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The Small Catechism Part I THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 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 images 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 who takes His Name in vain. Answer: 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 a Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor 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 is in them, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.] What is meant by this Commandment? Answer: We should so fear and love God so as not to despise His Word and the preaching of the Gospel, but deem it holy, and willingly 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: We should so fear and love God as not deal deceitfully, 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? Answer: 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 that which he owns. THE TENTH COMMANDMENT Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's What is meant by this Commandment? Answer: 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 Commandment? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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 of which He does out of pure, paternal, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all of 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, died, and was 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? 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, 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 Live everlasting. Amen. What is meant by this Article? 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 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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, profane the Name of God among us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father!
SECOND PETITION Thy kingdom come. What is meant by this Petition? Answer: The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayers; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. When is this effected? Answer: 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? 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 by us also. When is this effected? Answer: 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? Answer: 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"? Answer: All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and land, and the other property; a believing spouse and good children; trustworthy servants and faithful magistrates; favorable season, 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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 us 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"? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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 not 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 the 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 live. This is a faithful saying." IV. What does baptizing with water signify? Answer: 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? Answer: St. Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, Chapter 6, verse 4 says: "We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death; that likes 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? Answer: Confession consists of two part: the one is that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgiveness through the pastor as from God himself, in wise doubting but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven. What sins ought we to confess? Answer: 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 which we have knowledge, and which we feel in our hearts. Which are these? Answer: Here reflect on your condition, according 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. Answer: 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? Answer:
The Holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together with St. Paul,
write thus: What benefits are derived from such eating and drinking? Answer: The eating and drinking, indeed, do not produce them, 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? Answer: 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 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 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. Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer Then mayest thou 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. And then shouldst thou go with joy to thy work, after a Hymn or the Ten Commandments, or whatever thy devotion may suggest. EVENING In the Evening, when thou goest to bed, thou shalt say: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer Then mayest thou say this Prayer: I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou has 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. In to 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. And then lie down in peace, and sleep. BLESSING AND THANKSGIVING AT TABLE In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family. BEFORE MEAT 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. 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. AFTER MEAL After meal, 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 gieth 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 fear Him, and in those who hope in His mercy. 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 stricker, 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. (1 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 worth of double honor, especially that 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 Timothy 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 from God; the powers that be are ordained by 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 shalt have praise from 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 (Romans 13:1-4) WHAT DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE MAGISTRATES Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's (Matthew 22:21) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore we must need 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 who custom; fear to who fear; honor to who honor. (Romans 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 peacable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2) 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, etc. (1 Peter 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 Peter 3:7). And be not bitter against them. --- (Colossians 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. (Ephesians 6:4) PARENTS Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 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 a 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 those who 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. (Ephesians 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. (Ephesians 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 might hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 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 ( (1 Timouth 5:5,6) CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are comprehended all the commandments (Romans 13:9,10. And persevere in prayer for all men (1Tim 2:1,2)
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