Martin
Luther to All Faithful and Godly Pastors and
Preachers:
Grace, Mercy, and
Peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
The deplorable,
miserable condition which I discovered lately when I, too, was a
visitor, has forced and urged me to prepare [publish] this
Catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple
form. Mercy! Good God! what manifold misery I beheld! The common
people, especially in the villages, have no knowledge whatever of
Christian doctrine, and, alas! many pastors are altogether
incapable and incompetent to teach [so much so, that one is
ashamed to speak of it]. Nevertheless, all maintain that they are
Christians, have been baptized and receive the [common] holy
Sacraments. Yet they [do not understand and] cannot
[even] recite either the Lord's Prayer, or the Creed, or
the Ten Commandments; they live like dumb brutes and irrational
hogs; and yet, now that the Gospel has come, they have nicely
learned to abuse all liberty like experts.
O ye bishops! [to
whom this charge has been committed by God,] what will ye ever
answer to Christ for having so shamefully neglected the people and
never for a moment discharged your office? [You are the persons to
whom alone this ruin of the Christian religion is due. You have
permitted men to err so shamefully; yours is the guilt; for you
have ever done anything rather than what your office required you
to do.] May all misfortune flee you! [I do not wish at this place
to invoke evil on your heads.] You command the Sacrament in one
form [but is not this the highest ungodliness coupled with the
greatest impudence that you are insisting on the administration of
the Sacrament in one form only, and on your traditions] and insist
on your human laws, and yet at the same time you do not care in
the least [while you are utterly without scruple and concern]
whether the people know the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Ten
Commandments, or any part of the Word of God. Woe, woe, unto you
forever!
Therefore I entreat
[and adjure] you all for God's sake, my dear sirs and brethren,
who are pastors or preachers, to devote yourselves heartily to
your office, to have pity on the people who are entrusted to you,
and to help us inculcate the Catechism upon the people, and
especially upon the young. And let those of you who cannot do
better [If any of you are so unskilled that you have absolutely no
knowledge of these matters, let them not be ashamed to] take these
tables and forms and impress them, word for word, on the people,
as follows:--
In the first place,
let the preacher above all be careful to avoid many kinds of or
various texts and forms of the Ten Commandments, the Lord's
Prayer, the Creed, the Sacraments, etc., but choose one form to
which he adheres, and which he inculcates all the time, year after
year. For [I give this advice, however, because I know that] young
and simple people must be taught by uniform, settled texts and
forms, otherwise they easily become confused when the teacher
to-day teaches them thus, and in a year some other way, as if he
wished to make improvements, and thus all effort and labor [which
has been expended in teaching] is lost.
Also our blessed
fathers understood this well; for they all used the same form of
the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. Therefore
we, too, should [imitate their diligence and be at pains to] teach
the young and simple people these parts in such a way as not to
change a syllable, or set them forth and repeat them one year
differently than in another [no matter how often we teach the
Catechism].
Hence, choose
whatever form you please, and adhere to it forever. But when you
preach in the presence of learned and intelligent men, you may
exhibit your skill, and may present these parts in as varied and
intricate ways and give them as masterly turns as you are able.
But with the young people stick to one fixed, permanent form and
manner, and teach them, first of all, these parts, namely, the Ten
Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., according to the
text, word for word, so that they, too, can repeat it in the same
manner after you and commit it to memory.
But those who are
unwilling to learn it should be told that they deny Christ and are
no Christians, neither should they be admitted to the Sacrament,
accepted as sponsors at baptism, nor exercise any part of
Christian liberty, but should simply be turned back to the Pope
and his officials, yea, to the devil himself. Moreover, their
parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and [they
would also do well if they were to] notify them that the prince
will drive such rude people from the country, etc.
For although we
cannot and should not force any one to believe, yet we should
insist and urge the people that they know what is right and wrong
with those among whom they dwell and wish to make their living.
For whoever desires to reside in a town must know and observe the
town laws, the protection of which he wishes to enjoy, no matter
whether he is a believer or at heart and in private a rogue or
knave.
In the second place,
after they have well learned the text, then teach them the sense
also, so that they know what it means, and again choose the form
of these tables, or some other brief uniform method, whichever you
like, and adhere to it, and do not change a single syllable, as
was just said regarding the text; and take your time to it. For it
is not necessary that you take up all the parts at once, but one
after the other. After they understand the First Commandment well,
then take up the Second, and so on, otherwise they will be
overwhelmed, so as not to be able to retain any well.
