Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, David King,
and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
AN EXPLANATION OF LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM
A Handbook for the Catechetical Class: an Outline and Analysis for
the Pastor's Oral Instruction, and a Summary for the Catechumens'
Study and Review at Home
BY JOSEPH STUMP, D.D.
1910
PREFACE
This book aims to present both an analysis of Luther's Small Catechism
and a clear, concise, yet reasonably full explanation of its contents.
It is an attempt, upon the basis of twenty years' experience and a study
of the literature of the subject, to meet the peculiar wants of the
catechetical class in our Lutheran Church in America. The object of the
book is twofold: first, to furnish an outline of teaching which the
pastor may use as a guide in his oral explanation and questioning; and
secondly, to furnish a sufficiently complete summary by means of which
the catechumens may review the lesson and fix its salient points in
their minds. No text-book can, of course, adequately supply the
parenetical side of the catechetical instruction or take the place of
the living exposition by the pastor. But it can and should support his
work, so that what he explains at one meeting may not be forgotten
before the next meeting, but may be fixed in the minds of the
catechumens by study at home.
Since the task of the pastor in catechization is not only to impart
religious instruction, but to impart it on the basis of that priceless
heritage of our Church, Luther's Small Catechism, the explanation here
offered follows the catechism closely. The words of the catechism are
printed in heavy-faced type and are used as headings wherever possible;
and thus the words of the catechism may be traced as a thread running
through the entire explanation.
Wherever he deemed it necessary, the author has added a fuller
explanation of the text of the catechism than that which Luther gives,
and has supplemented its contents with such additional matter as the
needs of our catechumens require. He does not agree with those
catechetical writers who maintain that the pastor, in his catechization,
must confine himself to an explanation of _Luther's explanation_. Such a
principle would exclude from the catechetical class much which our
catechumens should be taught. But all such additional matters are
introduced under an appropriate head as an organic part of the whole
explanation, thus preserving its unity.
This book is written in the thetical form instead of the traditional
form of questions and answers. There is nothing in the nature of
catechization which would require the use of the interrogative form in
such a text-book, and accordingly the thetical form has for years been
employed by numerous writers of text-books for the catechetical class in
Germany. While questions have an important place in catechetical
instruction, the matter and not the form is the vital thing.
Catechization is _not a method_ of instruction by means of questions and
answers. Neither the original meaning of the word nor the history of
catechization justifies such a definition. (See my article, "A Brief
History of Catechization," in the Lutheran Church Review, January, 1902;
comp. v. Zezschwitz: System der christl.-kirchl. Katechetik, vol. i. pp.
17 seq., and vol. ii., 2. 1., pp. 3 seq.) And since Christian truth is
not something to be brought forth from the mind of the child by means of
questions, but something divinely revealed and hence _to be
communicated_ to the child, the most natural form in which to set it
before him in a text-book is the thetical. Luther's catechism itself is,
indeed, in the form of questions and answers. But his catechism is
confessional as well as didactic, and its words, memorized by the
catechumen, are to become a personal confession of faith. The
explanations of a text-book, on the other hand, are not to be memorized,
but are meant to aid the catechumen in grasping the _thoughts_ of the
catechism. For this purpose, the thetical form is better than the
interrogative, because the explanation is not continually broken by
questions, and is thus better adapted to give the catechumens a
connected idea of the doctrines taught.
Each chapter of this explanation is followed by a number of questions.
After the pastor has explained a lesson at one meeting, the catechumens
should prepare themselves to give an answer to the printed questions _in
their own words_ at the next meeting. The pastor may, of course,
substitute other questions, assign additional ones, or eliminate some.
The proof passages for the teachings set forth are cited in the margin.
The more important passages, particularly those which the catechumens
may be expected to memorize, are specially indicated by a dagger (+),
and are printed in full at the end of the chapter. The use of a
Scripture lesson is, of course, optional with the pastor. One is
indicated, however, for each chapter, and may be read in class or be
assigned to the catechumens to be read at home. The Scriptural
illustrations are cited for the convenience of the pastor in his oral
exposition. The division into chapters has been regulated by the
subject-matter, and will, it is hoped, aid in the survey of the contents
of the book as a whole. It is not intended that each chapter shall
necessarily constitute one lesson. Some lessons will doubtless include
only a part of a chapter, while others will include several chapters, as
the pastor may determine.
