.
21] What Does God Say of All These
Commandments?
as the Head of the Family Should
Teach It in the Simplest Way to His Household.
IV. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM,
as the Head of the Family Should
Teach It In a Simple Way to His Household.
15] V. HOW THE UNLEARNED SHOULD
BE TAUGHT TO CONFESS.
21] Pray, Propose to Me a Brief Form
of Confession.
26] Then shall the confessor say:
VI. THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR,
as the Head of a Family Should Teach
It in a Simple Way to His Household.
For Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers.
[What the Hearers Owe to Their
Pastors.
[What Subjects Owe to the
Magistrates.
For Male and Female Servants, Hired
Men, and Laborers.
Martin
Luther to All Faithful and Godly Pastors and Preachers: Grace, Mercy, and Peace
in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
1] 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. 2] 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]. 3] 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.
4] 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. 5] 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!
6] 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:-
7] 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.
8] 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].
9] 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. 10] 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.
11] 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.
12] 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.
13] 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.
14] 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, 15] as was just said regarding the text;
and take your time to it. 16] 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.
17] 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. 18] 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.
19] 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
21] 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: 22] 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.
23] 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,
24] 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. 25] 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? 26] 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, 27] 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
Thou shalt have no
other gods. 2] What does this mean? --Answer.
We should
fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.
4] 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.
Thou shalt sanctify
the holy-day. 6] 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.
Thou shalt honor thy father and thy
mother [that it may be well with thee and thou mayest
live long upon the earth].
8] 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.
Thou shalt not kill. 10]
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].
Thou shalt not commit
adultery. 12] 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.
Thou shalt not steal.
14] 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].
Thou shalt not bear
false witness against thy neighbor. 16] 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.
Thou shalt not covet
thy neighbor's house. 18] 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.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his
cattle, nor anything that is his.
20] 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.
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.
22] 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 the Simplest Way to His Household.
Of Creation.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth.
2] 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.
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.
4] 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.
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.
6] 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.
1] Our Father who art in heaven. 2] 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.
Hallowed be Thy name. 4] 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.
5] 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.
Thy kingdom come. 7] What
does this mean?--Answer.
The
8] 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.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 10]
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.
11] 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.
Give us this day our daily bread. 13] 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.
14] 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.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against us. 16] 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.
And lead us not into temptation. 18] 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.
But deliver us from evil. 20] 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.
21] 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.
First. 1] What is
Baptism?--2] Answer.
Baptism is
not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and
connected with God's Word.
3] Which is that word of God?--Answer.
4] 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. 5] What does
Baptism give or profit?--6] 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.
7] Which are such words and
promises of God?--8] 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. 9] How can
water do such great things?--10] 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.
11] Fourthly. What does such baptizing with
water signify?--12] 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.
13] Where is this written?--14]
Answer.
16] [What is Confession?--Answer.]
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.
17] What sins should we confess?--18] [Answer.]
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.
19] Which are these?--20] [Answer.]
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.
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.
22] 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.
23] 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.
24] 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.
25] 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.
God be
merciful to thee and strengthen thy faith! Amen.
28] 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.
29] 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.
1] What is the Sacrament of the Altar?--2]
Answer.
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?--3] Answer.
4] The
holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
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.
5] What is the benefit of such eating and
drinking?--6] Answer.
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.
7] How can bodily eating and drinking do
such great things?--8] Answer.
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.
9] Who, then, receives such
Sacrament worthily?--10] Answer.
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 Bless Themselves in the Morning and in the Evening.
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.
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.
8] 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.
9] 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.
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.
11]
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.
Consisting of Certain Passages of Scripture for
Various Holy Orders and Stations, Whereby These are to
be Admonished, as by a Special Lesson, Regarding Their Office and Service.
2] 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.
3] 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.]
4] 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.
5]
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.
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.
6] 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.
7]
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.
8] Ye
fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 6, 4.
9]
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.
10]
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
;
11] 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;
12]
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.