In the third place,
after you have thus taught them this Short Catechism, then take up
the Large Catechism, and give them also a richer and fuller
knowledge. Here explain at large every commandment, [article,]
petition, and part with its various works, uses, benefits,
dangers, and injuries, as you find these abundantly stated in many
books written about these matters. And particularly, urge that
commandment or part most which suffers the greatest neglect among
your people. For instance, the Seventh Commandment, concerning
stealing, must be strenuously urged among mechanics and merchants,
and even farmers and servants, for among these people many kinds
of dishonesty and thieving prevail. So, too, you must urge well
the Fourth Commandment among the children and the common people,
that they may be quiet and faithful, obedient and peaceable, and
you must always adduce many examples from the Scriptures to show
how God has punished or blessed such persons.
Especially should you
here urge magistrates and parents to rule well and to send their
children to school, showing them why it is their duty to do this,
and what a damnable sin they are committing if they do not do it.
For by such neglect they overthrow and destroy both the kingdom of
God and that of the world, acting as the worst enemies both of God
and of men. And make it very plain to them what an awful harm they
are doing if they will not help to train children to be pastors,
preachers, clerks [also for other offices, with which we cannot
dispense in this life], etc., and that God will punish them
terribly for it. For such preaching is needed. [Verily, I do not
know of any other topic that deserves to be treated as much as
this.] Parents and magistrates are now sinning unspeakably in this
respect. The devil, too, aims at something cruel because of these
things [that he may hurl Germany into the greatest
distress].
Lastly, since the
tyranny of the Pope has been abolished, people are no longer
willing to go to the Sacrament and despise it [as something
useless and unnecessary]. Here again urging is necessary, however,
with this understanding: We are to force no one to believe, or to
receive the Sacrament, nor fix any law, nor time, nor place for
it, but are to preach in such a manner that of their own accord,
without our law, they will urge themselves and, as it were, compel
us pastors to administer the Sacrament. This is done by telling
them: Whoever does not seek or desire the Sacrament at least some
four times a year, it is to be feared that he despises the
Sacrament and is no Christian, just as he is no Christian who does
not believe or hear the Gospel; for Christ did not say, This omit,
or, This despise, but, This do ye, as oft as ye drink
it, etc. Verily, He wants it done, and not entirely neglected
and despised. This do ye, He says.
Now, whoever does not
highly value the Sacrament thereby shows that he has no sin, no
flesh, no devil, no world, no death, no danger, no hell; that is,
he does not believe any such things, although he is in them over
head and ears and is doubly the devil's own. On the other hand, he
needs no grace, life, Paradise, heaven, Christ, God, nor anything
good. For if he believed that he had so much that is evil, and
needed so much that is good, he would not thus neglect the
Sacrament, by which such evil is remedied and so much good is
bestowed. Neither will it be necessary to force him to the
Sacrament by any law, but he will come running and racing of his
own accord, will force himself and urge you that you must give him
the Sacrament.
Hence, you must not
make any law in this matter, as the Pope does. Only set forth
clearly the benefit and harm, the need and use, the danger and the
blessing, connected with this Sacrament, and the people will come
of themselves without your compulsion. But if they do not come,
let them go and tell them that such belong to the devil as do not
regard nor feel their great need and the gracious help of God. But
if you do not urge this, or make a law or a bane of it, it is your
fault if they despise the Sacrament. How could they be otherwise
than slothful if you sleep and are silent? Therefore look to it,
ye pastors and preachers. Our office is now become a different
thing from what it was under the Pope; it is now become serious
and salutary. Accordingly, it now involves much more trouble and
labor, danger and trials, and, in addition thereto, little reward
and gratitude in the world. But Christ Himself will be our reward
if we labor faithfully. To this end may the Father of all grace
help us, to whom be praise and thanks forever through Christ, our
Lord! Amen.
As the head
of the family should teach them in a simple way to his
household.
The First
Commandment.
Thou shalt
have no other gods.
What does this
mean?--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.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or
deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray,
praise, and give thanks.
The Third
Commandment.
Thou shalt
sanctify the holy-day.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but
hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn
it.
The Fourth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
honor thy father and thy mother [that it may be well with thee and
thou mayest live long upon the earth].
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not despise nor anger our parents and
masters, but give them honor, serve, obey, and hold them in love
and esteem.
The Fifth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not kill.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not hurt nor harm our neighbor in his body,
but help and befriend him in every bodily need [in every need
and danger of life and body].
The Sixth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not commit adultery.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may lead a chaste and decent life in words and
deeds, and each love and honor his spouse.
The Seventh
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not steal.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not take our neighbor's money or property,
nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve
and protect his property and business [that his means are
preserved and his condition is improved].
The Eighth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or
defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of
him, and put the best construction on
everything.
The Ninth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbor's house.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor's
inheritance or house, and obtain it by a show of [justice and]
right, etc., but help and be of service to him in keeping
it.