While the author, in the preparation of this explanation of Luther's
catechism, has gone his own way, careful consideration has been given to
the voice of those whose study of the problems involved entitled them to
be heard. Luther's other catechetical writings, the standard theoretical
works on Catechetics, and numerous monographs have been constantly at
hand. Explanations of the catechism for the use of pastors and teachers
have been freely consulted,--among others, those of Schuetze, Fricke,
Mehliss, Kahle, Zuck, Kaftan, v. Zezschwitz, Palmer, Harnack, Nissen,
Hempel, Schultze, Th. Hardeland, O. Hardeland, Nebe, Buchrucker, and
Cremer. Acknowledgment is due also to the authors of numerous American
and German text-books and helps for the catechetical class, whose works
have been carefully scanned, in order that the fruits of past experience
and the best results of former labors in this field might, if possible,
be embodied in this work.
May the Lord bless this explanation of Luther's Small Catechism to the
upbuilding of His kingdom and the glory of His name.
JOSEPH STUMP.
PHILLIPBURG, N. J.,
REFORMATION DAY, 1907.
LUTHER'S PREFACE
_Martin Luther to all faithful and godly Pastors and Preachers: Grace,
Mercy and Peace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord!_
The deplorable condition in which I found religious affairs during a
recent visitation of the congregations, has impelled me to publish this
Catechism, or statement of the Christian doctrine, after having prepared
it in very brief and simple terms. Alas! what misery I beheld! The
people, especially those who live in the villages, seem to have no
knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine, and many of the pastors are
ignorant and incompetent teachers. And, nevertheless, they all maintain
that they are Christians, that they have been baptized, and that they
have received the Lord's Supper. Yet they cannot recite the Lord's
Prayer, the Creed, or the Ten Commandments; they live as if they were
irrational creatures, and now that the Gospel has come to them, they
grossly abuse their Christian liberty.
Ye bishops! what answer will ye give to Christ for having so shamefully
neglected the people, and paid no attention to the duties of your
office? I invoke no evil on your heads. But you withhold the cup in the
Lord's Supper, insist on the observance of your human laws, and yet, at
the same time, do not take the least interest in teaching the people the
Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, or any other part of the
word of God. Woe unto you!
Wherefore I beseech you in the Name of God, my beloved brethren, who are
pastors or preachers, to engage heartily in the discharge of the duties
of your office, to have mercy on the people who are entrusted to your
care, and to assist us in introducing the Catechism among them, and
especially among the young. And if any of you do not possess the
necessary qualifications, I beseech you to take at least the following
forms, and read them, word for word, to the people, on this wise:--
In the first place; let the preacher take the utmost care to avoid all
changes or variations in the text and wording of the Ten Commandments,
the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Sacraments, etc. Let him, on the
contrary, take each of the forms respectively, adhere to it, and repeat
it anew, year after year. For young and inexperienced people cannot be
successfully instructed, unless we adhere to the same text or the same
forms of expression. They easily become confused, when the teacher at
one time employs a certain form of words and expressions, and, at
another, apparently with a view to make improvements, adopts a different
form. The result of such a course will he, that all the time and labor
which we have expended will be lost.
This point was well understood by our venerable fathers, who were
accustomed to use the same words in teaching the Lord's Prayer, the
Creed, and the Ten Commandments. We, too, should follow this plan when
we teach these things, particularly in the case of the young and
ignorant, not changing a single syllable, nor introducing any variations
when, year after year, we recur to these forms and recite them anew
before our hearers.
Choose, therefore, the form of words which best pleases you, and adhere
to it perpetually. When you preach in the presence of intelligent and
learned men, you are at liberty to exhibit your knowledge and skill, and
may present and discuss these subjects in all the varied modes which are
at your command. But when you are teaching the young, retain the same
form and manner without change; teach them, first of all, the Ten
Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., always presenting the
same words of the text, so that those who learn can repeat them after
you, and retain them in the memory.
But if any refuse to receive your instructions, tell them plainly that
they deny Christ and are not Christians; such persons shall not be
admitted to the Lord's Table, nor present a child for baptism, nor enjoy
any of our Christian privileges, but are to be sent back to the pope and
his agents, and, indeed, to Satan himself. Their parents and employers
should, besides, refuse to furnish them with food and drink, and notify
them that the government was disposed to banish from the country all
persons of such a rude and intractable character.
For although we cannot, and should not, compel them to exercise faith,
we ought, nevertheless, to instruct the great mass with all diligence,
so that they may know how to distinguish between right and wrong in
their conduct towards those with whom they live, or among whom they
desire to earn their living. For whoever desires to reside in a city,
and enjoy the rights and privileges which its laws confer, is also bound
to know and obey those laws. God grant that such persons may become
sincere believers! But if they remain dishonest and vicious, let them at
least withhold from public view the vices of their hearts.
