeyedAbraham,callinghimlord,whosedaughtersyouareifyoudogoodandarenotafraidwithanyterror.’1Peter3:1,6.

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ForParents‘Andyou,fathers,donotprovokeyourchildrentowrath,butbringthemupinthetrainingandadmonitionoftheLord.’Ephesians6:4.ForChildren‘Children,obeyyourparentsintheLord,forthisisright.“Honoryourfatherandmother,”whichisthefirstcommandmentwithpromise:“thatitmaybewellwithyouandyoumaylivelongontheearth.”’Ephesians6:1-3.ForMaleandFemaleServants,HiredMen,andLaborers‘Bondservants,beobedienttothosewhoareyourmastersaccordingtotheflesh,withfearandtrembling,insincerityofheart,astoChrist;notwitheyeservice,asmen-pleasers,butasbondservantsofChrist,doingthewillofGodfromtheheart,withgoodwilldoingservice,astotheLord,andnottomen,knowingthatwhatevergoodanyonedoes,hewillreceivethesamefromtheLord,whetherheisaslaveorfree.’Ephesians6:5-8.SeealsoColossians3:22-24.ForMastersandMistresses‘Andyou,masters,dothesamethingstothem,givingupthreatening,knowingthatyourownMasteralsoisinheaven,andthereisnopartialitywithHim.’Ephesians6:9.‘Masters,giveyourbondservantswhatisjustandfair,knowingthatyoualsohaveaMasterinheaven.’Colossians4:1.ForYoungPersonsinGeneral‘Likewiseyouyoungerpeople,submityourselvestoyourelders.Yes,allofyoubesubmissivetooneanother,andbeclothedwithhumility,for“Godresiststheproud,butgivesgracetothehumble.”ThereforehumbleyourselvesunderthemightyhandofGod,thatHemayexaltyouinduetime.’1Peter5:5-6.ForWidows

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‘Nowshewhoisreallyawidow,andleftalone,trustsinGodandcontinuesinsupplicationsandprayersnightandday.Butshewholivesinpleasureisdeadwhileshelives.’1Timothy5:5-6.ForAllinCommon‘Owenooneanythingexcepttoloveoneanother,forhewholovesanotherhasfulfilledthelaw.Forthecommandments,“Youshallnotcommitadultery,”“Youshallnotmurder,”“Youshallnotsteal,”“Youshallnotbearfalsewitness,”“Youshallnotcovet,”andifthereisanyothercommandment,areallsummedupinthissaying,namely,“Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.”’Romans13:8-9.‘Iexhortfirstofallthatsupplications,prayers,intercessions,andgivingofthanksbemadeforallmen.’1Timothy2:1.

Leteachhislessonlearnwithcare,Andallthehouseholdwellshallfare.