The Tenth
Commandment.
Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his
maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We should fear and
love God that we may not estrange, force, or entice away our
neighbor's wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and
[diligently] do their duty.
What Does God Say of
All These Commandments?
Answer.
He says
thus (Exod. 20, 5f ]: 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 does this
mean?--Answer.
God threatens to
punish all that transgress these commandments. Therefore we
should dread His wrath and not act contrary to these
commandments. But He promises grace and every blessing to all
that keep these commandments. Therefore we should also love and
trust in Him, and gladly do [zealously and diligently order our
whole life] according to His commandments.
As the
head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his
household.
The First
Article.
Of
Creation.
I believe
in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
I believe that God
has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and
soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my
senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing
and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and
children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He provides me
richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and
life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves
me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine
goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for
all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him.
This is most certainly true.
The 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 does this
mean?--Answer.
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, purchased and won
[delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of
the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious
blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I
may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom, and
serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and
blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns
to all eternity. This is most certainly
true.
The Third
Article.
Of
Sanctification.
I believe
in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of
saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and
the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
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 by the
Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in
the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and
sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it
with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian
Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all
believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the
dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ
everlasting life. This is most certainly
true.
As the head
of the family should teach it in a simple way to his
household.
Our Father
who art in heaven.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
God would thereby
[with this little introduction] tenderly urge us to believe that
He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so
that we may ask Him confidently with all assurance, as dear
children ask their dear father.
The First
Petition.
Hallowed
be Thy name.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
God's name is
indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may
become holy among us also.
How is this
done?--Answer.
When the Word of
God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of
God also lead holy lives in accordance with it. To this end help
us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives
otherwise than God's Word teaches profanes the name of God among
us. From this preserve us, Heavenly
Father.
The Second
Petition.
Thy
kingdom come.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
The kingdom of God
comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this
petition that it may come unto us also.
How is this
done?--Answer.
When our heavenly
Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe
His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in
eternity.
The Third
Petition.
Thy will
be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
The good and
gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we
pray in this petition that it may be done among us
also.
How is this
done?--Answer.
When God breaks and
hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us
hallow the name of God nor let His kingdom come, such as the
will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and
keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith unto our end. This
is His gracious and good will.
The Fourth
Petition.
Give us
this day our daily bread.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
God gives daily
bread, even without our prayer, to all wicked men; but we pray
in this petition that He would lead us to know it, and to
receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant
by daily bread?--Answer.
Everything that
belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as meat,
drink, clothing, shoes, house, homestead, field, cattle, money,
goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and
faithful magistrates good government, good weather, peace,
health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and
the like.
The Fifth
Petition.
And
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass
against us.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We pray in this
petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins,
nor deny such petitions on account of them; for we are worthy of
none of the things for which we pray, neither have we deserved
them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace; for we
daily sin much, and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. So
will we verily, on our part, also heartily forgive and also
readily do good to those who sin against
us.
The Sixth
Petition.
And lead
us not into temptation.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
God, indeed, tempts
no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and
keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not
deceive us, nor seduce us into misbelief, despair, and other
great shame and vice; and though we be assailed by them, that
still we may finally overcome and gain the
victory.
The Seventh
Petition.
But
deliver us from evil.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
We pray in this
petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven would
deliver us from all manner of evil, of body and soul, property
and honor, and at last, when our last hour shall come, grant us
a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale of tears to
Himself into heaven.
Amen.
What does this
mean?--Answer.
That I should be
certain that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in
heaven and heard; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray,
and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, Amen; that is, Yea,
yea, it shall be so.
As the
head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his
household.
First.
What
is Baptism?--Answer.
Baptism is
not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's
command and connected with God's Word.
Which
is that word of God?--Answer.
Christ,
our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all
the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost.
Secondly.
What
does Baptism give or profit?--Answer.
It works
forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives
eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and
promises of God declare.
Which
are such words and promises of God? Answer.
Christ,
our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned.
Thirdly.
How
can water do such great things?--Answer.
It is not
the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in
and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in
the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water
and no baptism. But 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, Titus, chapter three: By the washing
of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our
Savior, that, being justified by His grace,
we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying.
Fourthly.
What
does such baptizing with water signify?--Answer.
It
signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and
repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and,
again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before
God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is
this written?--Answer.
St. Paul
says Romans, chapter 6: 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.
Confession
embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the
other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the
confessor, as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly
believe, that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in
heaven.
What
sins should we confess?
Before God
we should plead guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not
know, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But before the confessor we
should confess those sins alone which we know and feel in our
hearts.