In the second place; when those whom you are instructing have become
familiar with the words of the text, it is time to teach them to
understand the meaning of those words, so that they may become
acquainted with the object and purport of the lesson. Then proceed to
another of the following forms, or, at your pleasure, choose any other
which is brief, and adhere strictly to the same words and forms of
expression in the text, without altering a single syllable; besides,
allow yourself ample time for the lessons. For it is not necessary that
you should, on the same occasion, proceed from the beginning to the end
of the several parts; it will be more profitable if you present them
separately, in regular succession. When the people have, for instance,
at length correctly understood the First Commandment, you may proceed to
the Second, and so continue. By neglecting to observe this mode, the
people will be overburdened, and be prevented from understanding and
retaining in memory any considerable part of the matter communicated to
them.
In the third place; when you have thus reached the end of this Short
Catechism, begin anew with the Large Catechism, and by means of it
furnish the people with fuller and more comprehensive explanations.
Explain here at large every Commandment, every Petition, and, indeed,
every part, showing the duties which they severally impose, and both the
advantages which follow the performance of those duties, and also the
dangers and losses which result from the neglect of them. Insist in an
especial manner on such. Commandments or other parts as seem to be most
of all misunderstood or neglected by your people. It will, for example,
be necessary that you should enforce with the utmost earnestness the
Seventh Commandment, which treats of stealing, when you are teaching
workmen, dealers and even farmers and servants, inasmuch as many of
these are guilty of various dishonest and thievish practices. So, too,
it will be your duty to explain and apply the Fourth Commandment with
great diligence, when you are teaching children and uneducated adults,
and to urge them to observe order, to be faithful, obedient and
peaceable, as well as to adduce numerous instances mentioned in the
Scriptures, which show that God punished such as were guilty in these
things, and blessed the obedient.
Here, too, let it be your great aim to urge magistrates and parents to
rule wisely, and to educate the children, admonishing them, at the same
time, that such duties are imposed on them, and showing them how
grievously they sin if they neglect them. For in such a case they
overthrow and lay waste alike the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the
world, acting as if they were the worst enemies both of God and man. And
show them very plainly the shocking evils of which they are the authors,
when they refuse their aid in training up children to be pastors,
preachers, writers, etc., and set forth that on account of such sins God
will inflict an awful punishment upon them. It is, indeed, necessary to
preach on these things; for parents and magistrates are guilty of sins
in this respect, which are so great that there are no terms in which
they can be described. And truly, Satan has a cruel design in fostering
these evils.
Finally; inasmuch as the people are now relieved from the tyranny of the
pope, they refuse to come to the Lord's Table, and treat it with
contempt. On this point, also, it is very necessary that you should give
them instructions, while, at the same time, you are to be guided by the
following principles: That we are to compel no one to believe, or to
receive the Lord's Supper; that we are not to establish any laws on this
point, or appoint the time and place; but that we should so preach as to
influence the people, without any law adopted, by us, to urge, and, as
it were, to compel us who are pastors, to administer the Lord's Supper
to them. Now this object may be attained, if we address them in the
following manner; It is to be feared that he who does not desire to
receive the Lord's Supper at least three or four times during the year,
despises the Sacrament, and is no Christian. So, too, he is no
Christian, who neither believes nor obeys the Gospel; for Christ did not
say: "Omit or despise this," but "This do ye, as oft as ye drink it,"
etc. He commands that this should be done, and by no means be neglected
and despised. He says: "This do."
Now he who does not highly value the Sacrament, shows thereby that he
has no sin, no flesh, no devil, no world, no death, no danger, no hell;
that is to say, he does not believe that such evils exist, although he
may be deeply immersed in them, and completely belong to the devil. On
the other hand, he needs no grace, no life, no Paradise, no heaven, no
Christ, no God, no good thing. For if he believed that he was involved
in such evils, and that he was in need of such blessings, he could not
refrain from receiving the Sacrament, wherein aid is afforded against
such evils, and, again, such blessings are bestowed. It will not be
necessary to compel him by the force of any law to approach the Lord's
Table; he will hasten to it of his own accord, will compel himself to
come, and indeed urge you to administer the Sacrament to him.
Hence, you are by no means to adopt any compulsory law in this case, as
the Pope has done. Let it simply be your aim to set forth distinctly the
advantages and losses, the wants and the benefits, the dangers and the
blessings, which are to be considered in connection with the Sacrament;
the people will, doubtless, then seek it without urgent demands on your
part. If they still refuse to come forward, let them choose their own
ways, and tell them that those who do not regard their own spiritual
misery, and do not desire the gracious help of God, belong to Satan. But
if you do not give such solemn admonitions, or if you adopt odious
compulsory laws on the subject, it is your own fault if the people treat
the Sacrament with contempt. Will they not necessarily be slothful, if
you are silent and sleep? Therefore consider the subject seriously, ye
Pastors and Preachers! Our office has now assumed a very different
character from that which it bore under the Pope; it is now of a very
grave nature, and is very salutary in its influence. It consequently
subjects us to far greater burdens and labors, dangers and temptations,
while it brings with it an inconsiderable reward, and very little
gratitude in the world. But Christ himself will be our reward, if we
labor with fidelity. May He grant such mercy unto us who is the Father
of all grace, to whom be given thanks and praises through Christ, our
Lord, for ever! Amen.