Which
are these?
Here
consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether
you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, a
man-servant or maid-servant; whether you have been disobedient,
unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by words or
deeds; whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or
done other injury.
Pray, Propose to Me a
Brief Form of Confession.
Answer.
You should
speak to the confessor thus: Reverend and dear sir, I beseech you
to hear my confession, and to pronounce forgiveness to me for
God's sake.
Proceed!
I, a poor
sinner, confess myself before God guilty of all sins; especially I
confess before you that I am a man-servant, a maidservant, etc.
But, alas, I serve my master unfaithfully; for in this and in that
I have not done what they commanded me; I have provoked them, and
caused them to curse, have been negligent [in many things] and
permitted damage to be done; have also been immodest in words and
deeds, have quarreled with my equals, have grumbled and sworn at
my mistress, etc. For all this I am sorry, and pray for grace; I
want to do better.
A
master or mistress may say thus:
In
particular I confess before you that I have not faithfully trained
my children, domestics, and wife [family] for God's glory. I have
cursed, set a bad example by rude words and deeds, have done my
neighbor harm and spoken evil of him, have overcharged and given
false ware and short measure.
And
whatever else he has done against God's command and his station,
etc.
But if any
one does not find himself burdened with such or greater sins, he
should not trouble himself or search for or invent other sins, and
thereby make confession a torture, but mention one or two that he
knows. Thus: In particular I confess that I once cursed; again, I
once used improper words, I have once neglected this or that, etc.
Let this suffice.
But if you
know of none at all (which, however is scarcely possible), then
mention none in particular, but receive the forgiveness upon your
general confession which you make before God to the
confessor.
Then shall the
confessor say:
God be
merciful to thee and strengthen thy faith! Amen.
Furthermore:
Dost thou
believe that my forgiveness is God's forgiveness?
Answer.
Yes, dear
sir.
Then let him
say:
As thou
believest, so be it done unto thee. And by the command of our Lord
Jesus Christ I forgive thee thy sins, in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Depart in
peace.
But those
who have great burdens upon their consciences, or are distressed
and tempted, the confessor will know how to comfort and to
encourage to faith with more passages of Scripture. This is to be
merely a general form of confession for the unlearned.
* These questions may
not have been composed by Luther himself but reflect his teachings
and were included in editions of the Small Catechism during his
lifetime.
As the head
of the family should teach it in a simple way to his
household.
What
is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the
true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and
wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ
Himself.
Where
is this written?
The holy
Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 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, Take, 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 ye, as oft as ye drink
it, in remembrance of Me.
What
is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
That is
shown us in these words: Given, and shed for
you, for the remission of sins; namely, that in the
Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us
through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there
is also life and salvation.
How
can bodily eating and drinking do such great
things?
It is not
the eating and drinking, indeed, that does them, but the words
which stand here, namely: Given, and shed for
you, for the remission of sins. Which words are,
beside the bodily eating and drinking, as the chief thing in the
Sacrament; and he that believes these words has what they say and
express, namely, the forgiveness of sins.
Who, then,
receives such Sacrament worthily?
Fasting
and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he
is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words:
Given, and shed for you, for the remission
of sins.
But he
that does not believe these words, or doubts, is unworthy and
unfit; for the words For you require altogether believing
hearts.
How the head
of the family should teach his household to pray morning and
evening
Morning
Prayer.
1]
In the morning, when you rise, you shall bless yourself with the
holy cross and say:
In the name of God
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
2]
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's
Prayer. If you choose, you may, in addition, say this little
prayer:
I thank Thee, my
Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou
hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray Thee
to keep me this day also from sin and all evil, that all my doings
and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my
body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that
the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.
3]
Then go to your work with joy, singing a hymn, as the Ten
Commandments, or what your devotion may suggest.
Evening
Prayer.
4]
In the evening, when you go to bed, you shall bless yourself with
the holy cross and say:
In the name of God
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
5]
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's
Prayer. If you choose, you may, in addition, say this little
prayer:
I thank Thee, my
Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou
hast graciously kept me this day, and I pray Thee to forgive me
all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this
night. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and
all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may
have no power over me. Amen.
Then go to sleep
promptly and cheerfully.
----------
6] HOW THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY
Should Teach His
Household to Ask a Blessing and Return Thanks.
Asking a
Blessing
The
children and servants shall go to the table with folded hands and
reverently, and say:
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.
Note
To satisfy
the desire means that all animals receive so much to eat that they
are on this account joyful and of good cheer; for care and avarice
hinder such satisfaction.
Then the
Lord's Prayer, and the prayer here following:
Lord God,
Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we take from
Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Returning
Thanks.