WITTENBERG, A.D. 1529.
THE SMALL CATECHISM
PART I.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
_In the plain form in which they are to be taught by the head of a
family._
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
[Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of
anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or
that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of
them that love Me, and keep my commandments.]
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Answer_. We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord
will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to curse, swear, conjure,
lie, or deceive, by His Name, but call upon Him in every time of need,
and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT.
Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy.
[Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is
the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou,
nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant,
nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six
days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day,
and hallowed it.]
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to despise His Word and the
preaching of the Gospel, but deem it holy, and willing to hear and learn
it.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to despise nor displease our
parents and superiors, but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not kill.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to do our neighbor any
bodily harm or injury, but rather assist and comfort him in danger and
want.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as to be chaste and pure in our
words and deeds, each one also loving and honoring his wife or her
husband.
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not steal.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to rob our neighbor of his
money or property, nor bring it into our possession by unfair dealing or
fraudulent means, but rather assist him to improve and protect it.
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not deceitfully to belie,
betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor, but
apologize for him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable
construction on all his actions.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to desire by craftiness to
gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, or to obtain it
under the pretext of a legal right, but be ready to assist and serve him
in the preservation of his own.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his
maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy
neighbor's.
_What is meant by this Commandment?_
_Ans._ We should so fear and love God as not to alienate our neighbor's
wife from him, entice away his servants, nor let loose his cattle, but
use our endeavors that they may remain and discharge their duty to him.
_What does God declare concerning all these Commandments?_
_Ans._ He says: I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of
them that love Me and keep my commandments.
_What is meant by this declaration?_
_Ans._ God threatens to punish all those who transgress these
commandments. We should, therefore, dread His displeasure, and not act
contrarily to these commandments. But He promises grace and every
blessing to all who keep them. We should, therefore, love and trust in
Him, and cheerfully do what He has commanded us.
PART II.
THE CREED.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._
FIRST ARTICLE.--OF CREATION.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans._ I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that He
has given and still preserves to me my body and soul with all my limbs
and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with my
raiment, food, home, and family, and all my property; that He daily
provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of life, protects me
from all danger, and preserves me and guards me against all evil; all
which He does out of pure, paternal, and divine goodness and mercy,
without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty bound
to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
SECOND ARTICLE.--OF REDEMPTION.
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He
rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to
judge the quick and the dead.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans._ I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father
from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord;
who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, secured and
delivered me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil,
not with silver and gold, but with His holy and precious blood, and with
His innocent sufferings and death; in order that I might be His, live
under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness,
innocence, and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, and lives
and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
THIRD ARTICLE.--OF SANCTIFICATION.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the Communion of
Saints; the Forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body; and the
Life everlasting. Amen.
_What is meant by this Article?_
_Ans._ I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in
Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me
through the Gospel, enlightened me by His gifts, and sanctified and
preserved me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers,
enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and
preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith; in which
Christian Church He daily forgives abundantly all my sins, and the sins
of all believers, and will raise up me and all the dead at the last day,
and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ.
This is most certainly true.
PART III.
THE LORD'S PRAYER.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._
INTRODUCTION.
Our Father Who art in heaven.
_What is meant by this Introduction?_
_Ans._ God would thereby affectionately encourage us to believe that He
is truly our Father, and that we are His children indeed, so that we may
call upon Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved
children entreat their affectionate parent.
FIRST PETITION.
Hallowed be Thy Name.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ The Name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this
petition that it may be hallowed also by us.
_How is this effected?_
_Ans._ When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we,
as the children of God, lead holy lives, in accordance with it; to this
may our blessed Father in heaven help us! But whoever teaches and lives
otherwise than as God's Word prescribes, profanes the Name of God among
us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father!
SECOND PETITION.
Thy kingdom come.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer;
but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also.
_When is this effected?_
_Ans._ When our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His
grace we believe His holy Word, and live a godly life here on earth, and
in heaven for ever.
THIRD PETITION.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our
prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done by us also.
_When is this effected?_
_Ans._ When God frustrates and brings to naught every evil counsel and
purpose, which would hinder us from hallowing the Name of God, and
prevent His kingdom from coming to us, such as the will of the devil, of
the world, and of our own flesh; and when He strengthens us, and keeps
us steadfast in His Word, and in the faith, even unto our end. This is
His gracious and good will.
FOURTH PETITION.
Give us this day our daily bread.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ God gives indeed without our prayer even to the wicked also their
daily bread; but we pray in this petition that He would make us sensible
of His benefits, and enable us to receive our daily bread with
thanksgiving.
_What is implied in the words: "Our daily bread"?_
_Ans._ All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this
present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and land, and
other property; a believing spouse and good children; trustworthy
servants and faithful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health;
education and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like.
FIFTH PETITION.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
us.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ We pray in this petition, that our Heavenly Father would not
regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on account of them; for we are
not worthy of anything for which we pray, and have not merited it; but
that He would grant us all things through grace, although we daily
commit much sin, and deserve chastisement alone. We will therefore, on
our part, both heartily forgive, and also readily do good to those who
may injure or offend us.
SIXTH PETITION.
And, lead us not into temptation.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ God indeed tempts no one to sin; but we pray in this petition
that God would so guard and preserve us, that the devil, the world, and
our own flesh, may not deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief,
despair, and other great and shameful sins; and that, though we may be
thus tempted, we may, nevertheless, finally prevail and gain the
victory.
SEVENTH PETITION.
But deliver us from evil.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Heavenly
Father would deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect the
body or soul, property or character, and, at last, when the hour of
death shall arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously take as from
this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
CONCLUSION.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and
ever. Amen.
_What is meant by the word "Amen"?_
_Ans._ That I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to
our Heavenly Father, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded
us to pray in this manner, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen,
Amen, that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.
PART IV.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._
I. _What is Baptism?_
_Ans._ Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water comprehended in
God's command, and connected with God's Word.
_What is that Word of God?_
_Ans._ It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as it is recorded
in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19: "Go ye, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost."
II. _What gifts or benefits does Baptism confer?_
_Ans._ It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil,
and confers everlasting salvation on all who believe, as the Word and
promise of God declare.
_What are such words and promises of God?_
_Ans._ Those which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as they are recorded in
the last chapter of Mark, verse 16: "He that believeth and is baptized,
shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned."
III. _How can water produce such great effects?_
_Ans._ It is not the water indeed that produces these effects, but the
Word of God which accompanies and is connected with the water, and our
faith, which relies on the Word of God connected with the water. For the
water, without the Word of God, is simply water and no baptism. But when
connected with the Word of God, it is a baptism, that is, a gracious
water of life, and a "washing of regeneration" in the Holy Ghost; as St.
Paul says to Titus, in the third chapter, verses 5-8: "According to His
mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our
Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."
IV. _What does such baptizing with water signify?_
_Ans._ It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned, and
destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together with all sins and
evil lusts; and that again, the new man should daily come forth and
rise, that shall live in the presence of God in righteousness and purity
forever.
_Where is it so written?_
_Ans._ St. Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse 4, says:
"We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death; that like as He was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life."
OF CONFESSION.
_What is Confession?_
_Ans._ Confession consists of two parts: the one is, that we confess our
sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgiveness through the
pastor as of God himself, in no wise doubting, but firmly believing that
our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven.
_What sins ought we to confess?_
_Ans._ In the presence of God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of
all manner of sins, even of those which we do not ourselves perceive; as
we do in the Lord's Prayer. But in the presence of the pastor we should
confess those sins alone of which we have knowledge, and which we feel
in our hearts.
_Which are these?_
_Ans._ Here reflect on your condition, according to the Ten
Commandments, namely: Whether you are a father or mother, a son or
daughter, a master or mistress, a manservant or maidservant--whether you
have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful--whether you have injured
any one by words or actions-whether you have stolen, neglected, or
wasted aught, or done other evil.
PART V.
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR,
OR, THE LORD'S SUPPER.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._
_What is the Sacrament of the Altar?_
_Ans._ It is the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the
bread and wine, given unto us Christians to eat and to drink, as it was
instituted by Christ Himself.
_Where is it so written?_
_Ans._ The Holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together with St.
Paul, write thus:
"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took
bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His
disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you:
this do, in remembrance of Me.
"After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: this cup is the
new testament in my Blood, which is shed for you, for the remission of
sins: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me."
_What benefits are derived from such eating and drinking?_
_Ans._ They are pointed out in these words; "given and shed for you, for
the remission of sins." Namely, through these words, the remission of
sins, life and salvation are granted unto us in the Sacrament. For where
there is remission of sins, there are also life and salvation.
_How can the bodily eating and drinking produce such great effects?_
_Ans._ The eating and the drinking, indeed, do not produce them, but the
words which stand here, namely: "given, and shed for you, for the
remission of sins." These words are, besides the bodily eating and
drinking, the chief things in the Sacrament; and he who believes these
words, has that which they declare and set forth, namely, the remission
of sins.