Likewise
also after the meal they shall reverently and with folded hands
say:
O give
thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth
forever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his
food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the
strength of the horse; He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a
man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that
hope in His mercy.
Then the
Lord's Prayer and the prayer here following:
We thank
Thee, Lord God, Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all
Thy benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever.
Amen.
Certain
passages of scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and
responsibilities
For 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; 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. 1
Tim. 3, 2ff ; Titus 1, 6.
What the Hearers Owe
to Their Pastors.
Even so
hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should
live of the Gospel. 1 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 the 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. 1 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.]
Concerning Civil
Government.
Let every
soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists
anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power
resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive
to themselves damnation. For he heareth 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 Subjects Owe to
the Magistrates.
Render
unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. Matt. 22, 21. Let every
soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore ye must
needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience'
sake. For, 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. 5ff. 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. 1 Tim. 2, 1f Put them in mind to be subject to
principalities and powers, etc. Titus 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 by
him, etc. 1 Pet. 2, 13f ]
For
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, 9.
For
Wives.
Wives,
submit yourselves unto your own 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. 1
Pet. 3, 6; Eph. 5, 22.
For
Parents.
Ye
fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 6, 4.
For
Children.
Children,
obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father
and 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.
For Male and Female
Servants, Hired Men, 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, 5ff ; Col. 3,
22.
For 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; Col. 4, 1.
For 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. 1 Pet. 5, 5. 6.
For
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. 1 Tim. 5, 5. 6.
For All in
Common.
Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are comprehended all the
commandments. Rom. 13, 8ff And persevere in prayer for all men. 1
Tim. 2, 1. 2.
Prepared by
Dr. Martin Luther for those who intend to go to the
Sacrament
[The "Christian
Questions with Their Answers," designating Luther as the author,
first appeared in an edition of the Small Catechism in 1551, five
years after Luther's death].
After confession and
instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer,
and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the pastor
may ask, or Christians may ask themselves these questions:
1. Do you believe
that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe
it. I am a sinner.
2. How do you know
this? From the Ten Commandments, which
I have not kept.
3. Are you sorry
for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I
have sinned against God.
4. What have you
deserved from God because of your sins?
His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation.
See Romans 6:21, 23.
5. Do you hope to
be saved? Yes, that is my hope.
6. In whom then do
you trust? In my dear Lord Jesus
Christ.
7. Who is
Christ? The Son of God, true God
and man.
8. How many Gods
are there? Only one, but there are
three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9. What has Christ
done for you that you trust in Him? He
died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the
forgiveness of sins.
10. Did the Father
also die for you? He did not. The
Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is both
true God and true man. He died for me and shed his blood for me.
11. How do you
know this? From the holy Gospel, from
the words instituting the Sacrament, and by His body and blood
given me as a pledge in the Sacrament.
12. What are the
Words of Institution? Our Lord Jesus
Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread and when He
had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and
said: "Take eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do
in remembrance of Me." In the same way also He took the cup after
supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying:
"Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My
blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do,
as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
13. Do you
believe, then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the
Sacrament? Yes, I believe it.
14. What convinces
you to believe this? The word of
Christ: Take, eat, this is My body; drink of it, all of you, this
is My blood.
15. What should we
do when we eat His body and drink His blood, and in this way
receive His pledge? We should remember
and proclaim His death and the shedding of His blood, as He taught
us: This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
16. Why should we
remember and proclaim His death? First,
so that we may learn to believe that no creature could make
satisfaction for our sins. Only Christ, true God and man, could do
that. Second, so we may learn to be horrified by our sins, and to
regard them as very serious. Third, so we may find joy and comfort
in Christ alone, and through faith in Him be saved.
17. What motivated
Christ to die and make full payment for your sins? His great love for His Father and for me
and other sinners, as it is written in John 14; Romans 5;
Galatians 2 and Ephesians 5.
18. Finally, why
do you wish to go to the Sacrament?
That I may learn to believe that Christ, out of great love, died
for my sin, and also learn from Him to love God and my neighbor.
19. What should
admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament
frequently? First, both the command and
the promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need,
because of which the command, encouragement, and promise are
given.
20. But what
should you do if you are not aware of this need and have no hunger
and thirst for the Sacrament? To such a
person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should
touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he
should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and
Romans 7. Second, he should look around to see whether he is still
in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and
trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15-16 and in 1 John 2 and
5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who
with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no
peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8
and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.
Note: These
questions and answers are no child's play, but are drawn up with
great earnestness of purpose by the venerable and devout Dr.
Luther for both young and old. Let each one pay attention and
consider it a serious matter; for St. Paul writes to the Galatians
in chapter six: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked."