_Who is it, then, that receives this Sacrament worthily?_
_Ans._ Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good external
discipline; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these
words, "given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." But he who
does not believe these words, or who doubts, is unworthy and unfit: for
the words: "FOR YOU," require truly believing hearts.
* * * * *
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family_.
MORNING.
PP _In the Morning, when thou risest, thou shalt say:_
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
PP _Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed _and
the_ Lord's Prayer.
PP _Then mayest than say this Prayer_:
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear
Son, that Thou hast protected me through the night from all danger and
harm; and I beseech Thee to preserve and keep me this day also, from all
sin and evil; that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may serve and
please Thee. Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is
mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one
may have no power over me. Amen.
PP _And then shouldst thou go with joy to thy work, after a Hymn, or the_
Ten Commandments, _or whatever thy devotion may suggest._
EVENING.
PP _In the Evening, when thou goest to bed, thou shall say:_
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
PP _Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed _and
the_ Lord's Prayer.
PP _Then mayest thou say this Prayer:_
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear
Son, that Thou hast this day so graciously protected me, and I beseech
Thee to forgive me all my sins, and the wrong which I have done, and by
Thy great mercy defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night.
Into thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy
holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no
power over me. Amen.
PP _And then lie down, in peace, and sleep._
* * * * *
BLESSING AND THANKSGIVING AT TABLE.
_In the plain form in which they are to be taught by the head of a
family._
BEFORE MEAT.
PP _Before meat, the members of the family surrounding the table
reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_
The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest them their meat
in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of
every living thing.
PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer:
O Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless unto us these Thy gifts, which of Thy
tender kindness Thou hast bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
PP _After meat, reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for
ever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food, and
to the young ravens which cry. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that
tear Him; in those that hope in His mercy,
PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer:
We give thanks, to Thee, O God. Our Father, for all Thy benefits,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, for
ever and ever. Amen.
* * * * *
TABLE OF DUTIES.
_Or, certain passages of the Scriptures, selected for various orders and
conditions of men, wherein their respective duties are set forth._
BISHOPS, PASTORS, AND PREACHERS.
A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of
good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no
striker, not greedy of filthy lucre: but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity; not a novice, but holding fast the faithful
word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both
to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.--I Tim. 3:2-6; Tit. 1:9.
WHAT DUTIES HEARERS OWE THEIR BISHOPS.
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should
live of the Gospel.--[I Cor. 9:14.] Let him that is taught in the Word
communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things,--Gal. 6:6. Let
the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially
they who labor in word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt
not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy
of his reward.--I Tim. 5:17, 18. Obey them that have the rule over you,
and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must
give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that
is unprofitable for you.--Heb. 13:17.
MAGISTRATES.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power
but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God; for rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of
the power? do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the
same; for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do
that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for
he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that
doeth evil.--Rom. 13:1-4.
WHAT DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE MAGISTRATES.
Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.--Matt. 22:21.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore we must
needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For
this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending
continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues;
tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom
fear; honor to whom honor.--Rom. 13:1, 5. I exhort, therefore, that,
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty.--I Tim. 2. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and
powers, etc.--Tit. 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for
the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; or unto governors
as unto them that are sent, etc.--I Pet. 2:13.
HUSBANDS.
Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor
unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of
the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.--1 Pet. 3:7. And
be not bitter against them.--Col. 3:19.
WIVES.
Wives submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord--even as
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are, as long
as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.--Eph. 5:22; I
Pet. 3:6.
PARENTS.
Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord.--Eph. 6:4.
CHILDREN.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy
father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that
it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.--Eph.
6:1-3.
MALE AND FEMALE SERVANTS AND LABORERS.
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the
flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto
Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of
Christ doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing
service as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good
thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he
be bond or free.--Eph. 6:5-8
MASTERS AND MISTRESSES.
Ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening;
knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of
persons with Him.--Eph. 6:9
YOUNG PERSONS IN GENERAL.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due
time.--I Pet. 5:5, 6.
WIDOWS.
She that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and
continueth in supplications and prayers night and day; but she that
liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.--I Tim. 5:5, 6.
CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL.
Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are comprehended all the
commandments.--Rom. 13:9, 10. And persevere in prayer for all men.--I
Tim. 2:1, 2.
AN EXPLANATION
OF
LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM
INTRODUCTION.
CHAPTER I.
THE BIBLE.
THE BIBLE is the inspired and unerring record of what God has revealed
to men concerning Himself and the Way of Salvation. [II Tim. 3:16+, Gal.
1:8] Hence, if we ask, "What must I do to be saved?" the answer to our
question must be sought in the Bible. It tells us what to believe and
what to do in order that we may belong to God's kingdom on earth and in
heaven. [Matt. 6:33+, Acts 16:30+, John 5:39+] It is the only rule and
standard of Christian faith and life.
WHY NEEDED. Even without the Bible, men know that there is a Higher
Being. Their own conscience tells them that there is a God who will
punish them if they do wrong; [Rom 2:14, 15] and the works of nature
proclaim that there is an Almighty Being who created them. [Ps. 19:1+]
But the knowledge of God which men gain from their own conscience and
from nature is insufficient. Neither nature nor conscience can tell us
anything about the Way of Salvation which God has prepared for us in
Jesus Christ. It is only from the Bible that we can learn how we shall
be saved.
ITS INSPIRATION. The Bible is the Word of God. It was written by holy
men whom God inspired. [II Pet. 1:21+] It contains knowledge which no
man could have discovered by his own power. It foretells events which no
uninspired man could have foreseen. It contains teachings so exalted and
holy that they could not have originated in the heart of man. It
possesses a power such as no merely human book ever did or could
possess. [Heb. 4:12]
ITS OBJECT is to make us wise unto salvation. [II Tim. 3:15+, Prov
9:10+] It is to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path [Ps.
119:105+] to guide us safely through this world to our heavenly home. It
contains all that we need to know and all that we ever shall know in
this world concerning God and His will. [Luke: 6:31] It is the final and
absolute authority in all matters of religion. We should, therefore, pay
most earnest heed to its teachings, believe them with all our heart, and
apply them in our lives.
ITS CONTENTS. It consists of sixty-six "books," written between the
years 1500 B.C. and 100 A.D., and contains the History and the Doctrines
of the Kingdom of God.
OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. The Bible consists of two parts: The Old
Testament and the New Testament, The Old Testament reaches from Creation
to about 400 B.C., and shows how God prepared the world for Christ's
kingdom. The New Testament reaches from the birth of Christ to the end
of the world, and shows how Christ came and established His kingdom.
LAW AND GOSPEL. The Bible contains Law, [Micah 6:8+] telling us what we
must do, and Gospel, [John 3:16+] telling us how we are to be saved. The
Old Testament contains principally Law, and the New Testament contains
principally Gospel. But there are Law and Gospel in both. The Gospel in
the Old Testament is prophetical. The Old Testament prepared the way for
the New; the New Testament is the fulfilment of the Old. With the New
Testament, God's revelation to men was completed; [Heb. 1:1, 2+, Heb.
2:1-3] no further revelation will be given.
THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
_Historical._
Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Numbers,
Deuteronomy,
Joshua,
Judges,
Ruth,
I Samuel,
II Samuel,
I Kings,
II Kings,
I Chronicles,
II Chronicles,
Ezra,
Nehemiah,
Esther.
_Poetical._
Job,
Psalms,
Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes,
Song of Solomon.
_Prophetical._
Isaiah,
Jeremiah,
Lamentations,
Ezekiel,
Daniel,
Hosea,
Joel,
Amos,
Obadiah,
Jonah,
Micah,
Nahum,
Habakkuk,
Zephaniah,
Haggai,
Zechariah,
Malachi.
The _historical_ books of the Old Testament give an account of the
creation of the world and of man, of the entrance of sin and death, of
God's covenant with Israel to save them, and of the history of Israel as
God's chosen people. The _poetical_ books give the teachings of the Old
Testament covenant in prayers, proverbs and hymns. The _prophetical_
books contain many instructions, admonitions and prophecies (especially
concerning Christ who should come to save men) which God sent to the
Israelites through the prophets. The first four prophets are called the
Major Prophets; and the last twelve, the Minor Prophets.
THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.
_Historical._
Matthew,
Mark,
Luke,
John,
Acts.
_Didactical._
Romans,
I Corinthians,
II Corinthians,
Galatians,
Ephesians,
Philippians,
Colossians,
I Thessalonians,
II Thessalonians,
I Timothy,
II Timothy,
Titus,
Philemon,
Hebrews,
James,
I Peter,
II Peter,
I John,
II John,
III John,
Jude
_Prophetical._
Revelation.
The _historical_ books of the New Testament give an account of the life
of our Lord Jesus Christ and of some of His apostles. The _didactical_
books (the epistles or letters) explain the Gospel of Christ more fully,
and show how we are to believe in Him aright and live aright. The
_prophetical_ book tells in figurative language what shall take place in
the Church of Christ up to the time when there shall be new heavens and
a new earth.
CANONICAL BOOKS. The sixty-six books enumerated above are inspired, and
are called the Canonical Books of the Old and New Testaments. The
so-called Apocryphal Books, printed in some editions of the Bible, are
not a part of the Bible: they are not inspired.
OUR ENGLISH BIBLE. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew,
and the New Testament in Greek. Our English Bible is a translation from
the Hebrew and the Greek. The English Bible which is in ordinary use is
called the Authorized Version, or King James' Version. It is a
translation made by a body of learned men and published in England in
1611, during the reign of James I. The Revised Version is an improved
translation made by a body of learned men in England and America and
published in 1881-1885. The Bible in whole or in part has been
translated into more than three hundred languages.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the Bible? 2. What does it tell us? 3. Why do we
need it? 4. Why do we say that the Bible is the Word of God? 5. What is
its object? 6. What does it contain? 7. Of what two parts does the Bible
consist, and how far do they reach? 8. What do we mean by Law and
Gospel, and where are they found? 9. What is the relation between the
Old and New Testaments? 10. Name the books of the Old Testament. 11.
What do the historical, poetical and prophetical books of the Old
Testament contain. 12. Name the books of the New Testament. 13. What do
the historical, didactical and prophetical books of the New Testament
contain? 14. How many canonical books of the Bible are there? 15. In
what languages was the Bible originally written? 16. Tell what you know
about the English Bible? 17. Into how many languages has the Bible in
whole or in part been translated?
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--II Tim. 3:16, 17. All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Matt. 6:33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and
all these things shall be added unto you.
Acts 16:30, 31. What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
John 5:39. Search the Scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal
life: and they are they which testify of me.
Ps. 19:1. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
showeth his handiwork.
II Pet. 1:21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
II Tim. 3:15. From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus.
Prov. 9:10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Micah 6:8. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the
Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk
humbly with thy God.
John 3:16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
Heb. 1:1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in
time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days
spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the worlds.
READING.--The Child Jesus in the Temple, Luke 2:41-52; or Mary sitting
at Jesus' Feet, Luke 10:38-42.
ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Study of the Scriptures:_ Jesus and the Apostles at
home in them, Matt. 4:4-10, Acts 2: 14 _seq._ Timothy, II Tim. 3:15. The
Bereans, Acts 17:10-12. _Variously received:_ The Parable of the Sower,
Luke 8:5-15.
CHAPTER II.
THE CATECHISM.
The object of catechetical instruction is to fit us for communicant
membership in the Church. Those who were baptized in infancy are members
of the Church; but they are not admitted to the Lord's Supper, and hence
do not become communicant members, until they have been instructed and
confirmed.
Luther's Small Catechism is our text-book for catechetical instruction.
It is not only the best book for this purpose, but is one of the
Confessions of our Church, and should become our personal confession of
faith, it is called Luther's _Small_ Catechism, because Luther wrote a
larger one also.
THE AUTHOR of our catechism was Dr. Martin Luther (b. 1483, d. 1546),
the great Reformer, through whom God effected the Reformation of the
Church, in the sixteenth century. He began the Reformation with his
Ninety-five Theses against the sale of indulgences, contended against
the many errors and abuses that had crept into the Church, and preached
and taught the pure truth of the Gospel, until his death. (Ninety-five
Theses, 1517; Translation of the Bible into German, 1522-34; Larger and
Smaller Catechisms, 1529; Augsburg Confession adopted 1530.)
THE CATECHISM Contains the principal teachings of the Bible,--those
things which we need to know in order to be saved and to lead a right
Christian life. [Acts 16:30, Matt. 6:33] It is not meant to displace the
Bible, but to fit us to read and study the Bible with greater profit.
[John 5:39]
THE FIVE PRINCIPAL PARTS of the catechism are 1. The Ten Commandments.
2. The Creed. 3. The Lord's Prayer. 4. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism. 5.
The Sacrament of the Altar[1]. To these are added Questions on
Confession, Morning and Evening Prayers, Thanksgiving before and after
Meat, and A Table of Duties.
[Footnote 1: Luther says that three things are necessary for every one
who would be saved. Like a sick person, 1. He must know what his
sickness is. 2. He must know where the medicine is which will cure him.
3. He must desire and seek the medicine, and have it brought to him. Our
sickness (sin) is revealed to us by the Ten Commandments. The medicine
(God's grace) is made known to us in the Creed. We seek and ask for it
in the Lord's Prayer. It is brought to us in the Sacraments.]
QUESTIONS.--1. What is the object of catechetical instruction? 2. What
is to be said about the relation of baptized children to the Church? 3.
What is Luther's Small Catechism, and what should it become for us? 4.
Who was the author of our Catechism? 5. What does our Catechism contain?
6. Name the five principal parts of the catechism, and the additions to
them.
SCRIPTURE READING.--Paul confesses his Faith, Acts 26.
PART I.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.